In the past, the JP-Australia Ultimate Wave was one of the most radical wave boards on the market - but also not the easiest to ride. The completely redesigned 2024 model also looks a lot less radical.
On land:
The shape of the new JP-Australia Ultimate Pro has been significantly toned down. The tail is still quite narrow, but without the distinctive wings of the previous model. Overall, the shape has been made a little more compact and slightly wider. The equipment includes above-average soft and comfortable straps, all of which are double-fastened with Torx screws. Thanks to five built-in boxes, the Ultimate Pro can be used with all fin setups - it is recommended as a quad. No fins are included in the scope of delivery. The underwater hull is exciting: with a slight V and double concaves at the front, this changes into a slight mono-concave at the back. Although the board is supposed to be very radical, it has hardly any visible tail kick on the centre line, i.e. bend in the tail area.
On the water:
Even after the retread, the JP-Australia Ultimate Wave Pro still feels a little smaller than other boards in this volume class, but the new board is not as tippy and demanding as its predecessor. The board planes surprisingly well, if you give it a quick tug and drop off a little you are rewarded with great acceleration and lively behaviour. The control has improved noticeably: while the "old" Ultimate Wave was still quite bitchy, especially in rough conditions, the new model offers a successful mix of sporty, free riding behaviour on the one hand, but also enough control and guidance on the other for relaxed chop.
Fortunately, the exceptional turning characteristics of the board have largely been retained. Although the board still requires a slightly higher level of riding ability in the bottom turn than some other models in the test group or its sister model, the Magic Wave (HERE is a test), but the new Ultimate also offers the best variability. Carve a long bottom turn over the entire rail, then pull tight and vertically up to the lip of the wave and hit a crashing cutback or wave 360 - the JP offers maximum potential for this.
JP-Australia Ultimate Pro 87 - the conclusion:
The new Ultimate is much improved and much more balanced than before. Planing & control are at a high level, the potential for radical turns at the highest level. This makes the board feel at home on the North and Baltic Seas as well as in South Africa. Our recommendation: If you surf primarily in bump & jump conditions or in moderate North Sea and Baltic Sea conditions, you are better off with the Magic Mave, which is slightly more planing and smoother. If wave moves and radical turns are on your wish list, the Ultimate offers the complete package.
Variability, wave moves
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No fins
Technical data JP-Australia Ultimate Wave
- Weight: 6.50 kg
- Length: 225.0 cm
- Width: 58.8 cm
- Price: 2599 Euro >> e.g. available here
