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EB said..

gription said..
The duotone looks fantastic. I wonder how it stacks up against the new North v2. Seems like V1 nova was a flop, but this new one has some nice looking features.

Interested in understanding why the North was considered a flop. Having a couple of these I'm looking to up grade these to V2 would be my 1st choice admittedly. If I could understand what I'm missing or overlooked the V1 flaws then maybe I'll be looking elsewhere.
1st season winging for me so haven't had a chance to use anything else.

You haven't missed anything.
I have used quite a few different wings and the Nova v1 is a great product.
top quality construction , great performance and my favourite handles.
The Nova v2 looks like a great option for all the same reasons. I am going to hang on to my Nova v1 s and see where the industry ends up with canopy material because that's the current weak point in all wings.
lots of development in the strut material but it's the canopy's that need a rethink in most brands. We need to accept that a wing that is going to last more than a season is going to have to heavier.
remember the old mountain bike saying "Light, Strong , Cheap. Pick two "
interesting times ahead .

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hilly said..
Hard meets soft always a weak point. Was the leash attached to the front point?

No, just normal attachment, but it does like something was "holding on" to the front handle.

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ArtemN said..

hilly said..
Hard meets soft always a weak point. Was the leash attached to the front point?

No, just normal attachment, but it does like something was "holding on" to the front handle.

If I understood Artem's text correctly the leash didn't have anything to do with this? The wing was right way up, front against the waves/where the white water comes, and Artem was paddling with the wing's center strut between his feet, which would keep the wing at the surface level, or did I not get this right?
Doesn't look good to have this thing ripped, don't know how it can happen, other than there really is a weak spot where the handles attach to the center strut :/

Artem - what size is the wing?

Similar problems... Duotone Unit 2022 topic standupzone May 3
www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,37895.30.html

"Welp. The new Unit has a definite design flaw.
My friend was just winging along and the center strut exploded at the front of the rear handle. The fabric tore completely through. Looking at it it's pretty obvious the rigid attachment plate on the handle combined with stitching through the fabric causes a stress point on the weakened fabric.
Wing was nearly new and had never been overinflated."

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Jaybin said..
Similar problems... Duotone Unit 2022 topic standupzone May 3
www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,37895.30.html

"Welp. The new Unit has a definite design flaw.
My friend was just winging along and the center strut exploded at the front of the rear handle. The fabric tore completely through. Looking at it it's pretty obvious the rigid attachment plate on the handle combined with stitching through the fabric causes a stress point on the weakened fabric.
Wing was nearly new and had never been overinflated."

Interesting, if it's not just me that there is a manufacturing/design issue.

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omg said..

If I understood Artem's text correctly the leash didn't have anything to do with this? The wing was right way up, front against the waves/where the white water comes, and Artem was paddling with the wing's center strut between his feet, which would keep the wing at the surface level, or did I not get this right?
Doesn't look good to have this thing ripped, don't know how it can happen, other than there really is a weak spot where the handles attach to the center strut :/

Artem - what size is the wing?

5m, pretty much that was it as described above, nothing abnormal, I've had other wings covered by white water, broken leash, never damaged wing.

I think we'll see more reports of torn struts around the handles connection, it's just the matter of applying enough stress over time (read pumping and being powered on) until it can't take anymore.

Maybe it's time for duotone folks to start issuing warranties on it and fix it in the next release?
My warranty "claim" investigation wasn't even considered by duotone, customer's fault/misuse.
I'm shipping the wing tomorrow for repairs but someone PM'ed me saying that after fixing their similar issue it ripped off on the other handle...

I've seen one of these failures. It was on a very new wing that had been used 5 or so times (purple 5.5). Customer was incredibly bummed, and so was I as his dealer. I was also very concerned that this could be a widespread problem. So far, this is the only failed wing I've seen in my area and there are many of these new wings on the water every day. I suppose full longterm durability of this attachment will be determined as time goes on.

Thankfully, Duotone (USA) approved replacement for the wing immediately and we just had to wait a little bit for the size/color to come back into availability.

I probably have 50 days on my 4.5 so far riding in all conditions and I will keep an eye on my strut/handle connections. Funny thing is that my customer's wing failed on the forward attachment point on the rear handle. When I'm sailing I find that I'm actually putting stress on the tail end of the rear handle.

Another similar problem... French forum February 20 www.pimpyourride.fr/forum-wingfoil/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=403

one thing I've noticed is that all these defective wings have been in the purple colorway. I wonder if there was one production run where they used bad or mis-spec'd material on the struts?

Just had a look at my 5.5 dlab and it seems to have a larger reinforcing patch with stitching further out. Hope this helps spread the stress more, fingers crossed. Also time will tell on how good dlab is under the loads and flexing, again fingers crossed.
MMy4m has the stitching at the strut join, mmm.
It maybe best to have the pressure at the maximum to reduce flexing of the stress points.

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warwickl said..
Just had a look at my 5.5 dlab and it seems to have a larger reinforcing patch with stitching further out. Hope this helps spread the stress more, fingers crossed. Also time will tell on how good dlab is under the loads and flexing, again fingers crossed.
MMy4m has the stitching at the strut join, mmm.
It maybe best to have the pressure at the maximum to reduce flexing of the stress points.

This is more correct in terms of build in D-lab. But it's just a bigger gusset and larger taper. Looks just under built on the normal version, that simple.

Duotone will either quickly make a V2.1 or just keep replacing these under warranty until it runs out.
I hope for everyone's sake this is remedied quickly!

Fairly sure Duotone will not be too worried. Few people use them that hard. Most wings will sit in the shed for years. The Dlab stitching looks good. Team riders who go hard here have had no issues.

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hilly said..
Fairly sure Duotone will not be too worried. Few people use them that hard. Most wings will sit in the shed for years. The Dlab stitching looks good. Team riders who go hard here have had no issues.

As I mentioned before my warranty claim wasn't even considered here in AU.
My main concern is safety, you can be in the middle of nowhere having fun and all of the sudden you rip off the handle(s) while pumping.. It would be the last thing on your mind that could have gone wrong.

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ArtemN said..
As I mentioned before my warranty claim wasn't even considered here in AU.
My main concern is safety, you can be in the middle of nowhere having fun and all of the sudden you rip off the handle(s) while pumping.. It would be the last thing on your mind that could have gone wrong.

Handles ripping off during actual riding is a warranty. Trying to paddle out through 3 foot white water and getting you and your wing pummeled is a completely different story.

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Jaybin said..
Another similar problem... French forum February 20 www.pimpyourride.fr/forum-wingfoil/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=403


Yeah agree that's a fault

Another report from Germany with Unit V2 torn apart and the shop won't respond www.facebook.com/groups/1039385019909097/permalink/1415959542251641/

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hilly said..
Fairly sure Duotone will not be too worried. Few people use them that hard. Most wings will sit in the shed for years. The Dlab stitching looks good. Team riders who go hard here have had no issues.

Geez Hilly - Humble pie might be in order..

FWIW, the distributor here in USA was extremely responsive. I had a confirmation the next day that they would replace my customer's wing. We had to wait two weeks for stock to come in as this was a wing off the very first shipment (another purple wing). Customer is stoked... has a quiver now despite the hiccup.

Very troubling to hear that other countries are experiencing different levels of support. Total BS IMO.

As I mentioned earlier, all the failures have been on purple wings (that I've seen online... only seen one locally). Thinking bad production run or bad material.

Well, "what a surprise", instead of issuing some kind of a recall or free repairs, Duotone/country reps decided to do nothing but blame customers... The good thing is that the market always corrects itself.

I have Duotone 5.5 and 4m dlabs.
I have reviewed the testing (available for all to see) of Aluula plus emailed the company with a couple of questions.
In short Aluula has much higher tensile strength which should minimise issues with stitching ie tearing between stitching , plus it seems the reinforcing patch is bigger.
Aluula Company has been forth coming in replying.
I've had the 5.5 dlab in light (so extreme pumping) to over 20kn gusty wind for over 10 sessions with average distances of 20k.
So far - best wing I've had and I've had many.

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ArtemN said..
Well, "what a surprise", instead of issuing some kind of a recall or free repairs, Duotone/country reps decided to do nothing but blame customers... The good thing is that the market always corrects itself.

About time someone got his facts right before pointing his finger at people.



You have popped up on another page about your actions that day.



The 2 witness described your actions as ******

Then you go back out on a smaller gear to only get rescued by the coastguard.

Sounds like no warranty for stupidity ...

I have 4.5 and 5.5 std 22 unit. Replacing echo (3.3,5,7) after 1 year. I liked the speed of echo, but in stronger winds when re-mounting board you need to be ninja quick so trailing edge doesn't submerge due to no inflated strut. Also, in stronger winds, echo is like wrestling a tiger and twitchy. I would never go out in 30kts with 5m echo. Yet to find upper range with units, so comfortable. Initially I didn't think units were as fast (with echo you get turbo kicking in effect) but now I'm used to units I love them and get more speed for sure. I've had 4.5 out in 35 kts gusting 37. Never felt overpowered. Had 5.5 out in 8-10 kts, will never use 7m again. Units do behave better when carrying to/from water, but only completely neutral if dead into wind. Still OK though. I do experience a bit of backwinding, but could be my local spots dodgy wind. On water they do flip over on back constantly, but not a major issue. A lot lighter than echo obviously too. All in all really happy with both

With a few of these exploding struts popping up, and a 6-12 month warranty depending if you register the wing or not. Do you hope it explodes within the warranty period or just hold off purchase until they come out with a fix.
Seems the wings popping are fairly new, but will all do it once the strut material ages and weakens? What about resale, would anyone take the risk?
I'm watching closely and holding onto my old Slicks until a recall or fix is worked out. Maybe the new SLS Slick is a better option.

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murf said..

ArtemN said..
As I mentioned before my warranty claim wasn't even considered here in AU.
My main concern is safety, you can be in the middle of nowhere having fun and all of the sudden you rip off the handle(s) while pumping.. It would be the last thing on your mind that could have gone wrong.

Handles ripping off during actual riding is a warranty. Trying to paddle out through 3 foot white water and getting you and your wing pummeled is a completely different story.

Spot on murf......100%

I've had no trouble with my Duotone 6m Unit in waves

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TAA said..

I'm really glad our brief encounters are over, good luck!

I spotted a batch of new SLICK SLS in store here in The FoilShop. Will be interesting to see how the performance and weight of the Unit versus Slick compares. I think the removable boom and webbing stitched to strut is better for longer term durability versus stitched on hard handles. I feel the majority of local slick riders have already switched onto DLAB units. So I'm not really sure who the slick is going to appeal to now?

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ArtemN said..

TAA said..

I'm really glad our brief encounters are over, good luck!

Sorry you feel that way



Dealers and shops worldwide have to go by the brands warranty policy.
Perhaps you should read that first.

So pointing the finger at someone when it's out of their control and power is bull****



As you should know this as it's your 3 to 4 claims with 2 different brands and 2 different shops in the last year.


Your right on about the market always corrects itself .

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TAA said..

Next time I see you at the beach somewhere - please do tell me about all the claims I've made (that I have no idea of ), in the mean time it's time to relax and move on...

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ArtemN said..

TAA said..

Next time I see you at the beach somewhere - please do tell me about all the claims I've made (that I have no idea of ), in the mean time it's time to relax and move on...

I had moved on until you dragged me up on a forum page.
Not cool ....

Usually the customer would go back into the shop of purchase and talk on what the outcome would be instead of playing the victim on a forum page..

This page is talking about a handful of damaged Duotone units to how many thousands units sold worldwide.
And yes it does sounds like some are definitely warranty claims.
All brands have a great warranty policy but to slag them on social media isn't that wise.








No need to talk at the beach.
I'll just say the stitching on one brand and leave it at that.

Handles still going strong after at least 75 sessions.

Once again I will reiterate this wing has incredible low end, I'm regularly winging (and having a blast) in 8-10knots on a 5m, 75L board, Axis 1010 foil.

The top end is limited though, over 20 knots and it's rough on the 5m, just an incredibly stiff setup.