DUOTONE Jaime 139 x 42cm 2022
Reviews / Twin Tips
102,827
At A Glance
Arguably the most popular twin tip to ever grace the kiteboarding scene, the Jaime is back and better than ever in both the standard and SLS construction. Responsible for the evolution of board design, the Jaime is a perfect match for those who seek a fit for freeride and freestyle.
By the way, in case you were wondering, the model name is pronounced "HI-may", not "JAY-mee"!
The board consists of a polywood core with Duotone's premium construction advantages. Carbon beams run through the board, enhancing performance when on the water. Paired with the use of Carbon Web, this creates a light but very robust and durable board, offering good take off 'pop' for those freestyle manoeuvres. The torsional stiffness/flex allows the rider to have more grip, better upwind performance and smoother landings whilst the general medium flex gives the perfect amount of power, control and comfort.
Grab rails feature along the rails of the board whilst the base sees quad channelling run from tip to tail. Providing tremendous grip right at the tips, by the fins, the Double Diffusor bottom helps assist in breaking the water's surface, gliding through those choppy conditions yet allowing early planing and a controlled, comfortable ride.
What can't go unnoticed is the bold colour way we see on this year's model. The White/Cream staple colour mixed with a bold red base and funky patterns will have you showing all your kite buddies just what an epic piece of kit this is!
Sizes: 128x39, 133x40, 136x41, 139x42, 142x43cm
On The Water
When it comes to a performance twin tip, it's hard to beat the Jaime. Although it's not the SLS construction, this board was still very light, even with straps and a handle. The first thing I noticed was just how comfortable and easy this board was to ride around. It was so smooth and felt like kiting on butter! With its quad-channel and double diffusor base, I always felt in control and was able to really hold an edge in the strongest of conditions. The water beneath the board easily passes by, and with so much grip, blasting yourself back upwind is never a problem.
The board offers amazing pop. If you're into your big jumps or landing freestyle moves, the Jaime provides everything you need to execute these tricks giving a very smooth and soft landing. With solid construction, flat water pop has never been easier, but if your local spot has a bit of chop, the Flex Tips are able to cut through the water, stopping you from ever catching the unwanted edge.
As for footstraps, the Entity straps offer plenty of choice to get the perfect set-up. Two straps on each binding allow you to get a perfect fit around the lower and upper part of your foot. Duotone also provides a Soft, Medium and Hard heel footpad that you can customise to your choice, and with plenty of toe padding, the Entity provides a very 'locked in' feel, something you definitely want for freestyle or even board off moves.
Overall
It's hard to pinpoint any negatives with the Jaime. It's clear why the Jaime is one of kiteboarding's most popular twin tips - and in 2022, it delivers once again! If you're looking for a board that provides fantastic grip, early planing, easy pop and a smooth ride, then it's a great choice. It's packed with performance features but still a great choice for all levels as it can help take your riding to the next level, so don't be put off by it being a fancy board! If you love the Jaime and want to treat yourself to a Jaime on steroids, then the SLS is a no brainer!
Videos
This review was in Issue 93 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit DUOTONERelated
By Liam Dredge
Liam fell in love with all Watersports after completing numerous seasons aboard, he then picked up kiting whilst in the warm tropics of the Carribean and has been obsessed ever since! Anyone that knows him would say it's near the only thing he talks about (which drives some crazy), and he loves to keep up to date with all the latest news, equipment and events that kiting has to offer. Liam also runs his own Watersports Centre along the south coast of the UK, LOOP Watersports, which is where our IKSURFMAG Test Centre is located!
