Idol LTD 2022

THE LIGHTEST YET MOST COMPETITIVE FREESTYLE SAIL WE HAVE EVER BUILT!

Variante:

Unicolor

Idol LTD - Unicolor
Idol LTD - C11:white/coral
Item-no. 14220-1206

Light – lighter – a radically lightweight sail. The IDOL LTD is the completely personalised pro model of freestyle hero Adrian Bosson. Boasting incredible handling characteristics, the sail was created by designer Kai Hopf, implementing all the desires of the rider himself. The result is the most highly developed and extreme freestyle sails that we have ever manufactured in series. All sizes are sensationally lightweight because the innovative and high-tech laminate ODL and the 100-micron ULTRA FILM were used instead of the usual XPLY material. These materials are 50% lighter than previous sailcloths, which makes the IDOL LTD weigh about as much as a 1.5 m² smaller SUPER HERO (e.g. 4.8 and 3.4). The IDOL LTD can do everything a freestyler needs it to. In addition to its absolutely neutral handling, it gives no unwanted feedback and is incredibly lightweight in your hands, leaving you free to concentrate fully on your moves and manoeuvres. You’d think you were turning without your sail, since the IDOL LTD rotates incredibly fast through all tricks and is completely balanced in the wind during duck moves. The extremely high clew and the short boom length make diving manoeuvres so fast that almost no speed is lost. Not only will the IDOL LTD boost your success rate for difficult manoeuvres, it will also make it a lot more fun to meet new challenges. New, virtually unbreakable battens are used, which can easily handle even the roughest wipe outs. Simply awesome: When used for foiling the IDOL LTD features a special clew eyelet to be able to position the sail even more upright! Important: Although this is something other manufacturers are reluctant to mention, achieving the lowest weight can only be achieved by reducing the thickness of materials. Because the thickness of the ODL yacht laminate was kept to a minimum, the material’s UV stability is limited. As a result, this sail is not subject to the DUOTONE 2+3 YEAR WARRANTY.

CONVEX DACRON LUFF-PANEL
Maximum elasticity without distortion from the battens enables maximum lift for all jumps against the sail
HOLLOW LOWER LEECH
Hollow Lower Leech (scooped leech outline) stabilises the profile right above the boom and prevents leech fluttering
RADIAL LOAD STRIPES
Additional Radial Load Stripes at the clew improve the stability and extend the wind range
LIGHTEST FREESTYLE SAIL
Our lightest Freestyle sail of all time, thanks to trend-setting high-tech yachting material (ODL laminate, 4mil ULTRA FILM)
FASTEST DUCKING
Super high clew and short boom allow fastest possible ducking to avoid loosing any speed
iROCKET 2.0
Factory calibrated individual batten tensions using a torque wrench
Idol LTD - Unicolor
Wind Range
PLANING
Wind Range
STABILITY
Draft & Feeling
FORWARD / DIRECT
On-Off >< Drive
ON-OFF
Range Of Use
JUMPING
Freestyle Ability
NEW SCHOOL
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.)
Mejor talla
3.6
144
Min +2 >< Max +4
376
VARIO
4
2.50
PLATINUM / GOLD>SILVER
RDM/--
340/370
Mejor talla
4.0
148
Min +2 >< Max +4
386
FIX
4
2.65
PLATINUM / GOLD>SILVER
RDM/--
370/--
Mejor talla
4.4
152
Min +2 >< Max +4
400
FIX
4
2.80
PLATINUM / GOLD>SILVER
RDM/--
370/--
Mejor talla
4.8
158
Min +2 >< Max +4
420
FIX
4
3.00
PLATINUM / GOLD>SILVER
RDM/--
400/--
Mejor talla
5.2
162
Min +2 >< Max +4
442
FIX
4
3.10
PLATINUM / GOLD>SILVER
RDM/--
430/--

WHAT'S NEW

  • VISUAL FACELIFT

  • TECHNICALLY UNCHANGED

default
TechFeature

FOIL EYELET

On all foil approved sails the additional lower clew eyelet helps you to position the sail further upright which makes the sail much more efficient when flying on the hydrofoil.

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.

SET & GO VARIO TOP

No more trial and error when trying to find the best vario top setting. Even when first rigging up, the correct length of the vario top is found straight away. Clear length indicators mark out the perfect setting with reference to the mast length used, eliminating any need for testing or re-adjustments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ULTRA FILM

The most lightweight monofilm on the market. In order to save even more weight, we use the 100-micron thick ULTRA FILM for the super-lightweight IDOL LTD and WARP. However, our experience over the last five years has shown that our exclusive ULTRA FILM is even more durable and long-lasting in practice than 20–30% thicker or heavier standard films. The secret to this is its special chemical composition, since carbon particles are only used in ULTRA FILM – an extreme monofilm which is used in the entire body panel and plays a significant part in reducing weight to a minimum owing to its low thickness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FOIL EYELET

On all foil approved sails the additional lower clew eyelet helps you to position the sail further upright which makes the sail much more efficient when flying on the hydrofoil.

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.

FOIL EYELET

On all foil approved sails the additional lower clew eyelet helps you to position the sail further upright which makes the sail much more efficient when flying on the hydrofoil.

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.

SET & GO VARIO TOP

No more trial and error when trying to find the best vario top setting. Even when first rigging up, the correct length of the vario top is found straight away. Clear length indicators mark out the perfect setting with reference to the mast length used, eliminating any need for testing or re-adjustments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ULTRA FILM

The most lightweight monofilm on the market. In order to save even more weight, we use the 100-micron thick ULTRA FILM for the super-lightweight IDOL LTD and WARP. However, our experience over the last five years has shown that our exclusive ULTRA FILM is even more durable and long-lasting in practice than 20–30% thicker or heavier standard films. The secret to this is its special chemical composition, since carbon particles are only used in ULTRA FILM – an extreme monofilm which is used in the entire body panel and plays a significant part in reducing weight to a minimum owing to its low thickness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FOIL EYELET

On all foil approved sails the additional lower clew eyelet helps you to position the sail further upright which makes the sail much more efficient when flying on the hydrofoil.

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.
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YOUR PERFECT BOARD MATCH

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KNOWLEDGE BASE SAILS

BRAND 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

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.

12 comentario(s)

Hi!I have a freestyle sail quiver (before 2019) consisting of 3 sails (5.4-4.8-4.2) and I can go out in a wind range around 15-35 knots. I want to update my sails but the sizes on the freestyle sails have changed since then. The increments now have become 0.4sqm. I would like to have 3 sails and go out in the wind range 15-35. Which sail sizes would you recommend?Thanks

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Hey Phil!The range of use became defiantly bigger in the last years.What’s your weight and which board size are you using?ThanksMarco

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Hi Marco! I am 87kg - 1.87m tall and I am using a freestyle board 98 liters!Thanks

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Hey PhilI am currently on 92 kg and I am using the 91 skate with 4.8 / 4.4 / 4.0.15kts is defiantly still light , 4.8 has a good performance in the low end but if you want to be on the safe side then I would choose the 5.2 as biggest size .ThanksMarco

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Perfect!Thanks a lot!

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Hey,I have a question regarding to the Idol 2024. Are there any changes to the 2023 model, in design or charakteristic?Thx

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Hi Wat,Thanks for double-checking.The Idol LTD will be a carry over model for 2024 means no changes.

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Hi. I have Goya pro 370 and 400Masts. 100% carbon. One is made in IT other is USA. Would these work with the idols? 19 onwards? Thanks Glenn

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Hi Glenn,As mentioned above under SAIL><mast brand="" compatibility="" the="" goya="" curve="" matches="" pretty="" well="" with="" our="" sails.="" please="" let="" me="" know="" in="" case="" you="" need="" any="" further="" assistance.="">

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Hallo,ich bin w, wiege 60 kg bei 162cm und fahre ein Fanatic Freewave 105.Fahrkönnen lässt sich wie folgt beschreiben: Wind 10-22 Knoten, Fachwasser bis 1m Welle, Halsen mäßig, Wasserstart geht, max. gefahrene Geschwindigkeit 37kmh.Welche Segelgrößen und Abstufungen würdet ihr empfehlen.Besten Dank und viele Grüße Heike

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Hi Heike,To help as many people as possible to follow the thread the forum language is English only.So let me translate your inquiry:"I'm 60kg and I'm sailing a Fanatic Freewave 105. My skill level is as follows: sailing in 10-22 knots, later up to 1m waves, jibing soso, water starting no problem, max. speed 37km/h. What sail sizes and increments would you recon?"So here we go:I can understand that you're attracted by the Idol due its super light weight. But honestly that's not the kind of sail I would recommend for you. We have developed a special sail for smaller/lighter guys called the NOW - please see here: https://www.duotonesports.c...And best of all this sail is even lighter than the Idol. As for building up your sail quiver (sizes + increments) please have a look further up on this page (or any of the other sail webpages) under SAIL BASICS - SAIL SIZE VS. BODY WEIGHT and GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING UP YOUR PERSONAL SAIL QUIVER.Please lt me know in case you need any further assistance.

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im new to jumping freestyle.. is this sail a good choice or should i go with a different one?

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Hi Fedon, what do you exactly mean with jumping freestyle ? Anyway, this is an amazing freestyle sail, perfect for flat / choppy water freestyle conditions, but ideal also for bringing the freestyle moves into the waves. So I definitely recommend you the sail.

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by jumping i mean vulcans, spocks, flakas etch. im new to this type of freestyle and im looking a sail that matches my 99 skate

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Hi Fedon, then the Idol is the best sail on market you could get. I definitely recommend it to you. If you have any further questions let me know.

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I don't understand why you have never been able to reproduce the power and amazing ducking ability of the 2014 Ldt. The sail was light, powerfull, with a good range, and had the best ducking ability ever, probably because of the huge dacron panel.All the latest North/Duotone sails are much more difficult to duck.

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Hello Alex. Honestly I think that the work we were putting into the idol brought us today to have a better sail with big improvements in the ducking too. The ducking, the lift and the stability of the sail are the main features we were working on in the last year, and I think that the new Idol is much better in all this aspects comparing it to the 2014 model. It might depend from the way you rig it maybe and from the mast you’re using... are you using the duotone platinum and you’re following the rigging instructions that Duotone provides you ?

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Hi,sorry I have to write here, but I am looking for recommendation on how to rig the 5.2 Idol 2019 for light wind. I am rigging with a 400cm Gold and an XT, but I am finding myself playing around a lot with downhaul. Where should the second batten from the top sit compared to the mast? I am trying to judge if I am using too little or too much tension for marginal conditions.Sail feels great bty!

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Hi Massi. We're here to help you so you just did well to write here. Well, the first thing I can tell you is about the mast, I defenitely reccomend to follow the rigging instruction you find in the website to rig the sail, and it's recommended the 430 mast for the 5.2. The sail works a lot better with that mast, both with the platinum series and with the aereo series... but the size of the mast is making quite a big difference. The downhaul tension of the sail is not supposed to change too much from marginal wind conditions to strong wind, the sail is meant to be used with pretty much always the same downhaul tension, it just works better like that with all the wind conditions since not giving too much downhaul tension to the sail makes it a lot more stable in light and in strong wind conditions ( of course if the wind gets too strong then it's time to rig a smaller sail ). No one of the battens should be too much out of the mast line if that's what you meant. I think that if you will rig the sail with the 430, and then follow the boom measurements that you find in the sail, there will be no problem anymore. Let me know if I can help further.

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what 3.6, 4.0, 4.4 is? the area?

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Hi Roland,Yep that are the sail sizes in square meters.

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Hi, I was trying to register warranties online for my new 2020 Idol LTD sails but there was no option for the Idol LTD in the list of sail products. Please advise. Thanks!

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Hi guys! This sail looks amazing!Do you think it's possible to rig the 4.4m on a 400cm mast with no extension?Thanks!

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Hi Robby, The 4.4 has been developed and it's supposed to be used on a 370 rdm mast, even though I rig it with 38/30 of extension, I'm not sure that it would work out with a 400m mast. I really recommend you to rig it with a 370 to get the best performance out of the sail .

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I think the new Idol looks amazing. I have already found a first online review (https://www.continentseven.....Seams the guys were pretty impressed.

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Hi, Ich finde die Idols super. Eine Schwäche waren in den letzten Jahren aber die fragilen & zerbrechlichen Latten. Sobald ich die Segel in Wellen verwendet habe, musste ich entweder Wavelatten einsetzen oder hatte früher oder später gebrochene Latten. Sind die Latten ab 2020 stabiler und widerstandsfähiger? Danke für eure Hilfe!

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Hi Marc,Thanks for your message. To make this thread accessible for everyone we had decided to run it in English. To sum up your statement: basically you liked the former IDOL a lot. The only issue you had were the battens breaking when you took the sail into the waves. So you are wondering if the new IDOL comes with stronger battens now. That's quite an easy answer as I just need to quote the details text above :-) "For 2020, new, virtually unbreakable battens will be used, which can easily handle even the roughest wipe outs." In short we are now using the same battens as we use in the SUPER HERO and the SUPER SESSION. These are solid Epoxy battens which are nearly indestructible. Even when our guys completely rip apart a rig in Hookipa the only thing not breaking are the battens. So be assured the battens will now be the last thing to break in your IDOL.

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Hello Marc, as Raoul just said you will any longer have the problem of breaking battens with the 2020 Idol. Until last year we were using tube battens in this model, but since that the Idol has the same battens used in the Hero this year, the sail will still be as light as before while sailing but without this problem anymore.

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