Duotone Unit 5.5 Meter Wing Review

Brand: Duotone
Model: Unit
Size Tested: 5.5 meters
Discipline: All-around – Surf, Freestyle, Race

Overview: The Duotone Unit continues to redefine excellence in wingsurfing with its 2024 iteration. The 5.5-meter size, a popular choice among riders, demonstrates its prowess across a range of conditions, featuring an optimal blend of power and maneuverability. Celebrated for its robust construction and versatile performance, the Duotone Unit is a testament to designer Ken Winner’s extensive experience and innovative approach.

Test Team Feedback: Praised for its impressive wind range and stability, the Duotone Unit stands out as a top performer in gusty conditions and for its drift stability. Testers in Cape Hatteras highlighted the Unit as one of the first choices for water time during sessions, underscoring its ease of use and reliability. The wing’s smooth handling and “best stock construction” accolade further cement its status as a benchmark in wingsurf design.

Key Features:

• Exceptional Wind Range: Handles a broad spectrum of conditions with ease, making it suitable for a wide variety of riders.
• Drift Stability: Offers remarkable stability when flagged out, making it ideal for wave riding and downwind sessions.
• Smooth Handling in Gusty Conditions: Performs reliably in unpredictable winds, providing a comfortable and controlled ride.
• Innovative Design by Ken Winner: The wing benefits from the expertise of one of the industry’s pioneering designers, ensuring top-tier performance and refinement.

Construction and Materials:

• Long Carbon Front Handle: Enhances one-handed riding capabilities, facilitating easier handling and enabling advanced tricks.
• Angled Strut Design: Improves riding comfort by optimizing the natural riding position, particularly noticeable when riding toe-side.
• MOD3 Canopy Technology: Adjustments to the outline, twist, and tension of the canopy contribute to precise and stable flight characteristics.

Enhancements for 2024:

• Refined Outline and Curvature: These adjustments provide a more precise flying experience and improved neutral drift when the wing is flagged out.
• Extended Carbon Handle: Allows for prolonged one-handed operation, opening new possibilities for tricks and overall comfort.

What we don’t like: The Duotone inflation system works flawlessly with the correct pump attachment. Leave the attachment at home and you might be hunting a while to make it work. It doesn’t work with the universal attachment on the Real Watersport’s compressors at our test centre home base.

Overall Impression: The Duotone Unit 5.5m is an outstanding wing for those who seek a versatile and high-performing option suitable for a range of activities from surf carving to freestyle jumps. Its construction quality, coupled with thoughtful design enhancements, ensures that it remains at the forefront of wing technology. The Unit is particularly recommended for riders who value stability, ease of handling, and the reliability of a well-established design lineage. With Ken Winner’s signature on its design, this wing not only promises but also delivers exceptional performance across all facets of wingsurfing. Whether you’re carving, jumping, or cruising, the Unit is designed to enhance every aspect of your ride, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and competitive riders alike.

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