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FANATIC GRIP TE 82 2022

05/01/2022
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FANATIC GRIP TE 82 2022

VERDICT

At £2299 the Grip is not cheap, but what price do you put on performance and enjoyment? With an ease of use that belies its size, the Grip 82 is practical enough in marginal conditions and simply turns its ‘hero’ volume up as the wind and waves improve. A class act with superstar capabilities!

THE LOWDOWN

The Grip TE continues life unaltered in the 2022 Fanatic lineup, save for a more understated graphic layup after the attention-grabbing 40th anniversary Mosquito graphics of last year. (It was tested here in the 2021 graphics, as the new season’s boards weren’t available at the time of testing.) This 82 is the third largest in the six-board lineup, sitting next to the 86 litre version that we held in such high regard, having tested it back in 2020. Produced in the brand’s Team Edition Light Finish Technology, using biax Innegra carbon in the layup, it comes supplied with some of the best fittings around, the brand’s Premium footstrap being double plugged to eliminate any twist, whilst the thick dual density deckpads underneath provide plenty of adhesion, thanks to their textured diamond groove. The tail plays host to five 13 cm long slot boxes, promoting versatility in its setup, yet supplied as standard with a Choco quad fin configuration. Relatively flat in the deck, its widest point is located forward of the board’s mid-point, whilst on the underside the Grip 82 has a similar bottom shape to the 86, with vee washing through the nose and tail to compliment the constant double concave present throughout.

BRAND CLAIM

“The highly adaptable Grip TE enables you to ride your wave your way, without compromise.”

PERFORMANCE

When we tested the 86 Grip a couple of years ago, the most regularly used word to describe it with the team was ‘balanced’. So, we’re pleased to report this is exactly the same sensation we experienced with the 82 as well. As soon as you step on it, it feels easy and secure, tracking well off the plane and a real ally when negotiating tricky conditions and water movement. Deliver power and it releases smoothly, feeling compact and comfortable underfoot. It points incredibly well and glides through junky conditions, getting you into the right place in the lineup sooner than most. And as the wind increases, you can be sure of the Grip’s manners and composure to cope with whatever is thrown at it. It takes all the effort and hassle out of sailing, allowing the rider to concentrate on their own performance and the new stunts or manoeuvres they’re keen to try. On the wave it delivers as solid a performance as it does sailing in and around a break. Confident and dependable on its rail, it can adapt to any riding style, whether bias towards front or back foot riding. As plug and play as any quad wave board we’ve ever been on, it’s small wonder why these Grip designs are entering their third year. Super hero styling on tap, this 82 was a pleasure to use. If the conditions were ever questionable, it is one of those boards that are certain to be pulled out of the back of the van.

www.fanatic.com

FANATIC GRIP TE 82 2022

VITAL STATS

Price:£2299.00

Volume (Quoted): 82 litres

Length: 224 cm

Width: 58 cm

1ft off: 36.3 cm

Bottom shape: Vee with double concave throughout, the vee pronounced in the nose, before washing out in the mid-section and returning again in the tail.

Weight (‘Naked’): 6.4 kg

Fin: 2 x Choco 14.5 RTM Carbon + 2 x Choco 9.5 RTM Carbon

Sail Range (Quoted): <5.8m

Sizes Available: 68, 75, 82, 86, 92, 102.


THE LINE UP

GOYA CUSTOM 4 84

JP AUSTRALIA MAGIC WAVE 82

SEVERNE NANO V3 87

STARBOARD ULTRAKODE 86

TABOU DA CURVE 82

QUATRO PYRAMID PRO 87

RRD CULT 88 LTD Y26


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