With the Now model, manufacturer Duotone offers a fully-fledged sail for children and teenagers in six different sizes. We have tried it out.
On land
Similar to the NeilPryde Dragonfly, you don't buy the Duotone Now as a set, but the components individually. For the 2.4 square metre test sail, you also need the two-piece 290 EPX Series mast and the EPX Series boom. A standard extension (RDM) can then be used for trimming. The Duotone Now also falls into the category of children's sails, which offer a full range of equipment comparable to that of an adult sail: The mast protector is long and well-padded, and helpful trim markings and length information have been printed in the sail to make rigging easier. Speaking of rigging: Due to the wide-cut mast sleeve, the mast can be threaded with ease. The 290 test mast sticks out quite a bit at the top, but this is easy to manage thanks to the Vario top. The boom also makes a high-quality impression, it is easy to fold, sits firmly on the mast and also offers a good adjustment system.
On the water
The 3-batten concept is easy to handle on the water. As a result of the noble equipment, it is not an absolute featherweight and needs a little more ground wind to develop a nice profile, then it offers a stable inflow and good propulsion. The sail encourages you to try your first tricks and play around, partly because the lower leech has a slightly concave cut and therefore offers plenty of space. Another positive aspect is that the Now also performs excellently in increasing wind. The slim sail top twists well and releases excess steam, the centre of effort remains stable - the best conditions for gaining gliding experience in strong winds or even making your first jumps or wave rides. The sail should also be able to withstand harder wash cycles or crashes better than average, as the sail has a solid design throughout.
Duotone Now - the conclusion
The Duotone Now is an ideal sail for ambitious windsurfing kids who already want to surf, jump and trick in planing winds. The components are equipped to a very high standard.
Suitability for glide surfing, equipment, control
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Technical data Duotone Now 2.4
- Weights (own measurement): Sail 1.86 kg // Mast 1.38 kg // Boom 1.81 kg
- Mast: Duotone EPX Series 290 (Epoxy/25% Carbon; 189 Euro)
- boom: Duotone EPX Series 125-165 cm (159 Euro)
- Scope of delivery: Sail
- Price (test model): 489 Euro >> available here
- Info under duotonesports.com