Duotone Skybrid Mini Review

[@rmad1311]

Short but perfect!

[@Wing-Tips]

much appreciated

[@davidhmws]

One concern I’ve had about mid lengths is their roll stability for launching in large disorganized chop compared to a traditional wide board (very easy on my 29” wide). Going to 20-22, I see variations between different brands regarding tail shape, cross-section shape (boxy to canoe-like) and wonder what difference those factors make.

[@Wing-Tips]

This is a concern you have until you buy one and ride it. The reality is that boards are unstable while the foil isn't engaged (ie no forward momentum). So these board will be more tippy when you are stopped dead still in the water - however - they start to move the moment you lift the wing and this causes the stability to shift from the board to the foil - at which point they become much more roll stable. In terms of design, if you square the ends of the board and have a angled rail (like the skybrid) then you gain some stability. If you round the rails and make the board pointy at either end you lose stability - but you gain acceleration and ease of gaining speed onto foil, you also cut through chop better. Everything is a compromise - there is no "best" shape.

[@Christian-sh9uh]

Great review, I'm considering one, I'm 75kg and foil on a gusty inland lake, still to learn gybes. I'm happy cruising about and have no interest in jumping, foiling in the sea or waves. I am concerned about the off foil stability, coming from a 5''8" x 32" board so might go for the 6 foot. What is your opinion please.

[@Wing-Tips]

@Christian-sh9uh they are not unstable boards. Even if you find it more tippy than your wide board at first, you will get used to and overcome it within a few sessions.

[@lewiss66]

What size would you consider for proper board for higher wind for a rider of 72kg ? The 70L or 55L? Thanks for this good review

[@Wing-Tips]

@lewiss66 if you usually ride sinker boards and are of a good intermediate standard, then the 55L. If you are at the level of just gybing but not tacking yet, then the 70L.

[@alexcelli2545]

This is the best Skybrid review I've seen till now:not only talks about how a ML board rides but about how this particular board performs.I'm 73 kg and ride mainly between 8/13 knots (above kiting) but in some conditions (eg off shore or too gusty wind) I also winging with more wind speed:looking for something to emprove light wind performance of my 95lt Naish hover,can ride both direction and starting to do first jibe.Do you think 85lt Skybrid can give me some advantages in that sense?

[@Wing-Tips]

The Skybrid will certainly provide a nice platform for getting going in lighter winds over a more traditional shaped board like the Hover. If you are predominantly riding in 8/13 kts then you may want to consider the longer narrower dedicated light wind boards (mid 6ft lengths by 19/20" wide)

[@steveca96]

Can you say what sized wing you would use on a conventional board for same ease of flying?

[@Wing-Tips]

it's not as big of a change as you get with a full on light wind board, I would say half a meter at best in terms of advantage where as the dedicated light wind board I can go a whole meter smaller.

[@BrookStein]

How many inches thick is it?

[@Wing-Tips]

It isn't documented in the specs and I didn't measure it but it is a relatively thick board, if I still had it I could measure but it has been returned to the shop demo fleet.

[@BrookStein]

Did it seem thinker, thinner or the same as your light wind board?

[@Wing-Tips]

@BrookStein thicker than my light wind board