Test of the DUOTONE Evo 9m 2019 kite

Duotone Kiteboarding Evo 9m 2019 Kite: An Overview

First introduced in 2008, the Evo has evolved significantly. Its Delta design has been refined over the past decade. This makes it a truly all-round kite for both beginners and experts.

The Duotone Kiteboarding Evo kite features 3 Fusion struts. These struts ensure controlled force distribution between the Leading Edge and the struts. Each strut connects 100% to the Leading Edge with a flexible, robust Dyneema strap. This creates a cleaner, stronger connection, resulting in a more solid kite.

You can fly the Evo on either 4 or 5 lines; the choice is entirely yours. When using the kite in 4-line mode, the 5th line bridle attachment simply slides into a small pocket on the Leading Edge of the kite.

The canopy is crafted from Teijin's robust and exclusive Trinity TX ripstop. This ripstop features a 3 x 2 configuration. It delivers unparalleled strength and durability, and it performs well. The rest of the Kite also comes with additional reinforcements. This makes it even more durable. The Leading Edge now has an extra-strong seam, and the Trailing Edge is finished with "Trailing Edge Force Control." This is simply a wavy panel cut that runs the entire length of the Kite, reducing flapping on the beach.

Duotone includes an innovative one-pump system with larger hoses for faster inflation and deflation. An additional deflation valve on the wingtip allows for quicker packing. "Self-rescue" handles offer extra help to get back to the beach if you're unlucky enough to drop your kite offshore and can't relaunch it. Strong connectors at the lines' ends ensure you always connect the right line in the right place!

All sizes from 4 to 14 meters are available in the Duotone Evo range, letting you build the quiver of your dreams.

Sizes: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 meters

The Duotone Click Bar 2019

As big fans of the Click Bar, we're stoked to see this year's model includes a smaller version. This is perfect for wake-stylers and freestylers, and it will also appeal to riders who prefer a shorter bar. The Click Bar was often considered too long in the past, but this new configuration changes everything. We used it with the 9m, and it worked perfectly.

Last year, Duotone made significant improvements to the Click Bar. The few minor issues from the first generation were resolved, and new enhancements were added. The core mechanism remains unchanged, but the floats have been reinforced. This prevents any early signs of wear or damage (something we never personally experienced, but a few issues were reported last year).

The V-point adjustment is now much simpler. It uses plastic screws, allowing you to easily unscrew, slide, and then tighten it in your desired position. The line running through the V-point adjuster has also been reinforced, eliminating any wear issues.

One of the most significant changes last year for North / Duotone bars was the new chicken loop. Duotone bars are now the first to be sold without the loop included. Don't panic; there's a good reason for this.

You can choose the Freestyle kit, which comes with a longer leash and a larger chicken loop for unhooked tricks. There's also a Freestyle Kit with a smaller loop, positioning the bar closer for better control. This kit also includes a shorter leash, which is more practical when you're not unhooking. Finally, the Rope Slider Kit is designed for waveriding and intended for use with a harness equipped with a rope instead of a hook. The chicken loop features a low-friction metal tube, reducing damage to your rope and eliminating any risk of damaging the chicken loop itself.

You still get an automatic untwisting system with the safety line that works extremely well, the now legendary Iron Heart V release mechanism, and a long-lasting TPU-covered depower line.

Another new feature is the discontinuation of the "5th Element Trust Bar" kite bar. Now, if you want to set up a 5th line, you can easily add it to the Click Bar or the Quad control bar. It takes about 3 minutes and is very simple.

We love the "Click Bar" kitesurf bar and have been riding with it for three years now. For freeride and waves, we couldn't do without it. If you haven't already, we highly recommend you try it!

The Duotone Evo 2019 Kite in Action

The Evo is one of those kites that lets everyone jump and progress. It's easy to handle, yet it still delivers impressive freeride and big-air performance.

From the get-go, the kite drives upwind well with firm, yet not heavy, bar pressure. This allows you to feel and steer the kite at all times. The Evo is stable at the edge of the window; its delta shape continues to move forward and fly efficiently at every point in the window.

Similarly, the Evo kite drifts exceptionally well downwind. It lets you drift easily downwind, on a wave, or simply when finishing a session. The kite's rotation is fast. This allows for beautiful turns.

Jumping with the Evo is effortless, yet it launches you sky-high. The hangtime is truly exceptional. Once you start sending big jumps, the floaty hangtime is impressive, and a simple downward movement of the kite on landing ensures a smooth power delivery. For old-school tricks, you'll have plenty of airtime, and the bar feel allows for easy one-handed flight control.

The Evo is perfect for riders looking to get into kiteloops. It turns quickly without the aggressive punch that can feel ejecting on your first attempts. Reduce the kiteloop curve, and you can seriously send it.

Pros:

- Its performance lasts, guaranteeing fun for all levels and styles.
- Molded ends

Cons:

It's tough to find anything we didn't particularly like about this kite; it does everything it was designed for and does it extremely well.

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Check out the Duotone Kiteboarding Evo 2019 kite presentation video: 

Inspired by the English Test on iksurfmag, with the personal touch of the GlissEvolution team.