Duotone Juice D/LAB Test: the ultimate light wind strut kite.
Reviewing the Duotone Juice D/LAB 2022 13m kite
The moment it landed at the GlissEvolution shop, founder Greg seized the opportunity. With the wind blowing between 6 and 8 knots, he put the Duotone Juice D/LAB 2022 13m kite through its paces. On paper, this kite promised something exceptional.
Here are his thoughts:
The Juice D/LAB kite - on the beach:
Unpacking the kite, the fabric difference is immediately obvious.
The Leading Edge and the three struts feature the renowned ALUULA fabric, which shaves about 30% off the kite's weight.
To the touch, the fabric feels stiff, even before inflation. It's similar to the SLS range fabric, waterproof and giving an impression of robust durability.
The overall construction showcases Duotone's high-end build quality, consistent with their other kites.
On the scale, the Duotone Juice D/LAB kite weighs a mere 2kg, while a 'classic' 13m Duotone Juice kite typically comes in at 3.2kg.
The Juice D/LAB kite - In the air:
It never stalled forward. Even when pushed, the JUICE D/LAB 2022 would only slightly stall, drift back in the window, and then calmly reset itself.
At the edge of the window, it remains stable, even in just 8 knots of wind.
The Juice D/LAB kite - On the water:
For a kite that lets you foil in 6-8knots (or potentially less, though I haven't tested that yet), its handling was incredibly responsive.
I think the handling is THE big advantage of this Duotone Juice D/LAB 2022 over foil kites.
The bar width was perfect, but I think 27m lines (22m+5m) would be better to increase the wind window size.
The Juice D/LAB Kite - On the Water:
A moment of inattention, and the kite's wingtip caught the water.
Suddenly, I was offshore in less than 10 knots, with a 13m kite resting on its Leading Edge at 8 PM...
Let's just say I thought, "oh crap."
I think the fabric's stiffness helps it turn over easily, without deforming as it pivots onto its back.
To wrap up my very light wind session:
In 20 years of kiteboarding, I had never ridden in 7-8 knots on flat water with such a handling Kite without fearing the Kite's progressive, docile aerodynamic STALL.The Juice D/Lab clearly positions itself in a segment usually reserved for foil Kites: ultra-light wind. It offers flight qualities that, I believe, rival any foil Kite.
The huge advantage is its handling!
The ALUULA fabric is not only lighter but also stiffer. This makes the Juice D/Lab 2022 13m feel like it turns like a 'classic' 11m Kite.
Plus, you retain the feel of a Kite with struts... For those accustomed to struts, or who don't like the feel of a foil Kite, this is very pleasant.
I think if it were just slightly more expensive than a "classic" kite (with a Dacron Leading Edge and struts), classic kites would quickly disappear...
But it's much more, so it's a kite reserved for those who can afford it. Clearly, if you have the means, it's worth it.
I'm eagerly awaiting the NEO D/LAB 2022 in 10m to complement this Juice D/LAB 2022 (scheduled for release in autumn).
Given the performance of the Juice D/LAB 2022 13m, I can already imagine surfing with the Neo D/LAB 10m in 10-12 knots, on super clean waves, with a stable and maneuverable kite.
Key takeaways
| Section | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| Duotone Juice D/LAB 2022 13m kite review | As soon as it arrived at the GlissEvolution shop, Greg, the founder, took advantage of the 6 to 8 knot wind to test this Duotone Juice D/LAB 2022 13m kite, which… |
| The Juice D/LAB kite - on the beach | Unpacking the kite, the fabric difference is immediately noticeable. |
| The Juice D/LAB kite in the air | This kite flies incredibly well. It holds its position in the air with remarkable stability. |
| The Juice D/LAB kite on the water | With only 6-8 knots of wind, I decided to hit the water. This was despite my solid 95kg (I'm muscular, not fat;)). |
| The Juice D/LAB kite in the water | A moment of inattention led to the kite's wingtip catching the water. |
| To wrap up my very light wind session | In 20 years of kiteboarding, I'd never ridden in 7-8 knots on flat water with such a maneuverable kite. There was no fear of the kite stalling at any moment. |
Frequently asked questions
Duotone Juice D/LAB 2022 13m kite test: key takeaways
As soon as the Duotone Juice D/LAB 2022 13m kite arrived at the GlissEvolution shop, founder Greg seized the opportunity. With winds blowing between 6 and 8 knots, he took this seemingly exceptional kite out for a test. Here are his impressions:
What to know about the Juice D/LAB kite on the beach?
Unpacking the kite, you immediately notice the fabric difference. The Leading Edge and the three struts feature the famous ALUULA fabric. This promises a kite weight reduction of around 30%.
What to know about the Juice D/LAB kite in the air?
This kite flies incredibly well and stays in the air with impressive stability. I tried repeatedly to make it progressively stall at the Zenith on the beach.
What to know about the Juice D/LAB kite on the water?
With only 6-8 knots of wind, I decided to hit the water. I weigh a solid 95kg (muscular, not fat!), but I rode without issues on my Sabfoil-Moses 633 / 1250cm² kite-foil. It's a very buoyant setup, and I had an absolute blast.
What to know about the Juice D/LAB kite in the water?
A moment of inattention led to the kite's wingtip catching the water. Suddenly, I was offshore in less than 10 knots, with a 13m kite resting on its Leading Edge at 8 PM.
Key takeaways from my ultra-light wind session
In 20 years of kitesurfing, I'd never ridden in 7-8 knots on flat water with such a maneuverable kite, without constantly fearing a progressive stall. The Juice D/LAB clearly targets the 'ultra-light' wind segment, traditionally reserved for foil kites. Its flying qualities, I believe, rival any foil kite.
Got a question about the gear mentioned here?
The GlissEvolution team rides what they sell. They can answer your questions in person at the Pornichet shop or over the phone.
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