Duotone Duke 2026

Our most successful 5-batten sail ever made a strong comeback in SS23, and for SS25 we have given it a fresh new look!

The DUKE combines our LIGHT DONE RIGHT construction with all the other building ideas developed over the past ten years to set a new standard for wind-range focused handling sails.

When developing the DUKE, it was a 1.5 year project, with you, the end user, always at the heart of the process. As a starting point, we involved “real” end-users who regularly use these kinds of sails and our surf centres to create a wish list for the DUKE’s rebirth, and here is the result and how we approached it:

Maximum wind range especially in shifting and/or very gusty conditions.

This is the most important factor and the main advantage of choosing a 5-batten handling sail. Simply put, more battens give you more control and a wider wind range. Usually, this has a negative effect on the low-end power because more battens make it harder for the wind to fill the sail, making it less efficient for pumping. Therefore, we have included the BATTEN FREE CENTER idea from the SUPER_HERO. Instead of the usual even batten spacing, the DUKE has a larger gap between the foot batten and the batten above the boom. This makes the boom area easier to fill and increases stability at the top (due to the higher batten density there). The second downside is that each batten adds weight to the sail. That’s why there was a trend towards fewer battens for wave sails in recent years.

Super light feel in your hands but without falling apart after 1-2 seasons.

The lighter weight of 4-batten sails was the main reason 5-batten sails disappeared over the past decade. Luckily, we have made major building improvements over the last 10 years. The result was the LIGHT DONE RIGHT CONSTRUCTION introduced in 2022. By replacing the usual multilayer reinforcements with a single layer of high-quality fabric and adding the ONE PIECE SLEEVE, we reduced the overall weight by 300g. Most importantly, we are the only brand to achieve these weight savings without thinning the film and XPly panels. Only this way can we still guarantee our unmatched 5-year warranty. Another problem with thinner film is that the sail becomes spongy as energy is lost in the extra stretch. This makes the sail feel heavier in your hands. So unlike others, our sails are not just lighter on the scale but especially lighter in your hands on the water when you use them. Because that’s what really matters!

Early planing power even without excessive pumping

To reach maximum planing power, the DUKE has a high draft placement combined with a deep profile which helps lift the board onto the plane.

Super neutral in turns

To make tricks and turns as easy as possible, the sail should become completely neutral during moves. Therefore, the DUKE has a more forward draft position. The forward draft cuts the power and goes fully neutral as soon as you ease the sheet or shift the sail. This leads to a much higher success rate.

Good lift and control for jumping

The higher draft position also increases your airtime by generating lift, while the more forward draft helps you stay in control at all times.

Maximum range of use

One of the DUKE’s greatest strengths is its versatility. It’s pure joy in bump & jump conditions on your freewave board or as a smaller sail for zipping around on your freeride board. The forward/up draft position also makes it very capable for classic and even new school freestyle tricks. And last but not least, it’s a great sail for medium waves and/or jumping conditions, especially in gusty or tricky winds. So, the new DUKE is a true all-round high-performance contender challenging any handling sail out there.

Simple and quick to rig

With all the features, markers, and tips we have developed over the past 40 years, it’s safe to say there is no sail faster or more precise to rig than a DUOTONE sail. This means even if you’re not a pro rigging and tuning your sail every day, you will still get the correct trim. Because only with the right trim can you unlock 100% of the sail’s performance.

Similar feel to your bigger Freeride/Performance sails

Another important point is that all the sails in your collection should feel and behave similarly. This even applies to pros, as it usually takes them a full day to get used to and adjust their style to a sail that feels very different. The main reason sails feel different is the draft position in the sail. Luckily, the DUKE has you covered here too, as it has a very similar draft position to most modern freeride sails.

So, you see, we have poured all our knowledge and experience into creating the most refined Jump N’ Ride high-performance sail ever.