If you’ve been eyeing up the Duotone Freewave Ultra D/LAB and wondering whether it’s the right board for your sailing, this post is for you. We’ve put together a clear overview of the board, the main updates versus the older model, a real-world weight check, plus a practical guide on sizing and the conditions it’s built for — including the honest negatives you should know before buying.
The Freewave Ultra D/LAB is Duotone’s top-end, performance-focused freewave board — designed to blend freeride speed with wave-style control. If you want a board that can blast efficiently, carve hard, handle rougher water states, and still feel playful when the conditions turn fun, the Freewave Ultra D/LAB sits right in that sweet spot.
The big headline is the D/LAB construction: Duotone’s lightest, stiffest and most premium build. That translates into a board that feels quicker to accelerate, more reactive underfoot, and generally closer to that “light custom” sensation.
Video review: updates, weight test, sizing and honest negatives
We’ve also filmed a full YouTube review where we go deeper on the board and how it compares to the previous model. In the video we cover:
Main updates versus the older Freewave Ultra
Live weight test of the board (with and without straps)
Best size recommendations depending on rider weight and wind range
Best conditions the board is designed for
Honest negatives (and who might prefer something else)
What are the main updates versus the older model?
In the review we talk through what’s changed compared to the previous Freewave Ultra. Updates typically focus on how the board releases onto the plane, how it carries speed through turns, and how composed it feels when the water is messy. The key takeaway is that the Freewave Ultra D/LAB is designed to feel livelier and more efficient while still being controlled when conditions aren’t perfect.
Live weight test: with and without straps
A lot of boards get labelled “light” — but we prefer to show it properly. In our video, we do a real-time weight test of the Freewave Ultra D/LAB with and without straps, so you can see the difference and understand what you’re actually buying.
Lower swing weight can make a big difference to how a board feels in transitions, how quickly it reacts underfoot, and how playful it feels when you’re carving. If you’re stepping up your gear, this is one of the easiest “feel” upgrades to notice straight away.
Best size recommendations for the Duotone Freewave Ultra D/LAB
Sizing a freewave board is always about balance: you want enough volume for your conditions and wind range, but not so much that the board feels bulky or hard work once it’s powered up. In the video, we give practical size guidance based on rider weight and what you want the board to do.
Quick sizing note: If you tell us your weight, sailing spot, and your typical sail sizes, we can point you at the best volume for your conditions (and whether you’ll benefit more from a smaller, sportier option or a slightly floatier daily driver).
What conditions is the Freewave Ultra D/LAB built for?
This board is aimed at riders who want one board that covers a lot — from powered blasting and bump-and-jump to proper carving turns, and even small-to-medium wave days depending on your setup and local conditions.
Bump-and-jump and high-wind freeride sessions
Choppy water where control and comfort matter
Carving turns, tighter lines and playful sailing
Cross-onshore to onshore wave conditions (size and fin/setup dependent)
Honest negatives: what should you consider before buying?
We keep our reviews real — and in the video we talk through the negatives too. With a premium construction like D/LAB, the biggest considerations usually come down to: price, how “direct” the board feels compared to softer layups, and whether your local conditions and sailing style will actually let you benefit from the performance gains.
The Freewave Ultra D/LAB is an incredible board when you’re pushing your sailing — but if you mostly sail underpowered, or you want the most impact-resistant option for heavy daily use, it’s worth weighing up which construction suits your needs best.
