Duotone MOD3 2023 Slick v3 Review

Forgot to mention, I have also owned a 7m CWC and 7m Cabrinha Vision

[@jjmc4]

Thanks for the review videos. I find them very insightful and entertaining. I realized after trying all variants of handles that booms are for me. Also windows. (The other hot button issue.)

[@foilsurfmachines]

The Ocean Rodeo and Slingshot local riders are discovering booms are better than handles now that those brands offer both options. Now all the brands with handles only need to offer booms.

[@boazila]

I have a Slick SLS 4.0 and 5.5. Incredible wings.

[@martinomovies]

I have the 6m SLS (slick v2) and riding with a boom makes transitions much easier. Plus downwind riding in paraglide mode is just fun. After blowing out my strut on my 5m Ocean Rodeo Aluula for the 3rd time, I've decided that Aluula is not for me. It's expensive and my theory is that the brittle fabric can cause micro tears in the bladder. I am interested in this Slick V3's more robust material as I already put a huge tear in my current Slick V2's canopy which I taped up. Can't wait to hear more reviews about the "smooth power delivery". Thanks for the review and your input on the skinny mini-boom (I live in cold Chicago).

[@foilsurfmachines]

I’m not a fan of Aluula either. The OR carbon booms are wearing the yellow film off the Aluula. Several ORs locally delaminated.

[@clowngrowl2671]

Hi and thanks for the video. I'm sold on the 2023 V3 Slick with SLS platinum boom but looking to get the size right. My launch has 8-12 onshore wind and I have a large downwind board on the way 8'6" x 20" x 122 liters and use a large 2600 gofoil front wing. Looking to go as small as I can with the wing on that setup to be able to pump up. At 82kg do you think a 5.5 v3 slick might get me up with pumping on that setup at 10 mph and under? Currently have a 5.5 freewing go and not looking to go bigger than that unless the Slick has a more compact profile. Thanks for any insights you might have on that.

[@foilsurfmachines]

That is difficult to answer. I’d get the 6.5m Slick for that wind, regardless of foil or board size.

[@kshred3043]

Just a word of caution on the carbon boom sizes. After having tried out both the original 'Platinum' carbon mini boom and the newer 'Platinum SLS' carbon mini boom, I definitely preferred, and am currently using by choice, the original, larger diameter, boom. The reason is that, with the smaller diameter Platinum SLS version, it only felt good to me when I gripped it so that boom fell in the 'notch' between my hand and fingers. So, I found myself continually having to adjust my grip. No such problem with the original carbon boom. Someone told me that I should be holding the boom by just my fingers. However, after having my preferred grip already dialled in from years of windsurfing (ironically with the reduced diameter Windsurfing Hawaii 'Power Taper'), that's a total non-starter. Obviously, YMMV, and so I suggest trying out both sizes (on the water with a decent amount of pull from the wing, not just in the shop where the smaller one actually did feel better).

[@foilsurfmachines]

Thanks. I have ridden the wings with the old fat carbon. A friend loaned me his fat boom to use, while I waited on the skinny one to arrive via UPS. Skinny is for me.

[@wsurfn]

I have the Slick SLS 6.5. I freaking love it. I have no desire for a bigger wing, and the range is amazing.

[@foilsurfmachines]

Unfortunately I never tried the SLS when it came out last year. I wish I had

[@obx_foiler]

Great review. Got to ride the 6m last week and was impressed. Think I'll snag one (for starters) but debating the 6.0 or 6.5. My current big wing is a 5m Airush Nitro. What do you think about the 6 vs 6.5? 175lbs on a 75L board.

[@foilsurfmachines]

Depends on how much better you want your low end. If you want to enjoy more time winging in 10-18 mph wind, then the 6.5m is really good. I’m 185. A 6m used to be my main wing. Now I ride the 6.5m the most. Also switched my quiver to 6.5, 5.5, 4.5, 3.5, 3m

[@obx_foiler]

There are definitely a number of days I miss that are 12 knot average so if I could get those days with the 6.5 maybe that's the one. But those days might also take a bigger board and bigger wing ... not sure. Maybe the 6m buys me enough in terms of more low end and keeps my gap a bit tighter and still reasonable size wing. Hmmm, tough decision. Thanks

[@foilsurfmachines]

@@obx_foiler you won’t need a big foil. All you need is basic skills, so as not to come off foil once going.

[@obx_foiler]

Picked up a 6.0 today with the Platinum SLS boom. Want a few more rides but will likely add a 4.5, maybe more.

[@foilsurfmachines]

@@obx_foiler I still think 1 meter gaps is the sweet setup, until you go below 4m, then half meter gaps. So 6, 5, 4, 3.5, 3m is ideal when you start at 6 meters.

[@jeremywootton8343]

Hi, appreciate the review, I am riding V2 Slick SLS, sizes 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 and love them with the SLS carbon boom. Yes, the reduced diameter is fantastic, especially in winter with gloves on ( I live in the UK). I'm really tempted to upgrade and go to sizes 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 & 6.5 or 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.5 to give me that bit extra for light wind days. Have you had any issues with the grip on your SLS boom? I have had two booms warrantied for the grip peeling off after less than 10 sessions. I have to say Duotone have been fantastic and for more than 80 % of my usage, I have been riding bare handed. The grip seems to have been sanded down really thin along the join. The SLS boom, as you say is a fantastic upgrade compared to the Silver boom!

[@foilsurfmachines]

No issues with the grip on my booms. My wife and I share 3 booms. I would not expect any issues because Duotone has been making windsurf booms for years. The windsurf guys probably designed and manufacture the wing boom. You should get the 6.5m to replace the 6m. It’s really good.

[@jurgenhinz6320]

@@foilsurfmachines thx for the insights review Dwight ! What do you think is a desireable step down size below the new 6.5 ? I do not share my quiver with anyone.

[@foilsurfmachines]

@@jurgenhinz6320 5.5 is ideal. But 5 can work also to save money.

[@jurgenhinz6320]

@@foilsurfmachines thx I will give 5.5 a try as 6.0/4.5 did not work as expected in my gusty conditions. Very curious ..

[@mooneypilot01]

Great review, thanks Dwight. You seem very impressed with this wing. I am seriously considering a quiver of these and was curious for your feedback. I am 5’8” and 160 lbs so I need a compact wing. This seems to be one of the most compact available. I am an intermediate rider and am considering a 3.5, 5 and 6.5 as my light wind wing. Thoughts? What is your experience with the low end “grunt” of this wing. Compared to the Unit for example. Also have you heard anything from Ken Winner on making a boom that can be reduced in size for travel?This is the only drawback I see with the Slick.

[@foilsurfmachines]

I think the low end of this Slick is better than the Unit. Because you can pump it more aggressive without wing tips hitting. I’d go 4, 5, 6 at your weight. Traveling with the boom should be no issue. No need for two piece version.

[@mooneypilot01]

@@foilsurfmachines Appreciate the feedback. Thank you

[@YellowSock66]

Thank you for this video. Would you say this wing is suitable for a beginner? I had 3 lessons with a total of under 10seconds on foil :) I live in a low wind area most days max out at 10-12kts occasionally more. 180lbs

[@foilsurfmachines]

It’s very good for beginners. The boom is easier than handles. Get the 6.5m.

[@secondlife7976]

Thank you for review ! I’m curious about possibility replacement Strike CWC 8m with Slick 2023 6.5. Could you please describe your opinion about 6.5 I’m 80kg beginner, on 100 liters board with 3050MA North foil setup

[@foilsurfmachines]

If you currently need the power of an 8m, then switching to the 6.5m new Slick will feel like a lot less power. A more skilled rider would feel a minor difference in power. If you want more range from your biggest wing, then switching to the 6.5m Slick would be good. Duotone will release their 8m in Late June. I’m not going to buy an 8m. I’m happy with the 6.5m.

[@secondlife7976]

@@foilsurfmachines thanks 🙏 will wait then for bigger size from Duotone then :)

[@ozoneflysurfer9491]

It's a very good wing but the 2023 Unit Dlab especially 6.5 and 5.5 walk all over it and the difference in light wind and overall wind range is even more significant.

[@foilsurfmachines]

You should try the D/Lab Slick for an apples to apples comparison. I’m not an Aluula fan because of all the Ocean Rodeo delaminated wings locally. Three of them. Now their carbon booms are rubbing the yellow film off.

[@pastyadventures]

How’s it ride flagged out on front handle compared to unit v3

[@dcharlton07]

Definitely want to know how balanced this is, my SLS are flying all over the place so I'd put a big emphasis on balance while flagged out.

[@foilsurfmachines]

@@dcharlton07 I’ve never flown a SLS, only Units and this new Slick.

[@briansangeorzan4986]

Dwight, do you have any idea of the wind minimum for a 110 lb woman on the 3.0 Slick?

[@foilsurfmachines]

Probably in the 18-20 mph range

[@briansangeorzan4986]

@@foilsurfmachines Thank you very much.

[@briansangeorzan4986]

Is this V3 in production, or is this just a pre-production wing that Ken Winner let you try?

[@foilsurfmachines]

They are in shops now as 2023 MOD3 Slicks

[@foilsurfmachines]

Mine are the versions that went to production