Description
THE BIGGEST REVOLUTION IN SURF TRACTION SINCE IT WAS INVENTED
After 3 years of intensive development with World Champs Mick Fanning and Italo Ferreira, we've created a traction pad that both elevates your surfing and drastically reduces manufacturing waste.
PROTO™1.4 is limited and not available to purchase on our website or anywhere online. Available for in-store purchase only.
Next level traction built for the future. Prototype after prototype, test after test, we worked with World Champs Mick Fanning + Italo Ferreira to revolutionise the gold standard in traction. Re-inventing traction through Moulded Technology, PROTO™ 1.4 provides the worlds first multi-directional grip pattern, MULTI-LOC, to lock your foot in place. A PROFORM arch gives cushioned support, and a RECOIL kick helps lift projection through critical manoeuvres. In our aim to make a product that is BUILT better, moulded technology has allowed us to dramatically reduce our manufacturing waste. Built for the future – more grip, less waste, ultimate performance.
- PROTO™ 1.4 FEATURES:
- MULTI-LOC™ For Next-Level Grip
- BUILT better - For A Reduced Footprint
- RECOIL kick - 36mm - For Spring-Loaded Projection Through Manoeuvres
- PRO-FORM arch - 11mm - Arch Comfort & Control
- EcoPure® Organic Additive
- 3 Piece
- 3M® Adhesive
- Responsible Packaging - Made from Recycled materials and Recyclable
- DIMS: L - 330mm (13") W - 315mm (12 3/8")
THE UGLY TRUTH: 67% WASTE
Traction has been left in the dust. Nearly 50 years from its creation, traction has yet to take the giant revolutionary leap like surfboards, leashes, wetsuits, fins and boardshorts have.
Surf grip is still made using the same inefficient and limiting processes as it has for decades.
Currently, making one tail pad creates 67%* EVA foam waste. And with anywhere from 13 to 24 Million surfboards being sold each year, it’s an ugly truth that produces a mountain of EVA foam off-cuts and dust.
*analysis undertaken using Creatures of Leisure Icon III pad using industry standard manufacturing methods
WHY IS MOULDED TRACTION BUILT BETTER?
Instead of cutting from blank EVA foam blocks, every element is made using moulded technology for ultimate precision.
PROTO™1.4 reduces waste to just 5%!
We mix in EcoPure® organic additive to the EVA formula ensuring the material biodegrades at its end of life.
The end result is an ultra-precise tail pad that creates radically less waste and ultimate performance.
More grip. Less waste.
That’s the difference.
WHAT ABOUT PERFORMANCE?
Because moulded technology offers unlimited potential, we no longer had the archaic constraints of routing, cutting and sanding.
We worked with World Champs Mick Fanning and Italo Ferreira to re-imagine traction as we know it. And when it comes to performance, they each have radically different approaches and preferences...
Mick Fanning: 5'11" natural foot with a fundamental approach that's calculated and precise.
Italo Ferreira: 5'7" goofy foot with explosive, unpredictable flair and a massive bag of tricks.
With 4X World Titles and an Olympic Gold medal between them, we had the confidence to raise the bar.
MULTI-LOC™: WORLD'S FIRST MULTI-DIRECTIONAL GRIP PATTERN
13X World Titles have been won using our proven Square-Loc and Diamond-Loc traction patterns. This influenced the fundamental development of MULTI-LOC™.
Through the 3-year R&D process, we introduced foot mapping to analyse exactly what Mick and Italo required to push their level of connection and response.
Mick altered every detail down to a fraction of a millimeter, including the direction, angle and space of each traction element.
Italo increased the profile of the traction on the kick incline and in the "sweet spot".
Prototype Notes: Mick and Italo settled on a 55 duro for the perfect density. Not too hard, not too soft.
RECOIL KICK: SPRING LOADED KICK TAILS
"I love! Can I get a steeper kick?" - Italo
The RECOIL kick is where it all started and was identified as a potential game-changing component to modern surfing. The rear hex pattern offers a natural folding point that springs back when compressed. The steep alpine kick provides engaged response through critical manoeuvres.
The form-fitting concave underside is designed for the convex deck of a performance surfboard for premium application. A channel on the top of the kick allows flex to form-fit any shaped deck.
Italo steepened the kick to a 46° angle.
Prototype Notes: The increased kick angle raised its overall height from 32mm to 38mm.
PRO-FORM ARCH: COMFORT AND SUPPORT LIKE A RUNNING SHOE
"I'm constantly moving my back foot, the arch provides support exactly where I need." - Mick
The PRO-FORM arch is based off our proven tear drop shape and is over-moulded by a grip pattern that is designed for comfort. The result is a squishy base and contoured shape that hugs your foot, helping soften the impact of hard landings.
It is compression moulded to the MULTI-LOC™ traction without the use of glue. This creates a single component that keeps water out.
Prototype Notes: Mick and Italo softened the arch squishiness at a duro of 40 for added comfort and impact absorption.
Standard Shipping
Standard shipping for most products (excluding bulky items) is $9.95 Australia Wide.
For lightweight products (under 0.5kg) a $3 shipping option is available.
Click and Collect
Alternatively, you can select "In Store Pick Up" at Checkout and pick up this item from:
Wicks Surf Shop
1103 Pittwater Road
Collaroy NSW 2097
We will call or email you to confirm when your item is ready.
Returns Policy
Wicks Surf accepts the exchange of items within 14 days of purchase, as long as the item is returned with the original tags and the Wicks receipt. If you are no longer happy with an item you purchased, Wicks Surf will issue you a store credit or a refund. However, we do not offer any exchange or refund on sale items. If a product is faulty, we’ll do our best to replace it, and if we can’t, then we will offer a refund.
Exchange Policy
Should you find your item does not suit and you have a change of mind with your purchase we happily exchange within 14 days as long as the goods have not been used and are in original condition. We will exchange the item for a different size (if available) or for another style of equal value or greater value. It will be at the customer’s expense to return the item to Wicks Surf and pay for postage of the newly exchanged item.
To exchange your item, please email us your order details and an accompanying note explaining which size you require. Please then follow the instructions below:
- Pack all items with your invoice in a secure carton or reuse the original packaging. Please ensure that all boxed items are enclosed in a satchel or bubble wrap for protection or their return may be refused.
- Make sure you cover or remove original shipping label. Clearly write a new label for the item returning your package to: Wicks Surf Shop, ATT: Online Exchanges, 1103 Pittwater Road, Collaroy, NSW 2097
All returned items are exchanged are at your own expense.
Out of Stock Items
Occasionally a customer may purchase a product that is temporarily out of stock. In this instance we will contact the customer to give an estimated time delivery time. The customer is given the option to wait for the stock, however if the customer does not wish to receive the item any longer due to the wait, then we will happily refund the purchase.
