Anyone who has ridden the 2024 Unit and latest Slick back to back and can compare:
- low end/power-on-tab in lighter winds
- flagging out for waves
- upwind angle
- top speed
- maneuvres ease of use (tacking etc)
From what I've heard the Unit is a bit more grunty but is it really a huge difference or not? I like the idea of the boom because I heard it makes everything so much easier and the one handed riding looks fun for small waves so probably picking up a quiver of Slicks, but in doubt about the 5.5. What low-end can I expect at 75 KG intermediate rider on 85L efficient board with 1200 and 950 frontwings on a 5.5 Unit / Slick? In lighter winds I am just gonna be cruising around and riding some waves/bumps and doing some tacks etc., no crazy ripping or jumping.
24 Slicks arriving early Spring. I'd wait. Prefer the boom.
Have you noticed all the brands offering booms for 2024?
2023 was the year of hard handles finally making onto every brand. 2024 is the year of the boom.
Select to expand quoteDWF said..
24 Slicks arriving early Spring. I'd wait. Prefer the boom.
Have you noticed all the brands offering booms for 2024?
2023 was the year of hard handles finally making onto every brand. 2024 is the year of the boom.
Hey Dwight. I suspect you're on the test pilot cadre. Any general impressions you could allude to?
I have both used and reviewed both as an independent reviewer.
The 2024 Unit has more low end, similar top end and flags out significantly better than the Slick. Upwind angles are similar, the Unit is a much nicer wing to use and has far better ergonomics.
The Slick is usually released first in a year with the Unit following later - so the Unit is usually the one with the newer design elements when you get towards the end of the year.
The new long front handle on the Unit makes it equivalent of a boom wing - so it really doesn't matter anymore if you get a Unit or a Slick if you like the idea of a boom type experience.
Right now the Unit is a much better wing than the Slick - but as mentioned a new Slick is coming in the spring. What I'm wondering about is the Unit and the Slick are effectively both boom wings now, so I'm wondering what DuoTone are going to do to differentiate them for their new versions this year.
Select to expand quoteMeonAsh said..
I have both used and reviewed both as an independent reviewer.
The 2024 Unit has more low end, similar top end and flags out significantly better than the Slick. Upwind angles are similar, the Unit is a much nicer wing to use and has far better ergonomics.
The Slick is usually released first in a year with the Unit following later - so the Unit is usually the one with the newer design elements when you get towards the end of the year.
The new long front handle on the Unit makes it equivalent of a boom wing - so it really doesn't matter anymore if you get a Unit or a Slick if you like the idea of a boom type experience.
Right now the Unit is a much better wing than the Slick - but as mentioned a new Slick is coming in the spring. What I'm wondering about is the Unit and the Slick are effectively both boom wings now, so I'm wondering what DuoTone are going to do to differentiate them for their new versions this year.
Good point on the extended boom, I'm thinking they may wind up discontinuing the Slick given the longer front handle on the Unit. I LOVE the boom but since being out on the Ventis with the long handle, I really don't find myself missing the boom. My guess is they'll just go with the Unit given the power delivery is so much better. But the Slicks do have a great upper range.
DC
I'm not sure they will discontinue it - maybe they will make it more freestyle orientated (as it is supposedly the freestyle wing) and make the Unit more wave orientated (as it is the wave / freeride wing).
Personally I would not miss boom wings at all - the ergonomics of the wrist / hand alignment to the power delivery is exceptionally poor because it is just one long straight handle and for me they cause both wrist and upper shoulder pain as well as more pronounced tendonitis due to those alignment issues. The ergonomics of two handles with alignment to the wrists / hands is a much much better solution with virtually no down sides - so for me the extended long front handle was the evolution of boom wings to something better.
That and having to buy a hugely expensive boom and then swap it between wings when changing up down sizes on a variable wind day is a veritable pain in the butt.
Select to expand quoteMeonAsh said..
I'm not sure they will discontinue it - maybe they will make it more freestyle orientated (as it is supposedly the freestyle wing) and make the Unit more wave orientated (as it is the wave / freeride wing).
Personally I would not miss boom wings at all - the ergonomics of the wrist / hand alignment to the power delivery is exceptionally poor because it is just one long straight handle and for me they cause both wrist and upper shoulder pain as well as more pronounced tendonitis due to those alignment issues. The ergonomics of two handles with alignment to the wrists / hands is a much much better solution with virtually no down sides - so for me the extended long front handle was the evolution of boom wings to something better.
That and having to buy a hugely expensive boom and then swap it between wings when changing up down sizes on a variable wind day is a veritable pain in the butt.
Admittedly boom is all I've ever used (only tried wings with handles), but never had issues with joint discomfort (and I'm quite fragile, lol). From my brief comparison to wings with handles, my Slick SLS felt much stiffer and direct... Maybe that's the issue?
I don't think booms are going away because Nu NuSkool freestyle demands it. Also, if you travel with multiple wings, then the boom goes in the board bag and the wings pack down smaller.
Select to expand quoteSeastudent said..
Hey Dwight. I suspect you're on the test pilot cadre. Any general impressions you could allude to?
The 24 prototype Slicks I tested were well before the final version was selected. Even so, the early prototypes were all better than current production. So no worries, I'm getting all 24 Slicks when possible.
I had and sold my 24 Units. I prefer my hands on the same plane. More intuitive. I can shift hands anywhere much quicker.
Select to expand quoteFaff said..
Admittedly boom is all I've ever used (only tried wings with handles), but never had issues with joint discomfort (and I'm quite fragile, lol). From my brief comparison to wings with handles, my Slick SLS felt much stiffer and direct... Maybe that's the issue?
I don't think booms are going away because Nu NuSkool freestyle demands it. Also, if you travel with multiple wings, then the boom goes in the board bag and the wings pack down smaller.
The 2024 Unit has an extra long front handle, the gap in-between the front and rear handle is less than a hand width - to all intent and purposes it is a boom wing and can be sailed one handed just like a boom wing off the front handle.
It can also do all the nuskool freestyle one handed tricks like a boom wing because it can be sailed one handed just the same as a boom wing.
Additionally I would say the 2024 Unit in dacron is stiffer than the old SLS Slick - I also reviewed that wing and it was a significantly less performant wing than the 2023 Slick which was an upgrade in all regards to the SLS version.
The Unit 2024 in performance terms was an upgrade to the 2023 Slick - the evolution has been consistent with each new DuoTone wing release. I expect the new Slick coming will probably be an upgrade to the 2024 Unit and then the Unit after that again an upgrade.Regarding packing down smaller - if you want to do that you can just take the handles off the Unit as well as they are just held on which a phillips head screw and can just be screwed back on at the travel destination.
The choice is really whether you want a boom or handles. The wings are very similar in the way perform on the water. I know people will say the Unit is more like this and Slick is more like that, but the differences are subtle.
Some of the riders at my local beach prefer the Unit, but they add a little tube that bridges the gap between the two handles. At that point you might as well get the Slick.
Personally I prefer the boom. A lot of people seem to prefer handles. As the handles get longer over the years, the difference is becoming small.
Select to expand quoteNikita said..
Some of the riders at my local beach prefer the Unit, but they add a little tube that bridges the gap between the two handles. At that point you might as well get the Slick.
With a 2023 Unit I get that it would make sense - with the 2024 Unit - utterly pointless, if you are putting your hand where that gap is I don't know why - it's neither a position you can sail one handed or one where you can pull power with the back hand.
Select to expand quoteDWF said..Seastudent said..
Hey Dwight. I suspect you're on the test pilot cadre. Any general impressions you could allude to?
The 24 prototype Slicks I tested were well before the final version was selected. Even so, the early prototypes were all better than current production. So no worries, I'm getting all 24 Slicks when possible.
I had and sold my 24 Units. I prefer my hands on the same plane. More intuitive. I can shift hands anywhere much quicker.
Good to hear Dwight
. Two very contented seasons on my SLS Slicks (6, 5, 4, 3) and I'll be first in line to upgrade to the 2024's. No excess wrist/arm/shoulder fatigue at all for me with a boom vs handles, and always prefer my hands releasing and regrabbing "on the same plane". Keep the pocket mount boom
After trying all the different handle permutations I concluded that I'm all about the boom. This made selecting Duotone pretty easy because I felt their system was best. If everyone gets a boom I'm going to drive myself crazy analyzing all the options. I mean that f-one looks sweet. I'm screwed.
Select to expand quoteSeastudent said..
After trying all the different handle permutations I concluded that I'm all about the boom. This made selecting Duotone pretty easy because I felt their system was best. If everyone gets a boom I'm going to drive myself crazy analyzing all the options. I mean that f-one looks sweet. I'm screwed.
Also Vayu, RRD, OR, Ensis, Gong and 2 other big brands I'm not allowed to name.
The Unit is really hard to beat now that the front handle is extended so basically has most of the advantages of a boom with the added advantages of 1) greatly improved ergonomics with the rear handle now angled closer to the rider and 2) easy pack up and assembly. After riding the new Units for several weeks now I am so over the moon with this wing I can't imagine the yet to be released Slick will be any better. As well as now being able to ride and stabilise the wing one handed, I particularly like the rear handle which not only is comfortable but also allows me to angle my body further over the toeside rail when riding upwind. This is due to not having to pull the rear handle in as far as you do with a straight handle or boom. This is also true when riding healside but particularly noticeable and advantageous when riding toeside.
Select to expand quoteDWF said..
Cabrinha has gone boom too.
and Core with the Halo
the BIG advantage of the DT boom concept is the really quick mounting procedure and the one boom fits all sizes travel and packing logistics benefit. Since I started using a harness I also appreciate to get along with one set of lines, staying mounted on one boom.
I did unfortunately not have the option to select a boom-Ventis and nevertheless I need to ride it quite often, there is always a gap between the handles I have to think about. I do also prefer the softer grip of the pink boom rather the coarse surface of the logo imprints on the handles.
You all have some beta that I don't...would be good to get a round up of boom wings (with links/specs!)...
Select to expand quoteSheps said..
The Unit is really hard to beat now that the front handle is extended so basically has most of the advantages of a boom with the added advantages of 1) greatly improved ergonomics with the rear handle now angled closer to the rider and 2) easy pack up and assembly. After riding the new Units for several weeks now I am so over the moon with this wing I can't imagine the yet to be released Slick will be any better. As well as now being able to ride and stabilise the wing one handed, I particularly like the rear handle which not only is comfortable but also allows me to angle my body further over the toeside rail when riding upwind. This is due to not having to pull the rear handle in as far as you do with a straight handle or boom. This is also true when riding healside but particularly noticeable and advantageous when riding toeside.
Long front handle makes a lot of sense. But how to explain new wings where the front handle is shorter?
Are there now just some tests / experiences about Slick 24 vs. Unit 24?
Coming from Slingshot Javelin Boom and like the boom really. But missing a bit the low end power of 6,5.
Seems only less more than of the 5,0. But I started winging with boom concepte and liked it really.
So I'm very interessted about slick vs. unit expereiences also.
Are there now just some tests / experiences about Slick 24 vs. Unit 24?
Coming from Slingshot Javelin Boom and like the boom really. But missing a bit the low end power of 6,5.
Seems only less more than of the 5,0. But I started winging with boom concepte and liked it really.
So I'm very interessted about slick vs. unit expereiences also.
Select to expand quotemichaelpaf said..
Are there now just some tests / experiences about Slick 24 vs. Unit 24?
Coming from Slingshot Javelin Boom and like the boom really. But missing a bit the low end power of 6,5.
Seems only less more than of the 5,0. But I started winging with boom concepte and liked it really.
So I'm very interessted about slick vs. unit expereiences also.
Still waiting for the 2024 Slick to be released, any day now.
For me the Slick gets the tick over the unit for swell riding. I have both the SLS unit and slick. With the Slick it is slightly faster to grab a bit of power to get over a dead section. I generally hold the very front of the boom rather than the front handle, it's super quick to grab some power on the slick, always a bit of a shuffle with the unit as your hand is slightly further back when using a unit
Just a personal preference so keenly awaiting the 2024 Slicks to replace my Unit
Yeah, sorry readed to late that 2024 slick is still not there.
Thanks a very lot for your opinion.
If the boom wing is not much worse as handle I'd prefer boom. My personal preference.What is your experience regarding low end pumping power and range?
Would be interessting what size would be good one as the biggest (85 KG / 95 Liter sky free / 3 month winging - windfoil since 3 years :-) )
Hi Michael,
Slicks coming soon, 13.3.24, have tried some of the protos/pre-production, a nice upgrade to the 2023, especially in power and low end. As a Unit user myself, located mainly in fresh water/Lake locations, I prefer the Unit for the low end power and lift for lighter winds/jumping. But both Wings have their positive points, the Slicks usually have a better top end, slightly less lower end/raw power.
For the combo you mentioned, 85kg/95L board (you did not mention the foil size), I'd go for either a 5.5 or a 6.0 size Wing, depending on your local conditions of course. And depends on the other sizes in your quiver. 5.5 better for 12-15+ knots, below that, the 6.0 is always nice to have, but wider span/bit more "bulky" during manouevers. Hope that helps.
ps Long front handle on the Unit 24 does replace a lot of the boom feeling/necessity, but there are still differences in the wing characteristics (Slick more compact, bit softer, better top end/Unit more low end and lift, better for tacking&waves)
Select to expand quoteCraigGDuotone said..
Hi Michael,
Slicks coming soon, 13.3.24, have tried some of the protos/pre-production, a nice upgrade to the 2023, especially in power and low end. As a Unit user myself, located mainly in fresh water/Lake locations, I prefer the Unit for the low end power and lift for lighter winds/jumping. But both Wings have their positive points, the Slicks usually have a better top end, slightly less lower end/raw power.
For the combo you mentioned, 85kg/95L board (you did not mention the foil size), I'd go for either a 5.5 or a 6.0 size Wing, depending on your local conditions of course. And depends on the other sizes in your quiver. 5.5 better for 12-15+ knots, below that, the 6.0 is always nice to have, but wider span/bit more "bulky" during manouevers. Hope that helps.
ps Long front handle on the Unit 24 does replace a lot of the boom feeling/necessity, but there are still differences in the wing characteristics (Slick more compact, bit softer, better top end/Unit more low end and lift, better for tacking&waves)
Thanks Craig. Can you tell us about mini-boom compatibility with previous years and fabric choices for 2024? Model line up? TIA
Select to expand quoteBullroarerTook said..CraigGDuotone said..
Hi Michael,
Slicks coming soon, 13.3.24, have tried some of the protos/pre-production, a nice upgrade to the 2023, especially in power and low end. As a Unit user myself, located mainly in fresh water/Lake locations, I prefer the Unit for the low end power and lift for lighter winds/jumping. But both Wings have their positive points, the Slicks usually have a better top end, slightly less lower end/raw power.
For the combo you mentioned, 85kg/95L board (you did not mention the foil size), I'd go for either a 5.5 or a 6.0 size Wing, depending on your local conditions of course. And depends on the other sizes in your quiver. 5.5 better for 12-15+ knots, below that, the 6.0 is always nice to have, but wider span/bit more "bulky" during manouevers. Hope that helps.
ps Long front handle on the Unit 24 does replace a lot of the boom feeling/necessity, but there are still differences in the wing characteristics (Slick more compact, bit softer, better top end/Unit more low end and lift, better for tacking&waves)
Thanks Craig. Can you tell us about mini-boom compatibility with previous years and fabric choices for 2024? Model line up? TIA
I can - on the 13.3 yes...:-) But the mini boom will be compatible, that is no issue, from 2023-2024 Slick. And generally no big fabric differences between the 2023/24 models actually, so no big secrets or changes there. More details in a few weeks then!
Select to expand quoteCraigGDuotone said..
Hi Michael,
Slicks coming soon, 13.3.24, have tried some of the protos/pre-production, a nice upgrade to the 2023, especially in power and low end. As a Unit user myself, located mainly in fresh water/Lake locations, I prefer the Unit for the low end power and lift for lighter winds/jumping. But both Wings have their positive points, the Slicks usually have a better top end, slightly less lower end/raw power.
For the combo you mentioned, 85kg/95L board (you did not mention the foil size), I'd go for either a 5.5 or a 6.0 size Wing, depending on your local conditions of course. And depends on the other sizes in your quiver. 5.5 better for 12-15+ knots, below that, the 6.0 is always nice to have, but wider span/bit more "bulky" during manouevers. Hope that helps.
ps Long front handle on the Unit 24 does replace a lot of the boom feeling/necessity, but there are still differences in the wing characteristics (Slick more compact, bit softer, better top end/Unit more low end and lift, better for tacking&waves)
Hey Craig, thanks a very lot for your inputs. My 90% setup is slingshot PTM899 (900cm?) with the 360 V rear wing. For maximising the low end power we test currently the PFI928 vs E990 VS E1090 vs G1007.
For maximium low end you mentionend the unit has more power. How less / big is the difference out of your point of view?
Seems we have quite the same conditions. Our main spot has often typical gusty low end conditions. In the winter it's way more better but starting with february, march every knots of wind you don't need for fun could be essential.
You mentionend the low end power of the 24 prototype increased. Is that them comparable with the unit?
Yes...I love boom and if I don't loose to much I tend to slick.
How big is the windrange out of your point of view?
This guys here described the slick like the best wing ever ?:
The 2023 Slick... TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? | Windsurf Pro and Average Joe REVIEW | Secrets of the Send - YouTube
You need to understand the development cycle at Duotone.
Unit releases in Fall. Slick in Spring. Learnings from Fall Unit development go into Spring Slick release. Learnings from Spring Slick release go into next Falls Unit.
So the newest wing, Slick or Unit, has the most current learning and the slight edge.
Even knowing this, and trying them both, I love the boom too much to settle for anything else. I'm not alone in this opinion. Have you noticed almost every brand is releasing a boom model this Spring!
Gong flat out states, their boom model is lighter and the best model in the range.
I have a friend who loves booms so much, he just send his Ozone Flux to a repair shop to have a boom installed on it. He has already sent multiple F-one wings to have booms installed.
Select to expand quoteCraigGDuotone said..BullroarerTook said..CraigGDuotone said..
Hi Michael,
Slicks coming soon, 13.3.24, have tried some of the protos/pre-production, a nice upgrade to the 2023, especially in power and low end. As a Unit user myself, located mainly in fresh water/Lake locations, I prefer the Unit for the low end power and lift for lighter winds/jumping. But both Wings have their positive points, the Slicks usually have a better top end, slightly less lower end/raw power.
For the combo you mentioned, 85kg/95L board (you did not mention the foil size), I'd go for either a 5.5 or a 6.0 size Wing, depending on your local conditions of course. And depends on the other sizes in your quiver. 5.5 better for 12-15+ knots, below that, the 6.0 is always nice to have, but wider span/bit more "bulky" during manouevers. Hope that helps.
ps Long front handle on the Unit 24 does replace a lot of the boom feeling/necessity, but there are still differences in the wing characteristics (Slick more compact, bit softer, better top end/Unit more low end and lift, better for tacking&waves)
Thanks Craig. Can you tell us about mini-boom compatibility with previous years and fabric choices for 2024? Model line up? TIA
I can - on the 13.3 yes...:-) But the mini boom will be compatible, that is no issue, from 2023-2024 Slick. And generally no big fabric differences between the 2023/24 models actually, so no big secrets or changes there. More details in a few weeks then!
Hi Craig
Thanks for the above info/preview on the upcoming new Slick.
If there aren't big changes in the fabric, lets hope there are improvements in the stress areas of the leading edge / wing frame based on the Dacron fabric.
As for my slick (40+ sessions) the Dacron fabric can't keep its shape over time, causing the canopy within to loose tension and the wing to start fluttering.
I discussed this topic on boot expo with other brands who have basically the same issue with standard dacron based wings.
I was told the elbow area of the wing is usually the weak point and recinforcing the materials in that area one possible solution.
What's your opinion here?
Select to expand quoteDWF said..
You need to understand the development cycle at Duotone.
Unit releases in Fall. Slick in Spring. Learnings from Fall Unit development go into Spring Slick release. Learnings from Spring Slick release go into next Falls Unit.
So the newest wing, Slick or Unit, has the most current learning and the slight edge.
Even knowing this, and trying them both, I love the boom too much to settle for anything else. I'm not alone in this opinion. Have you noticed almost every brand is releasing a boom model this Spring!
Gong flat out states, their boom model is lighter and the best model in the range.
I have a friend who loves booms so much, he just send his Ozone Flux to a repair shop to have a boom installed on it. He has already sent multiple F-one wings to have booms installed.
I feel like a copycat. Every time you talk about booms I go "Hear hear"! The other thing I was wondering about is from the manufacturers position. With the longer solid handles the weight has to be close to a boom. And two stanchions instead of four has to be lighter and faster to make.
