Construction and Materials

The Magic Carpet’s core is just one notch down from Bataleon’s most exclusive offering. It’s made from 70-percent paulownia and 30-percent poplar, so we’re talking very lightweight indeed. Two carbon tubes have been milled into it between the inserts, one on each side, to reinforce the camber profile, boosting power and edge hold.

The topsheet is made from triax laminate, with more carbon fibre introduced at the nose and tail. All that helps eliminate chatter at higher speeds and stiffen the deck some, although it’s not actually a particularly stiff board overall. Essentially, intermediates and above will find it friendly enough.

Given the premium materials elsewhere it’s a little surprising to find the Magic Carpet only features an extruded base, even if this one claims to be the densest such P-tex on the market. On the plus side, you don’t have to wax it as often to maintain performance, and it’s easier to repair should you strike any rocks in the backcountry.

“Two carbon tubes have been milled into it between the inserts, one on each side, to reinforce the camber profile, boosting power and edge hold”

Roundup

The Magic Carpet is one of those boards that, if you’re lucky enough to have one, can make the best days even better. Chances are it won’t be your everyday ride – and for pure soul-surfing turns, a directional powder board is still your best bet – but with so much float on tap in either direction, the creative potential in natural terrain feels limitless.