Duotone Unit vs Unit SLS

I've been using 2025 4m and 5m Duotone Units for the last few months, they have been my go to wings and they've worked really well for me across all sorts of conditions. I've recently had the opportunity to try out the SLS version of the Units in 3.5m, 4m and 5m sizes and so I thought it would be useful to give a quick back to back comparison.

I'm hoping that this is useful for folk like me who are intermediate+ (gybe, tack, jump, 360's, backwind etc) and want to spend their hard earned money well.  I wing foil around the Solent on the south coast of England in a combination of flat water and wind-blown waves and chop, occasionally heading off to Cornwall or abroad for some proper waves. Gear wise, I use SLS version of the Carve 3.0 950 with the PX175 stab and 66 fuselage. I ride a Duotone Sky Style SLS 4'11", 84cm Slim DLab mast. I use the Units with a boom rather than handles (ex-windsurfer…) but this is very much personal preference.

Construction & Weight

Feature	Unit (Standard)	Unit SLS (Strong Light Superior)
Frame Material	Dacron leading edge	Penta TX (lighter, stiffer than Dacron)
Weight	Slightly heavier	~10–15% lighter (depends on size)
Canopy	Standard ripstop	Higher tension ripstop with SLS structure

Handling & Feel

Pumping

I'll admit that I was quiet surprised by the difference here. The SLS seemed more efficient, turning more of my effort into forward motion and getting me up on foil more often in marginal conditions. The tighter canopy gives you something to really pull against. I hate pumping so this was a big win for me.

Power delivery

I liked the standard Unit a lot, I found it very smooth and progressive and just easy to use. I'd describe the SLS as a notch sharper and punchier, not a huge amount but enough to notice. Acceleration is a bit quicker and the more snappy nature is really nice in the power on and off conditions of wind-blown waves in the Solent. It just feels very precise and, in my opinion, matches the Carve 3.0 well - this is a foil that likes to be powered up and thrown around and the Unit SLS provides the perfect engine.

Transitions

The SLS version feels lighter in the hands and this translates to easier gybes whether standard, race, heineken or whatever. It's easier to forget about the wing and get on with looking and carving. The SLS is also more stable when flagged out (the standard Unit is already very good but the SLS takes this up a level) so it behaves itself impeccably once you've released your back hand.

Tacks are also noticeably easier on the SLS version - the tight canopy means an almost flutter and drag free journey through the wind, this gives you more time on the foil and more successful tacks. I'm not sure I noticed too much difference between the standard and SLS versions for backwinded winging but for anything where you have one hand on the wing (gliding 360's, for example) the stability of the SLS makes life that bit easier.

Jumping

I'm no freestyle guru but I can honestly say that I've had my biggest jumps on the Unit SLS. The precision and efficiency of the wing makes it easier to pick your spot and then translate forward motion into skyward motion. Once in the air, it also seems to give you a bit more hang time than the standard Unit. Again, it matches the Carve 3.0 very well if you're into aerial freestyle.

Waves (sort of)

I've only used both versions of the Unit in the wind-blown, slow moving waves of the Solent but the fast and precise power delivery of SLS version made catching a wave at the right moment a bit easier. The super stable flagged out behaviour also means that you can carve upwind and downwind without worrying about the wing - this is particularly useful when the conditions are messy and you're looking to transition from one wave to another.

Final Verdict

• Choose the Duotone Unit if you:

  • Want a high-quality wing at a lower price - the standard Unit comes in at about £200 cheaper than the SLS version

  • Prioritise stability and ease of use

  • Are newer to wing foiling or value comfort

• Choose the Unit SLS if you:

  • Want the lightest, stiffest, and most responsive wing

  • Ride in waves or do freestyle

  • Are an experienced rider chasing performance

Both wings are excellent and I've had loads of fun using them — you're really choosing between great and elite.