JP-AUSTRALIA ULTIMATE WAVE S-TEC 87L: 2025 TEST REVIEW
JP-AUSTRALIA ULTIMATE WAVE S-TEC 87L: 2025 TEST REVIEW
JP-AUSTRALIA ULTIMATE WAVE S-TEC 87L: 2025 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
The JP-Australia Ultimate Wave range allows you to adjust your speed to match the pace of the wave and play in symmetry as you hit powerful sections thanks to its ability to perform snappy turns and smooth, well-paced bottom turns.
THE LOWDOWN
The JP-Australia Ultimate Wave comes with a distinctive, unfinished, almost industrial look with a classic JP purple splash on the tail and nose, which makes the Ultimate Wave an eye-catching board. Aesthetically, it’s quite different from previous graphics.
In terms of weight, it’s one of the lightest boards in the category thanks to JP’s new S-TEC technology. There’s no paint; the grip is placed only in standing areas with simple, smaller, and thinner pads, meaning less EVA and less glue. Their refined custom lamination process, where fibres are prepared and laminated separately, provide a mix of durability and low weight for the rider.
When it comes to the Ultimate Wave’s volume, it seems to be primarily concentrated between the shoulders and hips, thinning out to a narrow tail with thinner rails, which may not result in the most stable overall tail outline, or volume distribution when underpowered, however, it’s not called the Ultimate Wave for nothing. Instead, the Ultimate Wave will give you better control and responsiveness while riding on a wave, or passing through/over white water and reforms when you are powered.
Overall, the Ultimate Wave seems to possess a flatter rocker compared to previous years, but still boasts adequate nose kick to prevent any unwanted nose burying and catapults. A Single Concave in the tail increases speed, and more importantly, helps maintain speed once planing. This suggests that the Ultimate Wave will be able to sit comfortably at the speed on the wave, putting the rider in a better position to make tactical decisions, while enhancing both overall speed and agility when you choose to drop down the face and ride. The Ultimate Wave is also the exact production board that Robby Swift used slightly earlier this year to claim joint fifth place in Pozo. The board is designed to handle powerful conditions, allowing riders to think fast, control speed, and stay on their toes.
BRAND CLAIM
“Introduced last year, these shapes burst into the wave scene with force: In no time, the word of mouth spread that they are the ultimate wave boards! This year’s innovation is a brand new technology called S-TEC which boosts the boards’ performance to a whole new level.”
PERFORMANCE
The Ultimate Wave asks the rider to stand forward, where it holds most of its volume and width, to remain stable until conditions allow you to drive it onto the plane and work your way back into the straps. Immediately the Ultimate Wave delivers decent upwind angles when you command them, particularly when nicely powered, while through the mid-point of the tack things remain smooth as you step around the UJ where the buoyancy is predominantly held. Its drawn-in tail and light construction allow for nimble changes of direction as you pick your path out to cleaner waves.
While the Ultimate Wave may not be lightning quick, this has its benefits as it feels locked in and picks up waves early thanks to its tail shape and slight tail extension. Once planing, it holds its speed well, allowing you to drop some power when needed, while still maintaining adequate pace with the wave thanks to its Single Concave section, which allows you to time your attack. Bottom turns are smooth and allow speed to be carried, while its slim tail encourages rail to rail riding, allowing you to perform sharp, aggressive top turns and send spray flying. The Ultra Wave relishes well timed top turns to keep you with the flow and rhythm of the wave. Work with the wave and the sections the wave presents, such as a pitching lip or breaking section, and the Ultimate Wave will greatly reward you. The Ultimate Wave loves to be played to the rhythm and power of the wave, whether you’re fully powered or not, and is more than capable of performing in a variety of conditions. However, it will truly excel in cleaner, more predictable conditions.
JP-AUSTRALIA ULTIMATE WAVE S-TEC 87L: 2025 TEST REVIEW
VITAL STATS
Price: No Current Info on Website
Volume (Quoted): 87L
Length: 224cm
Width: 59cm
Bottom Shape: Vee Double Concave to Double Concave to Single Concave to Vee at the tail
Weight: 6.75kg (with straps but without fins)
Fin: Quad (Fins not supplied with board)
Sail Range (Quoted): 4.2-6.0m
Sizes Available: 75, 81, 87, 93, 101
OTHER BOARDS IN THIS TEST
– Goya Custom Quad 8 Pro Carbon 88L
– Starboard Ultra Carbon Reflex 86L
BACK TO TEST OVERVIEW
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