Windsurf MagazineDUOTONE UNIT 5.0 2022 TEST REVIEW

DUOTONE UNIT 5.0 2022 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

A benchmark wing from one of the most reputed and established brands on the winging scene. It’s not a cheap wing (let alone the Allula D/Lab version) but what price do you put on quality and performance?

THEY SAY

“The new Unit will impress you from the first flight. Light, lifty and stable, yet incredibly easy to handle and control with our new rigid handles.”

WE SAY

This is the second-generation Unit – a handled wing from the brand that owns the patent on the full boom wing design. One of the pioneering companies to get behind this new sport in the early years, their boomed wing is now in its fourth iteration, with the recently released Slick SLS. And whilst the Slick is focussed around freeride winging, the Unit is targeted more for waves, jumping and downwind riding. The new key feature for the Unit has to be its rigid handles, that are screwed-on and ergonomically designed so as to provide “boom-like comfort and control”, but with the advantage of an additional weight saving. Tested here in its standard form, using Dacron as the structural material through its segmented struts, the Unit is also available in a premium D/Lab construction, featuring lightweight Aluula material in the leading edge and boom structure, for a weight saving of about 15%. It’s a high-ticket item, with the D/Lab 5.0m retailing at £1349.00, but any weight saved can make a big difference in performance. Running along the same theme, the Unit’s windows have been scrutinised and refined, for reduced weight without compromising safety and visibility. The recommended inflation pressure is 7.5 PSI, achieved through their single airlock valve, the central strut fed by a single tube. And at the end of the session the Unit has to be one of the easiest wings to pack down, with the inclusion of two dump valves helping to squeeze the air out quickly, as the wing is folded in two and rolled from tip to tip. One thing to bear in mind is that the Unit isn’t supplied with a wrist leash, so consider an additional cost of £24.90 for one, as well as a Duotone pump with their unique air-lock system (from £34.95).

Once inflated the Unit sets with plenty of dihedral structure to its leading edge, its tight canopy complimented with the addition of a couple of mini-battens on its leech to mitigate flutter. Taking to the water, its medium aspect outline means that the Unit powers smoothly and responds superbly to pumping. The solid handles provide a firm dependable connection and really help to maximise the efficiency of the rider’s input, channelling the power generated straight into the board and foil. The wing feels light, crisp and responsive, lifting the rider up so that they can unweight their feet and pump the foil in unison. Once foiling the Unit settles into a comfortable stance, with easy and instant de-power for manoeuvres, tricks or transitions. And this is where we felt the true strength of the Unit lies – in manoeuvres. Whilst it has the structural stability to lock in and reach a respectable speed, it’s almost as if it initiates turns itself, carrying a natural path through a transition, so that nothing needs to be forced. It flies high and freely mid-transition, rather than dipping down as the Slick often suffered in marginal winds, due to the weight of the boom. The handles are easy to locate, their length allowing the rider to play the position of their hands to find the right balance between power and control. For jumps and aerial trickery, the Unit offers a great amount of lift and pop, whilst it parks well and behaves impeccably when held by the neutral handle during a downwind pump or wave ride. A real eye-opener into the future progression of the handled wing, Duotone are once again leading by innovation.