The new Duotone Evo SLS 2024 compared to the 2023 model - Lasse & Ruben find out

When the new Evo SLS came into the office I knew I needed to find out more about this all round kite. Not only because I heard many people raving about it but also because I had no clue about the difference between the normal Evo, the Evo SLS and the Evo Dlab.

Initially I thought it was just a price difference in quality but in reality it turns out that they’re quite different kites aimed at a different target group. Whereas the Evo is more for beginners, and the Evo SLS is more high-performance catering to those intermediated kiters that love an easy kite for almost all disciplines. The Evo Dlab is the most advanced in the range with ultra tight and precise performance. Of course there is the price difference, mostly due to the use of more expensive materials and a more complex construction.

I had flown the Dlab before but never the SLS… so I rang Lasse to pick his brain about it and to take the 2023 and the new 2024 for a spin. At the office we unpacked both kites to see if we could spot any differences already. As the kites look pretty similar there were definitely some differences. The 2024 model has a bit higher aspect ratio, which increases the lift and jumping characteristics. Also we found quite a difference in the bridle lengths which can change the whole performance. Time to take them for a spin to compare the two.

We chose the Zandmotor as our spot for the day, with a cold Northerly wind blowing around 25 knots it was perfect to fly our 10m. I rode the 2023 model first and was blown away by the ease of use of this kite. It was steering pretty light and easy, looping fast and handling the gusts very nicely. Then jumping on the 2024 model I felt it was a little less tight on the loops but easier for jumping and catching hangtime. Still a smooth heliloop and kiteloop but not as easy as the 2023 model. Lasse and I both felt we were jumping higher and longer on the new one… and I think the Duotone design team tried to really make this kite for the intermediate kiter who mostly freerides and jumps. Still suitable for waveriding and foiling too, but I felt that was a bit easier on the 2023 model. All in all, great kites to fly.



CHECK EVO SLS 2024