Duotone Wam SLS 2021 Kiteboard Review

The duotone evergreen Wam is a traditional all-rounder with a surf shape. With the Duotone Wam SLS 2021 the classic gets an update.

Duotone introduces its high-end series SLS, both for kites and for twintips and surfboards. The idea is the same everywhere: lighter, more stable, better performance. And this is to be achieved by the new Innegra-Shield, with which the SLS surfboards are sheathed. By using the high-tech fibers, Duotone promises a ride like a classic PU surfboard, but combined with high liveliness and durability, making the board less susceptible to dents and scratches than traditional fiberglass PU boards.

Innegra fibers are said to have similar properties to carbon with the small but important difference that they are said to dampen better, providing a smoother ride compared to carbon boards. The new construction is accompanied by a slightly modified shape, with the widest point now shifted further forward.

An elaborate channel runs in the underwater hull. The shock absorbers made of cork on the upper side were taken over from the predecessor. The SLS construction comes without inserts. These are only available with the Bamboo construction in the “normal” Wam.

The lightweight design is not only noticed positively on the weight scale. The board makes a really high-quality impression overall. It accelerates luxuriantly and glides conspicuously freely and with little resistance. At the same time, it lies medium-high and full in the water.

It is pleasantly undemanding in terms of load. Light to medium weight riders just stand on it and glide off, only heavy pilots have to pay a bit more attention to the right stance and an even load. The forgiving handling is complemented by the good tip stability. Especially in choppy water it convinces with its enormous damping and the great running smoothness.

In typical Duotone style, the Wam all-rounder seems to have been designed with a particular focus on balanced handling characteristics. This also applies to carving: edge and fins harmonize with good guidance, but not too biting grip. If you increase the power input, you can also hammer it around the corner in very tight radii, otherwise the Duotone likes the smooth, medium-length turns. At the same time, it feels slower than it is because of the damped handling.

This beginner-friendly, unexcited handling naturally benefits it in the waves. Especially in unsorted onshore waves the Wam SLS presents itself strong. It glides through well and you can still find the gap to mill a powerful spray out of the lip even in chaos conditions thanks to the outstanding control. Even on big days, the Wam doesn’t reach its limit until late.

When it gets really fast and punchy, it lacks top speed. That’s where the stretched down-the-line shapes still have an advantage. But even here you’re happy about control and the uncomplicated, forgiving handling.