The Slick model traditionally complements Duotone's Unit ( HERE there's a test) in the direction of freestyle and manoeuvres. While the Unit is equipped with two small minibooms, Duotone continues to rely on a continuous boom for the new Slick SLS. We tested the new Slick SLS in various conditions and compared it directly with its stablemate, the Unit.
On land:
The new Duotone Slick SLS Wing is available in sizes 3.0/3.5/4.0/4.5/5.0/5.5/6.0/6.5 and 7.0sqm and in four colour codes. The centrepiece of the wing is the continuous boom, which is designed to allow millimetre-precise gripping and maximum direct contact with the wing. The boom is suitable for all Slick and Slick SLS models and has to be purchased once. You can choose between an aluminium version with a 29 millimetre spar diameter (the bare tube is always measured, without coating), which costs just under 70 euros, and a thin 25 millimetre version, the "Mini Boom Platinum" (239 euros). The Mini Boom can be fitted in seconds and without tools; it is simply plugged in before inflation.
Compared to the "normal" slick ( HERE there's a test), both the material mix and the profile of the Slick SLS have been adapted. A light and stiff material is used in the centre groove and front tube - internal to the brand.Penta TX called - is used. This brings our 5.0 test model to just 2.03 kilos, plus 360 grams for the Mini Boom Platinum. When fully assembled, the Slick SLS weighs 2.39 kilos, which is around 200 grams lighter than the Slick and about the same weight as the Duotone Unit (2.42 kilos).
We also present the Slick SLS again on our YouTube channel:
On the water:
The moderate wingspan and the visibly bent wingtips are noticeable in a positive sense when pumping - the wingtips have pleasantly little contact with water. The Slick SLS likes to be actively pumped, compared to the Duotone Unit and other powerful wings on the market, the Slick SLS needs noticeably more wind to get up to speed when flying passively. However, if you reduce the inflation pressure to around 7-7.5 psi in light winds and have a good inflation technique, you can noticeably reduce the wind limit. On the straight, the Slick SLS is light and agile in the hand, the boom system allows you to move your hands with millimetre precision and thus achieve perfect pull distribution on both arms. Overall, the wing is very agile in a straight line and requires more precise control - in direct comparison, the Unit has noticeably better flight stability.
The control of the Slick SLS in gusts is absolutely convincing, with its high cloth tension and tight profile it keeps the pressure point stable even in strong gusts and never feels spongy, even in the hands of heavy wingsurfers. In manoeuvres, the Wing benefits from its compact wingspan and maximum direct grip system. It can be steered playfully and extremely precisely, regardless of whether you are practising foiled manoeuvres or already rotating through flips and 360s. The Duotone Slick SLS also has noticeably improved drifting characteristics, as it now flies much more balanced and neutral than its predecessor, the Slick. Only the grip loop on the front tube, which is a little too soft and thin, is still not perfect.
Duotone Slick SLS - the conclusion:
As a lightweight and extremely agile wing, the Duotone Slick SLS is particularly appealing to wingsurfers for whom playful manoeuvres and ambitious freestyle tricks are more important than maximum ease of handling and maximum power when starting off. The grip system is convincing across the board, and the extra price of the thin Mini Boom Platinum is a good investment in our eyes. All in all, we would say that the range of use of the Slick SLS is nevertheless more specialised than that of its brother model, the Unit. The Slick SLS undoubtedly sets the bar in the freestyle/manoeuvring area and is therefore particularly suitable for experienced wingsurfers who ride fast high-aspect foils. The Unit model offers more power, a more stable flying position, at least equal drifting on the wave and therefore a wider range of use. Wing beginners should also orientate themselves towards the Unit.
Handling, rotations, freestyle
Active driving style required; front handle a little soft
no leash included in the scope of delivery
