2023 Duotone Slick Vs. 2022 Slick SLS | Design Changes and Benefits Explored

Duotone is one of the most popular brands in the wing foil industry, and they have a reputation for producing quality equipment that is well-suited for riders of all skill levels. In this blog post, we'll be discussing their latest wing, the 2023 Slick, and how it compares to its predecessor, the 2022 Slick SLS.

What is the Duotone Slick Wing All About?

The Slick is a popular model from Duotone that is known for being versatile and easy to ride. It is suitable for beginners to advanced riders and comes with a boom. The Slick is not designed as a surf wing but is a favorite among many riders due to its easy handling and intuitive feel.

Today we're going to talk about the 2023 Slick and compare it to the 2022 Slick SLS. How has the design changed, why are the constructions different, and what does that mean for you?

Tucker: This is Tucker, and I have Jeff here with me today. We were just out riding the 2023 Slick this morning.

Jeff: In some pretty extreme conditions.

Tucker: Yeah, it was wild. It was snowing, hailing, it was 25 miles an hour up and down... nasty conditions. We've also ridden it a few other times in some lighter conditions and some properly-powered, normal conditions, but this morning was just chaos.

Jeff: But we had a chance to ride the 2023 Slick.

Tucker: Yes, awesome wing. For those who haven't had a chance to ride a Slick or are new to the sport and aren't familiar with the Slick model, it's Duotone's most versatile model for a beginner to advanced level rider. It's the easy choice for plug-and-play ease-of-use.

Jeff: It comes with a boom, which can be real easy for beginners-

Tucker: Well, it doesn't come with the boom; you need to buy a boom.

Jeff: That's right, and you can share the boom between the wings, but you do need it.

Tucker: You can use one boom for all your wing sizes, and it hasn't changed over the years. If you have a Duotone Mini Boom, whether it's a Silver, a Platinum, or a Platinum SLS, it's going to fit on all these wings no matter what year and no matter what construction, so that's really cool.

Jeff: And this morning we were on the SLS, which is the thinner diameter, which I prefer.

Tucker: The SLS boom, not to be confused with the SLS Slick wing. It can be a little confusing, but yes.

Jeff: It probably would be a good idea to break down the Slicks really quick.

Tucker: Yeah. At the beginning of the Slick generation, we had the Slick that was a 2021-2022 model, and then they came out with a Slick SLS which was a slight redesign, but the primary improvement there was the SLS upgraded material. It's Stiffer, it's Lighter, and it's Stronger. They went to the slit windows at that time as well. The big change there between the Slick and the SLS was the improvement in the upper end range. It didn't get overpowered as quickly and it gained more forward-pulling momentum and upper range as a result. Moving into now, the 2023 Slick will be the regular construction with a Dacron frame, but will have the Mod3 canopy, an awesome upgrade. They will also have a D/Lab version, which is the Aluula frame with the Mod3 canopy, and that's kind of the crème de la crème if you want the stiffest, strongest, and lightest.

Jeff: We're going to focus on the difference between the SLS 2022 and the 2023 Slick.

Tucker: Correct. The most recent Slick before 2023, which is the SLS, and how that has evolved and how it's changed for 2023. We've ridden the regular one, and the same is going to hold true for the D/Lab. It's the same design, just with a different frame, so a lot of what we're saying about the regular Slick can be applied to the D/Lab as well, only it's stiffer and it's a little lighter. It's very much the same wing, just with a slight upgrade in those areas.

Jeff: When you say lighter, I felt, between the two, that the 2023 felt like it had just as light a flying characteristic as the SLS.

Tucker: I haven't held them both back-to-back in the same conditions, but I've spent a lot of time on the SLS, and immediately when I grabbed the 2023, it felt lighter to me, even though it's not an SLS construction.

Jeff: This morning was my first time on it and it's not SLS, but the flying characteristic felt light to the hand and touch.

Tucker: Yep, and that's just in practice. On the scale, it's a few ounces heavier, which is nothing to worry about, but in practice, in the way it's designed, it definitely feels lighter in your hand, which is cool. I would say that's a good thing for most people; it's going to mean it surfs better, it feels lighter so you're less fatigued, and it's just easier to handle in general.

Jeff: The 2022 SLS was my favorite because of its range. As it got into the higher winds, it handled it very well. Maybe it took a little bit more to get up on foil and get going initially, and we did a review on that on the 2023 light wind wings that we like, but the 2022 SLS really has a wide range. When it gets really windy, it definitely handles it very well. In contrast, which you hinted at already just a moment ago, the 2023 Slick flipped that a little bit, meaning it felt like it had a little bit more power out of the gate, but then it got a little bit overpowered, so there's a distinct difference that I felt, and you felt it too.

Tucker: Yeah, definitely. There's more ease-of-use on the low end, which I think is awesome for new riders or anybody that wants to go out and just have an easier experience, so I think that's a positive thing, as long as you recognize that it also means you bring your upper end down a little bit. You just have to readjust your range; rather than buying a 5.5m, probably buy a 5m.

Jeff: Yes, half a meter, we thought.

Tucker: Right, half a meter difference for the bigger sizes between 4 and 7, and maybe a quarter meter adjustment on the tiny sizes. There's definitely more low end, and you don't get as much top end. You can't sheet it out as much because it does have more grunt and is more physical, so when you get overpowered you can't push it quite as high.

Jeff: Like we did this morning.

Tucker: Yeah, we definitely did it this morning. It was still well-behaved, but it became more physical the higher the wind became.

Jeff: Then I compare it with the SLS. The SLS seemed to handle upper ranges just a little bit better.

Tucker: Yeah, it definitely has to do with that grunt, and that was part of their goal with the redesign.

Jeff: What do you think about the surfing?

Tucker: Surfing feels great. We already talked about the weight and how it feels so light in your hand. The Slick is always a favorite of mine. It's not really built as a surf wing, but I like it as a surf wing. We always refer to the Slick as the "easy button". With the boom, you can't miss it and there are a million ways you can hold it. It's just so easy. In the waves, you can hold it right at the front and it flags out so nicely. You can hold it at the leading edge and it feels nice. If it's really small and you just need a little extra boost or some leverage to rip some turns, you can hold it in the middle.

Jeff: That's what I experienced. I'm a couple years behind you in the learning curve, and I've found the boom to be real forgiving as you make your transitions, turns, and even as you ride your first wave. Like you said, you have a lot of easy spots to hold. You don't have to think about it as much, and it's balanced quite well. There are a lot of options. I did notice this morning that my front hand was all the way up, and you've said your experience has been that as well, right?

Tucker: Yes, it's a very forward-flying wing, and I love that. I love my front hand to be as close to the leading edge as possible. That hinging off the front edge gives you a lot of control over the power. It makes it easy to quickly roll into a tack or to quickly shut it off or turn it on when you need a little bump, and it's just that easy handling. Everything's very intuitive with the Slick. I think that's part of its magic and part of why it's so popular; it's just that easy, intuitive wing. I think a lot of people even look past it a little bit because it's such a subtle performance.

Jeff: Kind of all-terrain, does it all well.

Tucker: Yeah, you can shut your brain off; you don't need to think about the wing.

Jeff: We have the luxury of riding a lot of gear, obviously, so we have the knowledge to share with you and to be able to compare it against a lot of wings, and we find that it feels very comfortable and very at home. It kind of crosses over a lot of different wings that are out there and puts it all in one.

Tucker: Totally. In terms of the construction, the 2022 SLS Stronger, Lighter, Stiffer sounds really great on paper, it is really great on the water, and it's one of my favorite wings. If I had to commit to one wing forever for all riding types in all conditions, that would be in the top three for me, for sure. It just works so well for everything, it's so easy to ride, and the construction is solid. Duotone quality is definitely up there, and they've made some moderate improvements with the 2023. You are getting a Mod3 canopy, which is their new canopy that you're going to see on their 2023 wings. It's stiffer and it is longer-lasting because it's not going to elongate as much or bag out as quickly. It feels more stiff and direct in your hands; I think we both felt that. That's part a product of the canopy and part a product of the redesign with more grunt, but I'd say that's a positive move for them. Not that I ever had an issue with the SLS; the frame is so stiff, and their previous canopy with the Trinity Tex was already so good that I'd say it's an incremental improvement. In a lot of ways, I like the SLS better, personally, because it's more forward-pulling and you can ride it overpowered a little bit more comfortably.

Jeff: A little forward-pulling drive versus the new 2023 with more mid-position drive.

Tucker: Yep. So the SLS was a little bit more race-y and a little bit more comfortable overpowered, while the 2023 is a little bit easier entry and a little easier to use on the low end. It's definitely going to help people out. I think people tend to undersize, especially as new riders. They don't want to ride a big wing, so they go too small. This is going to help them out to get them bumped up and running.

Jeff: I would agree. We'd also like to remind you that, with any Duotone wing, it doesn't come with a leash and it has a special adapter. So you've got to add those to your cart. They have their own inflation system, which is called the Airport valve.

Tucker: Yeah, it almost looks like a hose end, but it won't fit, so you definitely have to add that Duotone adapter to the cart. You can use any leash, so you can buy Ozone, F-One, PKS... whatever you like, whether it's a wrist leash or waist leash or a harness line. On one hand, it's kind of annoying that you've got to add another item to your cart, but on the other hand you get to make a choice on what kind of leash you want; you don't need to pay for one you're never going to use.

Jeff: As we wrap up the 2023 regular Slick versus the 2022 SLS, is there anything we want to add?

Tucker: It'd be a tough choice for me between the two; they're both so good. I do think the SLS does have some really nice attributes for more experienced riders.

Jeff: That would be my choice, probably in the 7m. I really like the feel of it in the lighter wind and the performance as the wind starts to pick up. You don't get blown off the water with it.

Tucker: Yeah, you get a little more top end range. You're firmly into your upper-intermediate to early advanced stages, so you have the skill to back it up. If you were a new rider, I would say it's going to be the complete opposite, and you would want the extra grunt. Maybe you're going to want to ride a half size smaller so it's not as cumbersome and easier to handle. I think there are compelling reasons for both. At the end of the day, if you're already a Slick rider, you're going to love the new wing and you're going to love the SLS. They're both phenomenal wings and leaders in the category. Especially if you really don't have a specific riding style and you just want to go ride and have fun and get better and not have to buy three different 5 meters to ride three different ways, get a Slick.

Jeff: That's why it's one of the most popular ones we sell here at MACkite.

Tucker: Yep. Okay, let's say something bad about it. We always have to say something bad about it.

Jeff: The boom. You can either love or hate the boom. I'm still in the middle, though.

Tucker: I love the boom, especially the SLS. It's so light and the narrower diameter is awesome, but if you're traveling, you're not getting that thing into your normal carry-on. It's not going to happen. You're going to have to disguise it as a peg leg or a cane walking it onto the plane.

Jeff: I'm not that old yet. I don't need a cane. Anyways, this has been Jeff and Tucker here at MACkite. If you have any other questions, just hit us up with our chats or emails, or visit us on our social media. We're here to help and share the stoke.

2023 Duotone Slick

The 2023 Slick has a Mod 3 canopy, which is stiffer and longer-lasting. It also has a D/Lab version with an Aluula frame that is the stiffest, strongest, and lightest. The 2023 Slick has a more mid-position drive and is easier to use on the low end, making it suitable for new riders.

2022 Duotone Slick SLS

The 2022 Slick SLS is an upgrade on the original design, featuring a stronger, lighter, and stiffer construction. It has a slit window and performs well in a wide range of wind conditions. Its forward-pulling momentum is improved, and it handles overpowered conditions comfortably.

Comparing the 2023 Duotone Slick to the 2022 Slick SLS

The 2023 Slick has more low-end grunt and is easier to use, making it a good choice for beginners. The 2022 Slick SLS is more racy and comfortable overpowered, making it a good choice for advanced riders. Both wings are solid constructions that feature Duotone's high-quality standards.

Conclusion

Choosing between the 2023 Duotone Slick and the 2022 Slick SLS will depend on your skill level and riding preferences. The 2022 Slick SLS is more suitable for advanced riders who want more forward-pulling momentum and comfort when overpowered.

The 2023 Slick is better suited for new riders who need more low-end grunt and ease of use. Both are great wings that represent Duotone's commitment to producing quality equipment for wing foilers of all skill levels.

MACkite Subscription Links:

YouTube  |   Instagram  |   Spotify Oddcasts

Contact MACkite Below:

800.622.4655  |   Kiteboarder@MACkite.com  |   LIVE Chat Messenger