Duotone SLICK SLS vs UNIT V3 vs. UNIT DLAB / 2023 Wings / Comparative Review / SUPboarder

[@kshred3043]

FWIW, you can ride any version of Slick with just one hand, ie: by holding onto the boom right at the 'neutral point'. As opposed to flagging, this allows powered-up riding while simultaneously allowing opening your body and is a riding mode which is not possible on the Unit, ie: given that the neutral point will (presumably) be between the handles.

[@SUPboardermag]

Yes, I really like this feature personally, really gives more flexibility when riding! Cheers, Will

[@BryanPCC]

Thanks for doing this review! I learned on the original slicks and purchased a 4m unit v3 this year. For me, I want as much power to get up, and then I flag the wing out and ride surf/swell immediately. The wing is purely a get started or go upwind tool so I think the unit will be the right choice for the lighter wind conditions. I'd probably consider a new 3m slick sls for the super windy days since getting up isn't a real challenge and I do wholeheartedly love the boom!

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey Bryan, thank for sharing your experience - I really love the boom too! Will - SUPboarder

[@sivartknor]

Great review! Regarding wing sizes for the standard Unit...it also comes in 2.5 and 3.0m.

[@SUPboardermag]

Yes you are correct. We made a mistake. We bad! Thanks Reuben

[@frankbingel5504]

What about MOD3 and wing size? I read that due to the new fabric the wing generates more power and accelerates better, so that it actually feels almost .5 sqm bigger. So could you choose a .5sqm smaller compared to the previous model?

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey Frank, from my experience riding the Slick SLS and Unit back to back I would say that this isn't the case I felt they got going at the same wind strength - power is great, but its more about direct crisp power delivery than just 'more' for me which is great, but I wouldn't be rushing for a smaller size. However, I found The SLS boom and more compact wingspan easier to pump to get going so perhaps this was why I got going at the same time and Unit does deliver more getting going power via MOD3? I'll play around a bit more on a future session. Will

[@frankbingel5504]

Thx Will🙏🏻 I already ordered the Slick V3 in regular sizes and will give the crispy, powerful and hopefully better lasting wing a try🤙🏻

[@smarsden4436]

Interesting review thanks. I’ve a 5.0m Unit V2 which I bought to learn on, but now that I’ve more experience I’m looking at options to increase my time on the water. From your comments I’m wondering if I should replace my 5.0m with a 6.5m Unit, ie for light wind needing low end grunt (ie in 10+ knots), and add 4.0m or 4.5m Slick for higher wind days (ie 20+ knots - being as you say they’re less twitchy than Units in high winds). Any views? Including ideal 2 quiver wing sizes?

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey ,you will certainly see a performance enhancement in the V3 Unit. I think 6.5 to 4/4.5 would be a big jump in size ....but depends on what type of riding you are wanting to do and how heavy you are? Let me know ... You may find the find the deep dive into the two wings useful on SUPboarder PRO also as this shares some thoughts on this subject. Cheers, Will supboardermag.com/2023/03/05/which-2023-duotone-wing-wills-deep-dive/

[@zosterinski]

Very curious what you think about the slick d/lab

[@SUPboardermag]

Yes this would be very interesting. I feel for riders under 85 kg the normal slick SLS will be absolutely fine. Heavy riders would maybe benefit just like when using the unitdlab. Would love to have a go and really find out. Thanks Reuben

[@flywithandryx-tw9zk]

nice one! can you advise me about dlab vs normal unit. I am 80 kg and going to buy a 5,5 is it worth going for D Lab in order to get going more easily and earlier? thxx

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey! The D-Lab wont get you going earlier, its not a stiffer or more powerful version - just lighter. Cheers, Will

[@jamescrocker1031]

Hi. I've been using a slick 6.5 2021 with alloy boom in mainly flat water. Will a new 6.0 unit provide the same light wind grunt for very heavy riders?

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi James - hard to be sure as not used the two in these sizes side my side - my feeling was that the Unit has more power but it is a little harder to efficiently pump due to the slightly wider wingspan meaning more wing catching....depeneding on your height ( im 5.10") you may not have this issue. In bigger sizes the stiffer fabric MAY make more difference though to early riding performance - really unless we tested this we cant be sure. The 'power' we talk about in the unit is not just all about getting going early, but its a more direct power feeling that means when riding you can get power faster etc - if that makes sense. Will

[@jamescrocker1031]

@@SUPboardermag thanks Will. Being 120kg and never had a problem with the tips catching I'll look to stay with 6.5!

[@frankbingel5504]

Great! But in around three weeks time, you could repeat your test and exchange the 2022 Slick SLS by the released Slick V3 and compare the whole 2023 wing lineup🥳🥳🥳

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey Frank - I'm sure we will be able to do this as soon as it comes out. Last time we hear this wasn't going to be until May though?! Cheers, Will - SUPboarder

[@frankbingel5504]

@@SUPboardermag you mean May?

[@SUPboardermag]

@@frankbingel5504 yep - sorry for the type - edited now ;)

[@philipp3529]

Great Video! Good to hear your thoughts on these Wings. The decision between slick and unit was difficult for me because i would have liked to have the boom but the unit was cheaper in the overall package, has more modern material and (according to tests) delivers more power. But there is one thing I don't like so much, and that is the angled handles. In my opinion, the front handle should be angled the other way round. My wrist is used to this from a windsurf boom. But all in all, it's just complaining at a high level.

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey - yes the decision between the two is much closer than it has previously been in the range, and I can see how cost would come into the decision. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the handles too. Not something we noticed was a problem, but very valid when comparing to a windsurfing boom. Will - SUPboarder

[@johnlundegren3280]

Maybe price check for the booms, sounds a bit tooo expensive..

[@SUPboardermag]

Should be correct - we Carbon boom retails at £169, aluminium at £59 - Will

[@franpinyol8500]

interesting that you see the Unit more as a free ride instead of a surf, while Duotone positions the Unit as a surf/downind and the Slick as a freerride/freestyle 😵‍💫

[@SUPboardermag]

We give a good summary at around 19minutes. The wings cross over more than ever before but we recommend the Slick for riders wanting to do a bit of everything, if full on surf/downwind the Unit but heavier riders may benefit from the Unit with its more power in free ride conditions... Hope that makes sense. Will - SUPboarder Team

[@robertzeeland]

I'd trade my Unit for the SLS, as it has is less explosive lift. The SLS drives better pointing-forward ...the Unit is better at jumping and killer low-end but a nervous mad-dog in the smaller sizes. Superb gear nevertheless!

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey Robert - thanks for sharing your experience! Yep, in gusty high wind conditions the Unit would be twitchy! Will - SUPboarder