Select to expand quotedejavu said..
Tucker prefers the 2022 Slick SLS -- interesting!
Cliff's - new one has more bottom end, less top end. Why can't we ever have both?
Select to expand quoteFaff said..dejavu said..
Tucker prefers the 2022 Slick SLS -- interesting!
Cliff's - new one has more bottom end, less top end. Why can't we ever have both?
Same with foils! Tucker is a really skilled experienced rider and I know he has a lot of time on the SLS Slicks. I trust his assessment.
I've ridden my full quiver of SLS Slicks (6, 5, 4, 3m) for a year now. Couldn't be happier. Gave up some low end from the original Slicks, but super stable when fully powered and great for all the constant release-regrab strapless freestyly stuff I do. Still tight after a year. I'm sure the new Slicks are great, but no upgrade for me, just workin on skills. It'll be interesting to see the Dlab version.
Select to expand quoteDWF said..dejavu said..
Tucker prefers the 2022 Slick SLS -- interesting!
Honestly, I couldn't tell. That was a mess. Two guys talking on top of each other, flip flopping back and forth on opinions, combined with confusing branding.
It was a mistake not calling it the v3 and the old one a v2.
It sounded more like they both got their asses kicked on a recent high wind session and became confused. Less powerful old version versus more powerful new version
I'd like Tucker to go back to his solo review and get rid of the other guy.
Haha! 
Just saw that video and I was equally completely puzzled. Bring back Tucker on his porch and chickens in the background!
Select to expand quoteDspace said..Faff said..dejavu said..
Tucker prefers the 2022 Slick SLS -- interesting!
Cliff's - new one has more bottom end, less top end. Why can't we ever have both? Same with foils! Tucker is a really skilled experienced rider and I know he has a lot of time on the SLS Slicks. I trust his assessment.
I've ridden my full quiver of SLS Slicks (6, 5, 4, 3m) for a year now. Couldn't be happier. Gave up some low end from the original Slicks, but super stable when fully powered and great for all the constant release-regrab strapless freestyly stuff I do. Still tight after a year. I'm sure the new Slicks are great, but no upgrade for me, just workin on skills. It'll be interesting to see the Dlab version.
I'm gonna stick with my SLS slicks for now as well. The next big thing has to be appreciably better to make it worth upgrading.
Great forum I haven't been on here in a while. I figured I would get details here on the new slick. I need to check in here more often.
I own and have quite a few wings. Currently really enjoy my Slick SLSs 6,5,4m with new thin mini boom. My favorite model from Duotone was the unit v2 but I kept pulling handles off and tearing struts. That pushed me to Slick SLS. Got the new Unit v3 3m and didn't like it as much as v2 but after multiple session I am getting used to it and appreciating more. The unit v3 Like the Slick SLS needed me to adjust to the wing and they have become more special over a little time. The unit v2 was just lively, easy and seemed high performance out of tbe gate for for me. Miss that.
I really appreciate Tuckers feedback. He personally help me pick the right foil for me after a first large wing foil purchase mistake. He gives the pros and cons and comparison is great I am not looking for polished video production and speaker. I am looking for unvarnished experience and opinions from trusted sources. heaven forbid someone mentions they may like features/characteristics from a previous version over a new model.
I was looking to add a 7m wing and was waiting for new slick v3. I am not sure I want tbe slick v3 6.5 so I might wait to see what the Dlab version brings. However, I'm likely going to get 7m SLS at a great close out price.
thanks
Select to expand quoteRolavi said..
Great forum I haven't been on here in a while. I figured I would get details here on the new slick. I need to check in here more often.
I own and have quite a few wings. Currently really enjoy my Slick SLSs 6,5,4m with new thin mini boom. My favorite model from Duotone was the unit v2 but I kept pulling handles off and tearing struts. That pushed me to Slick SLS. Got the new Unit v3 3m and didn't like it as much as v2 but after multiple session I am getting used to it and appreciating more. The unit v3 Like the Slick SLS needed me to adjust to the wing and they have become more special over a little time. The unit v2 was just lively, easy and seemed high performance out of tbe gate for for me. Miss that.
I really appreciate Tuckers feedback. He personally help me pick the right foil for me after a first large wing foil purchase mistake. He gives the pros and cons and comparison is great I am not looking for polished video production and speaker. I am looking for unvarnished experience and opinions from trusted sources. heaven forbid someone mentions they may like features/characteristics from a previous version over a new model.
I was looking to add a 7m wing and was waiting for new slick v3. I am not sure I want tbe slick v3 6.5 so I might wait to see what the Dlab version brings. However, I'm likely going to get 7m SLS at a great close out price.
thanks
FYI, in case you've demoed the 6.5m v2 and v3 Units, the Slick v3 6.5m has more low end and high end. More low end because it can be pumped aggressively without the wing tips hitting. More high end because it delivers power smoother. I'm sure there are other factors too, but those are the 2 that stand out. Back in July, the prototype Slick I tried felt twitchy in angle of attack trim. Probably because they were flatter airfoil sections back then. That last sentence was my opinion/guess.
The MOD3 canopy adds instantaneous power to any wing. In a similar way Aluula adds instantaneous power. It's simply less give/material flex transferring more power to the rider and not pissing it away. The v3 Slick can be thought of as a 2nd generation MOD3 model. The first generation being the v3 Unit. That is why the Slick is better than the Unit. The v4 Unit should be better than the current Slick. That's how it goes.
Back in earlier Windsurfing days, Neil Pryde with a comparable market share as Duotone now owns in the wing market, offered two lines of wave sails. The gruntier one designed by legend Barry Spanier and the very successful flatter and loose leech to wave riggs introducing NR Wave by Nils Rosenblad. I do hope that when the handle/boom decision finally has been taken by us customers, that a seemingly well received Slick V2 and a more grunty V3 character can be opted for side by side, rather than in generation steps. For my part, if I found a sports tool, which represents a certain performance character, I'd wish to only be positively surprised by its update, rather than finding sth completely different under the same name.
I have the new MOD3 5m slick, it's fantastic. super tight canopy. best wing yet, of course since it's the latest and greatest.
Low end is absolutely fantastic with the narrow wingspan and tight canopy, haven't tested high end but it can't be great since it's so tight.
Duotone is in another league with canopy stiffness compared to other brands, tried the newest cabrinhas wings recently and there is no comparison they are essentially two generations behind.
Select to expand quoteIcebergmansion said..
I haven't tested high end but it can't be great since it's so tight
sounds strange to me - please share your thoughts !
Select to expand quoteFoxi said..Icebergmansion said..
I haven't tested high end but it can't be great since it's so tight
sounds strange to me - please share your thoughts !
Not sure why he thinks that as the Unit v3 has better top end than the v2
Select to expand quoteIcebergmansion said..
...haven't tested high end but it can't be great since it's so tight.
Duotone is in another league with canopy stiffness compared to other brands, tried the newest cabrinhas wings recently and there is no comparison they are essentially two generations behind.
Hopefully you agree with my testing, and find the top is good.
The v3 Unit had the canopy in the back loosened a bit to be more forgiving. With the v3 Slick, no need, with the new profile making a very smooth ride. Full tight, full power, and forgiving.
I agree on the new Cabrinha. Sold my 7m Vision after one week. Slick blew its doors off in every way.
Nothing I have read so far makes me sorry that I pulled the trigger on 4/5/6/7m Slick SLS at sale prices bundled with booms, pumps and leashes. Saving is about ?1000 GBP over the price of the Slick V3 before I sell on the pumps and booms.
Plus my original quiver of Slicks sold in less than a week.
So far I have only used the 5m SLS but I was impressed how much better it was than the original using the same carbon boom.
For sure the Mod3 will make a positive impact on the new wing but when it comes to next years quiver I will know if it works. Also where I live there are no demo dealers, in fact no dealers at all and I am one of the first winging around here so forums, YouTube and mag tests are the only way to get information. Thanks for all the input.
Interesting, I just figured a super tight canopy would be rough with gusts, haven't used my 5m in anything over 22knots yet. It's a beautiful canopy.
Low end is better than comparable Unit V2. Not sure how different than Slick SLS, will have my friend compare who has been on all slicks forever
Select to expand quoteIcebergmansion said..
Interesting, I just figured a super tight canopy would be rough with gusts, haven't used my 5m in anything over 22knots yet. It's a beautiful canopy.
Low end is better than comparable Unit V2. Not sure how different than Slick SLS, will have my friend compare who has been on all slicks forever
It's all about the draft point and as it's so stable it doesn't move which on softer wings in a gust it moves back so you feel it in back hand
Select to expand quoteFarNorthSurfer said..
Nothing I have read so far makes me sorry that I pulled the trigger on 4/5/6/7m Slick SLS at sale prices bundled with booms, pumps and leashes. Saving is about ?1000 GBP over the price of the Slick V3 before I sell on the pumps and booms.
Plus my original quiver of Slicks sold in less than a week.
So far I have only used the 5m SLS but I was impressed how much better it was than the original using the same carbon boom.
For sure the Mod3 will make a positive impact on the new wing but when it comes to next years quiver I will know if it works. Also where I live there are no demo dealers, in fact no dealers at all and I am one of the first winging around here so forums, YouTube and mag tests are the only way to get information. Thanks for all the input.
Out of interest Skymonster in Dalkeith is now an official Duotone/Fanatic test centre, getting all the demo stuff in soon.
Select to expand quoteleepasty said..Icebergmansion said..
Interesting, I just figured a super tight canopy would be rough with gusts, haven't used my 5m in anything over 22knots yet. It's a beautiful canopy.
Low end is better than comparable Unit V2. Not sure how different than Slick SLS, will have my friend compare who has been on all slicks forever
It's all about the draft point and as it's so stable it doesn't move which on softer wings in a gust it moves back so you feel it in back hand
Interesting. So the idea is the MOD keeping the profile shape better in higher wind, allows the prolonged forward pull that mentioned by Dwight. But then I wonder how would lowering the pressure (as recommended in the past for higher wind) for higher wind play into that? is lower pressure for higher wind still a thing with this wing?
If not, I guess we can assume that accurate" correct pressure is more important with these advancements especially for top end. I see most people just ball park their wing pressure (partly because most analog gauges suck) so maybe top end performance may vary more between users because of this.
Edit, Dwight, how does you 2023 6.5 compare with your old CWC 7 in the lightest winds?
Select to expand quoteFishdude said..
Edit, Dwight, how does you 2023 6.5 compare with your old CWC 7 in the lightest winds?
It's been awhile since I owned the 7m CWC. My more recent foray into 7 meters was with the Vision.
At the time, the CWC didn't impress me. The wing tips hit the water pumping aggressively. Hurting the low end for me. What really made me sell it quick, was the horrible draft stability. As soon as I got on foil, my riding speed and apparent wind speed generation was too much for the wing. Instant back hand pressure and lots of it. Using a harness, I was moving the rear harness line connection point rearwards as my speed built. A complete fail for me. Sold it. It's important to ride fast in light wind. Doing that makes more power.
The 6.5m doesn't handicap my riding. Pumps onto the foil great, then goes fast and I'm lit up the whole session. You can see this in the video compared to the guy riding the 6.5m v2 Unit. It's so light, he never gets close to going and packs up and goes in search of another place to ride. Totally defeated that day.
This video below might give a better idea of how the v3 Slick works in light wind. It's a 7m v3 Slick versus an 8m CWC. The 8m CWC rider is on the Axis 1300. A massive span foil that goes in no wind, but goes slow. Nobody else even trying to ride this day. The 7m v3 Slick did not go to production. Duotone has other unannounced plans for big sizes. But if you can watch this 7m versus the 8m CWC and then try to imagine the 6.5m v3 Slick versus the 7m CWC, I expect they are close, with the Slick having way more draft stable top end.
Just went out yesterday on the 5m 2023 Duotone Slick. The wind was gusty, 10-30. On the Axis 1050 (1500 sq cm) and I'm 215 pounds (and then add on 20 pounds of sopping wet wetsuit from rain). I also have a 6m SLS Slick for comparison. I did notice the canopy tension to be a little tighter. The low end grunt is more significant if you actually take advantage of the canopy tension and pump in a fast cadence. But it isn't push-button easy grunt like on the Fone CWC where basically you just wave your hands around and you get up. The V3 handles the gusts very well. And with the carbon boom, it's really fun to handle. Super simple to gybe this setup. I don't know what the difference in weight is between the silver boom and the carbon boom, but in my hands, it's night and day. On Saturday I was on the 6m SLS and the wind died. I had to get on my knees and hold the wing up by the boom for 40 minutes. I'm glad the boom was carbon and thin. So for SLS owners, the carbon boom is a MUST BUY.
Select to expand quoteDWF said..
Can you fix the confusing labels. The v2 is a SLS. The v3 is not an SLS.
OK. I'm so confused. I'm just going to call it the 2023 Duotone Slick.
Select to expand quoteJakeDawg69 said..DWF said..
Can you fix the confusing labels. The v2 is a SLS. The v3 is not an SLS.
OK. I'm so confused. I'm just going to call it the 2023 Duotone Slick.
The problem is almost every web site (since last summer) called the SLS a 2023. Even at the AWSI trade show last September, they called the SLS a 2023.
Duotone created a mess with the naming.
The general public seems to understand v2 and v3 better. We can all count versions. SLS is v2. New Slick is v3. Simple.
AWSI show last September. No way should Duotone have called the next Slick a 2023 also. So I'm campaigning V2 and V3.
The naming confusion extends to stores. 'The Duotone Slick SLS 2023' is for sale at a number of retailers in the UK at full pricing. The 2022 Slick SLS can be found heavily discounted and bundled with large pump, silver boom and leash. AFAIK there is no difference between the 2023 SLS and the 2022 model.
PentaTx leading edge and strut, no Mod 3 material.
Did I get this wrong?
If I were a cynic I might think that deleting PentaTx after making such a big deal about it last year is to ensure market differentiation between the Slick v3 and the incoming Slick Dlab.
Sounds like I am knocking Duotone here but I am not. Have just paid out for a full quiver of Duotone wings so they must be doing something right
Select to expand quoteFarNorthSurfer said..
The naming confusion extends to stores. 'The Duotone Slick SLS 2023' is for sale at a number of retailers in the UK at full pricing. The 2022 Slick SLS can be found heavily discounted and bundled with large pump, silver boom and leash. AFAIK there is no difference between the 2023 SLS and the 2022 model.
PentaTx leading edge and strut, no Mod 3 material.
Did I get this wrong?
If I were a cynic I might think that deleting PentaTx after making such a big deal about it last year is to ensure market differentiation between the Slick v3 and the incoming Slick Dlab.
Sounds like I am knocking Duotone here but I am not. Have just paid out for a full quiver of Duotone wings so they must be doing something right
Yeah, marketing blew it.
So when it was announced the v3 version would be called simply the 2023, shops started updating their web sites to say the SLS was a 2022, instead of a 2023. It also went on sale everywhere. Any shop still claiming the SLS is a 2023, and not on sale, is simply a lazy shop not updating their web site.
Don't pay full price for any SLS. They should be on sale as a 2022 close out.
We the people, automatically called it a v3 because it seemed logical with the Unit's going to V versions. Marketing can do whatever, but if the people call it a v3, you can't fight it.
Just as "the people" created the name SUP, against what manufactures were trying to call it way back in the day.
Slick DLAB:
When will it be available?
Sizes?
Design the same as regular version?
Slick Wingspan, anyone have the info?
I have 2023 Unit DLAB 3.5 and I absolutely love it. Looking for larger size for light wind but unit wingspan looks a little wide in the larger sizes for my liking. Thinking Slick DLAB 5 or 5.5, any feedback?
Select to expand quotefoilthegreats said..
Slick DLAB:
When will it be available?
Sizes?
Design the same as regular version?
Slick Wingspan, anyone have the info?
I have 2023 Unit DLAB 3.5 and I absolutely love it. Looking for larger size for light wind but unit wingspan looks a little wide in the larger sizes for my liking. Thinking Slick DLAB 5 or 5.5, any feedback?
Slick Dlab end of month I think. I have Slicks arriving Friday in same sizes as been using Unit v3s 5.5,4.5,3.5 for past 6 months so will be able give direct comparison soon
Select to expand quotefoilthegreats said..
Slick DLAB:
When will it be available?
Sizes?
Design the same as regular version?
Slick Wingspan, anyone have the info?
I have 2023 Unit DLAB 3.5 and I absolutely love it. Looking for larger size for light wind but unit wingspan looks a little wide in the larger sizes for my liking. Thinking Slick DLAB 5 or 5.5, any feedback?
I have Unit 2023 dlabs 5.5 and 6.5 , me 75kg and 5ft 8in tall with short arms compared to tall skinny guys, no issues with wing tips hitting the water.
For those using D-Labs, do you have direct experience of using the same version D-Lab and no D-Lab units?
If so, what are the real world winging differences that you felt?
Currently on Slicks but looking at the V3 and half thinking about maybe one of those in D-Lab to try.
Select to expand quotesbm said..
For those using D-Labs, do you have direct experience of using the same version D-Lab and no D-Lab units?
If so, what are the real world winging differences that you felt?
Currently on Slicks but looking at the V3 and half thinking about maybe one of those in D-Lab to try.
I have experience on both.
D/Lab averages 3/4 lb lighter. Pumping feels more solid, rigid and efficient. Draft stability hangs in there longer.
BUT, this is a big BUT. The MOD3 canopy gives the same boost as Aluula with regard to rigid, direct, efficient pumps and draft stability.
For example, a Dacron MOD3 wing for 2023 is better than last years D/lab with crappy kite canopy.
I am so stoked on the dacron wings with MOD3, I will not go for any D/labs this year. If the weight savings is worth the price difference to you, then go for it. I would not chose it for a performance gain. The performance gap has closed.
