On land:
With a relatively short boom and flat profile, the Duke is fully optimised for manoeuvres in this size. The trim forces on the luff are low; with the tested Silver mast with 70 per cent carbon content, the sail should not be over-trimmed on the luff. The sail concept is to generate a lot of profile from the mast sleeve when it is sheeted in; the battens can overlap a little on the mast in light wind trim. The features are convincing: the protector is long enough, well padded and can be folded neatly. Small patches are sewn onto the batten attachments to prevent chafing, and Duotone also helps you find the right harness settings and the perfect luff trim using the corresponding marking points. The Duke is also available in an X-Ply HD version for around 100 euros extra.
On the water:
The Duotone Duke is not the kind of sail that sets the right angle of attack completely on its own when starting off - but if you have a little sail feeling, you will quickly find the "sweet spot". Because the slightly softer profile of the Duke pulls a full belly when sheeted in, an above-average amount of planing power can be teased out of the Duotone concept. Anyone who fears a spongy, sloppy sail when hearing the word "soft" can relax - the Duke is soft, but never too indirect. It offers wonderful riding comfort in rough conditions, swallows chop a little, but retains its light, agile basic feel right into the powered-up range. The first trim adjustments are only required when very strong gusts come in. Our tip: When trimming the luff, always follow the trim markings on the top, which clearly show the appropriate luff trim. In strong winds, you can pull a little further through the boom than with other sail concepts. The Duotone Duke was also completely convincing in manoeuvres: the rotation is fluffy and buttery smooth, the weight of the sail seems low and invites you to perform moves from power jibes to spin loops and even freestyle classics such as spocks and flakas.
Duotone Duke - the conclusion
Whether in the speed duel on freeride boards, for jibes and jumps on the multifinboard, or even in moderate Baltic surf - the Duotone Duke is a suitable companion for a maximum range of use.
Handling & Power
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Technical data Duotone Duke
- Mast used: Duotone Silver RDM 400, 70 % carbon, weight: 1.78 kg*
- Sail weight: 3.22 kg*
- sleeve opening: 101-149 cm*
- Info under duotonesports.com
*surf measurement
