The 2024 Doutone Unit (DLab) is coming. Looks like a smaller leading edge and bigger front handle (as also on the Ventis).

The new Dlab colour way looks tasty..

Looks like the same useless floppy LE handle

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Thatspec said..
Looks like the same useless floppy LE handle

Nothing wrong with the front handle on the slick v3 so reckon it's good on the new unit ??

my rep told me as a Lakers fan I was gonna like the new colors

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sunsetsailboards said..
my rep told me as a Lakers fan I was gonna like the new colors

As a Laker fan, I'm seriously considering that board!

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leepasty said..

Thatspec said..
Looks like the same useless floppy LE handle

Nothing wrong with the front handle on the slick v3 so reckon it's good on the new unit ??

I'd have to look at a V3 Slick but the LE handle looks like an afterthought on every Duotone wing I've ever seen. I'd put up with floppy main handles if they went to a stiff carbon handle for the LE. Pretty much every other manufacturer does it better. Duotone wings really prioritize "sailing" with downwinding and wave riding as a very distant secondary use. Certainly looks like a great sailing wing but that's not why I wingfoil.

Surprised to see one of the yellow/purple wings out today and it had much more muted colors than in the pictures.

And Duotone still don't include a pump adapter!! Just displays a complete contempt for the customer, you have a non industry standard valve and don't think a part that would cost you less than a dollar to produce isn't something that you should include!! I wish I could find a wing I liked as much as my D labs as this is something that makes me want to buy another brand.

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Thatspec said..

leepasty said..

Thatspec said..
Looks like the same useless floppy LE handle

Nothing wrong with the front handle on the slick v3 so reckon it's good on the new unit ??

I'd have to look at a V3 Slick but the LE handle looks like an afterthought on every Duotone wing I've ever seen. I'd put up with floppy main handles if they went to a stiff carbon handle for the LE. Pretty much every other manufacturer does it better. Duotone wings really prioritize "sailing" with downwinding and wave riding as a very distant secondary use. Certainly looks like a great sailing wing but that's not why I wingfoil.

Surprised to see one of the yellow/purple wings out today and it had much more muted colors than in the pictures.

Yes I agree. I'm really disappointed that they have not addressed their pathetic, limp, twisty, front/flagging handle since 2022! It's the one thing I really dislike about my Units when i compare to other brands. What is the reluctance to make a stiff, direct control flag handle? Thinking of getting a Cabrinha Mantis for my next wing in the quiver even though I'm all Duotone Units. Fix it Duotone!

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rmitch said..

Thatspec said..

leepasty said..

Thatspec said..
Looks like the same useless floppy LE handle

Nothing wrong with the front handle on the slick v3 so reckon it's good on the new unit ??

I'd have to look at a V3 Slick but the LE handle looks like an afterthought on every Duotone wing I've ever seen. I'd put up with floppy main handles if they went to a stiff carbon handle for the LE. Pretty much every other manufacturer does it better. Duotone wings really prioritize "sailing" with downwinding and wave riding as a very distant secondary use. Certainly looks like a great sailing wing but that's not why I wingfoil.

Surprised to see one of the yellow/purple wings out today and it had much more muted colors than in the pictures.

Yes I agree. I'm really disappointed that they have not addressed their pathetic, limp, twisty, front/flagging handle since 2022! It's the one thing I really dislike about my Units when i compare to other brands. What is the reluctance to make a stiff, direct control flag handle? Thinking of getting a Cabrinha Mantis for my next wing in the quiver even though I'm all Duotone Units. Fix it Duotone!

They changed it on the slick v3 and it's the same on the new units. stiffened up with extra webbing on the connection to the le

@Leepasty have they really in the 24' Units, have you seen them/tried them? It would be great if they have, you would have thought they would have made that a notable feature improvement, there's nothing said about it anywhere, and people have been complaining about the twisty LE handle on every year's release now.

the LE handle felt the same to me as the 23 Unit and 23 Slick. it's nowhere as stiff as say the Strike 3 LE handle. that said it did not bother me at all, but I am also used to it.

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rmitch said..
@Leepasty have they really in the 24' Units, have you seen them/tried them? It would be great if they have, you would have thought they would have made that a notable feature improvement, there's nothing said about it anywhere, and people have been complaining about the twisty LE handle on every year's release now.

Nope, it's the same crappy LE handle as my Unit V2. I tested both 24' D-Lab and Standard Units.

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burchas said..

rmitch said..
@Leepasty have they really in the 24' Units, have you seen them/tried them? It would be great if they have, you would have thought they would have made that a notable feature improvement, there's nothing said about it anywhere, and people have been complaining about the twisty LE handle on every year's release now.

Nope, it's the same crappy LE handle as my Unit V2. I tested both 24' D-Lab and Standard Units.

It might look the same on outside and feel same but it has stiffener inside and extra horizontal webbing on the connection to le so there's no play there

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leepasty said..

burchas said..

rmitch said..
@Leepasty have they really in the 24' Units, have you seen them/tried them? It would be great if they have, you would have thought they would have made that a notable feature improvement, there's nothing said about it anywhere, and people have been complaining about the twisty LE handle on every year's release now.

Nope, it's the same crappy LE handle as my Unit V2. I tested both 24' D-Lab and Standard Units.

It might look the same on outside and feel same but it has stiffener inside and extra horizontal webbing on the connection to le so there's no play there

A turd with a lipstick on is still a turd I would say that the wing it self is on a completely different level than my Unit V2. If not for the
stupid inflation valve the leading edge handle and the no leash BS I would actually consider buying it.

The V1 Unit was the first and only wing gear I totally regretted buying. The entire experience from purchase, ownership and resale was a let down. Our local Doutone seller is difficult to deal with and they give off the "snobby bike store" vibe, like I was bothering them for trying to spend a thousand dollars at their store. When I got home, I was shocked that the wing came in a plastic sleeve and not a bag, there was no leash, and I had to return to the store to purchase an adaptor. The wing flew like crap, and I sold it at a huge loss a month later.

I really hope they have grown since those early days. But judging by some of the comments here, I'll be staying away longer.

First go on the 5.5 dlab today and it's epic
check out the reel here-
www.instagram.com/reel/CxGURr6otak/?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg==

?si=IxcaIX4l7YVoUet4

Interesting session today, back to back, 5m DLab V1,2 and 3, disappointingly they still have a crappy flagging handle, how hard would it be to get this right, they have also done away with the wing tip valve, why they would do that is beyond me, with Aluula being able to roll with no folds has to be better for the wing, there is now a non sensical extra deflate valve on the leading edge. Sailing wise, they all flag well, but the V3 is super stable, upwind and overpowered the V1 wins hands down, the V1 still has that raw lightweight and exciting to ride (sporty) the V2 is nice but not as aggressive and the V3 has become slightly middle aged and overweight! I'm just a punter who spends a lot on their equipment and must say the V3 is not an upgrade you need to rush out and buy. I use a race foil a fair amount (Mikes Lab Bullet 7) so ride well powered, the V3 doesn't like this and becomes a real hand full.

@pumpnjump I'd say you want to compare the v3 4.5 to the v1 5m if you are looking to ride maxed out on a race foil. You should then find the v3 faster and points higher

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pumpnjump said..
they have also done away with the wing tip valve, why they would do that is beyond me, with Aluula being able to roll with no folds has to be better for the wing, there is now a non sensical extra deflate valve on the leading edge.

The dump valve was removed from the wing tip to STOP you from rolling it end to end. The long handle, means it needs to be rolled tip to middle, like a kite, then folded backwards to keep the handles from rubbing on each other in the bag. Duotone wants it folded like it was delivered from the factory. There is a warning tag on the wing letting you know the right way to bag the v3.

I rode the v3 for a few days and it felt exactly like my v2 except the new handles are nice upgrade. I had a slick in the past and missed the boom when I went to my v2. But I think boom wings are cancelled now, the v3 handles do everything a boom does, but better - the boom is straight but the handles on the v3 are at a more comfortable angle, and lower diameter.

Looking good! I guess the longer front handle allows 1 handed powered riding.
North had a long front handle on their v2.. and then a shorter one on the v3

I'm tempted!

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MProject04 said..
Looking good! I guess the longer front handle allows 1 handed powered riding.
North had a long front handle on their v2.. and then a shorter one on the v3

I'm tempted!

The new north wings have multiple handle lengths, just clip on whatever length you want, even a long boom.

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airsail said..

MProject04 said..
Looking good! I guess the longer front handle allows 1 handed powered riding.
North had a long front handle on their v2.. and then a shorter one on the v3

I'm tempted!

The new north wings have multiple handle lengths, just clip on whatever length you want, even a long boom.

Thanks for letting us know. Could you please refer to the North website where I find more info on the multiple length handles???thx????