DUOTONE Evo SLS 9m 2022
Reviews / Kites
102,827
At A Glance
Duotone has a fantastic and comprehensive quiver of kites available to their users; there truly is something for everyone in all disciplines of kiteboarding. The Evo is marketed as the most all-around kite in the range and comes in both the standard and SLS (Strong, Light, Superior) construction. The SLS materials give this kite a much sharper, premium feel compared to the standard Evo. The Evo SLS provides an exciting feel when on the water, whether you've gone for a freeride blast, freestyle session, or even a wave or foil session. The top-end overall performance gives it great efficiency in all aspects of kiteboarding.
The Evo SLS has a 3 strut design, with the two wider struts being 'Flex Struts', offering more flexibility and giving this kite a handling experience like no other. SLS kites are relatively new in the Duotone range, but have become a fast favourite. For those who don't know about Duotone’s SLS (Strong, Light, Superior) range, these products use the newest, most innovative and top-quality materials on the market. In the new Evo SLS, the leading edge is replaced with Penta TX, a material that has 5x higher tear resistance, 50% less elongation, and an overall weight saving of 15% from previous kite models.
Although it can be hard to change what is already a very well-built kite, the 2022 Evo SLS has a few key improvements. This version has a slightly wider arc and reduced trailing edge than the 2021 model, which offers a more connected feel to kite and rider whilst also enhancing the low-end performance for those lighter wind days. With more new sizes in the range, the Evo SLS comes in six bright, vibrant colour combos!
Sizes: 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14
In The Air
For this review, I had the pleasure of trying the new Duotone Evo SLS available in a 9m. I was able to take it out in wind ranging from 18 to just shy of 30 knots, which gave me a good feel for both its low-end and top-end performance. Instantly, I noticed how easy the kite was to fly and how smooth it drifted through the wind window. With the Flex Struts, the turning radius was quick and snappy, making manoeuvres feel simplified; I knew exactly where the kite was all the time.
For those that enjoy jumping big and extreme kite loops, I definitely wouldn't rule the Evo SLS out. For sure, the Rebel or Dice might be your preferred choice, but the Evo SLS offers plenty of power and generous hangtime with the benefit of a reliable, user-friendly kite. You don't get such an extreme pull like you would on the Dice, but it'll still give you a good yank! In those super windy and gusty conditions, the kite had great bar feedback and control. With the Click Bar, depowering was only a click away.
With the kite being lighter than many other kites out there designed for a similar purpose, thanks to the Penta TX material, it flies in very little wind and still gives you a fun and enjoyable session on those days you may not have kited before! Downlooping in light winds provides that extra bit of power when needed, yet still, the kite fires back up to 12. You don't have to worry about crashing the kite and struggling to get it relaunched. In regards to its relaunch capabilities, a slight pull on the steering line and the Evo shoots back up, allowing you to regain composure and carry on with your session. Paired with a foil, it would be a great weapon of choice!
Overall
The SLS construction offers a more 'sporty/advanced' feel than the standard Evo, which in my opinion, made for better overall performance. On the other hand, the Evo SLS remains a user-friendly and easy kite to fly with a great progression learning curve.
For those who are riding in one specific discipline, Duotone has kites for everything - big air, freestyle, wave, or foil. But for those who want a bit of everything, the Evo SLS is a do-it-all kite that offers an exciting and responsive ride in every discipline. With very stable flight with plenty of sheeting power and an excellent wind range, the new Duotone Evo SLS is truly impressive!
Videos
This review was in Issue 92 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!
