Duotone Float : test et avis

Are you looking for the best wing for surf and freefly in 2025? The Duotone Float is the new wing that everyone in the wingfoil community is talking about. Designed for those who want a light, maneuverable, and completely neutral wing once surfing, it complements the renowned Unit to meet a very specific use.

To give you a complete and objective review, we gathered feedback from three testers with different profiles: Yann Rifflet (Duotone rider), Erwan from Watersports (field comparison), and Hadou Brunner (PimpYourRide). Here is their detailed verdict.

First Impressions on the Water

Duotone rider Yann Rifflet shares his impressions of the Float. From the very first runs, he notes an immediate feeling of lightness. The Float stands out for its balance and ease of handling. Its lack of excessive stiffness makes it accessible to a wide range of riders, from beginners to experienced. The absence of classic handles in favor of a boom contributes to maximizing lightness and improving ergonomics.

One of the points that struck him most was the wing's stability while surfing. Once in freefly mode, the Float is completely forgotten, allowing for a fluid and unconstrained glide. "You feel totally free, it's very exhilarating," he confides. He adds that the Float allows for a more natural connection with the wave, improving the fluidity of transitions and ease in maneuvers.

Shape and Technical Characteristics

The design of the Float is based on a set of technical choices aimed at maximizing handling and comfort while riding: a straighter Leading Edge for better stability, a more scooped Trailing Edge promoting better breathability of the wing, the absence of a window for weight savings, a unique boom allowing precise control, and a moderately hollow profile balancing power and softness in the pull.

Comparison with the Unit D/Lab

While Yann has long used the Unit D/Lab, he finds that the Float offers a different sensation. Less stiff, it requires less physical effort, especially for long downwinds. "With the Float, I feel less tension in my arms, which allows me to extend my sessions." He also appreciates its more flexible side, which is more forgiving of placement errors and offers superior riding comfort.

The Float's power is definitely present, but it knows how to be forgotten in flight. "It takes off easily and once in the air, the pull becomes soft and natural." Yann notes that you can size down by 0.5 m² compared to a Unit D/Lab to have a lighter wing for surfing that takes off just as quickly. Its compactness limits the risk of touching the water, making it a significant asset for pumping.

Ideal for whom, according to Yann?

For those who love to surf with complete freedom: the freefly stability makes the Float a perfect wing for surf and downwind enthusiasts. It offers intuitive control and a feeling of lightness that enhances the connection with the water.

For beginners and intermediates: easy to handle, it's ideal for quickly progressing without unnecessary fatigue.

For riders seeking a softer alternative: if you find D/Lab wings too stiff, the Float offers a more forgiving and fluid compromise.

Yann highly recommends trying it during Duotone's organized tests in France or by borrowing it for a test at GlissEvolution.

Construction and Design

Erwan from Watersports offers us a detailed comparison between the Float and the Unit V5. In terms of construction, it features materials similar to the classic Unit, with a mix of Triple Rip Stop and MOD3s for the canopy, and the usual Duotone dacron for the inflatable structures. In the small details, the dacron is not mixed with other fabrics as is the case with the Unit.

The other notable difference from the Unit is the absence of a window on the Float, likely to lighten the wing. The design is also more compact, with squarer tips reminiscent of the Slick. In 4.0, the Float has a reduced wingspan of 5 cm compared to a Unit.

The Leading Edge is generous in the center but becomes very thin towards the tips, even more so than on the Unit D/Lab versions. It is also straighter than on the Unit. For grip, the Float exclusively uses a boom, sold separately, unlike the Unit which also offers rigid handles. With this Float, a new, wider and stiffer neutral freefly handle also makes its appearance.

Weight, Price, and Sizes

The Float 4 m² with the boom weighs 2.11 kg, while the Classic Unit and Unit D/Lab are 2.4 kg and 2.3 kg respectively with the boom.

The Float in 4.0 m costs 1.078 euros with the boom.

Available sizes range from 2.5 to 5.5 m², in 0.5 m² increments, allowing you to truly customize your experience.

Highlights according to Erwan

The Duotone Float stands out for its initial power, a useful feature for getting back up after a fall and very practical between two waves. The propulsion is smooth, and above all, it's not tiring. You feel a lightness in your arms, which is very pleasant over time. The freefly is impeccable: docile, stable, the wing follows the rider's movements well, without parasitic movements. Its incredible handling even makes it a good freestyle wing. Thanks to its compact design, the Float stays in place and rarely flips over.

Limitations according to Erwan

The Duotone Float performs less well in upwind performance or pure speed when compared to the Unit D/LAB. It is also less effective in jumps. But the performance difference between the Float and the Unit is truly barely perceptible.

Erwan's Conclusion

Duotone offers a quality wing. The Float fills some of the Unit's gaps, especially regarding freefly stability. It's the ideal wing for those who love downwind or wave surfing in wingfoil. It even surpasses the Unit and Unit D/LAB in this specific use and positions itself against references like the F-ONE Swing. The wing is aimed at both beginners and more experienced freeriders, who will find what they're looking for thanks to its compactness, power, and handling.

A Wing Designed for Surf and Freefly

The Duotone Float 2025 is a wing entirely dedicated to surf and freefly. After testing the Unit V5 and Unit D/Lab, Hadou had noted their versatility but also room for improvement in surf neutrality. With the Float, Duotone fills this gap by offering a wing made for wave enthusiasts and riders who want to completely forget their wing once launched.

Lightness and Ease of Use

From the first sessions, Hadou was won over by its simplicity and comfort. It is very light, easy to transport and set up, and it takes off early thanks to a hollow profile combined with a reinforced Leading Edge. Even a beginner rider will find it suitable, as the Float facilitates learning and is very forgiving. Available in seven sizes from 2.5 to 5.5 m², it stands out with a lightweight design: no window, only two attachment points for the boom, and the option to choose between rigid handles or a single boom.

Power and Neutrality on the Water

On the water, the Float impressed Hadou with its power and neutrality. While the Units maintain an advantage in speed and versatility, this new wing excels in pure surf and freefly. It is stable, compact, and becomes unnoticeable when riding down a wave. As a bonus, Hadou was surprised by its jumping performance: despite its surf DNA, it offers good lift and allows for fun in freestyle. He recommends choosing half a size smaller than usual, as it delivers a lot of power.

Optimized and Robust Construction

Stiffness is excellent thanks to the MOD3S fabric and a thickened Leading Edge. It also features a padded Free Fly handle, a simple inflation system with a proprietary valve, and a deflation valve on the central strut for quick packing. The Float comes with a generous travel bag and repair kit, but the leash (€39) and boom (€99) are optional extras.

Hadou's Conclusion

The Duotone Float 2025 is a remarkable wing for its neutrality and lightness. For fans of fast freeride and pure speed, the Unit remains more suitable. However, if your pleasure is in surf, freefly, or if you are looking for an intuitive wing to progress, the Float is an exciting choice. Accessible, high-performing, and well-designed, it completes the Duotone range with an offering geared towards wave lovers.

The Duotone Float 2025 fills a real gap in the Duotone range by finally offering a wing 100% dedicated to surf and freefly. While the Unit remains the versatile benchmark, the Float excels in a very specific use: to be forgotten when riding waves, to offer a feeling of total freedom, and to ride without fatigue. Its lightweight construction, compact design, and exclusive boom make it a modern and accomplished wing. Three testers with different profiles are unanimous about its qualities, making it one of the best choices for wingfoil surf enthusiasts in 2025.