Windsurf MagazineDUOTONE S_PACE 8.3 2023 TEST REVIEW

DUOTONE S_PACE 8.3 2023 TEST REVIEW

The Verdict

The Duotone S_Pace is a sail for the enthusiast, the windsurfer who cherishes the feeling of being at one with their equipment. It demands interaction, responds with vigour, and delivers a richly rewarding windsurfing experience. The S_Pace isn’t just a sail; it’s a partner in your windsurfing journey as you learn to tweak and tune for optimum performance.

The Lowdown

Duotone’s S_Pace shines as a high-octane performance cam sail that is said to be a competitive slalom sail. Drawing inspiration from the revolutionary 3 in 1 Design that Kai Hopf developed over three years, the S_Pace offers an unparalleled trim range. The three new Hyper Cam 2.0 cambers, introduce a remarkably broad scope of usage, allowing riders to adjust the cams without spacers, making this sail highly adaptable across varying wind conditions.

The sail boasts a considerably reduced and almost straight luff curve in the upper area. This unique feature makes changes in the luffing tension hugely influential on the leech, enabling users to navigate a wide range of wind conditions effectively.

On the MIN setting, the S_Pace displays a tighter leech. Conversely, on the MAX trim, the S_Pace’s leech / exhaust falls away dramatically.

The luff sleeve of the S_Pace is highly tapered. Wide in the boom area, enhancing the transition from the “thick” mast leading edge to the “thin” sail body. At the top, the luff sleeve remains relatively narrow, enabling quick waterstarts, supported by the Luff Lift Design of the Warp 20.20, which is said to provide additional lift.

Not to be overlooked, the S_Pace also comes equipped with a special clew eyelet for foiling. This design element further reinforces the S_Pace’s status as a versatile, high-performance sail. For the 2023 season, the S_Pace is also now produced in an all-new 5.4 size.

Brand Claim

“The highly sporty, competitive slalom sail with unbelievable forward pull – the S_Pace craves for speed and yet is easy to handle. It carries the racing genes of the Warp for unrestricted power delivery, but at the same time the handling is extraordinarily simple for this class.”

Performance

Sporting a broad tuning range, Duotone’s S_Pace is an incredible blend of power and performance, making for an engaging ride that requires an adventurous spirit and a keen understanding of its unique attributes. The S_Pace offers a tremendous trim range, and thus, range of use. Therefore you will need to spend some time to find your preferred setup, ranging from a full on low end powerhouse (if set to min down – and outhaul) up to a real competitive racing contender (when trimmed to max tension).

With reduced downhaul, the sail takes on an entirely different character. It feels lively and willing, delivering power smoothly and efficiently without feeling draggy or sticky.

It’s impressive how quickly the S_Pace accelerates. Within moments, you can feel the sail come alive, delivering speed in a direct and unfettered way. It feels like a sports car, quick off the line and primed for action.

Despite its power, the S_Pace is wonderfully manageable, even feeling smaller than many of its counterparts in the same wind conditions. This sense of control translates into confidence on the water and a feeling that the sail is working with you, not against you. The S_Pace allows the rider to be intimately involved with the sail’s performance.

Precise harness line positioning is key to the S_Pace’s performance. The sail is responsive to adjustments and rewarding to those who take the time to fine-tune. This need for continuous interaction may not suit everyone, but for those who enjoy the journey of discovery, of finding that sweet spot of balance between power and control, the S_Pace is an inviting proposition.

WEBSITE: duotonesports.com