NEW

Duke SLS

5 Batten All-Wave

Variant:

C09:yellow/turquoise

Available Nowleaves our warehouse in 1-3 daysBuy now Find a Dealer
Item-no. 14250-1205

IMAGINE MELTING THE JUMP N’ RIDE FREEMOVE QUALITIES OF THE DUKE WITH THE WAVE CAPABILITIES OF THE SUPER HERO D/LAB. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE YOU MIGHT SAY - BUT FOR US, THIS WAS THE FUNDAMENTAL MOTIVATION BEHIND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAND-NEW DUKE SLS!

The comeback of the DUKE as a 5-batten Jump N’ Ride sail 2 years ago was a major success. It instantly became the most used and popular sail in the ION CLUB and DUOTONE PRO CENTERS worldwide.

Now with the DUKE SLS we take this concept to the extreme! But instead of just swapping the materials, we have developed this sail from scratch to utilize the full potential of the materials and to give this sail an additional character. Because depending on the board, the DUKE SLS behaves like a chameleon:

  • On lower drag single-fin boards (e.g. Freewave or small Freeride boards) the DUKE SLS has a slight forward pull (similar to the Original DUKE). 
  • On higher drag multi-fin wave boards, however, the pull is evenly distributed over both hands. On such boards, the new DUKE SLS has a very similar feel to the SUPER_HERO D/LAB making it really suitable even for proper wave sailing conditions.

But how was this made possible?

Well, it is a combination of an extremely sophisticated sail concept (3d-shaping, twist pattern and profile distribution) and the use of CARBON XPLY batten pockets. The DUKE SLS features a slightly forward draft position, but with a defined flexibility. We call this DEFINED DRAFT MOTION CONCEPT. Normally, this is a no-go for sails with “soft” epoxy battens, as any draft movement reduces the wind range. But this is where the CARBON XPLY batten pockets come into play: as Carbon has virtually no stretch, it locks the battens thus draft in its defined position - actually pretty similar to a Carbon batten.

Believe it or not, in this way we virtually merged the advantages of the Original DUKE with those of the SUPER HERO D/LAB creating the ultimate 5-batten Wave><Freewave sail.

Ok, so the DUKE SLS feels similar to the SUPER_HERO D/LAB - but what about the low end power? 5-batten wave sails offer great control, but usually suffer in the low-end as more battens make it harder for the wind to inflate the sail. That’s why we have incorporated the BATTEN FREE CENTER concept that we already use on the SUPER_HERO and the Original DUKE. Instead of the usual even batten distribution, the DUKE SLS features a bigger gap between the foot batten and the batten above the boom. This makes the boom area easier to inflate, resulting in a similar low-end power to a 4-batten sail. 

But it’s getting even better: due to the additional use of CARBON XPLY in the high load top and tack areas plus a STRIPPED TO THE MAX panel layout we were able to bring down the weight by a whopping 400-500g compared to the Original DUKE.

So what keeps you waiting - DUKE SLS the first sail morphing the advantages of a Freewave sail with a truly capable down the line wave sail.

CHAMELEON CHARACTER
The first sail morphing the advantages of a Freewave sail with a truly capable down the line wave sail
SLS >> STRONG-LIGHT-SUPERIOR
400-500g lighter than the Original DUKE
BATTEN FREE CENTER
Larger gap between the foot batten and the batten above the boom >> better inflation (= planing power) in the boom area and improved stability in the upper sail area
VTS TAIL outhaul specs
Each sail carries individually defined visual indications for the correct outhaul extension (requires VTS TAIL boom).
iROCKET 2.0
Factory calibrated individual batten tensions using a torque wrench
SUPER-LIGHT BUMPER incl. VTS slot
The lightest protector on the market. The integrated vinyl viewing window allows to spot the lower edge of the mast. Once the perfect trim has been found, the optional Velcro patch can be used to “save” this position – saving time and ensuring maximum performance.
Duke SLS - C09:yellow/turquoise
Wind Range
PLANING
Wind Range
STABILITY
Draft & Feeling
FORWARD / DIRECT
Draft & Feeling
CENTERED / SOFT
On-Off >< Drive
ON-OFF
On-Off >< Drive
DRIVE
Range Of Use
JUMPING
Range Of Use
DOWN THE LINE
Freestyle Ability
NEW SCHOOL
Freestyle Ability
CLASSIC
SIZE
BOOM MAX (CM)
VTS TAIL TENSION
LUFF MAX (CM)
VARIO/FIX TOP
BATTENS
WEIGHT (KG)
MAST TYPE (BEST/ALT.)
MAST GEO (BEST/ALT.)
MAST LENGTH (BEST/ALT.)
Best Size
4.2
154
Min +3 >< Max +5
374
Fix
5
2.50
PLATINUM / GOLD
RDM/--
370/--
Best Size
4.5
158
Min +3 >< Max +5
388
Fix
5
2.60
PLATINUM / GOLD
RDM/--
370/--
Best Size
4.7
162
Min +3 >< Max +5
404
Fix
5
2.70
PLATINUM / GOLD
RDM/--
400/--
Best Size
5.0
166
Min +3 >< Max +5
418
Fix
5
2.80
PLATINUM / GOLD
RDM/--
400/--
Best Size
5.4
170
Min +3 >< Max +5
432
Fix
5
2.90
PLATINUM / GOLD
RDM/--
400/--
Best Size
5.8
178
Min +3 >< Max +5
440
Fix
5
3.05
PLATINUM / GOLD
RDM/--
430/--
Best Size
6.2
182
Min +3 >< Max +5
452
Fix
5
3.20
PLATINUM / GOLD / GOLD>SILVER
RDM/SDM
430/--

ATTENTION: since the mast geometry and length (= stiffness) depend on the sail design, size and luff curve the sails will NOT work with any masts outside the recommendations!

D/LAB vs. SLS vs. Originals

D-LAB_Logo(SUPER_HERO D/LAB)

All sails featuring high-tech laminates (e.g. Carbon XPly) and fused panels fall under the D/LAB category.

Advantages:
- Approx. 500g lighter than ORIGINALS
- Biggest wind range due to increased use of CARBON XPly and FUSED MONOCOQUE BONDY CONSTRUCTION
- 5 YEAR WARRANTY

SLS_Logo(DUKE SLS | E_PACE SLS)

All sails featuring high-tech laminates (e.g. Carbon XPly) and traditionally sewn panels fall under the SLS category.

Advantages:
- Approx. 500g lighter than ORIGINALS
- Bigger wind range due to the use of CARBON XPly

Originals_Logo(All other sails)

All sails featuring “standard” XPly materials and traditionally sewn panels fall under the ORIGINALS category.

Advantages:
- Best price-value ratio
- 5 YEAR WARRANTY

SHAPE FOLLOWS CONSTRUCTION

Rather than simply using the same 3D shape for all sails in each construction, each sail is completely re-engineered and designed from scratch. This is the only way we could exploit the full potential of the zero-stretch CARBON XPly or the FUSION BODY CONSTRUCTION. This makes all SLS and especially D/LAB sails real game-changers.

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TechFeature

MINI BATTEN

These prevent unwanted leech flutter. Short and highly effective mini-battens which provide support for the areas between the battens and prevent undesirable flutter.

VTS - Visual Trim System

Perfect trim and a huge range of use. You won’t find a quicker or more accurate way of trimming your sail. Even beginners can trim the sail in a matter of seconds to 100% accuracy. All you need to do is pull the luff until the top of the loose leech reaches the “lower wind limit” or “upper wind limit”. The VTS acts as a power boost, ensuring maximum performance and broader range of use.

TT TOP

Improved sail control at higher winds. Designer Kai Hopf originally designed the TT TOP for the WARP. The reduced, concave shape improves tension conditions for a more effective, three-dimensional top twist. This means the top twists not only horizontally, but also vertically under strong winds. By completely neutralising gusts of wind, the rig is kept steady in the rider’s hands, and thus works in a much larger range of winds.

3D Top Cap

Optimised pull. On regular top caps and pin systems the webbing is connected in a “one-dimensional” way with the sail body (either side to side or front to back), which transfers the downhaul tension only in certain points. The 3D TOP CAP allows a “three-dimensional” and very widespread transition of the downhaul forces into the sail body. This eliminates top fluttering and ensures a progressive loose leech extending the wind range. The integrated abrasion ribs eliminate the need for heavy, bulky reinforcements at the end of the luff sleeve.

POLYESTER WEBBING ONLY

Eliminating stretch and loss of tension. If it’s good enough for safety harnesses, it’s good enough for windsurfers! We are the only manufacturer to use only polyester webbing for the (vario) top and the tack roller. This advantage of this compared to conventional polypropylene is the negligible amount of stretch. As a result even brand new sails will retain full luff tension and will not need subsequent trimming.

DOUBLE D BUCKLE

Inspired by high-strength climbing harnesses and Formula 1 helmets. The exclusive, two-part metal double-D buckle on the vario top, which replaces traditional solutions. This design guarantees the best trimming characteristics and eliminates all webbing slippage.

XPLY PLUS

What would you prefer? Maximum puncture resistance and UV weathering resistance with minimum stretch? Or (theoretically) improved ripstop properties? We went with option A and developed the most durable laminate on the market. Because the factors of puncture resistance, durability and stretch evidently depend only on the thickness of the film used, we use only 150 or 100 micron thick films for our exclusive XPLY PLUS. In an extensive series of tests, we have developed the ideal combination of necessary film thickness and number of threads. The X.PLY PLUS in particular, at 150 microns in thickness, boasts durability characteristics far in excess of previous laminates at minimal weight. This is also acknowledged by all the big surfing centres and rental equipment providers around the world, who place their trust in the unbeatable quality and longevity of our sails.

XPLY PLUS

What would you prefer? Maximum puncture resistance and UV weathering resistance with minimum stretch? Or (theoretically) improved ripstop properties? We went with option A and developed the most durable laminate on the market. Because the factors of puncture resistance, durability and stretch evidently depend only on the thickness of the film used, we use only 150 or 100 micron thick films for our exclusive XPLY PLUS. In an extensive series of tests, we have developed the ideal combination of necessary film thickness and number of threads. The X.PLY PLUS in particular, at 150 microns in thickness, boasts durability characteristics far in excess of previous laminates at minimal weight. This is also acknowledged by all the big surfing centres and rental equipment providers around the world, who place their trust in the unbeatable quality and longevity of our sails.

EPOXY BATTEN

Extremely stable, extremely break-resistant. Depending on the range of use, positioning in the sail and the necessary tension, the batten stress is enormous. In order to prevent breakages, we only fit into all solid battens extremely durable epoxy laminates which really can withstand anything and can live up to DUOTONE’s promises in terms of longevity.

iROCKET 2.0

Super-lightweight and aerodynamic. An inconspicuous detail with a massive impact. iROCKET 2.0 batten tensioners are super-lightweight, aerodynamic and highly stable, consisting of high-quality components such as a self-lubricating, salt-water-resistant brass nut with stainless-steel screw which can withstand all batten tensions. Furthermore, the iROCKET 2.0 is an essential component for a true windsurfing revolution. 100% correct batten tension, correctly adjusted when purchased and forever after. We calibrate each individual batten at the factory according to development specifications. And we don’t just leave it up to blind intuition either – all battens are adjusted to 100% accuracy using torque wrenches. We also apply soluble screw adhesive to the locknuts so that the tension cannot be altered. This means that the batten tension remains absolutely correct and will never have to be adjusted again. The batten key included with the sail is therefore only needed for fine tuning or in the unlikely event of a batten breakage.

SLEEVE OPENER

Frictionless insertion of the mast into the luff sleeve. An ingenious solution does away with the tedium of inserting the mast. The DUOTONE logo above the boom cutout gently opens the sleeve so that the mast can be threaded with one hand into the luff friction-free, without having to constantly make adjustments to the luff.

INDIVIDUAL BOOM LENGTH INDICATION

The correct boom length without the need for trial and error. Because the boom is attached to the mast at different heights depending on body size, and because this creates a different angle to the mast, the boom length will vary. Specific recommendations for the correct length are printed directly on the luff sleeve at the boom level.

DURATECH FOOT

Long-term guarantee for the sail foot. When starting off on the water or catching up, the foot of the sail is constantly dragged over the nonslip coating, particularly for wide boards. With the exclusive DURATECH FOOT, the seams are completely protected within a large plastic channel so that the surface cannot chafe against seams and material.

HTS 2.0 HARNESSLINE TRIM SYSTEM

Never position your harness lines incorrectly again. Do away with the tedium of adjusting to the optimum rope position, as well as the numb forearms and the endless fiddling around. The patented print on the sail shows exactly where the centre of the harness line has to be. All you need to do is position the two ends symmetrically at the left and right of the print.

iBUMPER incl. VTS slot

A real innovation that offers additional value is the new iBUMPER 2.0, since in addition to its function as a lightweight and reliable mast protector it is also useful as a trimming tool. After stretching on a new sail, the best indicator for optimum trim is the position of the mast end at the height of the protector. For this reason, the new iBUMPER 2.0 now has a vinyl viewing window so that the lower edge of the mast can be identified. Once the perfect trim has been found, the optional Velcro patch can be used to “save” this position – saving time and ensuring maximum performance.

POLYESTER WEBBING ONLY

Eliminating stretch and loss of tension. If it’s good enough for safety harnesses, it’s good enough for windsurfers! We are the only manufacturer to use only polyester webbing for the (vario) top and the tack roller. This advantage of this compared to conventional polypropylene is the negligible amount of stretch. As a result even brand new sails will retain full luff tension and will not need subsequent trimming.

TRIPLE TACK ROLLER 3.0

Find the perfect trim with minimal effort. The integrated, nickel-plated brass triple roller minimises the downhaul forces tremendously.

TWIN STRAP

This keeps the sail rolled up and holds the protector to the mast. A brilliantly simple fastening system which keeps the sail compact and closed after being rolled up and, when on the water, holds the mast protector closely to the mast.

VTS TAIL OUTHAUL SPECS

Each sail carries individually defined visual indications for the correct outhaul extension (requires VTS TAIL boom).

ONE PIECE SLEEVE

No more seam at the leading edge > 80 g lower weight > no hard spot through overlapping panels improves elasticity at the leading edge

DOUBLE SEAM TECHNOLOGY

Double the durability with half as much stretch. DUOTONE manufactures products of unmatched quality which gives our sails a significantly longer lifetime. A key feature which helps to achieve this is the triple-stitch zig-zag seams. Unlike other products with their single-seam design, these are double-seam. They cover all exposed crash areas, which increases tear resistance and reduces bending-elongation by up to 50%, boosting profile stability and performance.

MINI BATTEN

These prevent unwanted leech flutter. Short and highly effective mini-battens which provide support for the areas between the battens and prevent undesirable flutter.

VTS - Visual Trim System

Perfect trim and a huge range of use. You won’t find a quicker or more accurate way of trimming your sail. Even beginners can trim the sail in a matter of seconds to 100% accuracy. All you need to do is pull the luff until the top of the loose leech reaches the “lower wind limit” or “upper wind limit”. The VTS acts as a power boost, ensuring maximum performance and broader range of use.

MINI BATTEN

These prevent unwanted leech flutter. Short and highly effective mini-battens which provide support for the areas between the battens and prevent undesirable flutter.

VTS - Visual Trim System

Perfect trim and a huge range of use. You won’t find a quicker or more accurate way of trimming your sail. Even beginners can trim the sail in a matter of seconds to 100% accuracy. All you need to do is pull the luff until the top of the loose leech reaches the “lower wind limit” or “upper wind limit”. The VTS acts as a power boost, ensuring maximum performance and broader range of use.

TT TOP

Improved sail control at higher winds. Designer Kai Hopf originally designed the TT TOP for the WARP. The reduced, concave shape improves tension conditions for a more effective, three-dimensional top twist. This means the top twists not only horizontally, but also vertically under strong winds. By completely neutralising gusts of wind, the rig is kept steady in the rider’s hands, and thus works in a much larger range of winds.

3D Top Cap

Optimised pull. On regular top caps and pin systems the webbing is connected in a “one-dimensional” way with the sail body (either side to side or front to back), which transfers the downhaul tension only in certain points. The 3D TOP CAP allows a “three-dimensional” and very widespread transition of the downhaul forces into the sail body. This eliminates top fluttering and ensures a progressive loose leech extending the wind range. The integrated abrasion ribs eliminate the need for heavy, bulky reinforcements at the end of the luff sleeve.

POLYESTER WEBBING ONLY

Eliminating stretch and loss of tension. If it’s good enough for safety harnesses, it’s good enough for windsurfers! We are the only manufacturer to use only polyester webbing for the (vario) top and the tack roller. This advantage of this compared to conventional polypropylene is the negligible amount of stretch. As a result even brand new sails will retain full luff tension and will not need subsequent trimming.

DOUBLE D BUCKLE

Inspired by high-strength climbing harnesses and Formula 1 helmets. The exclusive, two-part metal double-D buckle on the vario top, which replaces traditional solutions. This design guarantees the best trimming characteristics and eliminates all webbing slippage.

XPLY PLUS

What would you prefer? Maximum puncture resistance and UV weathering resistance with minimum stretch? Or (theoretically) improved ripstop properties? We went with option A and developed the most durable laminate on the market. Because the factors of puncture resistance, durability and stretch evidently depend only on the thickness of the film used, we use only 150 or 100 micron thick films for our exclusive XPLY PLUS. In an extensive series of tests, we have developed the ideal combination of necessary film thickness and number of threads. The X.PLY PLUS in particular, at 150 microns in thickness, boasts durability characteristics far in excess of previous laminates at minimal weight. This is also acknowledged by all the big surfing centres and rental equipment providers around the world, who place their trust in the unbeatable quality and longevity of our sails.

XPLY PLUS

What would you prefer? Maximum puncture resistance and UV weathering resistance with minimum stretch? Or (theoretically) improved ripstop properties? We went with option A and developed the most durable laminate on the market. Because the factors of puncture resistance, durability and stretch evidently depend only on the thickness of the film used, we use only 150 or 100 micron thick films for our exclusive XPLY PLUS. In an extensive series of tests, we have developed the ideal combination of necessary film thickness and number of threads. The X.PLY PLUS in particular, at 150 microns in thickness, boasts durability characteristics far in excess of previous laminates at minimal weight. This is also acknowledged by all the big surfing centres and rental equipment providers around the world, who place their trust in the unbeatable quality and longevity of our sails.

EPOXY BATTEN

Extremely stable, extremely break-resistant. Depending on the range of use, positioning in the sail and the necessary tension, the batten stress is enormous. In order to prevent breakages, we only fit into all solid battens extremely durable epoxy laminates which really can withstand anything and can live up to DUOTONE’s promises in terms of longevity.

iROCKET 2.0

Super-lightweight and aerodynamic. An inconspicuous detail with a massive impact. iROCKET 2.0 batten tensioners are super-lightweight, aerodynamic and highly stable, consisting of high-quality components such as a self-lubricating, salt-water-resistant brass nut with stainless-steel screw which can withstand all batten tensions. Furthermore, the iROCKET 2.0 is an essential component for a true windsurfing revolution. 100% correct batten tension, correctly adjusted when purchased and forever after. We calibrate each individual batten at the factory according to development specifications. And we don’t just leave it up to blind intuition either – all battens are adjusted to 100% accuracy using torque wrenches. We also apply soluble screw adhesive to the locknuts so that the tension cannot be altered. This means that the batten tension remains absolutely correct and will never have to be adjusted again. The batten key included with the sail is therefore only needed for fine tuning or in the unlikely event of a batten breakage.

SLEEVE OPENER

Frictionless insertion of the mast into the luff sleeve. An ingenious solution does away with the tedium of inserting the mast. The DUOTONE logo above the boom cutout gently opens the sleeve so that the mast can be threaded with one hand into the luff friction-free, without having to constantly make adjustments to the luff.

INDIVIDUAL BOOM LENGTH INDICATION

The correct boom length without the need for trial and error. Because the boom is attached to the mast at different heights depending on body size, and because this creates a different angle to the mast, the boom length will vary. Specific recommendations for the correct length are printed directly on the luff sleeve at the boom level.

DURATECH FOOT

Long-term guarantee for the sail foot. When starting off on the water or catching up, the foot of the sail is constantly dragged over the nonslip coating, particularly for wide boards. With the exclusive DURATECH FOOT, the seams are completely protected within a large plastic channel so that the surface cannot chafe against seams and material.

HTS 2.0 HARNESSLINE TRIM SYSTEM

Never position your harness lines incorrectly again. Do away with the tedium of adjusting to the optimum rope position, as well as the numb forearms and the endless fiddling around. The patented print on the sail shows exactly where the centre of the harness line has to be. All you need to do is position the two ends symmetrically at the left and right of the print.

iBUMPER incl. VTS slot

A real innovation that offers additional value is the new iBUMPER 2.0, since in addition to its function as a lightweight and reliable mast protector it is also useful as a trimming tool. After stretching on a new sail, the best indicator for optimum trim is the position of the mast end at the height of the protector. For this reason, the new iBUMPER 2.0 now has a vinyl viewing window so that the lower edge of the mast can be identified. Once the perfect trim has been found, the optional Velcro patch can be used to “save” this position – saving time and ensuring maximum performance.

POLYESTER WEBBING ONLY

Eliminating stretch and loss of tension. If it’s good enough for safety harnesses, it’s good enough for windsurfers! We are the only manufacturer to use only polyester webbing for the (vario) top and the tack roller. This advantage of this compared to conventional polypropylene is the negligible amount of stretch. As a result even brand new sails will retain full luff tension and will not need subsequent trimming.

TRIPLE TACK ROLLER 3.0

Find the perfect trim with minimal effort. The integrated, nickel-plated brass triple roller minimises the downhaul forces tremendously.

TWIN STRAP

This keeps the sail rolled up and holds the protector to the mast. A brilliantly simple fastening system which keeps the sail compact and closed after being rolled up and, when on the water, holds the mast protector closely to the mast.

VTS TAIL OUTHAUL SPECS

Each sail carries individually defined visual indications for the correct outhaul extension (requires VTS TAIL boom).

ONE PIECE SLEEVE

No more seam at the leading edge > 80 g lower weight > no hard spot through overlapping panels improves elasticity at the leading edge

DOUBLE SEAM TECHNOLOGY

Double the durability with half as much stretch. DUOTONE manufactures products of unmatched quality which gives our sails a significantly longer lifetime. A key feature which helps to achieve this is the triple-stitch zig-zag seams. Unlike other products with their single-seam design, these are double-seam. They cover all exposed crash areas, which increases tear resistance and reduces bending-elongation by up to 50%, boosting profile stability and performance.

MINI BATTEN

These prevent unwanted leech flutter. Short and highly effective mini-battens which provide support for the areas between the battens and prevent undesirable flutter.

VTS - Visual Trim System

Perfect trim and a huge range of use. You won’t find a quicker or more accurate way of trimming your sail. Even beginners can trim the sail in a matter of seconds to 100% accuracy. All you need to do is pull the luff until the top of the loose leech reaches the “lower wind limit” or “upper wind limit”. The VTS acts as a power boost, ensuring maximum performance and broader range of use.

TechFeature

YOUR PERFECT BOARD MATCH

Quote MARCO LANG (PRODUCT MANAGER SAILS)

»COMPARED TO PURE 4-BATTEN WAVE SAILS, 5 BATTENS DEFINITELY OFFER MORE STABILITY IN FLAT WATER JUMP N' RIDE CONDITIONS. ON THE OTHER HAND, A 5-BATTEN SAIL USUALLY FEELS TOO STIFF IN REAL WAVES AND HAS TOO MUCH FORWARD PULL WHEN GOING DOWN THE LINE. THANKS TO THE DEFINED DRAFT MOTION CONCEPT, THE DUKE SLS CHANGES ITS CHARACTER DRASTICALLY DEPENDING ON WHETHER YOU USE IT ON FLAT WATER OR IN THE WAVES. THIS MAKES THE DUKE SLS ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE AND TRUELY MAGICAL!«

— MARCO LANG (PRODUCT MANAGER SAILS)

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DIFFERENTIATION SUPER_HERO D/LAB >< DUKE SLS >< DUKE ORIGINALS

SUPER_HERO D/LAB VS. DUKE SLS

- Both sails have this unique and very similar crisp feeling
- On the DUKE SLS this is achieved through the additional 5th batten and CARBON XPLY in the high load areas
- Despite one batten less on the SUPER_HERO D/LAB we achieve the same crispness through a higher CARBON XPLY content and the FUSED MONOCOQUE BODY CONSTRUCTION
- Thanks to the 4 battens though the SUPER_HERO D/LAB has an even lighter physical- & sailing weight

DUKE SLS VS. DUKE ORIGINALS

- The DUKE SLS is 400-500g lighter than the DUKE ORIGINALS
- The DUKE ORIGINALS has a more forward draft location for more on-off >> easier to sail for flatwater bump&jump riders 
- Especially on higher drag wave boards the DUKE SLS has a more centered pull >> better ride control down the line on multi-fin boards

KNOWLEDGE BASE SAILS

COMPATIBILITY

At DUOTONE we use a Medium Constant Curve for our masts (our bend percentages range between 61-63 bottom and 75-77 top depending on model and length). As this curve sits right in the middle within Constant Curve masts it offers the biggest compatibility of any bend curve. This makes our masts and sails the most compatible on the market.

HERE IS HOW GOOD OTHER BRAND MASTS WORK WITH OUR SAILS AND VICE VERSA:

  1. Challenger Sails, Ezzy, GA (2017 on), Goya, Gun Sails, KA Sails, Loft Sails, Naish Sails, NeilPryde (RDM masts), RRD, S2Maui, Sailloft, Sailworks, Severne (RDM masts, 2014 on)
    >> 80-90% (depending on model and size)
     

  2. Hot Sails, NeilPryde (SDM masts), Point7, Severne (SDM masts, 2014 on), Simmer Style, Chinook
    >> 70-80% (depending on model and size)
     

  3. Avanti, Gaastra (until 2016), Maui Sails, Severne (until 2013), Vandal
    >> Not compatible

In general, at Duotone, we modify our mast curves just very, very moderately, if at all, from one year to the next. There are 2 reasons for this:

1. we try to keep our masts compatible with our sails for as long as possible to avoid forcing customers to always buy a new mast with their new sail. 

2. our sail designer Kai is always trying to reduce the "design variables" as much as possible. This way he can constantly improve the sails performance. And since the mast curves have a tremendous impact on the sail, he is not very eager to change the curves.

Even on our high-performance Platinum mast series, the bend curves are only slightly adjusted from year to year. All other mast series generally remain completely unchanged. This means that as long as you are not a Word Cup pro, you can use 10 year old or even older Duotone masts (or from our previous brand) in our sails.

Most customers change their individual sail and mast sizes according to demand and therefore end up owning a quiver with different brands. When building up your personal sail quiver, you should try to combine sails that have a similar feel and behavior. The one decisive factor defining how similar or different one sail feels/behaves to another is the position of the draft, in both levels, vertical (high><low) and horizontal (forward><back). 

  • Freeride and slalom sails from the different brands nowadays feel quite similar since at least the horizontal draft position is forward oriented on nearly every sail today.
     

  • The biggest difference though you find with wave sails.

Basically there are 2 different kind of wave sails:

  1. Draft centered (= balanced pull on both hands) and low (to keep the sail controllable)
    These sails are the ideal companion for multi-fin boards. Since the balanced pull on both hands makes them super neutral in your hands they shine especially in real down the line conditions. On the other hand they feel very different to modern freeride and slalom sails (which are very forward pulling). So if you are using such draft back/low wave sails only very occasionally as your high wind flat water sail you might be better off with the second type of wave sails. 
     

  2. Draft forward and up (to still generate enough low end power)
    These sails work on both single- and multi-fin boards. With the forward pulling feeling they are more exiting/direct to sail and have a very similar feeling to modern freeride and slalom sails. In addition they are the ideal choice for side-onshore jumping conditions as the higher and forward oriented draft helps/accelerates rotations in the air (especially forward loops).

So when mixing your quiver with different sails/brands you should try to combine sails which have a similar draft position and thus feeling and behavior.

Just follow these guidelines:

  1. You are looking for a direct feeling wave sail especially for jumping. Or you need a smaller sail to complete your freeride or slalom sails.  Try to get draft forward/up wave sails. Typical examples are:
    Duotone Super_Star / Duotone Duke / NP Zone / NP Combat (until 2018) / NP Atlas / Point7 Salt / Point7 Spy / Severne S1 / Severne Blade
     

  2. You are looking for a wave sail which is super neutral for down the line riding and very forgiving in nuking gusty conditions. Try to get draft centered/low wave sails. Typical examples are:
    Duotone Super_Hero / GA IQ / GA Manic / Goya Fringe / Goya Banzai / NP Combat (2019 on) / Simmer Tricera / Simmer Blacktip / Simmer Icon
     

  3. Try to avoid combining draft forward/up- with draft centered/low sails in your quiver as these feel and behave extremely different. 

draft_position_comparison

DESIGN PHYSICS OF MODERN WINDSURF SAILS

Especially in the top and towards the clew weight is key cause due to the leverage-effect you feel every gram a multiple times in your hands. Because of the quite limited amount of materials available though the only way to reduce the sail weight is by reducing the thickness of the materials. The secret is finding the sweet spot of lowest possible weight but without sacrificing durability and longevity/sustainability.

Modern Windsurf sails consist of the following raw materials:

(1) MAST SLEEVE MATERIAL
Rough woven Polyester fabric. The rough structure gives it a maximum abrasion resistance against impact from the outside (e.g. board contact or contact during rigging) as well as from the inside (through the mast).

(2) MONOFILM
Plastic film made out of Polyester available in clear- or colored versions. This hard plastic film has a very low stretch (for maximum performance) and doesn‘t absorb any water (dry weight = wet weight). Attention: monofilm isn't very UV-resistant. Therefore keep your sail out of direct sun light when not sailing. Also monofilm isn't very abrasion resistant.

(3) XPLY LAMINATE
2 thin layers of monofilm and a pattern of threads (out of Polyester or Dyneema) are glued together creating a sandwich laminate. The additional threads are supposed to function as a rip stop in case the film gets punctured (e.g. falling into the sail with your harness hook first). When using the same total thickness as monofilm (= same low stretch, same UV- and puncture-resistance) XPly is 30% heavier due to the additional adhesive (and threads).

(4) DACRON
Before discovering monofilm original Windsurf sails were made entirely out of Dacron. This woven fabric offers a very good abrasion resistance but is very stretchy plus elongates (means it grows with each use). Therefore nowadays mainly used for reinforcement patches to protect the monofilm and XPly panels in the high abrasion areas of your sail (foot, clew, top and outside of batten pockets).

(5) INSIGNIA
Dacron material with a self-adhesive side. Therefore it doesn‘t require seams when put on top of the film plus prevents water from getting in-between the film and the abrasion patches (= lower wet weight).

Wanna know more details or looking for DUOTONE sail spare parts - here you go

sail_materials

BATTENS
Made out of glass- or carbon fiber either as solid version with smaller diameter (= stronger) or tube version with larger diameter (= stiffer). For a better understanding the mast is like the backbone of your sail whereas the battens act like the ribs of your sail keeping the profile in place. Same as the mast also the battens have individual profiles (thinner tip, thicker tail) matching the profile of the sail.
Simple rule: the more battens the more stable (= faster + bigger wind range) the sail becomes. But also the heavier the sail becomes as battens account for approx. 40% of the sails total weight. Therefore handling/wave-oriented sails usually come with 4-5 battens whereas performance oriented sails usually come with 6-7 battens.
As a second guideline smaller sail sizes require fewer battens than larger sizes.

CAMBERS
Usually there is a certain gap between the batten tip and the mast. This is necessary so that the batten can shift from one side of the mast to the other when sailing back and forth. A camber can be seen as a kind of connection between the batten tip and the mast filling out this gap.
This leads to much better aerodynamics as the cam enables a smooth transition between the thick mast into the thin sail body. In addition since the cam is braced against the mast the batten stabilises the sails profile much more effectively (sail becomes more stable = faster).
The downside is that the rotation from one side to the other becomes much harder. Plus the cambers need a certain space which requires a wider mast sleeve. This makes (water)starting much harder as the wider mast sleeve absorbs more water. Therefore cambers are mainly used on performance Freeride or high-performance Slalom sails.

FOOT ROACH
A sail with a lot of foot roach reduces the gap between the sail and the board (close the gap) which makes it more efficient/performance-oriented.
On the other hand a high cut foot with less foot roach improves the handling especially for all kind of ducking moves. 

PROFILE DEPTH
A deeper sail profile gives you more power and performance in general.
A flatter profile on the other hand improves the handling as the distance of the flat profile is much shorter when shifting from one side to the other.

BOOM- AND LUFF LENGTH
Together with the sail size all dimensions increase. Means in general the larger the sail the longer the boom- and luff lengths become.

sail_design_features

Simple rule: a heavier sailor needs to take a larger sail size to get planning in the same wind compared to a lightweight.

Rough indication for the biggest sail size: to get going in the same wind a 10 kg heavier guy requires a 1 sqm larger sail.

Max. sail size vs. body weight:
The larger the sail, the heavier and the more “sluggish” the rig becomes. In addition, larger sails require stiffer masts to keep the surface "in shape". A heavy rider provides more "counter-pressure" to the sail area and mast stiffness than a lightweight. That's why the sail tends to pull you out of balance, gets difficult to control during maneuvers and becomes inefficient to pump when it is too large for your body weight.
In relation to your body weight, there is a maximum sail size that should not be exceeded.
Here are some guidelines:
>> 9.0+: min. body weight 95kg
>> 8.0-8.3: min. body weight 80kg
>> 7.0-7.3: min. body weight 70kg

As a general rule rather use a slightly too small than a too big sail.

First you should define the biggest and smallest sail size you will need to cover all wind speeds you wanna sail in. This mainly depends on your body weight (see above).
Let’s take an “average” 75 kg sailor and let’s assume this guy wants to sail in “any kind” of wind.
- The biggest sail size this guy would need is something like a 7.3. With a capable 100-120 litre Freeride board this size would get him planning in approx. 8-10 knots.
- His smallest size would then be a 3.7. On a 70-80 litre (Free)Wave board our guy should be fine up to approx. 40-45 knots.

Second thing is to define the sizes in-between. Important to know: the wind pressure (which you feel in your hands) raises in square in relation to the wind speed. Therefore the smaller the sail size the smaller the size increments need to become. For large sails, the gap can be up to 1.5 sqm, while for very small sails it can go down to 0.3 sqm.

Taking all of this into account a typical quiver for our 75 kg guy could look as following:
7.3 - 6.0 - 5.3 - 4.7 - 4.2 - 3.7

Taking the “10 kg = 1 sqm” rule (see previous point) in consideration a typical quiver for an 85 kg guy could then be:
8.3 - 7.0 - 6.0 - 5-0 - 4.5 - 4.0

You have bought all parts from the same brand but if you rig according to the specs printed on the sail it still feels somehow ackward.
Unfortunately every product has tolerances in production. And the bigger a product becomes the bigger the tolerances become. Therefore tolerances on a smartphone are hardly visible whereas tolerances on Windsurf equipment are non-deniable.
- The tolerances on the mast length are approx. +-5 mm.
- The tolerances on mast extensions and booms are approx. +-3 mm.
Furthermore, there is unfortunately still no standard among brands on how to measure the length of booms and extensions.
- On a sail with all its panels the tolerances over the whole luff length can add up to another +-5-10 mm.
In addition, even with monofilm sails the luff stretches in the first 3 times you use the sail due to the massive downhaul tension.
Adding up all these tolerances you start realising why the absolute numbers printed on your sail (especially the luff length) can only be an indication to adjust your mast extension- and boom lengths.

To achieve the correct downhaul tension please make sure to only rely on the VTS (Visual Trim System) markers in the top of every DUOTONE sail.
Always keep in mind there are exactly 2 things either of them potentially killing at least 30% of your sails performance:
1. The wrong mast (see first point under MAST BASICS on every mast page)
2. Wrong/insufficient downhaul tension

There are 2 things which will destroy up to 60% of your sails' performance:

1. A wrong mast with a bend-curve which doesn't match with the luff curve of your sail

2. A wrong timmed sail
For how to rig and fine-tune your sail please see our YouTube channel.

  1. Always rig according to the rigging instructions - see here.
     

  2. After use in salt water, rinse or spray down with fresh water. At the very least at the end of a vacation or trip.
     

  3. When possible only roll up the sail once it has dried. Never store a rolled up sail for any extended periods of time unless it is dry.
     

  4. To dry, release the tension from the sail; if possible do not set out to dry in direct sunlight, and do not dry it by letting it flutter in the wind.
     

  5. Always roll the sail from top or bottom, keeping all battens under full tension in their sleeves!
     

  6. Use only recommended mast components for your sail in order to attain optimum performance.
     

  7. Do not wash your sail with harsh detergents or chemicals. Water and a mild soap are fine.
     

  8. Repair tears and holes in monofilm sails immediately to prevent further tearing. If proper repair is impossible (and this includes using the DUOTONE monofilm repair kit), at least seal the tear with normal tape or a sticker.
     

  9. The sails durability is directly related to
    a. the frequency of use
    b. sail care and
    c. UV-radiation (especially in monofilm sails)
    In places with high UV-radiation, store the sail in the shade, otherwise de-rig it.

DUOTONE DESIGN PHILOSOPHIES - THINK DIFFERENT

With the information overkill nowadays no one has the time to read manuals anymore. Therefore we try hard to design our products as intuitive as possilbe to get you onto the water faster than with any other product. No wonder DUOTONE is called the feature world champ.
Here are some examples:

  • VTS 2.0
    The first "guess-free" visual trimming guide to clearly show the correct downhaul tension. Version 2.0 comes with a window in the protector to mark your individual trim once you have found your ideal setting. 
     

  • HTS 2.0
    By marking the draft position on the sail you immediately know where to position your harness lines. 
     

  • INDIVIDUAL BOOM LENGTH INDICATION
    The length of the boom changes with the angle to the mast. Therefore if you move your boom up or down you need to change the length of your boom. As the only brand we take that in consideration by printing 3 different boom lengths onto the clew and boom cutout so that you always know the correct length according to your body/boom height. 
     

  • SET&GO VARIO-TOP
    Instead of leaving you with the time-consuming try and error procedure to find the correct setting we have installed markings on the webbing immediately showing the correct setting. 
     

  • iROCKET 2.0
    Every batten in a sail requires a different tension. That's why as the only brand we calibrate every single batten at the factory to the correct individual tension using a torque wrench. Since the screws are locked with screw glue you never have to touch them. Just rest asured to always have prefect batten tensions. 

Our motto is clear: light is right but only if it doesn't go to costs of durability. 
Our hardware products (booms, masts and extensions) are proven to be the lightest in the industry.
With our sails though we are not the lightest on the market (with the exception of the Super Hero M.Plus). The major reason for this is that we are using (much) thicker XPly laminates than some other brands. 
The factors of puncture resistance, UV weathering resistance and stretch evidently depend ONLY on the thickness of the film used. 
Puncture resistance and stretch have a linear relation to the thickness of the film. Means twice the thickness results in twice the strength against punctures with half the stretch. 
Even more critical is UV resistance since here the relation to the thickness is overproportional. Means half the thickness reduces the UV-longevity by nearly 70%!
Some brands use XPly laminates which are 2/3rd thinner than ours in the upper sail area. Yes in the top you have less puncture issues and you can even get away with the increased strech. Unfortunately though the UV-exposure is the same all over the entire sail. 
That's one of the reasons why the majority of Windsurf centres around the globe trust in DUOTONE products.

Eliminating stretch and loss of tension. If it’s good enough for safety belts, it’s good enough for windsurfers! We are the only manufacturer to use only polyester webbing for the (vario) top and the tack roller. This advantage of this compared to conventional polypropylene is the negligible amount of stretch. As a result even brand new sails will retain full luff tension and will not need subsequent trimming.

On modern wave sails you want to have a certain elasticity. The easiest way to „inject“ elasticity into a sail is by using Dacron for the luff panel.
Dacron has 2 disadvantages though:

  1. Dacron is a rather soft woven fabric. Therefore it has a lot of give but similar to your t-shirt it wears out over time. Means your sail is permanently getting fuller in the luff panel. Especially under permanent downhaul tension (e.g. in surf centres) Dacron ages very fast. 

  2. The Dacron material improves the elasticity but due to the soft Dacron material it’s kind of a spongy softness. On the water such sails often have the tendency to become unbalanced on the wave and less precise during jumping. 

Therefore Kai designs his wave sails with non-stretchy XPly luff panels. Instead he tries to implement elasticity into the sail through other design features. Starting with 2022 all no-cam sails feature a mast sleeve made out of one single piece (ONE PIECE SLEEVE) instead of the common two piece construction. Besides saving weight this eliminates the hard spot at the leading edge caused by the overlapping + reinforcement and the seam to connect the two pieces. This way the whole sleeve becomes an integral part of the mast flex/twist. We call this PRECISE ELASTICITY.

WE DO CARE

Sustainability is the most important and pressing challenge of todays mankind to secure a livable mother earth for future generations to come!

Over the last 50 years Windsurfing has developed into a super high tech sport. But let's face it despite what others might tell you with the exception of aluminium booms and extensions Windsurfing products are a "mixture of petrol-based plastic trash". And most times up to 100% of this plastic trash are non-recycled (means "freshly produced") plastics. 
At least as of today there are no eco-friendly substitutes existing offering the minimum requirements necessary to design modern Windsurfing products. Or why do you think no one wants to sail with wooden booms, aluminium masts or stretchy sails made of woven fabrics anymore?
There is only one sustainable way out of this dilemma:

MAKING LONGER LASTING PRODUCTS (LONGEVITY = SUSTAINABILITY)
A high performance product that lasts longer and best case can even be put into additional use on the second hand market is the best and only way to conserve the resources of our earth.
Of course light components have a massive impact on the performance and handling of your rig. That's why light weight is always on our briefing list when designing and engineering new products. And DUOTONE products are among or in many cases are the lightest on the market.
But durability and longevity were and will ALWAYS be on top of our priority list. Our industry leading warranty extensions bear witness to this philosophy:
- 2 year unconditional warranty on almost every hardware product (masts, booms and extensions+bases).
- 5 year warranty on 80% of our sails.
On sails we cannot emphasize enough that especially reducing the thickness of the monofilm and the XPly laminate has a radical influence on the longevity/sustainability. Reducing the film thickness by 50% reduces the UV-stability by 70%. Just to shortterm impress magazine testers or customers some brands use up to 70% thinner laminates/films than we do. This is not our understanding of sustainability.

DOING MORE
However, since we are fully aware of the importance of sustainability, we cannot simply stop here.
>> Only we have stopped using any plastic for packaging our sails. This saves approx. 5 sqm of plastic film and foam per sail.
>> Only our aluminium products (booms and extensions+bases) are manufactured in a CO2 neutral production facility.
>> Only our aluminium products (booms and extensions+bases) are produced in Germany using 100% European raw materials in order to keep shipping distances (to our manufacture and then to our central warehouse) at a minimum.
>> Only our sail bags are made out of 100% recycled plastic.
>> Only we compensate all carbon emissions caused by our sails during manufacture and transport by supporting a hydropower carbon offset project in Sri Lanka, the country where our sails are produced.

Wanna know more?

WE DO LISTEN - BECOME PART OF THE DUOTONE DEVELOPMENT

DO YOU HAVE ANY INPUT OR IDEAS ON HOW TO IMPROVE OUR PRODUCTS?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH US!

We strive to create products that are superior in performance and function to anything else on the market. Therefore, we are not just interested in the opinion and experience of professional riders, but listen to ALL windsurfers out there. Because we know we can learn from everyone, we want to collect the opinions of windsurfers worldwide.

This project runs throughout the whole year. Every year on January 15th, the best ideas will be rewarded and might actually be implemented into future products.

So, you have got an idea? Contact us >HERE<  and take your chance to make a difference. (Please use "R&D input for DTW" as a subject line)

REWARDS

1st - One sail (free of choice)

2nd - One Silver Boom (free of choice)

3rd -  One Power.XT 2.0 (free of choice)

we_do_listen

Any comments or questions? Here you’ll find first hand R&D / rider Information.

The more info you provide, the more specific the advice/help will be. Please let us know:

  • Your skill level

  • Your body weight and size

  • Mast(s) you plan on using with the sail

  • Board(s) you are using

  • Conditions/spots you are sailing at

Please note: To help as many people as possible follow the thread, the forum language is English only.

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