CORE HALO PRO vs. DUOTONE UNIT D-LAB Wingfoil Battle of the ALUULA

CORE HALO PRO 5M
DUOTONE UNIT D-LAB 4M
Armstrong Wing Board 58L
Armstrong HA 880

[@glfmkg]

so after riding this wings for about 3 months, I agree 100% with your review; however I like the bags :-) Yes you need to fold the wing properly but the bag is quite comfortable for me and I had no issues with the zipper (I normally run my finger under it all the time to avoid damages). I have never ridden a d-lab so I can't compare it, however I find the Halo super light and extremely easy to handle in all conditions; I'm 105 kg and the 6m has sufficient grunt to get me on foil in 12 to 14 knots like nothing. I had however two bladders blow out on my 5m and my 6m that Core replaced without any complications under warranty. This speaks highly of the company commitment to good customer support - I did not have the same experience with F1. I love all sizes, I own a 4,5 and 6 meter. Thank you for your review, it was instrumental when deciding to get these wings

[@tibormozes3993]

Awesome, super useful review, thanks Andrean!

[@richardclarke2213]

Great review 👍

[@alchemybuild]

Finally some more reviews on the Halo thanks! Would love to see a review against the new Dyneema wings

[@dr.ericvanek2818]

I echo your experiences... i was extremely close to purchasing a D/LAB wing but thankfully ended up with the Core Halo. This is 100% worth the investment when you have already got some basics down and are ready to push the envelope in waves and light wind. I tried a lot of different equipment (Duotone wings, but not the D/LAB) & definitely think the bar is a must for me in waves.... being able to wing with one hand is really an advantage in waves and light wind & ALuuLa is an amazing material. I'm really happy to see it being utilized across all brands.

[@andreannovakov9410]

Thank you for your comment! My local Duotone is going to let me try 4, 5 and 6M 2024 D-LABS, once I get to compare the 2024 models will do another side-by-side review. Thanks for watching!

[@GARAASJ]

Thanks for the detailed feedback! How is the halo pro holding up? Also wondering what the range is of the 5m and how it compares to the 4m 🤙

[@andreannovakov9410]

Thanks for your comment! The Halo is holding up pretty good, no issues whatsoever. Range of the 5M (to me) is between 12-20 kts, seems to be most happy around 16-18kts. I don't have a 4M Halo to compare, waiting on the 2025 wing release to refresh my quiver. The only two brands I am considering at the moment are Duotone and Core. Hope this helps

[@GARAASJ]

@@andreannovakov9410 thanks a lot. I’ll be purchasing the 4 or 5 tomorrow, not sure which one yet. I’m 85kg and my 4.2 dacron wing is still in good shape so probably the 5 is mor logical

[@ginodavid9661]

Hi I’m currently winging ma1225, ha 1125 and ha925 (kitefoil and higher winds) 155 pounds. Wonderful review! Are you able to comment how the 880 is compared to ha1125 and ma1225? Wondering if I can just get the 880 or if 980 better. Winds mostly 12-25mph.

[@andreannovakov9410]

Thank you for your comment! I've only tried MA1000 from the MA series, so won't be able to compare the 1225. However, with certainty can tell you that HA880 for your weight can be your go-to foil for light wind days. I got the HA780 and use it for anything 10+ kts. I believe the HA980 would be too large for your weight. Hope this helps and thank you again!

[@TheGalagona]

Very interesting review, What’s your weight?

[@andreannovakov9410]

I am about 70kg at the moment. If I am using my downwind board, Core Halo can get me up on 9+ kts, if on my sinker need 12+ kts. Hope this helps and thank you!

[@glfmkg]

how does this wing compares to the Core XC? I'm debating if the investment in material is worth it

[@andreannovakov9410]

I haven't tried Core XC so I couldn't answer that question. However, I recently tried 2024 Duotone Unit D-Lab and it felt closer to the Core Halo, more balanced and lower end power. I still believe Core Halo Pro has more grunt and is lighter. In all cases I would recommend any Aluula wing before regular dacron. Hope this helps and thank you!

[@glfmkg]

@@andreannovakov9410 thank you.

[@buenacloud]

Hi, thanks for the review. What is the material of the canopy of the core? Is it something durable like the Mode3 of Duotone or something else?

[@andreannovakov9410]

Thank you! The CORE canopy material is very similar to the 2023 D-LAB canopy, seems to have similar thickness and weight. The wing itself (as a whole) is lighter than the D-LAB.

[@buenacloud]

@@andreannovakov9410 Thank you for your prompt response. I'm curious about the canopy, particularly because models such as the F-One V2 and the Unit 2022, even those equipped with the Aluula frame, sold out quickly. Starting with the Mod3 in Units or the HiTex with the Strike V3, the canopy has become more durable and lasts longer.

[@andreannovakov9410]

@@buenacloud I can't speak to CORE durability yet as I had the wing for about a month. What I can tell you for sure is that 2023 Duotone D-LAB canopy is extremely durable. It took a full-force foil impact to puncture the canopy. I've had many cases where my entire body falls on to the Unit, the wing is perfectly fine. '23 D-LABs are very, very durable

[@buenacloud]

​@@andreannovakov9410 Yes, I switched to Unit '24 last year, and although they may be slightly heavier than the Strikes, for example, they are definitely more durable. The new Takoon VX is also said to be more durable. I asked about the canopy material with Takoon, but they didn't provide a specific answer, only stating that it is more durable than the Unit's.

[@rmoisio]

Demoed 4m and 5m halo. 4m much better overall little too much flutter on the 5m. the boom could def be a bit better material.

[@andreannovakov9410]

Thank you for your comment! I tend to agree on the boom material, after a 4 hour session I came out with blisters on my right hand. This never happened with Duotone handles.

[@secondlife7976]

Oh VK 😀