The Crest model is available in a total of six sizes (550/675/800/925/1050/1200 cm2 surface area). The foil was designed for wingfoiling, prone surfing and also for use in combination with parawings or foil assists. We were able to test the Crest E/Lab in the 1050 cm2 size.
On land
The new Duotone Crest E/Lab front wing is designed as a "mono-bloc", which means that the wing and the front part of the fuselage consist of one part, and the same applies to the back wing/stabiliser. This means that the wings no longer have to be unscrewed, which saves time during assembly, and there are no more problems with loose or corroded screws. During assembly, the two parts of the fuselage are fixed to the mast using three solid bolts, and that's it! To prevent all the individual parts from falling apart during disassembly, the front and rear parts of the fuselage are connected by a small additional screw.
The aspect ratio of the Crest front wing is between 8.8 and 9.3, depending on the size, making it more compact than the alternative Glide 2.0 model, but more elongated than the Carve model. As usual, the components from Duotone appear to fit very precisely and make a high-quality impression. The wings are supplied with suitable screws and a good tool for assembly.
We have the foil in combination with the noble Aero Mid QM carbon mast including quick assembly system tested. As the entire Duotone range is modular, the foil can of course also be used with aluminium masts (for example AL 3BS QM), which saves around 700 euros.
On the water
Compared to the Glide 2.0 wing, the Crest E/Lab starts flying just as early. The transition from displacement to take-off is pleasingly predictable, and thanks to its medium-thick profile, the foil is immediately stable in the air, which is why unplanned stalls are not an issue. Once in the air, it immediately becomes clear that the Duotone Crest Foil was not designed for straight-line riding, but rather for turns and manoeuvres, as both the longitudinal and transverse axis need to be stabilised with a little sensitivity. As soon as you have this, you can enjoy powerful acceleration, the speed level is not outstanding, but good and, in our opinion, slightly higher than that of the Glide 2.0 wing.
The Crest Foil is fully in its element in manoeuvres: whether it's smooth jibes, tight tacking or foil 360s, the Crest takes all radii in its stride, can be steered into the turn with ease and remains incredibly reliable even in tight hooks. Even if you push into the turn with a lot of pressure and the wingtip comes to the surface, the foil never acknowledges this with a stall, but continues unperturbed through the turn. In combination with the good glide, the foil is absolutely ideal both in swell waves and in moderate surf.
Duotone Crest E/Lab Foil - the bottom line
The Crest E/Lab Foil scores particularly well under the feet of wingfoilers who are looking for a wing for downwinding, playful manoeuvres and moderate waves. It offers a super combination of glide and manoeuvrability, coupled with absolute control in the turns. The Crest is also ideal as a lively foil for flat water and manoeuvres. The prerequisite is that you have some sensitivity and are already familiar with the basic manoeuvres, i.e. you have already outgrown the beginner stage.
Our recommendation: If you are looking for maximum control, easy handling and/or maximum glide for mini waves, choose the Glide 2.0 sash. At the other end of the scale the Carve model the highest top speed, maximum tight hooks in the surf and the best jumping potential for freestylers. The Duotone Crest embodies nothing less than the golden mean.
Smooth turns, manoeuvres, control in the turn
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Duotone Crest E/Lab Foil - technical data
- Test product: Duotone Crest E/Lab 1050
- Front wing area: 1050 cm2
- Front wing span: 96 cm (aspect ratio 8.8)
- Back wing area (MB-S 160): 160 cm2
- Wingspan back wing: n/a cm
- Fuselage: Total length 63 cm
- Mast (Aero Mid QM/Carbon): 82 cm
- Price test set: 2667 Euro (1917 Euro with aluminium mast)
- Weight set (own measurement): n.a. kg
- Scope of delivery: Cover; Tool
- Special features: -
- Info: To the website
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
