New SUP range: Duotone Raven 12'6'' x 31 SLS in a practical test

Assessment on land: lightweight with well thought-out details

As soon as you unpack it, it becomes clear that the Raven is based on a well thought-out overall concept. The board is delivered in a cardboard box, stowed in a rucksack and protected exclusively with paper and cardboard - a pleasingly sustainable approach. Accessories such as the fin and valve spanner are packed in a separate small box.

Handy, well thought-out rucksack

However, the first impression is clearly characterised by the backpack: high-quality workmanship, slim cut and deliberately without castors constructed. This saves weight and makes it much easier to stow away - an advantage over many bulkier roll systems. The padded shoulder straps ensure a high level of carrying comfort, even on longer journeys.
Practical: up to two paddles can be attached to the side. If you only use one paddle, you can easily cut the Velcro fastener shorter so that a single paddle also fits securely. Despite its compact design, the rucksack offers plenty of space - even a loosely rolled board can easily fit inside, and there is also room for a towel or water bottle.

Board with clever features:

• Very light overall weight thanks to modern design (7.8 kilos without air, without fin)
• Lightweight dropstitch core
• Thin, soft deck pad
• Wedge-shaped pad at the rear
• Multi-part fin box for easier rolling in
• Combined rolling and carrying strap with padding
• Sufficiently large front luggage net
• Camera mount and towing eye on the bow

Extensive equipment

Four eyelets allow not only the attachment of the carrying strap, but also the optional use of a kayak seat. There is a GoPro holder at the bow, complemented by a large luggage net for touring. There are also towing eyes at the front and rear for leashes and safety.
The fin stands out thanks to its large surface area and can be mounted without tools - a small detail with great practical benefits. Overall, the Raven presents itself on land as a Sophisticated, lightweight and very user-friendly overall packagewhich scores particularly highly for its ease of transport.

Assessment on the water: agility with touring option

On the water, the Raven immediately shows its own character. The slightly flared nose ensures that small waves are ridden over cleanly, while the tail is also slightly raised. This design reduces water resistance during manoeuvres - without having a noticeable negative effect on directional stability, but the large fin provides good guidance as compensation.
It is immediately noticeable when paddling: The board accelerates remarkably fast and feels light and lively underfoot. The large fin also ensures stable directional stability - a classic touring feature. Despite its low weight, the board impresses with its solid rigidity thanks to

• 6 inch thickness
• approx. 15 PSI pressure
• Stable shape even with a load of around 84 kg

It also copes well with dynamic stress tests (e.g. hopping on the board). Subjectively, it seems slightly softer under the heels - a typical impression with lightweight boards, but this does not prove to be a disadvantage in practice. Viewed from the side, the board shows a visible, continuous rocker - in other words: deflection - but this is not due to the load, but the predetermined shape, which does not change any further even under a load of 84 kilos. This reduces the effective waterline slightly: which is very good for easy turning, but also with only a slight reduction in theoretical top speed.
The 31 inch width ensures good basic stability, especially when standing in the centre of the board. This also makes the Raven suitable for less calm conditions and longer tours with luggage. If you are looking for the highest possible tipping stability, take a look at the Duotone Blitz 12'0'': with a width of 32 inches and significantly more width at the rear. Also suitable for touring, but certainly more stable.
The riding characteristics are exciting:

• Very good manoeuvrability due to raised ends
• Efficient crossbow turns
• Sporty character with pivot turns

However, the pivot turn (you go far back towards the tail until the front of the board lifts out of the water) shows the sporty orientation: the narrower tail requires a little more balance. However, this is precisely what makes the board livelier and more interesting than many wide, rather sluggish touring platforms. With a good sense of balance, you can find the wedge-shaped pad with the back foot and then get a good grip for tight, sporty turns. But as already written: with the Blitz 11'2''x 32, Duotone has an easier to paddle board in its programme. The Raven offers impressive acceleration and low drag at medium speeds. For absolute top speed, the shape gives away around 50 centimetres at the nose due to the bend. On the other hand, the nose should be able to push well over smaller waves even when loaded and in choppy water.

surf conclusion: Touring board with fun factor

With the Raven, Duotone delivers a board that combines classic features for comfortable touring with surprising agility and is therefore also ideal as a fun and family board right on the beach. It is not a true sports tourer - instead, it positions itself as a All-rounderthe:

• is easy to transport (only 7.8 kilos) and also good for carrying passages
• offers sufficient load-bearing capacity
• still sufficiently stable and playful at the same time
• stays on track with a large fin
• is easy to handle even by children

The new construction method with welded rails also contributes to weight savings and durability and marks a clear further development compared to previous generations (known under the Fanatic brand). At a price of around 529 Euro you get a very harmonious overall package of board, rucksack and equipment.