Waveboards 2025: Radical despite 99 litres - the Duotone Grip 4 in the test

Surf Testteam

· 30.11.2024

At 228 centimetres, the Grip 4 99 is comparatively long

The model is equipped with non-slip pads

All foot straps are double-bolted to prevent twisting

For reasons of weight optimisation, the mast track is short

8 Images

Photo: Oliver Maier

Can a waveboard with 99 litres turn radically? It can! Find out what else is (and isn't) possible with the Duotone Grip 4 in our test.

Topics in this article

On land
On the water
Duotone Grip 4 99 - the conclusion
Duotone Grip 4 SLS - technical data

In the 2025 season, the Duotone waveboards will be produced as a semi-custom line, which should ensure the best durability and low weight. In terms of shape, the Grip 4, like the all-round Grip 3 model, will be entering the new season with an unchanged shape.

To the test of the sister model Duotone Grip 3

On land

In direct comparison with the Grip 3 95, the Grip 4 is a full six centimetres longer. However, because the bow and stern areas have been made narrower, the outline still appears somewhat rounder. The Grip 4 SLS also comes with a short mast track out of the box, but the length is still sufficient to customise the board. The equipment with grippy pads and soft, comfortable foot straps is absolutely impeccable. These are also double-bolted without exception, so annoying twisting of the straps or even torn screws are not an issue. In the underwater hull, the board has a double concave V that runs from front to back. The scope of delivery includes 16 and 9.5 centimetre quad fins, which are locked in slot boxes. The same shape is also available to order in sizes from 52 to 87 litres as a lighter D/LAB version in - according to the manufacturer - "custom made technology" for 2999 euros.

On the water

Anyone who thinks that the Grip 4 is a radical concept only for experienced wave surfers is mistaken, because just like its sister model, the Grip 3, the Quad is also absolutely convincing in the planing duel. Due to the shorter fins and narrower tail compared to the Grip 3, you only have to be a little more sensitive when planing and levelling. Overall, however, the Grip 4 gets up to speed just as early, is also very smooth and easy to ride, but runs at a slightly lower angle to the wind than its counterpart with thruster fins as a result of the fin configuration. The forgiving shape of the Grip 4 also quickly takes the edge off choppy waves.

Photo: Oliver MaierNot just a shape for big waves - the Duotone Grip 4 99 is also fun on the Baltic Sea

On the other hand, anyone who thinks that waveboards with a volume of just under 100 litres can't be turned tightly should try the Grip 4 - the board can be edged smoothly and with comparatively little edge pressure. Even at higher speeds - i.e. in front of powerful waves or in stronger winds - the good variability when turning over the front foot is maintained. Pulling through the bottom turn with plenty of steam over the entire edge and then steering tightly and vertically up to the breaking lip - the Grip 4 99 does this at all times. As a result, the board offers experienced riders noticeably more potential for tight cutbacks, slides and wave manoeuvres such as 360s and takas than the Grip 3, for example.

Duotone Grip 4 99 - the conclusion

The Grip 4 is the declared performance wave board from the Duotone brand, but is by no means only suitable for semi-pros, on the contrary. If you ride safely downwind and are looking for a board in this size that has smooth radii, tight snaps and plenty of potential for wave manoeuvres such as takas or 360s in its portfolio, the Grip 4 SLS 99 is the right choice. Wave surfers, on the other hand, who also regularly ride in flat water or bump & jump conditions and primarily want to ride and jump in moderate surf should keep an eye on the Grip 3.

Variable & easy to turn

Down-the-Line