Up to now, the Duotone range has always been the Unit model when it came to foiling in the waves or downwinders in the swell. "But because the unit is intended to be an all-rounder, it made sense to develop a new wing for the special requirements in the shaft"emphasise the Duotone designers.
The newly developed Float therefore also differs significantly from the Allrounder Unit. The Float is available in sizes from 2.5 to 5.5 square metres and exclusively with a boom system. The thicker diameter of the front tube, a reduced span and slightly more moderate cloth tension are intended to provide more light wind power compared to the Unit, but above all even better neutrality when drifting. When the wing is pulled into the wind when riding waves or tacking, the float should develop neither lift nor downforce and maintain a stable flight altitude. "In the process", says designer Ken Winner, "a profile with slightly less basic tension has proven to be advantageous."
A wider and very stiff front handle should also make it possible to keep the wing in the right flying position even when changing course. A window has been omitted to save weight, and should not be missed when drifting on the swell. Surprisingly, the boom system was also chosen for weight reasons. Ken Winner explains: "The boom is actually lighter than two individual handles, because you need fewer fixed points on the strut." The Duotone Float Wing in size 5.0 is said to weigh just 2.40 kilos.
If you want to find out more details about the new Duotone Float Wing, don't miss the Tech Talk with Klaas Voget and designer Ken Winner:
All in all, however, the Float is by no means only suitable for specialists. In addition to wave and downwind fans, the riding characteristics with plenty of light wind power, the built-in boom system and good neutrality should also benefit beginners. The new model is now available in three colour variants and costs between 919 and 1069 euros, depending on the size. We will also be presenting the Duotone Float in a test report later this spring.
