Freeride light - freeriding made easy is what the Duotone E_Pace already promises on the scales. With a strict weight diet (rather thin mast protector, slightly thinner mast pocket material, reinforcements reduced to the essentials, only one clew eyelet) and one of the lightest masts, the E_Pace in the SLS version is the lightest rig in the test despite its generous 7.3 square metres.
The trim points for min and max are quite close together, and the trim range at the outhaul is comparatively large. The luff trim requires more dexterity when setting up, as the creases tend to run flat towards the trim point and not as a sharply defined line, which makes judgement somewhat more difficult. With the right trim on the luff, the sail can then be adjusted from really bulbous to very flat with plenty of leeway on the outhaul, covering a very wide wind range. Similar to Ezzy, adjustments are also useful here, but then the sail always appears particularly light from "low" to "high".
"Off" almost like a wave sail
Especially in manoeuvres, the Duotone plays the weight joker to the full, additionally supported by the manoeuvre-friendly, flat cut. Without pressure in the sail, the battens are almost straight, just like GA or loft sails, with even easier handling. This makes the E_Pace extremely playful and effortless in gybes. Because it pulls beautifully flat, you almost have the "off" effect of a wave sail. Duotone specifies a trim range of three to five centimetres on the outhaul, so you should play around and experiment with it, maybe even a little more. Then you get a lot of planing power or a flat, direct sail for sporty heating.
In maximum flat strong wind trim - the batten above the boom barely touches the mast - the planing performance is then somewhat reduced. On the other hand, the Duotone remains stable and also very light in the hand, so that long speed strokes can be enjoyed in a relaxed manner without much effort, even in strong winds: It is easy to put down on the deck and is very stable in the hands with low holding forces. Anyone looking for a particularly light freeride sail will find what they are looking for with the E_Pace.
Surf summary of the Duotone E_Pace SLS 7.3
The SLS is the lightest sail on the scales and on the water. Adjusted to suit the wind range, you have an easily controllable, feather-light manoeuvring freeride sail in your hands from planing conditions to real pressure.
Super light, easy to manoeuvre
More demanding when trimming
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Technical data Duotone E_Pace SLS 7.3
- Sail weight: 4.16 kg
- Sleeve opening: 105-154 cm
- Mast used: Platinum SLS SDM 460; 999 Euro
- Mast weight: 1.76 kg
- Price: 1069 Euro
- Info under duotonesports.com
all data measured by surf
