The Duotone Unit is Duotone's all-round wing: the one that works for freeride cruising, for your first jumps and for surfing waves with the wing flagged out. For 2027 that character doesn't change, but the way it moves in your hands does: a shorter centre strut, a new profile distribution, refined canopy tension and tips, and redesigned windows. The result is a more compact wing, with less inertia when you move it and more stability when you flag it out. It comes in four versions (Original, SLS, SLS Concept Blue and D/LAB), and here we explain what changes and which one suits you.
Change by change: what's new on the Unit 2027
1. Shorter centre strut
This is the main change. With a shorter strut the wing sits closer to your body and has less inertia when you turn or flip it (what's known as swing weight). You notice it in tacks, in gybes and when you move it between gusts and lulls: the Unit feels more compact and smoother.
2. New profile distribution
Duotone takes depth out of the centre and moves it towards the quarters of the wing. That way power is generated more efficiently along the whole span and the wing stays quieter and more stable when flagged out, which is exactly what you need to surf waves or swell with the wing loose.
3. Refined canopy tension and tips
Canopy tension and tip twist have been reworked for cleaner aerodynamics and a more stable profile. On the water that means more progressive power delivery, without jerks, and a more direct response.
4. Redesigned windows
A new window layout gives better visibility downwind without losing canopy tension. You'll appreciate it at busy spots and when you're surfing a wave and want to know what's ahead of you.
5. More MOD3s in the canopy
The Unit Original uses a higher percentage of MOD3s canopy material, which holds its shape and stands the test of time better. The wide, rigid leading edge handle, the moulded pockets for the mini battens and the Fusion system, which lets you fit a boom or handles to the same wing (sold separately), all carry over.
Original, SLS, Concept Blue or D/LAB: which to choose
All four versions share the same design and wind ranges. What changes is the frame material, and with it the weight, the stiffness and the feel of the response.
- Unit 2027 (Original): MOD3s canopy and a more durable, affordable construction. It's the one we recommend to most riders: forgiving, with good low-end power for its category, and it won't hold you back as you progress. From €999.
- Unit SLS 2027: PentaTX frame (135 g) with an Aluula Gold centre panel (82 g). Stiffer and more reactive. In the small sizes it also keeps the leading edge diameter of the original Unit for more low-end power. From €1,239.
- Unit SLS Concept Blue 2027: the same SLS with an undyed canopy. Same price and same behaviour.
- Unit D/LAB 2027: full Aluula Gold frame and a slimmer leading edge. The lightest, stiffest and fastest of the range, for demanding riders. From 3.5 to 6.5 m², from €2,039.
Sizes, wind ranges and weight
| Size | Wind | Original weight* | SLS weight* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 m² | 27–45 knots | 1.38 kg | 1.37 kg |
| 2.5 m² | 23–40 knots | 1.78 kg | 1.60 kg |
| 3.0 m² | 19–37 knots | 1.90 kg | 1.72 kg |
| 3.5 m² | 16–33 knots | 1.98 kg | 1.85 kg |
| 4.0 m² | 14–30 knots | 2.07 kg | 2.01 kg |
| 4.5 m² | 12–28 knots | 2.23 kg | 2.10 kg |
| 5.0 m² | 10–25 knots | 2.34 kg | 2.23 kg |
| 5.5 m² | 9–22 knots | 2.46 kg | 2.32 kg |
| 6.0 m² | 8–20 knots | 2.54 kg | 2.49 kg |
| 6.5 m² | 7–18 knots | 2.63 kg | 2.64 kg |
*Wing weight without handles or boom. Official Duotone chart. Fusion handles: M for 2.5 and 3.0 m² and L from 3.5 to 6.5 m² (the 2.0 only takes a boom). Fusion boom: S for 2.0, M for 2.5 and 3.0 and L from 3.5 to 6.5 m².
Official videos: the Unit 2027 on the water
If you want to get into the technical detail, the design team explains it in this Tech Talk on the whole Unit range:
Who is the Unit 2027 for?
- Intermediate riders looking for a do-it-all wing: the Unit Original is the logical choice. Smooth, predictable pull, good low-end power and a canopy that lasts.
- Wave wingfoilers: the stability when flagged out and the new windows make it very comfortable for surfing waves or swell with the wing loose.
- Advanced freeriders and freestyle: the SLS offers the best balance between response and price; the D/LAB is for those who want the lightest, most direct wing possible.
- Who should look at another model: if you're after a very light, dedicated wave wing, take a look at the Duotone Float SLS. If you haven't started yet, first read what wingfoiling is and ask us.
Is it worth it compared with the Unit 2026?
The Unit 2026 is still an excellent wing. The 2027 improves in three specific areas: more compact handling thanks to the short strut, better distributed power and more stability when flagged out. If you ride waves or do a lot of manoeuvres, you'll notice it. If you mainly freeride on flat water, a 2026 at a good price is still a very sensible buy.
The opportunity: a reduced Unit 2026
At the time of writing there are units of the Duotone Unit 2026 left at 30% off, from €699 for the 2.5 m² (was €999) to €804 for the 5.5 m² (was €1,149), and of the Unit SLS 2026 from €888 for the 2.5 m² (was €1,269) to €1,063 for the 5.5 m² (was €1,519). That's about €300-500 less than the 2027 model in the same size.
Unit 2027 prices by size
| Size | Unit 2027 | Unit SLS / Concept Blue 2027 | Unit D/LAB 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 m² | €999 | €1,239 | – |
| 2.5 m² | €1,024 | €1,284 | – |
| 3.0 m² | €1,049 | €1,329 | – |
| 3.5 m² | €1,074 | €1,374 | €2,039 |
| 4.0 m² | €1,099 | €1,419 | €2,079 |
| 4.5 m² | €1,124 | €1,464 | €2,119 |
| 5.0 m² | €1,149 | €1,509 | €2,159 |
| 5.5 m² | €1,174 | €1,554 | €2,199 |
| 6.0 m² | €1,199 | €1,599 | €2,239 |
| 6.5 m² | €1,224 | €1,644 | €2,279 |
Prices without Fusion handles or boom, which are bought separately.
What to pair it with
As well as the Fusion boom or handles, you'll need a wrist safety leash (Duotone recommends 4" up to the 4.5 m² and 5" from the 5.0). For the board, the Sky Style SLS 2026 is a good companion for freeride and freestyle, and the Skybrid SLS 2026 if you want something longer and easier to get up on the foil.
Frequently asked questions
What size Unit 2027 do I need?
It depends on your weight, your board, your foil and your usual wind. As a reference, Duotone gives the 5.0 m² a range of 10 to 25 knots and the 4.0 m² 14 to 30 knots. Many riders combine two sizes to cover light days and windy days. Ask us with your weight and your spot.
Does the wing come with handles or a boom?
No. Duotone sells it without handles or boom so you can choose the Fusion system you prefer. The recommended sizes for each wing are below the wind range chart.
Is the SLS worth it over the Original?
If you ride a lot and notice the weight and inertia of the wing, yes: the PentaTX frame with an Aluula centre gives it more stiffness and response, and in the small sizes it keeps the Original's leading edge for more low-end power. If you ride now and then or you're still progressing, the Original gives you the same design for less.
Is it good for waves?
It's one of its strong points in 2027: the short strut and the new profile distribution make it sit still and neutral when flagged out while you surf.
What's the difference between the SLS and the Concept Blue?
None on the water: it's the same wing with an undyed canopy, at the same price.
Find your Unit at Popkite
We have the Unit 2027, the Unit SLS 2027, the Unit SLS Concept Blue 2027, the Unit D/LAB 2027 and the last units of the reduced Unit 2026. If you're unsure between constructions or sizes, write to us: we'll help you put your kit together based on your weight, your level and your spot.
