Comparing Duotone's Spirit Surf & Carve Hydrofoil - Foil Fridays
Duotone has really stepped up their Hydrofoil and Foil board game for the 2019/2020 season. They have completely overhauled their foil design for the 2020 season and now offer five new complete foils. Every part of their foil has been re-thought and as a result, nothing the previous years will be compatible. Normally I’d think of that as a bad thing, but it was necessary to improve the design to the level that it is now. Across the whole line, you will find a much stiffer and durable construction due to a longer mast chord, aluminum fuselage, and high end carbon wings.
Two of our favorite new Duotone hydrofoils are the Spirit Surf and Spirit Carve hydrofoils. They had been missing these larger foils in their wing designs in years past so heavier riders and freeriders were left without good options for learning and marginal conditions. The two wing designs share the same stabilizer and are basically the same wing designed scaled to fit two different rider weight ranges.
Giant speed range
Despite their size and “surfy” names, these foils are primarily aimed at foilers using kiteboard kites. Lighter riders, wakefoilers, or overhead wave days might find these as dual purpose but if that is your primary concern, there are better options for the price.
Kiters will find that these foils are excellent for learning and provide an exceptional platform for freeriding. When kiteboarding, speed range is of paramount importance. The ever changing nature of wind and immediate power on tap can leave you wishing for more out of a wing that does not cover a large speed range. The large yet efficient footprint of these wings allow them to give lift in the lowest board speeds, yet still boast an impressive top end speed.
Equally impressive, these wings are quite stable at crawling speed, yet maintain their playful maneuverability in the top end of their range. Because, what use is all that speed if you cannot bank a 10g turn? Am-I-Right?
Which one?
Choosing between these two wings will depend on your weight and average riding speed. At 1250cmsq the Duotone Spirit Surf will be best for riders in the 180-250 lb range for most riders in light to moderate powered wind. Riders as light as 130lbs will appreciate it for a dedicated underpowered riding wing, surfing, and wakefoiling.
At 950cmsq the Duotone Spirit Carve wing will be best for riders 130-190lbs as a primary wing in light to moderate powered wind and for it’s mellow learning curve. Heavier riders will appreciate this wing with moderate to high kite power and for it’s playful yet forgiving stability.
What's included?
Photos of bag, covers
When purchased as a complete foil both o
f these foils come included with a travel case, wing covers, and a mast cover so when considering the price take into account that extra $200 worth of added value.
Photo of masts
The Spirit Surf is available as a complete in only the 75cm mast but is compatible with their a-la-carte mast sizes in 60cm and 90cm. I find that the 75 is suitable for the majority of circumstances anyway.
The Spirit Carve is available complete with either 60cm, 75cm, or 90cm masts. Personally, I find that the 75cm is ideal but heavier riders may prefer a longer mast for large choppy waves. The 60cm version will primarily be for progressing beginners but also useful in shallow locations.
Sadly, spare masts must be purchased along with a top plate, as they are permanently fixed together. As a result, they are more expensive than other options where a simple mast shaft can be purchased. On the positive side, the interface between the top plate and mast are significantly more rigid; which provides a carbon-like performance at ⅓ the price.
Written and produced by Tucker Vantol, Ryan (Rygo) Goloversic
Tucker Vantol
Mackite's resident surf and "Hydrofoil junkie." You can either catch him on the phones or on the water at dawn testing new gear. He is proficient at a myriad of sports, a shaper and passionate about getting his water time. When he discovered kiteboarding it took over as his predominate sport. The same could be said about hydrofoiling.
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