Fanatic became Duotone in 2023 (HERE is an interview about the background). The newly designed Grip 3 model is therefore the legitimate successor to the Fanatic Mamba.
On the beach
Compared to the other model from Duotone, the Grip 4, the Grip 3 has a visibly wider tail, a flatter bottom curve and a comparatively parallel outline. This was done to let the board should plane early, carve in a controlled manner and score points in typical euro wave conditions. At a measured 6.08 kilos, the board is significantly lighter than its predecessor. A short mast track is installed in the deck, pads and straps are extremely comfortable, the straps are completely double and therefore very solidly screwed. The bottom shape has quite a lot of "V" at the front and a pronounced double concave, which should make the board soft in the chop. In the rail area, the rocker is slightly more rounded.
On the water
The Duotone Grip 3 has above-average stability when wobbling around. Because the board planes harmoniously and converts gusts into speed well, the result is a riding characteristic from which both experts and less experienced wave surfers benefit. When powered up, the board runs with very good control, hits the chop smoothly and runs through the choppy waves almost as if on rails - which means you can immediately start looking for suitable ramps. Nevertheless, the Grip 3 never feels boring or even slow, even fans of free-flying boards will not be disappointed, as the Duotone model conveys a sporty and fast riding experience.
This easy-going characteristic continues seamlessly on the waves: the Duotone Grip 3 pulls through the bottom turn with best possible control and plenty of rail grip, especially in medium and wide radii. Even on less smooth waves, the board hardly tends to fidget and therefore offers the necessary safety to aim for the lip of the wave. The fact that the board takes the speed well through the turn also improves the chance of a crisp cutback. In general, however, the Grip 3 is best suited to medium radii; the board can only be turned really tightly and radically with significantly more pressure. However, the board doesn't come close to the radicality of some of its competitors, even under the threat of force.
Duotone Grip 3 - conclusion
The Duotone Grip 3 turns out to be a very good planing board that is particularly easy to ride and feels right at home in typical euro wave conditions. The shape also takes trips into flatwater without complaining. Those who surf waves at a high level and love wave moves such as 360s and radical cutbacks should look towards the Grip 4. This is slightly worse when it comes to planing, but also more agile, allowing tighter radii. You can read a test of the unchanged Grip 4 HERE.
Planing, control, carving
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Technical data Duotone Grip 3 (surf-measurements)
- Weight: 6,08 kg
- Length: 218,5 cm
- Width: 58,4 cm
- Price: 2699 Euro
- More Info: duotonesports.com
