These boards are included in the test:
(click to see the individual ratings)
In this article:
After a rather quiet summer, autumn came with a vengeance just in time for the 2022 waveboard test and provided us with ideal test conditions in Denmark and on the local Baltic Sea. Due to the known delivery and production bottlenecks as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, some of the test models we requested (e.g. from Quatro, Goya, Bruch Boards and JP-Australia) unfortunately didn't reach us in time for us to test them extensively enough. For this reason, we decided to carry out a small retest and tried out four very interesting models - Quatro Cube, Goya Custom 4, JP-Australia Magic Wave and Bruch Boards Stoked - in a wide range of conditions on the North and Baltic Seas. We also ran reference boards from our first test group, so the results and scores are easily comparable. We have summarised both tests for you here!
But even so, this test group is worth a look - also because the price range of the boards tested alone extends from 1399 to 2700 euros.
Waveboards 2022: details and equipment
Shapes & Outlines
Fanatic, RRD, Starboard and Severne break the 220 mark in length with their board concepts, while the models from Patrik, Tabou and Naish are much more elongated. In the underwater hull, the trend is increasingly towards flat bottom curves in the area of the longitudinal axis; further out in the area of the edges, the boards are then significantly rounder. The aim is for the boards to utilise the flat rocker in the middle area on the straight and then convert the round bottom curve into turning ability when edged.
"Round bottom curves turn well, straight bottom curves are more planing and faster" - this is the common opinion when it comes to the shape of waveboards. This rule of thumb is certainly not wrong, but the reality is far more complex. For example, if you measure the underwater hull of the JP Magic Wave, you will be amazed at first, because the board has hardly any visible bend on the centre line between the straps and the tail - completely different to the Quatro Cube and, above all, the Goya Custom 4. How does this fit together with good turning characteristics on the water with the JP? On closer inspection, you can see that the centre line is almost straight, but further towards the rails there is significantly more bend, i.e. "rocker" - a shape trick that shapers from other brands have also long had in their repertoire. If you surf such wave boards straight ahead without edging, they should benefit from their flat bottom curve in the centre area. When edged, the boards then surf on the round bottom curve and are supposed to combine good planing performance and radical turning characteristics in this way.
There are also visible differences in the outlines, which you should bear in mind when choosing the right board. At 84 litres, the Goya Custom 4 is over two centimetres narrower than the Bruch Stoked 85, which is nominally almost the same size - you can read about the effects of this in the Individual descriptions .
Equipment
There are still clear differences in the equipment. The pads are consistently thick enough and grippy, the straps are sufficiently comfortable for all brands, but are screwed on differently. While F2 and Patrik only use single screws, Severne, RRD, Starboard, Tabou, Quatro, Goya and Bruch Boards use double screws on the rear straps to prevent them from twisting. JP even gives the Magic Wave the premium version and also installs the double plugs in the front straps. Starboard also uses thicker screws than the industry standard, while Severne fixes straps and fins with Allen screws. Naish and Fanatic use double screws at the front and rear as standard.
Good move: F2 supplies the Barracuda with a matching board bag.
Finns
Quads and thrusters balance each other out in this test field. With Severne, Patrik, RRD, JP Australia and the Starboard Ultrakode (only in the 5-Star version), the end customer has all the options from single fin to quad thanks to five built-in boxes. F2 and RRD equip their boards with plastic fins from K4, but these have no disadvantages in terms of durability. Finns made of hard G10 material, such as those supplied with Tabou or Patrik, are generally particularly robust, and defects can be easily repaired. The Bruch Boards Stoked also comes with fins made of G10, which have a very thin profile and are therefore quite soft. The Naish Assault Custom Quad is delivered completely without fins. In the test, centre fins with a length of 14 to 15 centimetres and 9-10 outer fins fitted best.
Waveboards 2022: Riding characteristics
In addition to the individual descriptions, we also illustrate the range of use of the boards in the form of a block rating:
- Down-the-Line: Stands for areas with powerful waves and side to side offshore winds. Typical examples are South Africa, Maui, Peru, Chile - or even Brittany, Galicia or Denmark on creamy days.
- Euro-Wave: It is representative of areas such as the south of France, the Netherlands, the Canary Islands and the North and Baltic Seas. In addition to the waveriding qualities, the focus here is on planing characteristics, control in chop and suitability for jumping.
- Bump & Jump:Describes the suitability for areas where there are typically no breaking waves but smaller wind or swell waves - such as Lake Garda or the Ijsselmeer. The focus is therefore on planing characteristics, control and smooth running in strong winds.
The path to the test winner
We consistently avoid the "test winner" label, simply because there are usually five different test winners for five different surfers. For example, someone who only rarely gets into the waves and expects their 85-litre board to also work in flat water or bump & jump conditions in strong winds will have completely different priorities than someone who can rip off 50 wave days on their doorstep every year and fly to the world's top spots in winter. So ask yourself the following questions: "Where do I mainly surf? What is my current wave level?" Categorise yourself into one of the three surfer types and we'll filter out the "losers" for you. This way, you can be sure to avoid the worst bad buys.
The surf type recommendation for waveboards 2022
Occasional waver" type
Do you want/need to use your 85-litre board at least 50 percent as a bump & jump board for jumping around and heating up? Nevertheless, you understandably don't want a sluggish, lazy board - but fast planing, comfort, good top speed and easy cruising in the surf are more important to you than the last ounce of radicality? Then pay more attention to the following test criteria:
- Sliding properties: Describes how smoothly a board gets up to speed and how powerful the acceleration is.
- Control:If a board runs like on rails in rough choppy waves and has a rich, cushioned water position, it gets the high score here.
- Maintain speed in the turnThe best cutbacks are often not those who ride the most radical boards, but those who arrive at the lip of the wave at full speed. On boards with narrow tails and lots of tail rocker, the wave ride usually ends earlier and, above all, less spectacularly than planned. Boards with wider tails, less bend and good control on the edge make it easier for less experienced wave surfers to carry their speed through the bottom turn and convert it into a powerful cutback.
With these criteria in mind, you can't go wrong with the following selection (in alphabetical order): F2 Barracuda, Fanatic Mamba, JP Magic Wave, Patrik QT-Wave, RRD Cult, Severne Pyro, Starboard Ultrakode. Even the Quatro Cube is not out of place in bump & jump conditions.
Ambitious wave surfer" type
Are you a master of frontside riding downwind and can normally get through the surf without any accidents? Do you sometimes use your waveboard in bump & jump conditions, but mainly surf in European wave areas and want it to work at most wave spots?
Then you should pay particular attention to the following criteria: Glide characteristics, control and:
- Rotational properties rear foot: This note describes how tightly and radically a board can be turned in small waves, i.e. in turns over the back foot.
- Rotational properties front foot: If long radii can be adapted into tight, vertical turns via the front foot even at high speed, this is perfect for experienced wave surfers to hit the wave at the perfect point. Boards that turn variably over the front foot are also a big plus for wave moves such as 360s.
If you feel addressed here, your hit list is (alphabetically):
Bruch Boards Stoked, Fanatic Mamba, Goya Custom 4 Pro, JP Australia Magic Wave, Patrik QT-Wave, Quatro Cube, RRD Cult, Severne Pyro, Starboard Ultrakode, Tabou Da Curve.
If you can actively planing and don't mind the somewhat tippy feel of the Naish Assault Custom Quad, this board could also be a great alternative for you.
Wave Crack" type
Your motto is: the main thing is a wave - whether it's in the North Sea or overseas. Do you ride solid frontside, do you sometimes jump a front or backloop and have you at least tried moves like takas and 360s? The planing performance of all boards in this group will be sufficient for you; in this case, you can subordinate minor compromises in control or speed-holding potential in front of unpressurised waves to maximum turning ability. Your selection should be based on the following criteria:
- Rear foot turning characteristics, front foot turning characteristics and control on the edge - a criterion that describes how much grip and security the edge has even in big waves and bottom turns with a lot of forward motion in the water. If a board runs like it's on rails, it scores full points. If the board starts hopping around like a rabbit, this results in deductions.
The hit list for all "wave cracks" is:
Bruch Boards Stoked, Goya Custom 4 Pro, Naish Assault, Patrik QT-Wave, Quatro 87 Pro, Severne Pyro, Tabou Da Curve. The JP Magic Wave has a few minor limitations: although it carves cleanly in front of large side-offshore waves, it is not quite as easy to control and vary the radius at high speeds.
Waveboards 2022 in the individual rating
Bruch Boards Stoked 85
(length 223.8 cm, width 59.1 cm, price 2500 Euro)
The declared all-rounder from designer Dany Bruch comes in full carbon construction from the board bag included in the scope of delivery. The rather thin tail is fitted with robust G10 thruster fins. The Stoked impresses on the way through the surf with powerful acceleration. The speed level is absolutely competitive, the Stoked glides sportily and lively - ideal for using the first wave for the take-off. Only the fins need to be loaded a little more sensitively on the straights and during the cutback. On the wave, the board is convincing all along the line, offering great turning potential despite its ample width. It requires a little more sensitivity for long carved turns in the chop, but even when powered up it still pulls extremely variably up to the lip of the wave and can be easily steered into tight turns and 360s on the cutback.
surf conclusion:The Bruch Boards Stoked is the perfect toy for wave surfers with ambitions: Good top speed and radical turning potential open the door to the next wave level. Not out of place as a bump & jump board - but not the top tip either.
F2 Barracuda
(length 222.5 cm, width 58.3 cm, price 1399 euros)
1399 euros for a wave board, including fins and board bag - it's not just those on a budget who will prick up their ears! The F2 board, which is produced in-house, is a little heavier, but doesn't have to hide in terms of features. Only the cleanliness of the finish (design, base coat, etc.) does not always meet the Cobra standard. When starting off, you notice that the mast track is very far forward. We recommend always pushing the mast foot all the way back!
The shape as such gets up to speed well, only the acceleration seems a little less lively than on some other boards in the test group. In chop, the Barracuda is pleasantly smooth and easy to ride. The Barracuda also stands on the edge with great control, regardless of whether you are jibing in chop or carving a long turn onto the wave. However, we found the turning characteristics to be noticeably limited, the F2 mainly likes medium radii - really tight turns and wave moves such as 360s can hardly be elicited from the shape with its thick rails in the tail area.
surf conclusion: As a comfortable bump & jump board and for occasional wave excursions, the Barracuda is an unbeatably affordable option, but as a performance wave board for radical radii and wave moves, it noticeably lacks turning potential.
Fanatic Mamba 84 TE
(length 218.3 cm, width 57.0 cm, price 2699 euros)
With the Mamba, Fanatic takes up some of the shape features of its predecessor model, the Stubby, but combines them with a slightly rounder outline in the tail area. The small sizes up to 84 litres are more optimised for manoeuvrability, while the sizes 94 and 104 are more focused on planing power. Fanatic double-bolts all straps on the new wave models. Despite the narrow width, the board is well balanced in the water, planing is smooth and without a noticeable planing threshold - perfect for shooting over the first ramp into orbit.
The Fanatic is also easy in rough conditions - the comfortable surfable shape quickly takes the edge off hard chops. When riding off, the Mamba pulls over the rail with a lot of bite and takes the speed up to the cutback. Tight hooks in small waves are smooth and quite radical, only in creamy conditions with fast waves does the Mamba not achieve the variability of the most radical shapes.
surf conclusion: The Mamba convinces as a top all-rounder with plenty of glide power, speed, control and balanced turning characteristics for both wave beginners and experienced wave riders. The grip offers even more potential for wave moves such as 360s and radical turns.
Goya Custom 4 Pro 84
(length 224.5 cm, width 57.1 cm, price 2590 euros)
The Custom 4 enters the new season slightly modified. Thinner rails at the back, a comparatively narrow width and the double sandwich construction are the most striking features of this board. Even after its update, the Custom 4 is noticeably more stable in the water than many competitor boards - the result is top control with a rail-like feel. In the lower wind range, the shape lacks the necessary liveliness when accelerating. Tip for light winds: move the fins and mast foot to the rear third.
When powered up, however, the Goya is quite fast. The board is particularly strong when carving: the rails bite into every wave face and provide ideal grip on the edge. The Goya remains very variable even at high speeds, especially over the front foot, and can be edged with ease. The Custom 4 also takes tight hooks over the back foot, as is often the case in moderate onshore waves, without complaining - and still hopes for the next day with solid waves.
surf conclusion: The Custom 4 is a power in powerful waves and rough conditions, but reveals small deficits in current and light wind.
JP Australia Magic Wave 82 Pro
(length 222.6 cm, width 58.3 cm, price 2499 euros)
The all-round claim is emphasised by five boxes that enable all fin setups. The double-bolted straps are all very comfortable. Despite having a volume of only 82 litres, the Magic Wave is stable in the water and gets off to an excellent start. The board converts gusts into speed well, it immediately reaches a free planing position that inevitably makes you look for a ramp. When powered up, the JP remains very controllable, starts smoothly and offers a lot of riding comfort even in chop.
The Magic Wave is fully in its element in "Euro wave conditions": It picks up speed well through the bottom turn, pulls over the edge with plenty of grip and thus provides the ideal conditions for carving carved cutbacks. Especially in cross onshore winds, when you automatically ride the waves more over the back foot, the JP unfolds its full magic and sets no limits even for cracks. Only in fast ocean waves and side-off conditions do the radii become less tight.
surf conclusion: The Magic Wave scores with a wide range of uses from bump & jump to solid surf. The stable brother Ultimate offers cracks for 360s and cream waves with even more turning potential.
Naish Assault Custom Quad 88
(length 225.8 cm, width 57.8 cm, price 2669 euros)
The Assault Custom Quad is available to order from your trusted Naish dealer, out of the box comes a featherweight board with a visibly more radical orientation than the "normal" Assault. The tail and nose areas are narrow and no fins are included. The Naish Quad therefore doesn't look like a typical 88 in the water, but feels a little smaller and more tippy. This is also the case when planing, but those who actively plan will be rewarded with powerful acceleration and a very sporty and free ride. Whether jibing against the swell or on the wave, the Naish conveys a light-footed turning behaviour.
When riding downhill, the board requires noticeably more riding skill to grip the edge cleanly and bring the speed up to the cutback - but then the board rewards you with radical turns and plenty of potential for the most demanding wave moves. Fin tip: 14-15 centre fins; 9-10 side fins.
surf conclusion: Light, lively, easy to turn - the Custom Quad is particularly recommended for experienced surfers who regularly surf solid waves and for whom bump & jump is less important. If you like "easy-going waveboards" or only go into the waves sporadically, you should favour the "normal" Assault.
Patrik QT-Wave 88
(length 227.8 cm, width 58.5 cm, price 2499 euros)
The new QT-Wave from Patrik offers the full range of fin boxes, but is delivered as a quad with robust G10 fins. At just under 228 centimetres in length, the shape is slightly more elongated than other test models. This is not a disadvantage, especially when planing, as the Patrik gets up to speed effortlessly and without any noticeable planing threshold. When powered up, the board offers a good mix of control on the one hand, but also that certain pep, in the form of a fast ride, which absolutely encourages jumping and looping.
The board showed particular strengths in the test during long turns, where the rails bite into the water with perfect grip and provide great control. Fortunately, the QT-Wave remains quite variable even when turning at high speeds and can be pulled up vertically to the lip of the wave. On cutback, the shape needs a little more power to turn tightly. With a lot of grip on the tail, fast carved radii work better than skate-style turns with lip slides and takas.
surf conclusion: The Patrik QT-Wave has no weaknesses and, with its perfect combination of gliding power, speed and balanced turning characteristics, is recommended as a genuine all-rounder for conditions ranging from bump & jump to creamy waves.
Quatro Cube 87 Pro
(length 222.0 cm, width 58.0 cm, price 2590 euros)
Completely revised and now equipped with slot boxes, the Quatro Cube enters the race as a declared all-rounder with quad fins. The board also converts sail pull into speed well in the planing phase and immediately achieves a free planing position. The lively ride is also the reason why you want to take off immediately over the first ramp for a round trip. Whereas the Cube was once an extremely stable board in the water, the latest generation is much more lively without losing too much control.
The lively characteristics also continue on the wave: with the Cube, you can turn tightly over the back foot and waggle short hooks into white water, as well as steer into long bottom turns. At the same time, the board remains nicely variable, even with a lot of sail pull and speed, the radii can be easily adjusted to hit the lip of the wave at the perfect point.
surf conclusion:The Quatro Cube feels at home in all wave conditions and scores with solid performance and balanced turning potential in both moderate Baltic waves and fat ocean swells.
RRD Cult 88
(length 219.5 cm, width 58.7 cm, price 2728 euros)
The most striking features of the Cult 88 are the massive wings, through which the rather generous width in the centre area merges into a narrow stern. The underwater hull is highly monoconcave with channels, and the tail is fitted with plastic fins from K4 fins. With five boxes, the board offers all options from single fin to quad. When planing, the board gets up to speed well, looks lively and hangs very freely on the foot even in light winds - good conditions for high jumps.
The shape is particularly well suited to tight hooks over the back foot - this allows you to get the maximum radicality out of small waves, as the Cult hangs on the foot like a skateboard and slides willingly into takas and other wave moves. However, pulling up long bottom turns tight and vertical to the wave requires noticeably more pressure than with some other boards in the test group - the 82 Cult from the 2020 wave test seemed a little more versatile in this respect.
surf conclusion: The board glides well and is very loose, making it great fun in moderate wave conditions and can also be used as a bump & jump base. If you are looking for maximum turning potential for creamy waves, you should check out the alternatives and, if in doubt, choose the Cult a size smaller.
Severne Pyro 87
(length 218.5 cm, width 58.3 cm, price 2714 euros)
On the Köster Pyro board, fins and straps are mounted with an Allen key, and thanks to five built-in boxes, the board offers all options from single fin to quad. The fact that Philip Köster has a soft spot for fast boards is more than clear with the Pyro, the board gets up to speed very well, glides as if on rails and achieves a good top speed, which allows plenty of airtime. Even when powered up, the shape runs very comfortably and with a very stable water position. Especially in light winds, you can safely mount the mast foot and straps a little behind the centre to make the board a little freer.
On the wave, the Pyro sets off fireworks: it stands on the edge with impressive grip, generously ignores choppy waves and remains variable enough in the turn to steer vertically up to the wave lip. Although the board requires a little more pressure than a Tabou DaCurve or Naish Assault, for example, to pull really tight, it does so with perfect control. Thanks to the good speed potential, even less experienced surfers can coax radical turns out of the board - cracks anyway.
surf conclusion: The Pyro is clearly the best Euro waveboard in the Severne range and offers perfect control, plenty of speed and solid turning characteristics for all conditions from the Ijsselmeer to the beaches of Cape Town.
Starboard Ultrakode 86 CRS FS
(length 218.4 cm, width 59.9 cm, price 2469 euros)
The Ultrakode 86 is available as a "Five Star" with five boxes or as a version with three fin boxes. The lightweight carbon reflex construction has been reduced in price by almost 400 euros, and both US box and modified slot box fins can be mounted in the self-developed star box. With its unchanged 2022 shape, the high-quality equipped board gets up to speed excellently, floats easily over white water, accelerates powerfully and offers a high level of riding comfort even in rough conditions. Thanks to its high speed potential, the Starboard also offers the best conditions for jumping.
When riding waves, tight hooks over the back foot are quite radical and light-footed, the board holds its speed excellently even in front of slack waves and allows you to carve through the cutback with a lot of speed. However, the radii in the turns are rather moderate as a result of the generous width of almost 60 centimetres, even if you work with a lot of pressure.
surf conclusion: The Ultrakode is ideal for surfers who want to go out in bump & jump conditions in addition to regular trips to the waves. As a performance waveboard for radical turns and 360s, it is simply a touch too well-behaved.
Tabou DaCurve 88 Team
(length 227.5 cm, width 57.7 cm, price 2599 euros)
You shouldn't be blinded by the "88 litres" claim, because the DaCurve looks a little smaller with its stretched outline and comparatively narrow width. Thruster fins made from robust G10 material sit in the narrow tail, while the thickly padded heel area offers plenty of cushioning. The days when the DaCurve was a sagging big wave machine are long gone.
The 2022 model may seem a little tippy in the chop, but it gets off the mark well with the first gust, accelerates powerfully and runs powered up with a great mix of control and a sporty, free ride that absolutely encourages jumping. When riding downwind, the Tabou carves like it's on rails, offers some of the best grip of the test field and remains variable enough to steer vertically up to the wave lip even in front of powerful waves. The DaCurve prefers to carve cutbacks with a lot of grip on the tail rather than in skateboard style.
surf conclusion: Thanks to its good speed potential, decent control and radical turning characteristics, the DaCurve impresses with really good all-round characteristics. Only those who are just getting into wave surfing or are looking for an easy-going platform will find the board a little too tippy when bobbing and crossing waves.
Waveboards 2022: All shapes and features in the video
You can find the entire test of these eight waveboards from SURF 11-12/2021 with all overview tables, data and grades here here as PDF for download.
