The FULL CUSTOM D/LAB TECHNOLOGY is a full custom technology which is one hundred percent identical to high-end custom made boards.

Instead of using a mould to bring the EPS foam core into its final shape each EPS block gets CNC milled. This ensures maximum precision and saves weight. 

Same as with high-end custom board makers the major advantage lays in the processing. We call this SINGLE PROCESS TECHNOLOGY and it is the key to our industry-leading weight-strength ratio. Instead of combining working steps to save time and money every single step follows its individual process. So for example instead of joining the PVC sandwich with the EPS core in a single shot we vacuum-bag the top and bottom PVC shields with the EPS core separately. 

Also instead of using standard 3mm PVC elements for the entire board we use thicker and thinner PVC plates as well according to the stress areas which makes the board lighter yet stronger.

For all D/LAB boards we use our most sophisticated layup which consists of more than 60 individual parts and components (nearly 20% more parts than used for our FULL CUSTOM SLS TECHNOLOGY). 

On top we are using the most high-end composite materials available to-date. 

1. All carbon fibres used are a mix of high strength and high modulus carbon qualities depending on the individual requirements of each board section. Our high modulus carbon used can also be found on high-end products like aircraft’s, Formula One cars or our Platinum SLS masts, booms and extensions. 
2. Innegra is a high modulus Propylene with unbeatable tensile and ding resistance. It offers a similar tensile strength to Kevlar, but is significantly stiffer. In addition, Innegra is the best composite fibre to prevent dents.
3. We use our exclusive high performance S-glass fiber with an extra high silica content which offers much higher tensile strength as well as about 10-20% greater stiffness.
4. And finally we are using our exclusive DUOTONE SENTEX® resin impregnated with silicon nano-spheres which helps us to reduce the weight even further without sacrificing durability. 

Instead of using a similar layup on all boards we use a DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC FLEX CONSTRUCTION for all our D/LAB boards since demands on the different disciplines (wave, freestyle, freeride, racing) and conditions vary quite a lot.

1. Racing boards are e made to offer maximum performance (instant acceleration and V-max). Therefore these boards need be as stiff as possible. To achieve this no compromise stiffness we use a super high carbon content on all FALCON D/LAB layups.
2. On wave boards though a certain „give“ is essential since these boards are very short and might become too stiff thus uncontrollable using a full carbon layup. Therefore the GRIP D/LAB boards come with a higher Innegra and S_GLASS+ content. These high-tech composites have a much higher tensile strength avoiding breakages after high landings. To still achieve an outstanding "spring-back" characteristics which makes the board more reactive and has a tremendous effect on the acceleration we use unidirectional Carbon reinforcements in longitudinal direction. 

Last but not least even every single board size has an individual layup. That’s the final stage of individualisation in construction.

The result speaks for itself since the D/LAB boards are up to 500 grams lighter than our SLS boards and up to a full kilo lighter than other semi custom production boards. And it’s the first time that a production board can compete even with the lightest custom made boards out there. 

Yet all of this is achieved without any sacrifice in durability since we always follow our core motto LIGHT DONE RIGHT.

FLAT SPOT DECK SHAPE

The centre of the deck is completely flat, which is exactly where you stand before getting on to the plane. Similar to standing on a jetty, this provides a maximum solid platform outside the footstraps, especially in float & ride conditions. Along the footstraps, the deck transitions into a more domed shape for added control and riding comfort.

The mini mast-track reduces the weight in the critical nose area. It also reduces the risk to misplace your mast base while still providing just the right amount of length adjustment for all riding styles and sail sizes.

STABLE YET RADICAL CONCEPT

Our wave boards are approx. 1-2cm wider than most other boards.

>> The increased width results in a more stable platform. This makes our wave boards as stable as a 5 liter bigger board while drifting/floating and going over white water.

>> Most importantly the additional width leads to an increased outline curve. This improves the maneuverability which makes the board turn as radical as a 5 liter smaller board.

The result is an unbeatable broad range of use.

High quality closed cell neoprene for maximum longevity. Only black Lycra coating guarantees maximum comfort as well as maximum durability. The strap features measurement markings to allow you to quickly set up and replicate your individual size. Board specific attachments:

> All World Cup boards come equipped with double-screw plugs to prevent any twist and ensuring the most direct connection to the board

> All other boards come equipped with single-screw plugs to allow a faster repositioning of the straps plus a more comfortable ride due to a certain "give"

NEW - Completely revised and unique design:

+ 20% less weight

+ Significantly reduced elongation for direct connection and to avoid slipping in too far with risk of injury

+ Improved preforming for quick and easy assembly

8-10mm thick duo density EVA (depending on the board type) provides best dampening comfort and control. The higher-density outer layer features our signature heat pressed diamond groove pattern that protects the EVA against abrasion and provides maximum grip level and connection to the board. We only select EVA colours which don't look dirty after use and will also resist fading after hours in the sun.

SQUASH TAIL

The squash tail is the most common tail shape among modern surf boards as it’s extremely versatile. It gives you more drive and grip for tighter bottom- and top turns. It’s at its best when surf conditions are great. Its rounded corners provide hold similar to a pin tail but with more maneuverability. The slight concave provides additional grip.

In contrast to the industry-standard Shape3d program, our own exclusive 3D CAD software is based on math data-driven input. 

This allows us to cross-check the outcome using artificial intelligence to ensure maximum precision.

Apart from being much more accurate and faster, complex 3D design tasks such as our ground-breaking SYNCED CURVES CONCEPT would otherwise have been simply impossible to realize. 

Outline, rocker and rail shape are the 3 key elements that determine how a board feels and performs. In every rocker- and outline there are spots with more or less curvature. The same applies to the degree of rail curvature which changes considerably. To prevent the 3 curves from working "against" each other, the highest priority is to synchronize these curves. Means that in zones with an increased rocker curve, the outline curve is also increased plus the rails have an increased curvature and vice versa.

To our knowledge this complex 3d task can only be performed by our own AI_BOARD_3D software. Testing this concept on existing boards the improvements to each board were so overwhelming that we incorporated this design feature into all 2026 boards.

V double-concave into flat double-concave into single-concave (front to back). 

>> In the front the V double-concave improves the riding comfort, the control going out and the upwind performance. 

>> Just before the front straps it transitions into a flat double-concave and then into a single-concave shortly after to ensure a stable riding position.

>> Towards the tail the depth of the single-concave is gradually decreasing which results in a disconnected rocker (flatter rocker line in the center with increased rocker along the rail). The flatter center rocker results in improved planing power while the increased rail rocker improves the water release and turn-ability.

3-STAGE ROCKER

Unlike the usual continuous rocker curve, our entire shape concept is based on a segmented rocker line. This accounts for the fact that the top- and bottom turn are two entirely different maneuvers. While you initiate the bottom turn more over your front foot (depending on the size of the wave) the top turn is only sailed over the back foot. This change in posture is the biggest challenge, especially when learning to wave ride - which becomes much easier with our 3-STAGE ROCKER.

1) The straight rocker section in-between the front- and back straps creates a super stable sailing stance/platform so that you’re in perfect sync with your board going out or on the wave when switching between bottom- and top turn.

2) The nose rocker starts just in front of the front straps which helps to engage the front part of the rail when leaning forward on the bottom turn.

3) KICKSTARTER TAIL: The tail rocker behind the back strap remains very moderate until the last 4-5cm from the tail where it transforms into a progressive tail-kick. This tail-kick generates a perfect water release and in combination with the flat rocker line results in a kickstarter-like acceleration as soon as you push a bit with your back-foot. Plus the tail-kick obviously allows for super tight top turns when snapping back the board with your back-foot.

We are no fans of 5-box setups as it is an "ugly" compromise for several reasons:

1) The 5 boxes add approx. 200-300g of unnecessary weight making the board quite tail-heavy, which also has a negative influence on the trim of the board or how it sits in the water.

2) To cover all possible trim options, you need to use unnecessary long fin boxes adding further weight.

3) With all the different fin options plus long fin boxes, finding a working trim often turns out as a mission impossible, even for team riders.

4) To really achieve the maximum performance our tests have shown that the Quad and Tri setups require a different position and angle of the side fins.

Exclusive to the ULTRA GRIP and GRIP D/LAB CUSTOMIZED you can order your board with either a Quad or Tri fin box setup.

1) Tri setup (ULTRA GRIP 82 liter and up): ideal for side/side-on conditions as it allows you to go more vertical and looser in your turns. Keep in mind in higher waves a Tri setup requires a more committed vertical riding style.

2) Quad setup (all sizes): ideal for side/side-off and/or strong current as it gives you more grip especially for lighter riders and smaller boards.

POSITIVE RAIL CONCEPT

Instead of going for ultra thin rails our rails have a certain minimum radius/volume. This prevents the rail from burying too deep into the water and starting to blend thus loosing grip. Our POSITIVE RAILS generate a certain counter pressure (positive feedback) to be able to lean into the turn with full commitment.

HAWAIIAN TAIL RAILS (thin yet square-er than usual)

The vertical surface of the apex helps to prevent the thinner rail from digging too deeply, as it provides more lateral resistance than a rounder or knife-ier rail profile. Prevents sucking the tail down causing drag.

WAVE TUCK

We have increased the tuck line in the center and front which enables to use the entire rail for additional drive during bottom turns. Also the tuck edge got a bit softer which makes the board less nervous/bouncy when going down a choppy wave.