Wave sail 2026: Duotone Super Hero SLS vs. Duotone Super Hero D/Lab 5.0

Click here for the overview and all 2026 wave sails in the test

The standard version Duotone Super Hero SLS in particular has lost a significant amount of weight compared to the previous year. The omission of seams for design purposes, the use of a thinner main window and the change of Dacron material are said to have reduced the weight by between 400 and 500 grams. And indeed, with a measured 2.77 kilos, the Super Hero SLS is nominally in the league of the lightest wave sails. This begs the question: Who needs the 400 euro more expensive D/Lab model? Large parts of the Duotone Super Hero D/Lab are seamlessly constructed, which should minimise stretch and improve the wind range even further. The theoretical weight advantage is then cancelled out by the fact that a thicker main window is still used in the D/Lab.

Both models feature numerous trim markings that make it easier to find the right setting and make it clear that the superheroes want to be rigged with very little visible loose leech. The sails pull an enormous amount of profile out of the mast sleeve and the battens still protrude from the mast even when the sails are fully downhauled. That's why you can pull a few centimetres more flat on the outhaul rope so that the profile doesn't touch the boom. The mast protector and the other reinforcements are well made and of high quality.

Lots of profile, lots of power

Anyone who fears that the Duotone sails will behave like balloons and offer no control can relax again. Both sails pull a full profile when sheeted in and have above-average power. The boom dimensions are slightly longer than average, resulting in good stability and a constant pull on the back hand. Even without a sensitive technique, the planing threshold is pulverised in no time and you can set off at full speed on the hunt for the first ramps.

In strong gusts, you have to commit, as both models provide plenty of power, yet the centre of effort remains reliably between the hands, which means that annoying re-trimming is usually not an issue. The D/Lab version is on a comparably high level in this respect, apart from slightly lower holding forces when powered up. The batten rotation in manoeuvres is as smooth as butter and leaves nothing to be desired, even if both sails are not among the most agile models to twirl through forward and back loops with two fingers due to their damped characteristics and longer boom.

High level with marginal differences

The sails perform on the waves with nothing to be desired: even in light wind and with mushy waves, the Super Hero SLS and E/Lab still provide enough propulsion for a powerful turn. The fact that you reliably have a little pull on the back hand also helps you to hit the lip with enough speed, even in wave conditions with an onshore angle. You can also feel how well the profile works here: If you lay the sail flat, the profile flattens out again at the push of a button, which is why the Super Hero combines propulsion ("drive") and neutrality ("off") well. However, the fact that we are always talking about both sails here also makes it clear that the actual advantage of the more expensive D/Lab version is marginal.

Apart from minimal advantages in terms of power in a straight line, there is no real advantage to be found - but this is bearable given the high performance level of the SLS. Both sails also worked perfectly on the alternative "Gold" mast with 90 per cent carbon. In direct comparison, both sails - as you would expect - appear a touch lighter, more agile and more playful with the noble "Platinum" mast. The bottom line is that with Duotone you can opt for the cheaper version of both the sail and the mast without having to accept any major loss of performance.

surf conclusion on Duotone Super Hero SLS and Duotone Super Hero E/Lab 5.0

The performance differences between the Super Hero SLS and D/Lab are marginal, both sails offer a very wide wind range with above-average planing power and great control. You can perform heroically in strong winds on flat water, on the North Sea and Baltic Sea as well as in proper ocean waves.

planing power, wind range
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Technical data Duotone Super Hero SLS/Duotone Super Hero E/Lab 5.0

Sail weights

• Super Hero SLS: 2.77 kg*
• Super Hero E/Lab: 2.80 kg*

Masts used

• Duotone Platinum RDM 400; 100 % carbon; 849 Euro
• Duotone Gold RDM 400; 90 % carbon; 649 Euro

Mast weights

• Duotone Platinum: 1.48 kg*
• Duotone Gold: 1.50 kg*

Sleeve opening: 99-148 cm*
Info duotonesports.com

*surf measurement

Duotone Super Hero: Available sizes and data

Click here for the overview and all 2026 wave sails in the test