Anyone about 75kg compared the 7m standard construction to 6.5 Unit or Slicks?
Any comments welcome including wind range, stability, weight etc, thanks

At 75kg I guess you're not that tall. My 6' friend catches tips with 7m.

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patronus said..
At 75kg I guess you're not that tall. My 6' friend catches tips with 7m.

In Australia we are tall enough for 6.5 Duotone Units, the 7m Ventis is 3cm more each side and it flies a bit higher I am advised.

Hi Warwick, was hoping to have some more average customer feedback, before answering, but since you are the same weight as me, 75kg/1.81m/6ft, I can give you a bit of feedback. I obviously work for Duotone, so was quite involved in the Ventis testing the last couple of years, both in the Gorge and testing here in Europe.

So the Ventis is aimed at riders who are not quite as good in active pumping techniques, like you need to do with a Unit or Slick in lighter winds. But, there are also certain wind strengths below 10knots/fresh water/no bigger gusts, where even an experienced rider will not be able to pump up onto the foil with a Unit/Slick, but it will work with a Ventis, due to pure size and low end power they have.

Of course everyone's sub 10 knots is slightly different, salt or fresh water, mid length/downwinder or shortboard, or even the foil size which is often at least as important as the wing size. But I think generally if you ride often in light winds or are heavier, want to have a wing which will "pull" you up onto the foil, then the Ventis is a great option, vs the Unit or Slick which require a more active pump technique, especially underpowered. The Ventis is of course a bit heavier with the extra struts, but this also helps a lot in the upper end, as many locations will be 5-15/18 knots sometimes, so having a bigger wind range at the upper end is great.

The extra struts do also help to maintain the Ventis's stable position in the air, whilst gybing or tacking, it really floats up there nicely, which is important in super light wind to not stall the wing with the apparent wind coming from the other side during gybes etc.

Tried a few other single strut brands and our own prototypes, these tend to be quite powerful, feeling a bit lighter but generally seem to have a quite ltd top end, in the 7-8sqm sizes.

Wind range of the 7 is probably around 8-20knots, with a big variance on either end re weight, skill, foil and board size. You can go thru lulls of 5-6 knots quite easily.

Unit generally has the power/lift advantage in lower winds vs the Slick, which is slightly easier in overpowered, as a general rule.

Hope that helps.

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CraigGDuotone said..
Hi Warwick, was hoping to have some more average customer feedback, before answering, but since you are the same weight as me, 75kg/1.81m/6ft, I can give you a bit of feedback. I obviously work for Duotone, so was quite involved in the Ventis testing the last couple of years, both in the Gorge and testing here in Europe.

So the Ventis is aimed at riders who are not quite as good in active pumping techniques, like you need to do with a Unit or Slick in lighter winds. But, there are also certain wind strengths below 10knots/fresh water/no bigger gusts, where even an experienced rider will not be able to pump up onto the foil with a Unit/Slick, but it will work with a Ventis, due to pure size and low end power they have.

Of course everyone's sub 10 knots is slightly different, salt or fresh water, mid length/downwinder or shortboard, or even the foil size which is often at least as important as the wing size. But I think generally if you ride often in light winds or are heavier, want to have a wing which will "pull" you up onto the foil, then the Ventis is a great option, vs the Unit or Slick which require a more active pump technique, especially underpowered. The Ventis is of course a bit heavier with the extra struts, but this also helps a lot in the upper end, as many locations will be 5-15/18 knots sometimes, so having a bigger wind range at the upper end is great.

The extra struts do also help to maintain the Ventis's stable position in the air, whilst gybing or tacking, it really floats up there nicely, which is important in super light wind to not stall the wing with the apparent wind coming from the other side during gybes etc.

Tried a few other single strut brands and our own prototypes, these tend to be quite powerful, feeling a bit lighter but generally seem to have a quite ltd top end, in the 7-8sqm sizes.

Wind range of the 7 is probably around 8-20knots, with a big variance on either end re weight, skill, foil and board size. You can go thru lulls of 5-6 knots quite easily.

Unit generally has the power/lift advantage in lower winds vs the Slick, which is slightly easier in overpowered, as a general rule.

Hope that helps.

This sort of relatable info you add is great. The Duotone-site seems to be (understandably) aimed more at newbies and non-Duotone users. and would be even more useful if this sort of second-level information could be added. If the bean-counters need convincing, without this 'real-world' info and access to test centres we end up buying other brands/models we see working in local conditions and borrow off mates .

Select to expand quote

patronus said..

CraigGDuotone said..
Hi Warwick, was hoping to have some more average customer feedback, before answering, but since you are the same weight as me, 75kg/1.81m/6ft, I can give you a bit of feedback. I obviously work for Duotone, so was quite involved in the Ventis testing the last couple of years, both in the Gorge and testing here in Europe.

So the Ventis is aimed at riders who are not quite as good in active pumping techniques, like you need to do with a Unit or Slick in lighter winds. But, there are also certain wind strengths below 10knots/fresh water/no bigger gusts, where even an experienced rider will not be able to pump up onto the foil with a Unit/Slick, but it will work with a Ventis, due to pure size and low end power they have.

Of course everyone's sub 10 knots is slightly different, salt or fresh water, mid length/downwinder or shortboard, or even the foil size which is often at least as important as the wing size. But I think generally if you ride often in light winds or are heavier, want to have a wing which will "pull" you up onto the foil, then the Ventis is a great option, vs the Unit or Slick which require a more active pump technique, especially underpowered. The Ventis is of course a bit heavier with the extra struts, but this also helps a lot in the upper end, as many locations will be 5-15/18 knots sometimes, so having a bigger wind range at the upper end is great.

The extra struts do also help to maintain the Ventis's stable position in the air, whilst gybing or tacking, it really floats up there nicely, which is important in super light wind to not stall the wing with the apparent wind coming from the other side during gybes etc.

Tried a few other single strut brands and our own prototypes, these tend to be quite powerful, feeling a bit lighter but generally seem to have a quite ltd top end, in the 7-8sqm sizes.

Wind range of the 7 is probably around 8-20knots, with a big variance on either end re weight, skill, foil and board size. You can go thru lulls of 5-6 knots quite easily.

Unit generally has the power/lift advantage in lower winds vs the Slick, which is slightly easier in overpowered, as a general rule.

Hope that helps.

This sort of relatable info you add is great. The Duotone-site seems to be (understandably) aimed more at newbies and non-Duotone users. and would be even more useful if this sort of second-level information could be added. If the bean-counters need convincing, without this 'real-world' info and access to test centres we end up buying other brands/models we see working in local conditions and borrow off mates .

thanks, we had a Disqus channel at the bottom of each product page which is temporarily offline, should be up again next week, not great timing with the launch - good place to get the second-level tips yes. Our YouTube channel is also a good place to ask questions. Obviously don't want to dominate the Duotone discussions too much here, should be a place for everyone to comment and share, but if I see an issue I'll try to help.

Select to expand quote

CraigGDuotone said..
Hi Warwick, was hoping to have some more average customer feedback, before answering, but since you are the same weight as me, 75kg/1.81m/6ft, I can give you a bit of feedback. I obviously work for Duotone, so was quite involved in the Ventis testing the last couple of years, both in the Gorge and testing here in Europe.

So the Ventis is aimed at riders who are not quite as good in active pumping techniques, like you need to do with a Unit or Slick in lighter winds. But, there are also certain wind strengths below 10knots/fresh water/no bigger gusts, where even an experienced rider will not be able to pump up onto the foil with a Unit/Slick, but it will work with a Ventis, due to pure size and low end power they have.

Of course everyone's sub 10 knots is slightly different, salt or fresh water, mid length/downwinder or shortboard, or even the foil size which is often at least as important as the wing size. But I think generally if you ride often in light winds or are heavier, want to have a wing which will "pull" you up onto the foil, then the Ventis is a great option, vs the Unit or Slick which require a more active pump technique, especially underpowered. The Ventis is of course a bit heavier with the extra struts, but this also helps a lot in the upper end, as many locations will be 5-15/18 knots sometimes, so having a bigger wind range at the upper end is great.

The extra struts do also help to maintain the Ventis's stable position in the air, whilst gybing or tacking, it really floats up there nicely, which is important in super light wind to not stall the wing with the apparent wind coming from the other side during gybes etc.

Tried a few other single strut brands and our own prototypes, these tend to be quite powerful, feeling a bit lighter but generally seem to have a quite ltd top end, in the 7-8sqm sizes.

Wind range of the 7 is probably around 8-20knots, with a big variance on either end re weight, skill, foil and board size. You can go thru lulls of 5-6 knots quite easily.

Unit generally has the power/lift advantage in lower winds vs the Slick, which is slightly easier in overpowered, as a general rule.

Hope that helps.

Excellent review which is exactly my expectations of the 7m Ventis.
Is there much improvement in the 2025 version compared with the earlier version?
Is the 2026 version likely to have a boom option?

Select to expand quote

warwickl said..

CraigGDuotone said..
Hi Warwick, was hoping to have some more average customer feedback, before answering, but since you are the same weight as me, 75kg/1.81m/6ft, I can give you a bit of feedback. I obviously work for Duotone, so was quite involved in the Ventis testing the last couple of years, both in the Gorge and testing here in Europe.

So the Ventis is aimed at riders who are not quite as good in active pumping techniques, like you need to do with a Unit or Slick in lighter winds. But, there are also certain wind strengths below 10knots/fresh water/no bigger gusts, where even an experienced rider will not be able to pump up onto the foil with a Unit/Slick, but it will work with a Ventis, due to pure size and low end power they have.

Of course everyone's sub 10 knots is slightly different, salt or fresh water, mid length/downwinder or shortboard, or even the foil size which is often at least as important as the wing size. But I think generally if you ride often in light winds or are heavier, want to have a wing which will "pull" you up onto the foil, then the Ventis is a great option, vs the Unit or Slick which require a more active pump technique, especially underpowered. The Ventis is of course a bit heavier with the extra struts, but this also helps a lot in the upper end, as many locations will be 5-15/18 knots sometimes, so having a bigger wind range at the upper end is great.

The extra struts do also help to maintain the Ventis's stable position in the air, whilst gybing or tacking, it really floats up there nicely, which is important in super light wind to not stall the wing with the apparent wind coming from the other side during gybes etc.

Tried a few other single strut brands and our own prototypes, these tend to be quite powerful, feeling a bit lighter but generally seem to have a quite ltd top end, in the 7-8sqm sizes.

Wind range of the 7 is probably around 8-20knots, with a big variance on either end re weight, skill, foil and board size. You can go thru lulls of 5-6 knots quite easily.

Unit generally has the power/lift advantage in lower winds vs the Slick, which is slightly easier in overpowered, as a general rule.

Hope that helps.

Excellent review which is exactly my expectations of the 7m Ventis.
Is there much improvement in the 2025 version compared with the earlier version?
Is the 2026 version likely to have a boom option?

The 2025 is quite a bit nicer in the lower end, this was the key thing to improve, without losing too much in the upper end. 2026 will have the boom/handle option yes, correct.

Select to expand quote

CraigGDuotone said..

warwickl said..

CraigGDuotone said..
Hi Warwick, was hoping to have some more average customer feedback, before answering, but since you are the same weight as me, 75kg/1.81m/6ft, I can give you a bit of feedback. I obviously work for Duotone, so was quite involved in the Ventis testing the last couple of years, both in the Gorge and testing here in Europe.

So the Ventis is aimed at riders who are not quite as good in active pumping techniques, like you need to do with a Unit or Slick in lighter winds. But, there are also certain wind strengths below 10knots/fresh water/no bigger gusts, where even an experienced rider will not be able to pump up onto the foil with a Unit/Slick, but it will work with a Ventis, due to pure size and low end power they have.

Of course everyone's sub 10 knots is slightly different, salt or fresh water, mid length/downwinder or shortboard, or even the foil size which is often at least as important as the wing size. But I think generally if you ride often in light winds or are heavier, want to have a wing which will "pull" you up onto the foil, then the Ventis is a great option, vs the Unit or Slick which require a more active pump technique, especially underpowered. The Ventis is of course a bit heavier with the extra struts, but this also helps a lot in the upper end, as many locations will be 5-15/18 knots sometimes, so having a bigger wind range at the upper end is great.

The extra struts do also help to maintain the Ventis's stable position in the air, whilst gybing or tacking, it really floats up there nicely, which is important in super light wind to not stall the wing with the apparent wind coming from the other side during gybes etc.

Tried a few other single strut brands and our own prototypes, these tend to be quite powerful, feeling a bit lighter but generally seem to have a quite ltd top end, in the 7-8sqm sizes.

Wind range of the 7 is probably around 8-20knots, with a big variance on either end re weight, skill, foil and board size. You can go thru lulls of 5-6 knots quite easily.

Unit generally has the power/lift advantage in lower winds vs the Slick, which is slightly easier in overpowered, as a general rule.

Hope that helps.

Excellent review which is exactly my expectations of the 7m Ventis.
Is there much improvement in the 2025 version compared with the earlier version?
Is the 2026 version likely to have a boom option?

The 2025 is quite a bit nicer in the lower end, this was the key thing to improve, without losing too much in the upper end. 2026 will have the boom/handle option yes, correct.

Thank you, now decision - buy now or wait?
I now have a 5.5 Unit dlab 2025 with boom and love it so should I wait or just buy a 2025 at a good price ?? ??

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warwickl said..

Thank you, now decision - buy now or wait?
I now have a 5.5 Unit dlab 2025 with boom and love it so should I wait or just buy a 2025 at a good price ?? ??

The 26 is a long way into the future. 25's won't be at closeout prices until Spring next year, if at all. The new wings combined with new skinny boards and less draggy foils, have eliminated my need for big wings. I ride in really light winds with a 6m D/lab as my max size. Super impressed with how much gear has improved in just one year, boards, foils, wings.

I've ridden the Ventis 8 m a bit, and while it has quite a good low end, it's very heavy. With a sufficiently large foil, I think it's better to go for the 6 m SLS rather than the 7 or 8 Ventis. With my 90+ kg, the SLS would be enough for me as the largest wing. Currently, my biggest wing is the Unit 6 m from 2024, and the Unit DLab 5.5 from 2024. It's better to invest in a larger board like the Skywalker Ventana V2 95 L (rigid board) or the Takoon Escape AIR 6'6 110 L (inflatable)

Today I demoed the 7m dlab Ventis in 0 to 20kn rain squall.
Based on Today session its pretty good, super stable in all conditions.
Tomorrow I'll be comparing it to the Unit 2025 dlab with boom.
Stay tuned.