At Duotone, the "SLS" symbolises particularly high-quality construction and equipment in all sectors - from wing to kite to windsurf - which is only topped by the D/LAB version in selected models. Despite having three fin boxes, the Ultra Freewave SLS has the lightest overall weight in the group. The saving on the standard Freewave, which weighs up to 0.5 kilos more depending on the size, is 300 euros. For the exclusive D/LAB design with more carbon under the bonnet - and a further 0.3 kilos less weight for the 112-litre model - the price is 3099 euros.
The bright colours stand out more clearly on first inspection than any fancy shape features. The outline follows a harmonious mathematical curve, the longitudinal thickness curve shows no extravagant humps or indentations. Only the rounded square tail with the high straight edge is moderately reminiscent of modern freestyle boards. The deck features the typical dowels for three or four straps, but the double straps at the back are also particularly close together, which makes them more manoeuvre-oriented. Nevertheless, the rear pad on the heel side is quite tight, at least for long feet. The pads are rather firm, of medium thickness and have a good grip on the water. The underside requires a precise check to determine the flat, only very slight V, which already appears very moderate under the mast track and is then barely noticeable on the fins. Two millimetres of tail kick and an approximately 50 centimetre long, straight planing area under the straps are also rather moderate shape characteristics.
Stable gliding and loose turning
The Freewave combines two seemingly contradictory virtues: it is stable when planing and yet easy to turn from the ankle. The wide and fairly flat deck ensures good tipping stability when catching up with the sail or in dinghy conditions, and even without falling off, the Freewave planes smoothly on a half-wind course, then accelerates rather bravely. The deck, which is kept quite flat up to the foot straps, and the straps, which tend to be far inboard, favour a slightly more upright posture, i.e. more manoeuvre-oriented than speed-bolting. Despite the very reassuringly relaxed planing position, the Freewave reacts to steering impulses from the ankle even at full planing speed as surprisingly as a relaxed dog that has been stepped on the tail - the board can hit hooks that you wouldn't have expected, which is beneficial for freestyle as well as for riding moderate waves.
In chop, the board glides freely and, above all, is quite dampened, and it is comparatively soft against rolling waves; the riding comfort was perceived as very pleasant. The planing position also feels significantly higher and freer than on the 95 Ultra Freewave from last year's test. Fortunately, this gliding position remains the same even with the thruster set from the Tabou 3S+ (25 cm + 2 x 12 cm). Three fins were an even better fit for the small 5.6 cm sail.
Surf summary of the Duotone Ultra Freewave 112
With no noticeable shape features and no flaws on the water, the Freewave is particularly easy to surf, versatile and, above all, very planing and forgiving in jibing manoeuvres. To classify the brightly coloured shape as a "grey mouse" for this reason would clearly undervalue the board, which is also good in small waves and freestyle.
Comfortable, versatile; planing manoeuvre
Short mast track, little volume in the bow for tacking
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Technical data Duotone Ultra Freewave SLS 112
- Weight: 6.85 kg*
- Price: 2699 Euro
- Info under duotonesports.com
*surf measurement, without fin and loops
Duotone Freewave: Available sizes and data
| Volume | Width | Length | Weight** | Fin |
| 74 | 56 | 222 | 5,7 | 18+2x12 |
| 84 | 58 | 224 | 5,9 | 19+2x12 |
| 94 | 61 | 226 | 6,4 | 20+2x12 |
| 104 | 63 | 227 | 6,7 | 21+2x12 |
| 112 | 66 | 228 | 6,8 | 30 |
| 119 | 68,5 | 230 | 7,2 | 34 |
** Manufacturer's specification
This board is part of the big 2026 Freemove test, which includes Duotone Freewave, Goya One, JP-Australia Freestyle Wave and Magic Move, Patrik F-Cross, Severne Dyno, Starboard code, Tabou 3S+ and We One We Freewave.
