DUOTONE SUPER_STAR 5.7 2022 TEST REVIEW
THE VERDICT
Supremely light handling over an impressive tuning range, the Super_Star displays incredible versatility in its application, from wave sailing in all conditions to high-wind freeride blasting.
OVERVIEW
The Super_Star remains in the Duotone range for 2022, classed as their “Wave Draft Forward” offering, making a clear distinction from the draft centred Super_Hero, tested earlier this season in our 5.0m wave sail test. There have been some significant updates for the new season however, adopting the brand’s “Light Done Right” construction concept, with a claimed reduction of between 200-300 grams in each size, and no depreciation in durability or longevity (a statement bolstered with the continuation of the 2+3-year warranty provision). This weight saving is attributed to a refinement in panel layout and reinforcement patches, including the use of a high-strength, high-modulus fibre, sourced from a German supplier. It is also thanks to the use of the brand’s new ‘One Piece Sleeve’ design, using a single length of material for the luff sleeve. Duotone claim this has the added benefit of integrating “precise elasticity” into the sail’s performance, allowing more accurate tuning, a more “harmonious reflex” response and eliminating any need for a Dacron luff panel. With the same materials and construction techniques as its Super_Hero stablemate, the Super_Star is every bit the wave sail for the most challenging conditions, championing a four-batten layout in all bar the 6.2m. It is available in its standard grey/turquoise colourway, as tested here, a Stargazer option, in homage to its iconic predecessor of the early noughties, or a new SLS (Strong Light Superior) construction. The SLS version uses new materials such as a carbon x-ply (in the clew panel) and their own X-Ply.Plus in the main panels (with a thickness of just 100 or 150 microns), to ensure the same lightness as a membrane sail, but without any of the durability or response impositions. One final point worthy of mention, Duotone regretfully note that the increments printed on their Super_Star wave sails are incorrect due to a corrupted file at the time of production. The correct dimensions are stated on their website.
BRAND CLAIM
“The legendary, extremely crisp and responsive wave sail… It works with either single or multi-fin wave boards and even in freewave jumping conditions.”
PERFORMANCE
We tried the Super_Star before reading their announcement regarding their printed increments, so knew they were incorrect whilst testing. In effect, it encouraged us to experiment with the sail’s settings even more to explore its range, and we have to say the tuning range the Super_Star possesses is impressive. Rigged for light winds, the mid-leech remains tight and connected and there’s a good deal of softness and breathability to the sail’s draft, the lower battens (which protrude beyond the leading edge at rest), pulling away from the mast and helping its profile to expand. It pulls from a high forward position as described, lifting the board onto the plane, whilst remaining super light and positive in the hands. The distance between battens two and three is significantly larger on the Superstar than on other four-battened sails of this size, helping to accentuate its lightness and handling response. Encouraging an upright, manoeuvre-oriented stance, it’s a great sail for making the most of those float and ride sessions, providing the drive initially, before going wonderfully neutral for re-positioning mid-transition, with its accessible on-off capabilities. As the wind increases, more downhaul tension can be applied to help open the leech further, increase stability and expose the Super_Star’s accomplished high-wind blasting / bump and jump potential. Its light handling remains and it has an impressive turn of speed for a four batten sail, providing the power to charge through a break and hit ramps for aerial enjoyment. We did find its mid-leech billowed a little rather than twisting off, albeit the control issues that tend to follow as a result didn’t seem to occur, the sail remaining manageable and easy to lock down.
DUOTONE SUPER_STAR 5.7 2022 TEST REVIEW
SPECS
Price: £735.00 Stargazer: £795.00 SLS: £860.00
Size: 5.7
Luff: 438 cm
Boom: 176 cm
Battens: 4
Ideal Mast: Duotone 430 cm RDM
Available Sizes: 3.7, 4.0, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, 5.7, 6.2.
OTHER SAILS IN THIS TEST