The Duotone Unit V3 launched in early December 2022. First available in what for many is the go to ‘standard’ construction, closely followed a few weeks later with the launch of the hyper ‘D/Lab’ version crafted from the exotic Aluula fabric we’ve experienced before.
At its core we’ve still got the DNA we have grown to love but now with a number of changes for the better. In no order for the Version 3 Unit the simple differences there are now –
- Slit Windows rather than the big window
- Upgraded canopy material
- A little bit more dihedral in the wings along with fewer battens in the trailing edge
- Stiffer leading-edge handle
So let’s get into the details of the Duotone Unit Version 3 and what makes this a go to wing for so many.
One stand out feature in the Duotone wing range; is that the Unit features a hard handle system while the likes of the Slick and Slick SLS feature Duotone’s patented ‘micro boom’ system. The handles are very similar to those that we liked a lot on the Version 2 Unit. They are very comfortable offering plenty of grip. This makes riding easy, with lots of control on tap. The overall feel of the Duotone Unit is still very direct with each input resulting in the desired outcome. If you ride captive with a leash and harness, then you’ve got options for fitting a line. While no formal attachment points, our preference is to remove the handles with a Philips no3 screwdriver and slide your harness line on, then reattach the handles. The boom strut of the Unit has also been altered slightly. Just like in the last version of the Unit, the boom strut helps support the canopy but Duotone has sort to make it a little more ergonomic to live with rather than it being just straight.
On the water, the Duotone Unit 2023 feels sharper and stiffer all round. This we can only put down to the improvements in the new canopy material. The new canopy material is admittedly a little bit heavier than the previous year but it is more durable and results in a stiffer wing canopy. In our view this is welcome, as the Duotone Unit does feel more direct and punchy with even more bottom end grunt when you’re pumping. It’s great to have that confidence building, really punchy, solid connection when you’re pumping especially in lighter to moderate conditions. If you find yourself in conditions that are at the higher end of those recommended for the Unit, these attributes do make it more physically demanding in the gusts and can make it feel a little nervous in gusty conditions. For some this raw grunt and its powerful delivery is welcome in high wind conditions particularly if you are looking for big boosts and lofty airs. However, this does require some manhandling to get the best out of this wing in this more testing conditions. Make no mistake though, the Duotone Unit is still a very powerful wing; so if you find yourself in these conditions regularly we would recommend considering dropping down a half a metre in wing size compared to other wings.
As for lift, the Duotone Unit Version 3 generates masses of easily accessible lift. This is fantastic at helping you get up on foil easily as well as you accelerate quickly with lots of control. The compromise with this, is the Duotone Unit is not going to have quite as much top end speed as some of the more forward pulling fast wings such as the Duotone Slick, but for most of those foiling, the Unit delivers plenty of speed. Where the Unit really excels though is in the surf, it’s lift and power as well as direct feel makes it a real joy to use. The extra dihedral in the wing gives good clearance when you’re pumping and it also helps make the wing feel smaller than it really is. It does however want to roll from side to side a little bit more when flagged out behind you while on a wave but the handle placement is perfect on the leading edge and this is soon tamed.
Overall this third version of the Duotone Unit is a fantastic wing, especially beginner and intermediate wing surfers that want a real easy to ride wing that has backs of grunt. In this latest iteration, Duotone has ensured the Unit remains predictable and a pleasure to ride (within its wind range) but just crisper overall. On the whole, the Unit wing is pretty much ‘set and forget’. For those most advanced windsurfers and those that want a punchy, more aggressive wing in the up-wind ranges, then the Unit v3 would also deliver here. This remains true particularly for those looking to progressive their riding and take to the air. The Unit version 3 generates lift with ease making getting airborne and high is simple with a parachute like float on the way down. But it takes skill and is a physically demanding experience.
If you’ve owned the previous generation of Duotone Unit, you are going to love this version 3 in 2023. If this is your first wing, then the most common question we get is ‘will I outgrow it’, to which we say absolutely not! The Duotone Unit v3 not only makes starting out easy, it is also a wing that you can grow and progressive with.
If you have not owned a Duotone wing before it is worth noting that Duotone uses their own valve system. This means that you need an adapter set or a Duotone pump to inflate any Duotone wing. It’s also worth knowing that the Duotone Unit, like all Duotone wings, does not include a leash. So be sure to remember these two things when ordering if they are required.
