Windsurf MagazineDUOTONE E _PACE 7.3 2022 TEST REVIEW

DUOTONE E _PACE 7.3 2022 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

With a soft power delivery and simply masses of tuning range, the E_Pace is more adaptable than ever, and at £669.00 represents excellent value from a leading sail loft.

OVERVIEW

The E_Pace once again joins the Duotone ranks as their performance no-cam offering, sitting between the crossover Super_Star and the cammed S_Pace. To add some extra choice into the mix this season though, the E_Pace is not only available in four different colourways in its standard construction; it is also available in a monofilm-free HD construction, as well as a Rally Edition, with a checkered decal in its upper panels, illustrating the sail’s intended sportiness and versatility. And whilst displaying the same dimensions as its predecessor, there are some subtle changes incorporated into this 2022 version, from an altered panel layout to a refined clew outline with new clew eyelet positions. The 3-in-1 concept remains the backbone of the E_Pace’s design – the philosophy of achieving a vast sailing range through the act of tuning, meaning that the sail can be used for foiling, through to light wind cruising and high wind blasting, all by adjusting the downhaul tension and setting the outhaul to suit. The brand’s pioneering visual trimming system (VTS) helps to further suggest its wide tuning range, with the min and max markings set wide apart in the upper panel. Priced competitively at £669.00, this standard E_Pace is finished well, with plenty of attention to detail and comes with a 2-year warranty as standard, which can be extended to an impressive 5-year warranty by registering your new sail with Duotone.

BRAND CLAIM

“The brand-new E_PACE is exactly the kind of athletic freeride sail that makes windsurfing so fascinating and uncomplicated: easy to rig, accelerate like an e-motor and get into planing without pumping.”

PERFORMANCE

Used in marginal airs initially, the E_Pace can be tuned with minimal tension, reducing the luff curve and tightening up its mid-leech. As such, the E_Pace is soft and punchy, responding superbly to pumping as the mast is allowed to deflect and spring-back to catapult the board forward. Useful for getting the more stubborn board clear of the water, it is also a great asset in light-wind foiling, using the low clew eyelet to hold the sail in a more upright and exposed position. Once planing or foiling, the E_Pace settles well and provides plenty of feedback, its high forward centre of effort keeping the sail driving positively through prolonged lulls. As the wind increases, the E_Pace’s stability does begin to decay, so it’s time to re-tune with more tension on the downhaul, setting the outhaul accordingly. Doing that, calm is restored, and the E_Pace centre of effort is fixed back into the front of the sail. Partnered with a fast freeride or freerace board, it displays a good turn of pace, particularly in rolling swell or choppy seas, its soft delivery helping the sail to move around the sailor as they maintain a committed stance. It really does have a massive tuning range, so it’s worth spending time adjusting and fine-tuning to find your perfect set for your personal riding style and location. With its soft nature and impeccable manners, the E_Pace is, not surprisingly, user-friendly and practical in manoeuvres, powering in smoothly and rotating effortlessly mid-transition. As a concept, the ‘3 in 1’ design works incredibly well; it just requires input and understanding from the rider to fully appreciate its potential.