The Duotone Slick Wing on land:
The Duotone Slick is available in several colour codes in no less than ten sizes from 2.5 to 7sqm. The model is designed to combine the advantages of a wing with a centre strut (e.g. easy launching in the water) with those of the Echo boom model. The centre strut is bent to create space for the "Mini-Boom", a handlebar just under 130 centimetres long. It is very easy to fit, it is simply hooked onto the strut before inflation and fixed in place with Velcro - it takes less than 20 seconds. The Mini Boom must be purchased once and can then be used for all sizes of slick. A 600 gram aluminium version ("Silver") is available for around 70 euros or a significantly lighter carbon version ("Platinum") weighing around 350 grams for just under 190 euros - this should ensure better drifting, especially in wave use. Keyword "buy in": This also applies to the Handleash, which is not included in the scope of delivery.
With the aluminium boom we tested, the Slick weighs 2.85 kilos, which is hardly any different from most other wings of this size. With a wingspan of 324 centimetres, the wing is one of the most compact on the market, made possible by the distinctive shape of the front tube, which bends sharply in front of the wing tips. The Duotone designers have also given the wing a lot of "V", which is generally intended to improve drifting in the wave. The fairly large window allows a good view, but the pack size remains within reasonable limits. The slick is inflated to 7 psi and a Duotone/Fanatic pump must be used to inflate it, as it uses its own valve system. Deflation is extremely quick thanks to an additional valve on the centre tube. The other features of the Wing leave nothing to be desired, only the handle on the front tube seems a little sporadic.
The most important features of the Duotone Slick Wing can be seen again in the video clip on our YouTube channel
On the water:
The Duotone Slick looks extremely compact as soon as you turn it over in the water, and the small wingspan is immediately noticeable. When pumping up, the Wing shines with very direct power transmission, the boom system is stiff and ensures that no pumping energy is wasted. With a passive riding style (without pumping), the Wing is definitely not a powerhouse; light riders (<75kg) should reduce the inflation pressure to 6-6.5psi. This will make the wing softer and it will inflate a little better when pumping. Even in the hands of smaller surfers, the bent wingtips offer sufficient ground clearance when starting off, and the problem of the wingtips getting stuck in the water when pumping up hardly ever occurs with the slick.
The Mini Boom enables intuitive gripping in every situation, you can always find the right position with even pull distribution on both arms. In terms of handling and weight, the Wing is not one of the lightest in terms of manoeuvres, but it can be controlled very precisely, even with just one hand on the boom. Thanks to the well-positioned window, you also have a good overview - a big plus, especially in crowded spots.
The slick also performs well in freestyle use and rotates freely in 360s and other rotations thanks to its compact dimensions. And in the wave? The Slick has a comparatively large "V", which ensures that it flies along quite well on the wave. Nevertheless, you will notice a slight disadvantage here compared to wings without a boom, which are often a little smoother in the hand due to their low weight in the centre line. So if you want to ride waves a lot, you should consider the lighter carbon boom or orientate yourself towards its brother model, the Unit ( HERE there's a test).
Conclusion:
The Duotone Slick is currently the stiffest and most direct wing on the market and impresses with top control, compact dimensions and a functional boom system. The range of use is very wide and extends from freeride and freestyle to wave excursions.
Direct ride feel; control; range of use
Boom must be purchased once; Duotone valve
No leash included in the scope of delivery
