During testing of the Dark Twinn, Duke wanted to feel the point of difference in a quad arrangement. The Dark Horse came out of that. Every element is identical except the wing, shifted forward to line up with the quad front fins. The result is a more controlled, predictable response on rail, intense precision in the pocket, and enough stability to handle bigger surf.
Its sleek, active outline, winged thumb tail, moderate rocker, full-lower apex rail, and staged bottom contour create a lively but controlled planing surface. The wing-to-fin placement, wing flute, and heavy vee with double concave out the tail give your back foot an intuitive tipping point, so you transfer rail to rail with minimal pressure. Tight pocket reactions or long drawn out carves, both come easy.
These elements and the quad-specific fin setup translate for intermediate through professional surfers, and open up a precision side of high-performance surfing. It became a trusted board in the difficult conditions of the North American WQS for AIPA team rider Sage Guinaldo, who made many heats on his 2021 QS tour with this blade in his quiver.
Wave range: average to above average, shoulder high to well overhead. Ride it where you'd ride your standard shortboard or groveler.
Fin configuration: twin up to shoulder high, add the trailer above that.
Suggested fins: primary (NVS) Horsemen Quads. Alternative (FUTURES) AIPA x MAYHEM Torches.
Target sizing: 1 to 2 inches below your standard shortboard, plus half to one liter of volume.
01Shape
02Measure
03Refine
04Finish
