I'm looking around for a new wing, for reference I've only ever ridden Ensis in 5 and 6m and am 105kg

What is the new Unit v2 like with the stiff handles?
Do you get tired at all?
Is it a more direct feeling and easier to pump up in light wind?
Does it flag out as well as the Ensis? (I've read the front handle is tiny and a bit floppy)

Is it a better choice than the new Ensis Spin or F-one v2?

Thanks

Select to expand quote

north_kiter said..
I'm looking around for a new wing, for reference I've only ever ridden Ensis in 5 and 6m and am 105kg

What is the new Unit v2 like with the stiff handles?
Do you get tired at all?
Is it a more direct feeling and easier to pump up in light wind?
Does it flag out as well as the Ensis? (I've read the front handle is tiny and a bit floppy)

Is it a better choice than the new Ensis Spin or F-one v2?

Thanks

I super impressed with my ENSIS Spin. Great in the waves, grunty and flies overall super smooth.Not sure about Fone as they used cheaper material and wings bagged out easily.

The 6.5 DLAB unit is really superb. Brilliant handling, great upwind, no back winding, super light, easy to gybe or tack. Massive wind range.

The handles are really nice. Better than anything else I have tried.

I tried the 5m Dlab and although I was before very sceptical about the Allula stuff and the hard handles it performed really really well.The Dlab stuff makes the wing insane stiff and pumping more effective, the wing screams upwind.The well placed handles are oval and have a nice grib, although I don,t like the sharp corners on the outside, it is a matter of time before that will damage boards. Because of that I still prefer soft handles. Flagged pumping it was light, but not lighter or more forgettable as my Smik that cost approx half the price of an Dlab.

Select to expand quote

north_kiter said..
I'm looking around for a new wing, for reference I've only ever ridden Ensis in 5 and 6m and am 105kg

What is the new Unit v2 like with the stiff handles?
Do you get tired at all?
Is it a more direct feeling and easier to pump up in light wind?
Does it flag out as well as the Ensis? (I've read the front handle is tiny and a bit floppy)

Is it a better choice than the new Ensis Spin or F-one v2?

Thanks

Not sure what size you're looking at, but I just used the regular Unit v2 4m in 15-30mph winds. Have also got the Ozone Wasp v2 5m, and Arm AWing 5.5. The Unit solid handles are very nice - very direct connection and feels like better control of the wing. Didn't feel any difference in tiredness. The wing feels light and rigid/stiff. Feels good powered up too. Pumping was a little off, my favorite of the 3 wings for pumping is the Ozone as it has a little flex to it (but i dont really think a 4m in 20mph winds needs pumping). Feels like it points upwind nicely. Easy to control when overpowered. The front handle is very thin, but i'm riding on a small lake and dont flag out the wing so cant comment on that.

Select to expand quote

kiwiupover said..

north_kiter said..
I'm looking around for a new wing, for reference I've only ever ridden Ensis in 5 and 6m and am 105kg

What is the new Unit v2 like with the stiff handles?
Do you get tired at all?
Is it a more direct feeling and easier to pump up in light wind?
Does it flag out as well as the Ensis? (I've read the front handle is tiny and a bit floppy)

Is it a better choice than the new Ensis Spin or F-one v2?

Thanks

Not sure what size you're looking at, but I just used the regular Unit v2 4m in 15-30mph winds. Have also got the Ozone Wasp v2 5m, and Arm AWing 5.5. The Unit solid handles are very nice - very direct connection and feels like better control of the wing. Didn't feel any difference in tiredness. The wing feels light and rigid/stiff. Feels good powered up too. Pumping was a little off, my favorite of the 3 wings for pumping is the Ozone as it has a little flex to it (but i dont really think a 4m in 20mph winds needs pumping). Feels like it points upwind nicely. Easy to control when overpowered. The front handle is very thin, but i'm riding on a small lake and dont flag out the wing so cant comment on that.

Which is better at the higher wind range on your lake? Your Ozone Wasp v2 or the Unit v2? Which one goes upwind better?

Select to expand quote

kiwiupover said..

north_kiter said..
I'm looking around for a new wing, for reference I've only ever ridden Ensis in 5 and 6m and am 105kg

What is the new Unit v2 like with the stiff handles?
Do you get tired at all?
Is it a more direct feeling and easier to pump up in light wind?
Does it flag out as well as the Ensis? (I've read the front handle is tiny and a bit floppy)

Is it a better choice than the new Ensis Spin or F-one v2?

Thanks

Not sure what size you're looking at, but I just used the regular Unit v2 4m in 15-30mph winds. Have also got the Ozone Wasp v2 5m, and Arm AWing 5.5. The Unit solid handles are very nice - very direct connection and feels like better control of the wing. Didn't feel any difference in tiredness. The wing feels light and rigid/stiff. Feels good powered up too. Pumping was a little off, my favorite of the 3 wings for pumping is the Ozone as it has a little flex to it (but i dont really think a 4m in 20mph winds needs pumping). Feels like it points upwind nicely. Easy to control when overpowered. The front handle is very thin, but i'm riding on a small lake and dont flag out the wing so cant comment on that.

Just looking at the 6.5m in DLAB. Once the wind is approaching 20+knots the normal material Unit 5.0m will be fine.

Select to expand quote

north_kiter said..
I'm looking around for a new wing, for reference I've only ever ridden Ensis in 5 and 6m and am 105kg

What is the new Unit v2 like with the stiff handles?
Do you get tired at all?
Is it a more direct feeling and easier to pump up in light wind?
Does it flag out as well as the Ensis? (I've read the front handle is tiny and a bit floppy)

Is it a better choice than the new Ensis Spin or F-one v2?

Thanks

I really like the spins , so much so I bought three of them, There noting like the scores , so much nicer to flag , easier in transitions ,better top end etc
Briefly tried a strike v2 and that felt similar to the spin but handles seemed a little flimsy.
Both great wings and definitely worth a try to see if they suit your riding style.

Select to expand quote

Jeroensurf said..
I tried the 5m Dlab and although I was before very sceptical about the Allula stuff and the hard handles it performed really really well.The Dlab stuff makes the wing insane stiff and pumping more effective, the wing screams upwind.The well placed handles are oval and have a nice grib, although I don,t like the sharp corners on the outside, it is a matter of time before that will damage boards. Because of that I still prefer soft handles. Flagged pumping it was light, but not lighter or more forgettable as my Smik that cost approx half the price of an Dlab.

I too am concerned about the handles damaging the board. I rarely fall on the board so not worried about that but have accidently fallen on my wing before, I guess the handles would leave a bruise or two. I imagine in choppy conditions knee starting or stink bug the front handle will hit the board.

Perhaps there'll be better after market handles offered soon to address the sharp corners...

Select to expand quote

north_kiter said..

Jeroensurf said..
I tried the 5m Dlab and although I was before very sceptical about the Allula stuff and the hard handles it performed really really well.The Dlab stuff makes the wing insane stiff and pumping more effective, the wing screams upwind.The well placed handles are oval and have a nice grib, although I don,t like the sharp corners on the outside, it is a matter of time before that will damage boards. Because of that I still prefer soft handles. Flagged pumping it was light, but not lighter or more forgettable as my Smik that cost approx half the price of an Dlab.

I too am concerned about the handles damaging the board. I rarely fall on the board so not worried about that but have accidently fallen on my wing before, I guess the handles would leave a bruise or two. I imagine in choppy conditions knee starting or stink bug the front handle will hit the board.

Perhaps there'll be better after market handles offered soon to address the sharp corners...

That was my thought too, sharp edges on the handles eventually damaging the board. I'm sticking with my Slicks until the design matures, less likely a foam covered boom puncturing the nose that ends your session prematurely.

Rigid handles of some description are definitely the go, a lot more control of the wing.

Select to expand quote

north_kiter said..

kiwiupover said..

north_kiter said..
I'm looking around for a new wing, for reference I've only ever ridden Ensis in 5 and 6m and am 105kg

What is the new Unit v2 like with the stiff handles?
Do you get tired at all?
Is it a more direct feeling and easier to pump up in light wind?
Does it flag out as well as the Ensis? (I've read the front handle is tiny and a bit floppy)

Is it a better choice than the new Ensis Spin or F-one v2?

Thanks

Not sure what size you're looking at, but I just used the regular Unit v2 4m in 15-30mph winds. Have also got the Ozone Wasp v2 5m, and Arm AWing 5.5. The Unit solid handles are very nice - very direct connection and feels like better control of the wing. Didn't feel any difference in tiredness. The wing feels light and rigid/stiff. Feels good powered up too. Pumping was a little off, my favorite of the 3 wings for pumping is the Ozone as it has a little flex to it (but i dont really think a 4m in 20mph winds needs pumping). Feels like it points upwind nicely. Easy to control when overpowered. The front handle is very thin, but i'm riding on a small lake and dont flag out the wing so cant comment on that.

Just looking at the 6.5m in DLAB. Once the wind is approaching 20+knots the normal material Unit 5.0m will be fine.

You will have no problems riding the 6.5 in 20 knots, the wind range is huge.

Select to expand quote

north_kiter said..

Perhaps there'll be better after market handles offered soon to address the sharp corners...

The handles are not sharp at all. Total BS. They are actually a tiny bit rubbery feeling. Pretty cool stuff. Clearly designed by the guy doing Duotone windsurf booms (in my opinion) because they are super nice. If they ding your board, your board is garbage construction.

I will tell Fanatic Tried them at a demo-day and one of the boards was damaged due to ther handles. Inside is nice, outside should be more rounded with less sharp corners IMO.

Select to expand quote

gription said..

kiwiupover said..

north_kiter said..
I'm looking around for a new wing, for reference I've only ever ridden Ensis in 5 and 6m and am 105kg

What is the new Unit v2 like with the stiff handles?
Do you get tired at all?
Is it a more direct feeling and easier to pump up in light wind?
Does it flag out as well as the Ensis? (I've read the front handle is tiny and a bit floppy)

Is it a better choice than the new Ensis Spin or F-one v2?

Thanks

Not sure what size you're looking at, but I just used the regular Unit v2 4m in 15-30mph winds. Have also got the Ozone Wasp v2 5m, and Arm AWing 5.5. The Unit solid handles are very nice - very direct connection and feels like better control of the wing. Didn't feel any difference in tiredness. The wing feels light and rigid/stiff. Feels good powered up too. Pumping was a little off, my favorite of the 3 wings for pumping is the Ozone as it has a little flex to it (but i dont really think a 4m in 20mph winds needs pumping). Feels like it points upwind nicely. Easy to control when overpowered. The front handle is very thin, but i'm riding on a small lake and dont flag out the wing so cant comment on that.

Which is better at the higher wind range on your lake? Your Ozone Wasp v2 or the Unit v2? Which one goes upwind better?

Unit goes upwind a bit better. The 4m Unit is better in higher winds, but i use the 5m Wasp in 12-25. Its super gusty so the 15-30mph day was more like slogging when it was 15, and then being way overpowered when the occasional 35 gust came through for a couple of minutes.

Select to expand quote

DWF said..

north_kiter said..

Perhaps there'll be better after market handles offered soon to address the sharp corners...

The handles are not sharp at all. Total BS. They are actually a tiny bit rubbery feeling. Pretty cool stuff. Clearly designed by the guy doing Duotone windsurf booms (in my opinion) because they are super nice. If they ding your board, your board is garbage construction.

If you do a stickbug start, it is really easy to scrape the "harder" plastic component of the handle against your board and scratch it. I did multiple times last week.

Seems like some mixed opinions re sharp and board damage.

I've managed to get hold of a demo so should have first hand experience by the end of the weekend.

Select to expand quote

bigtone667 said..

north_kiter said..

kiwiupover said..

north_kiter said..
I'm looking around for a new wing, for reference I've only ever ridden Ensis in 5 and 6m and am 105kg

What is the new Unit v2 like with the stiff handles?
Do you get tired at all?
Is it a more direct feeling and easier to pump up in light wind?
Does it flag out as well as the Ensis? (I've read the front handle is tiny and a bit floppy)

Is it a better choice than the new Ensis Spin or F-one v2?

Thanks

Not sure what size you're looking at, but I just used the regular Unit v2 4m in 15-30mph winds. Have also got the Ozone Wasp v2 5m, and Arm AWing 5.5. The Unit solid handles are very nice - very direct connection and feels like better control of the wing. Didn't feel any difference in tiredness. The wing feels light and rigid/stiff. Feels good powered up too. Pumping was a little off, my favorite of the 3 wings for pumping is the Ozone as it has a little flex to it (but i dont really think a 4m in 20mph winds needs pumping). Feels like it points upwind nicely. Easy to control when overpowered. The front handle is very thin, but i'm riding on a small lake and dont flag out the wing so cant comment on that.

Just looking at the 6.5m in DLAB. Once the wind is approaching 20+knots the normal material Unit 5.0m will be fine.

You will have no problems riding the 6.5 in 20 knots, the wind range is huge.

A question on using wings at high end of range.
Does it not make the canopy stretch and bag out quicker. Especially when your spending big $$$$ on say a DLAB version. just a thought and wondering what others think.

Select to expand quote

north_kiter said..
Seems like some mixed opinions re sharp and board damage.

I've managed to get hold of a demo so should have first hand experience by the end of the weekend.

Handles are not that hard they are like the end of a kite bar. if you are scratching or damaging boards with them then the board must be super delicate and will get scratched and damaged far worse on the beach or back of car

Used my D-Labs about 6 times I have been worried about smacking my board with the handles.
I saw the handle hit my board hard once but there was no damage.
I was using Echo's and the real wider boom felt softer on my hands the unit boom like handles are a bit hard but they haven't caused me any pain.
Loving the feel and performance of the D-Lab handle are positioned well making gybing easy so long as I don't miss the back handle during transition.

Agree on the handle placement, that is perfect imo.

So had a demo of a 6m Unit v2 and re the handles
- didn't find them sharp at all and I was conscious of not letting them hit the board, not sure if it would damage it or not
- they are very balanced, comfortable and positioned in the right place
- was actually thinking during a beat if the screws in the handles would ever give way when a big gust hit, wonder what the max lift-kg ratio is?

Overall a great first session, goes up wind crazy good, and a great for a flat water wing but not so sure about agility in waves...

Only negative is it flips over on it's back more on the water when I fell off than my Ensis ever did.

Think I might get a D-Lab 6.5m

Select to expand quote

north_kiter said..Think I might get a D-Lab 6.5m

How much lighter are the Dlabs? My Smiks are way lighter than other brands and float downwind really well.

I've no idea, weights aren't published on the duotone site, but the normal 6m didn't feel heavy at all, and was riding the RS1000/FTS14.5, such a great setup btw.

The rubber covers at the end of the back handle has begun to slice open due to the handle hitting the side of the board when doing stink bug start. The rubber covers what I assume would be a cavity that accomodates a screw into the handle.

1st world problems - get a grip on it boys!

Handle scuffing issue on all my Unit V2 Wings (3,4,5,6) from stink bug laying the front handle aft corner on the board. Damage didn't show up until after few months of usage. Any one with a solution for a repair?

Duct tape? Throw some glue in first to fill the hole (but probably not needed).

You might also check with the shop/Duotone and see if they send you a free replacement handle under warranty.

I just got the 6.5. Instructions say to check the torque of the handle screws before use. Turns out one of them was stripped - From what I could see its just a metal screw threaded into a few mm of plastic - Am I missing something? Anyone had this issue?

Select to expand quote

Speedialer said..
I just got the 6.5. Instructions say to check the torque of the handle screws before use. Turns out one of them was stripped - From what I could see its just a metal screw threaded into a few mm of plastic - Am I missing something? Anyone had this issue?

There are stainless steel threads buried inside.

Buried deep I guess. Design just a little too sketchy for my taste - sent it back.

The shop have checked it out and confirmed the metal threads were missing on one of the attachment points. So nothing but plastic threads holding it together. A QC issue. Luckily I discovered it on land. I bought it on the basis of having tested it a few months ago so back to the original thread: This wing has a lot more low end than my Strike2 6m and feels very light and stiff. The shape feels more dynamic and reactive than the Slick. It has a more forward pull - or at least more than my Strike - so upwind is great but I don't feel it pumped any better than the Strike2 which is strange as the latter is definitely less rigid. Handles are purely subjective. For me they are a little more tiring than soft handles. Adding to that the general rigidity made it feel overpowed at times. My Strike2 doesn't have the low end grunt but it pumps really well and I can ride it all day rarely feeling overpowered. Finally the handles WILL bang on the board/pad if you do not alter your start up process but it did NOT leave any marks on my F-One Rocket 2. Verdict: I told the shop I would take a credit and wait for a Strike 7m. Will miss the general handling of the D-Lab but waves are my priority and still prefer an utralight sail with soft handles and no rigid parts. Will spend the extra cash on another foil.