Comparison of Duotone Neo 2025 Kite Models: Neo, Neo SLS, and Neo D/LAB
2025 brings to market three standout models from Duotone’s Neo series: Neo, Neo SLS, and Neo D/LAB. Each has been designed to meet the specific needs of riders passionate about wave surfing, freeriding, and strapless freestyle, but each model has unique characteristics in terms of design, materials, and features. Here we are going to analyze their main differences to help you choose the perfect kite according to your riding style and needs.
1. Duotone Neo 2025
Ideal for advanced wave riders and beginners.
The Neo 2025 stands out for its versatility and adaptability in the water, as it combines maneuverability and high performance in waves. This model has several improvements over previous versions, such as its Trinity TX construction and an optimized kite profile for greater power in the lower and upper range. The Neo offers precise handling and great drifting ability, especially useful for riders who want a wave kite that is fast in turns and easy to handle in a variety of conditions.
Key Features:
- Great Drift Ability: The Neo remains stable and controllable when the wind line is cut when riding in waves.
- Quick Response: Even when depowered, the Neo remains highly responsive, allowing for consistent control.
- Wide Wind Range: Its profile allows it to be ridden in a smaller size without compromising power and stability.
- Custom Fit: With various settings at the ends, riders can tweak its performance to suit the conditions of the day, allowing it to suit both freestyle and surf sessions.
Pros and Cons Cons:
- Advantages: Great versatility, great for waves and a wide wind range.
- Disadvantages: The construction is less advanced compared to higher end models like the SLS and D/LAB.
2. Duotone Neo SLS 2025
For riders looking for high-end wave performance with maximum durability and responsiveness.
The Neo SLS (Strong Light Superior) represents an upgraded version of the standard Neo, focused on reducing weight and maximizing response on the bar. Built with Penta TX and Trinity TX, it is a durable and lightweight kite. This model features the Hybrid Flex Strut strut design, which improves maneuverability and allows for fluid, agile turns. With a wide top wind range, it's perfect for changing conditions.
Key Features:
- Intuitive Bar Response: Smooth and precise, ideal for riders who need quick control in waves.
- Hybrid Flex Strut Construction: Ensures dynamic turns and superior maneuverability.
- Lightweight Batten Pocket Design: Reduces kite weight without sacrificing durability.
- Aerodynamic Handling: Optimized to prevent trailing edge flutter, improving overall stability.
Pros & Cons:
- Advantages: Great drift ability and excellent wind range; Ideal for advanced wave riders.
- Cons: It may be less accessible for beginner riders due to its high reactivity and price.
3. Duotone Neo D/LAB 2025
For experienced riders looking for the latest in wave technology and performance.
The Neo D/LAB is designed for expert riders, with innovative materials such as Aluula and Trinity TX, which allow for unmatched performance. This model focuses on offering the greatest drift capacity and exceptional wind range, ideal for gusty wind conditions. The Neo D/LAB's structure includes a thinner leading edge that ensures fast depowering and agile turns, maximizing precision in extreme conditions.
Key Features:
- Advanced Materials (Aluula and Trinity TX): Provide a strong, flexible and stable ride.Lightweight and durable structure, perfect for changing wind conditions.
- Wind-leading range: Adapts to both light wind and stronger gusts, with fast depower.
- Ultra-fast turns and extreme maneuverability: Thanks to its Hybrid Flex Strut design.
- Maximum control: The steering response and overall stability make the rider experience absolute control at all times.
Pros and cons:
- Advantages: Cutting-edge technology for advanced riders, excellent for complex waves.
- Disadvantages: The Neo D/LAB is focused on experienced riders, so it can be challenging for beginners and has a high cost.
Conclusion
Whether you are a beginner wave rider or want a versatile kite, the Duotone Neo 2025 is your best choice for its ease of use and wide wind range. For advanced wave riders looking for a lightweight, intuitively responsive kite, the Neo SLS offers high-end performance and durable construction. Finally, if you are an expert rider looking for the most innovative kite with the best performance in extreme conditions, the Neo D/LAB is the ideal choice.
Each Duotone Neo model for 2025 is designed to maximize your experience on the water, adjusting to the needs of different levels of riders and riding styles. Ready to take your kitesurfing to the next level?
Wind range comparison:
Here is a detailed wind range comparison for the three Duotone Neo 2025 kite models: Neo, Neo SLS, and Neo D/LAB, according to their different sizes.
Model / Size (m) | Duotone Neo | Duotone Neo SLS | Duotone Neo D/LAB |
---|---|---|---|
3 m | 29 - 42 kts | N/A | N/A |
4 m | 26 - 40 kts | N/A | N/A |
5 m | 23 - 38 kts | 24 - 40 kts | N/A |
6 m | 21 - 36 kts | 20 - 37 kts | N/A |
7 m | 19 - 34 kts | 18 - 35 kts | 17 - 36 kts |
8 m | 17 - 32 kts | 16 - 33 kts | 15 - 34 kts |
9 m | 15 - 30 kts | 14 - 31 kts | 13 - 32 kts |
10 m | 13 - 28 kts | 12 - 29 kts | 11 - 30 kts |
11 m | 12 - 25 kts | 11 - 26 kts | 10 - 27 kts |
12 m | 11 - 22 kts | 10 - 23 kts | 9 - 22 kts |
Comments:
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Duotone Neo: Has a solid wind range, ideal for riders looking for an adaptable wave kite. In smaller sizes, it can handle stronger winds.
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Duotone Neo SLS: Offers slightly higher wind ranges at the low end, allowing it to handle lighter wind conditions in each size. The lightweight build of this model helps improve its low wind range.
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Duotone Neo D/LAB: This model has the widest wind range in the Neo range, especially in the medium and large sizes. Thanks to advanced materials like Aluula and Trinity TX, the D/LAB is more efficient in lighter wind conditions and remains stable in strong winds.
Overall, if you are looking for a kite for maximum versatility in different wind conditions, the Neo D/LAB is the ideal choice, while the Neo SLS is recommended for those who want more responsiveness with a wide range.but without going to the extremes of the D/LAB.
Which bar to choose for the Neo 2025
For the Duotone Neo 2025 the ideal bar option would be the Duotone Trust Bar and for the Neo SLS 2025 and Neo D/Lab 2025 the Duotone Click Bar. Both bars offer high quality, precision and features that align with the performance of the different versions of the Neo. Here I explain the pros and features of each:
1. Duotone Trust Bar
- Versatility and Simplicity: The Trust Bar is known for its simple and easy-to-use design, ideal for both beginners and advanced kite flyers.
- Length Adjustment: It comes in different line sizes (19m, 22m, 24m and 27m), which you can choose depending on the size of your kite and the type of style you prefer. For the Neo SLS, the 22m option for medium sized kites and 24m for larger kites is highly recommended.
- Interchangeable Chicken Loop: You can switch between chicken loops, which is great if you want to tailor the bar to your riding style or experience level.
- Safety System: It features an effective safety release system, making it easy to reset if you find yourself in a sticky situation.
2. Duotone Click Bar
- Innovation and Precise Control: The Click Bar is an advanced and unique bar on the market, known for its revolutionary power adjustment system. Instead of having a depower cord, it uses a click knob to adjust the power, allowing you to fine-tune it without ever having to let go of the bar.
- High Quality and Durability: This bar is extremely durable and built from high-quality materials, ideal for those looking for reliable, long-lasting equipment.
- Different Line Sizes: Also available in various lengths (20-22m and 22-24m), so you can choose the one that best fits your Neo SLS size and preference.
- Extra Functionality: The Click Bar includes a visual indicator that shows the power setting in real time, perfect for riders who want to know their exact settings while riding.
Which one to choose?
- If you are an intermediate or advanced rider who wants precise and easy power control, the Click Bar would be ideal.
- If you prefer a simpler and more versatile bar that works well with all kites and is more affordable, the Trust Bar is a great choice.
Both bars are well-suited to the performance of the Neo and can enhance your experience as they are compatible with both wave and freeride riding styles.