DUOTONE GRIP 4 SLS 87L: 2025 TEST REVIEW

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07 Nov 2024 07:45

DUOTONE GRIP 4 SLS 87L: 2025 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

The Duotone Grip 4 SLS offers supportive performance and as such it will assist the rider to provide a forgiving ride, while still allowing you to rip as hard as you desire. The Grip 4SLS favours cleaner conditions with some power behind it, both from the wave and the rig, but it still offers high performance on a slightly messier face.

The Lowdown

The Grip 4 SLS comes in a brushed mustard yellow with flash of pinkie red at the tail, so while it isn’t in your face, it doesn’t go under the radar either. On its underside, a deep purple with “DUOTONE” running up the centreline will light up the wave and grab any onlookers’ attention. (Please note it was tested here with the 2024 graphics, but the shape remains unaltered, as the new season’s boards weren’t available at the time of testing). Looking over some key features of the Grip 4 SLS, the footpads are thick due to the Pro Pads, which will support and cushion the rider. Meanwhile, a mini-mast track reduces the user error aspect when placing the mastfoot, while the deck isn’t aggressively domed, which will make it feel more balanced and supportive to the rider – which is a big hint that the Grip 4 SLS possesses a decent chunk of user-friendliness. Rolling the Grip 4 SLS over only reinforces its plug ’n’ play nature as its two mini side slot boxes don’t offer any adjustments – meaning any tweaking to suit the rider’s style is done by adjusting the two centre fins instead. Lastly, the hull shape balances performance, manoeuvrability and control with its progressive Vee Double Concave to Vee hull shape. Everything about the Grip 4 SLS screams user-friendly performance in a neat package.

Brand Claim

“Do you want to rip and fly like a pro at your home spot and wherever you travel? Well then, you’ve come to the right place, because we design all of our products to work in as many different conditions as possible.”

Performance

Instantly comfortable underfoot, the deck shape of the Grip 4 SLS feels natural. When off the plane, it holds the rider’s weight well, forgiving a slightly over-eager or sloppy back foot. Getting the Grip 4 SLS moving is smooth; it’s easy to direct and promotes planing effortlessly as it simply slips onto the plane. With the Grip 4 SLS, it’s almost like having two gears; first gear provides a comfortable speed for positioning yourself in the straps, while allowing you to maintain a steady pace, avoid trouble, or navigate the break efficiently. Meanwhile, second gear is all about full acceleration, which is easily accessed with a bit of extra grunt from the rig or input from the rider. The upwind angles of the Grip SLS 4 are immediately noticeable with the board holding its quick, accessible pace, even when sailing close to the wind. The Grip 4 SLS handles chop well with the nose avoiding any unwanted bumps, which prevents any inconvenient spray from obscuring your view, allowing you to stay focused on what lies ahead. In steeper chop, the ride can feel a little harsh, but its thick pads help cushion the impact. When settling onto the crest of a wave, the two gears of the Grip 4 SLS really shine, letting you downshift to match the wave’s pace, or instantly kick back up as you glide down the face, delivering an incredibly smooth, locked-in, and controlled bottom turn. The Grip 4 SLS supports the rider’s choice of commitment – whether you want to fully engage or take your foot off the gas a little. It performs best with power supplied to it by faster waves, but it is also adaptable to the wave’s characteristics, no matter whether you’re sharpening up for radical, progressive lip hits and top turns or taking a more fluid approach. The Grip SLS 4’s accessible performance is second nature, lending itself to faster waves with a cleaner face, while still holding its own in less-than-perfect down-the-line conditions.