Duotone launches a new version of the Freeride model Sky Free on the market. The board is available in two sizes: with a volume of 105 and 120 litres.
On land
Compared to the previous model, the Sky Free has been completely redesigned. The size we tested, with a volume of 105 litres, is now significantly longer (5'8'' instead of 5'5''), but slightly narrower (26'' instead of 27'') than last year. The narrower outline is intended to support planing in particular and is characterised by Mid-length boards like the Skybrid inspired. So are the models very similar? Not at all, because even though the new Sky Free has become slimmer, the Skybrid 100 is still almost ten centimetres narrower and significantly longer than the Sky Free model with a similar volume.
The Sky Free 5'8'' offers a wide, flat deck on which footstraps can be mounted in various positions. The rear strap is double-bolted to prevent twisting. The large pad is well structured, non-slip and flat. The underwater hull has been specially optimised for easy planing - with a flat curve. The distinctive cut-outs in the tail area and the sharp trailing edge are also designed to prevent the board from getting stuck during the acceleration phase. Equipped with a fairly long foil box, the Sky Free allows different foils to be mounted in the right position. The large carrying handle also leaves nothing to be desired.
On the water
Compared to the Skybrid model, which we also testedthe Sky Free is much more stable in the water around its longitudinal axis. As a result, it also forgives missteps on the deck and is very easy to master for beginners to wingfoiling who have already taken their first steps. Planing is effortless, the perceived resistance of the board is extremely low and pumping movements are well accepted. Once in the air, the Sky Free Board offers a great mix of a compact feel and still enough length to quickly get back up to speed and into the air after unwanted touchdowns. If you accidentally touch down during manoeuvres or when going upwind, the railshape forgives this generously and the board lifts off again immediately. During manoeuvres, the wide deck offers enough space to move your feet, and thanks to the wide tail, you have very good control over the foil, even with wings with a large span. Initial jumps up to 360s are also possible with the board. However, if you want to freestyle even more ambitiously, you might find the board a little too stretched and large.
Duotone Sky Free - the conclusion
The new Sky Free models are very easy to get into the air and offer an ideal mix of early take-off and good control of the foil. They are therefore suitable for all those who find a mid-length board a little too narrow and tippy and who are looking for an easy-to-ride wingboard for relaxed take-offs, freeriding and manoeuvres up to the first jumps. If you are looking for maximum light wind performance or are thinking about parawings, you should still consider the Skybrid - it gets going even better, but is also noticeably more tippy. Ambitious freestylers automatically prefer the Sky Style, which is available up to a size of 95 litres (5'4'').
Tipping stability, planing, control
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Duotone Sky Free - technical data
- Test model: Duotone Sky Free 105
- Length 5'8'' (172 cm)
- Width: 26'' (66 cm)
- Weight (own measurement, without loops): 6.85 kilos
- Volume: 105 litres
- Available sizes: 5'8''x105 // 5'11''x120 litres
- Scope of delivery: Board, foot straps
- Price: 1499 Euro
- Special features: -
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
