Duotone Paradox SLS 2026: parawing and wing test and review
Duotone engineered the Paradox SLS for parawing. Yann Rifflet put it to the test with both parawing and wing, and he's asking the question on everyone's mind: does it truly replace the Skybrid?
Huge thanks to Yann Rifflet for his comprehensive review and session feedback.
The Duotone Paradox SLS 2026 is a midlength foil board, ranging from 45 to 105 liters. It's built with vacuum-bagged Biax carbon, designed for parawing downwind, and is also perfect for wingfoil free fly, foil assist, surf foil, and supfoil.
With its pointed nose, narrow hull shape, tucked rails featuring pronounced bevels, step tail, and flat rocker, the board's wetted surface area is minimized. This design makes pumping more efficient and reduces the traction needed for take-off. The 75 L model weighs in at 4.5 kg, while the 60 L drops to a mere 4 kg. Available in five sizes, from 5'1-inch 45 L to 6'7-inch 105 L, prices range from €1,849 to €2,099 including VAT. It features front strap inserts only; straps are not included.
In summary
- 4.5 kg for the 75 L and 4 kg for the 60 L, with SLS Biax vacuum-bagged carbon construction
- Five sizes, from 45 to 105 liters, priced from €1,849 to €2,099 including VAT
- €250 less than the Skybrid SLS 2027 for a similar volume: €2,049 for the 75 L versus €2,299 for the 80 L
- Superior take-off and pumping compared to the tester's Skybrid 80 L, despite having 5 liters less volume
- Only one front strap insert, so no jumping
Why Duotone designed the Paradox
The Paradox was developed alongside the brand's new Stash parawing. Since a parawing generates less power than a classic wing, Duotone needed a board that could take off very early with minimal traction. But the design brief didn't stop there: once the parawing is stowed, the goal is to fly purely on swell. The board also had to pump efficiently to connect bumps and maintain handling through turns.
While the Skybrid already met some of these requirements, Duotone opted for a fresh start. They focused on three core priorities: ultra-early take-off, efficient pumping, and maximum handling.
Who is it for?
This board is ideal for parawing riders who enjoy downwind runs and want to take off early in light wind. It's also perfect for free-fly oriented wingfoil riders seeking a lightweight midlength. In smaller volumes, it excels for surf foil and foil assist, while larger volumes accommodate supfoil. For other options in this category, check out our parawing boards section.
It's less suited for riders who prefer riding with both feet strapped, enjoy jumping, seek pure speed, or are still mastering their jibes and transfers. If that sounds like you, we recommend exploring classic wingfoil boards, with the Skybrid SLS 2027 being a top choice.
Shape and Construction
When placed next to a Skybrid, the Paradox is noticeably narrower and slightly longer, with an outline that more closely resembles a surfboard.
The pointed nose minimizes unnecessary surface area in front of the foil. This makes the board feel lighter underfoot. Its narrow hull shape, tucked rails, and pronounced bevels provide excellent glide for early take-off in light wind. This design also reduces the wetted surface area and prevents the board from touching down too easily during turns. The step tail further reduces wetted surface area during take-off, lightens the tail, and allows for greater pumping amplitude. With its flatter rocker, the board accelerates quickly: as soon as the foil generates a bit of power, you're up and flying.
For construction, it features Biax carbon vacuum-molded in the SLS version. Currently, there's no D/LAB option for the Paradox, unlike the Skybrid, which is available in an even lighter hollow D/LAB construction. Yann's measurements show 4.5 kg for the 75 L and 4 kg for the 60 L.
Which Paradox SLS size to choose
Available in five volumes, from €1,849 including VAT for the 45 L to €2,099 including VAT for the 105 L. The volume distribution effectively compensates for the reduced width. The board remains stable for its dimensions. You'll find the dimensions and weight below, taken directly from the Duotone technical chart.
| Size and volume | Dimensions | Board weight | Rider weight | Price incl. tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5'1-inch · 45 L | 155 × 47 cm | 3.5 kg | under 55 kg | €1,849 |
| 5'5-inch · 60 L | 165 × 48 cm | 4 kg | under 70 kg | €1,949 |
| 5'9-inch · 75 L | 175 × 51 cm | 4.5 kg | under 85 kg | €2,049 |
| 6'2-inch · 90 L | 188 × 53 cm | 5.1 kg | under 100 kg | €2,049 |
| 6'7-inch · 105 L | 200 × 54.5 cm | 5.6 kg | under 115 kg | €2,099 |
Here's a helpful reference: Yann weighs approximately 75 kg and rides the 5'9-inch 75 L for both parawing and wing. Availability for this range changes quickly, so the product page displays real-time stock by size. Have a question? Give us a call; it's much faster than three email exchanges.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Duotone Paradox SLS 2026 |
|---|---|
| Use | Parawing downwind, wingfoil free fly, foil assist, Surf foil, and SUP foil, all depending on the board's volume. |
| Construction | SLS, vacuum-bagged Biax carbon |
| Measured weight | 3.5 kg for the 45 L, 4 kg for the 60 L, 4.5 kg for the 75 L, 5.1 kg for the 90 L, 5.6 kg for the 105 L |
| Outline | This refined midlength features a surf-inspired shape and a pointed nose. |
| Rails and Tail | It has tucked rails with pronounced bevels and a step tail. |
| Rocker | The flat deck and front foot placement enhance pumping efficiency. |
| Sizes | 5'1-inch 45 L, 5'5-inch 60 L, 5'9-inch 75 L, 6'2-inch 90 L, 6'7-inch 105 L |
| Foil mounts | 2 × US Foil Tracks |
| Straps | Integrated front strap inserts are included, but the strap itself is not. There are no rear inserts. |
| Color | C65, grey/pink |
| Price | From €1,849 to €2,099 incl. tax, depending on size |
Yann Rifflet's review
This review was published on September 11, 2026, by Yann Rifflet on his YANN RIFFLET FREERIDER channel, after several parawing and wing sessions. He rides the 5'9-inch 75 L at 75 kg.
Take-off: the real selling point
Yann highlights this point from the very first seconds. He learned parawing on this board and progressed quickly because it offers an easy take-off. His initial parawing runs were in Dakhla on an 80 L Skybrid. While it worked, take-off was trickier in light wind. With the Paradox, you get less volume underfoot, yet take-off is easier.
The weight is immediately noticeable
At 4.5 kg, the 75 L is light for a midlength. Yann notes an immediate weight reduction, with less mass at the nose. This makes pumping more natural, and in free fly, the small nose surface gives you a very responsive board underfoot.
Handling and feel in turns
Yann's best summary of the board is that the small nose makes it feel like it disappears underfoot. He's not accustomed to 5'9-inch boards, but between the shape and construction, he says he completely forgets the actual size underfoot while still enjoying comfortable take-off.
It's great for wing, not just parawing
He describes fantastic wing sessions in very light wind and waves, even when he wasn't sure he'd be able to take off. For Yann, the Paradox could become a benchmark for parawing, and also for free-fly oriented wingfoil riders seeking a high-performance midlength.
Paradox or Skybrid: which to choose?
He makes this comparison in the video, and there isn't a single clear winner.
| Criterion | Paradox SLS 2026 | Skybrid SLS 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Light wind take-off | Easier, earlier | More delicate, even with 5 L more |
| Pumping and free fly | Improved, flatter rocker | Good |
| Stability when stopped | Requires more balance | More stable, wider nose |
| High speeds | Less comfortable | Better accepted |
| Straps and jumping | Front strap only, no jumping | Both feet strapped, jumping possible |
| Construction available | SLS | SLS and D/LAB |
| Price | €1,849 to €2,099 incl. tax | €2,199 to €2,299 incl. tax for SLS 2027 |
Things to consider before buying.
The tester himself noted two reservations. The Paradox SLS demands a bit more balance when stationary compared to the Skybrid, due to its thinner nose. Also, with only a front strap insert, jumping is out of the question. If you ride with both feet strapped, this isn't the board for you.
We have a third point from our workshop: a vacuum-bagged carbon construction at 4.5 kg remains fragile. Always use a bag, and be careful of the mast hitting the deck during assembly.
Our verdict
The Paradox SLS is a specialist board that also works for other riding styles. It excels at its core design purpose: early take-off and extended pumping. Plus, it does it for €250 less than the Skybrid SLS 2027, which has a similar volume.
If you wingfoil more than parawing, love to jump, or are still refining your jibes and transfers, the Skybrid remains the sensible choice. If you parawing or want to get into it, want to take off as early as possible in light wind, pump in free fly, and link downwinds, the Paradox has the advantage.
Frequently asked questions about the Duotone Paradox SLS 2026
What is the Duotone Paradox SLS 2026?
It's a midlength foil board developed by Duotone for parawing, alongside the Stash parawing. It features a pointed nose, narrow hull shape, tucked rails, step tail, flat rocker, and SLS vacuum-bagged Biax carbon construction. Available in five sizes from 45 to 105 liters, starting from €1,849 incl. tax.
How much does the Duotone Paradox SLS weigh?
Yann Rifflet noted weights of 4 kg for the 60-liter and 4.5 kg for the 75-liter in his September 2026 review. The Paradox is only available in SLS construction, not D/LAB.
Is the Paradox SLS suitable for wingfoil?
Yes, it's great for free fly, downwind, and light wind wingfoiling. For a complete wingfoil experience that includes both feet strapped and jumping, the Skybrid SLS remains a better fit. It is also better for speed.
Which Paradox SLS size is right for my weight?
Duotone recommends the 5'1-inch 45 L for riders under 55 kg, the 5'5-inch 60 L for those under 70 kg, the 5'9-inch 75 L for riders under 85 kg, the 6'2-inch 90 L for riders under 100 kg, and the 6'7-inch 105 L for riders under 115 kg. For a real-world reference, Yann Rifflet weighs 75 kg and rides the 5'9-inch 75 L for both parawing and wing.
What's the difference between the Paradox and the Skybrid?
The Paradox is narrower, slightly longer, and lighter, with less rocker. It offers earlier take-off, better pumping, and tighter turns. The Skybrid, with its wider nose, provides more stability when stationary. It also handles higher speeds better and lets you jump with both feet strapped in.
Are straps included with the Paradox SLS?
No. The board features front strap inserts, but the strap is sold separately as a V-Strap or Single Strap. There are no rear strap inserts.
Unsure about the right size or riding style?
We sell parawing and wingfoil gear year-round here in Pornichet, and we know the Duotone range inside and out. A quick fifteen-minute phone call or a visit to our shop is often all it takes to help you decide between the Paradox and the Skybrid.
Book an appointment09 62 64 74 77Email us
Test source: video review by Yann Rifflet, YANN RIFFLET FREERIDER channel, published September 11, 2026. Sizes, dimensions, and weights are from the Duotone technical table on duotonesports.com, consulted September 14, 2026. All prices include tax, taken from our catalog on September 30, 2026.
Duotone
