DUOTONE Neo SLS 9m 2025
Reviews / Kites
102,827
At A Glance
The Neo SLS is one of the most iconic kites in our industry, synonymous with wave riding and strapless freestyle. It’s the kite that has dominated the market and the competition scene for over a decade. For 2025, the Neo SLS has had a significant update, with a new wing tip design and an improved trailing edge featuring new battens that are optimised in length according to the kite size.
It’s a cutting-edge wave kite that stands out in its category, especially for ambitious riders eager to push their performance limits in both the waves and the air. This kite is designed specifically for those who wish to excel in varying wave conditions as well as strapless freestyle enthusiasts aiming for competition-level quality.
It’s worth mentioning it is available in three builds, the Neo featuring Dacron construction, the Neo SLS, which utilises the Penta TX leading edge and strut build and the top of the line DLab, which uses an Aluula frame. As someone who’s been riding these kites for years, I’ve always opted for the SLS build, it’s light while being kinder on the wallet. The DLab certainly adds a level of performance, and if you have the deep pockets, it's a worthy investment, while the Neo in Dacron brings a lot of performance for a very good price point. For me, the SLS is where it is at, though.
One of the most notable improvements in the Neo SLS is its revamped wingtip construction. This enhancement results in quicker steering initiation and smoother turns in all conditions. Furthermore, the optimised batten length from size 8m onwards significantly reduces flutter at the trailing edge, streamlining performance and enabling a more consistent feel in the air. The introduction of a lightweight batten pocket construction further aids in weight reduction without sacrificing durability, ensuring that performance remains uncompromised.
Sizes: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12m
In The Air
The Neo SLS is a responsive and nimble kite that feels very light in the air. It’s quick to turn and has a dynamic and direct feel through the bar. The kite generates a good amount of power and has a good amount of low-end grunt to get you going early. The top-end is impressive too, and the kite feels stable and solid even when the wind picks up.
The turning speed is one of the most impressive things about the Neo SLS. It’s incredibly fast and responsive, noticeably quicker than last year, allowing you to quickly redirect the kite when riding down the line on a wave. The drift is excellent, and the kite sits back in the window and floats, allowing you to ride down the line with minimal input from the rider.
The upwind performance is good, and the kite has a good amount of depower, allowing you to dump power when needed. The bar pressure is light to medium, offering a good balance between feeling connected to the kite and being able to ride for long periods without feeling fatigued. The top-end range of the Neo SLS is impressive, and it offers excellent control in gusty conditions.
It’s great for jumping on the surfboard too; it’s a forgiving kite that offers lots of float and allows you to perform tricks with ease. Whether you are boosting your first strapless airs or going for triple fronts, the kite is easy to handle and inspires lots of confidence. There is a decent “catch” at the end of the trick, too, with good lift as you come in for easy touchdowns.
In the waves, it excels in onshore conditions, the fast nature of the kite allowing you to throw it around the window quickly and get it exactly where you need it to be. It’s also excellent in sideshore and offshore, though, with good drift and fantastic stability across a range of conditions. It’s the perfect kite to take on any wave-driven session, able to handle whatever the conditions of the day require.
The Neo SLS is an excellent wave kite that offers a good amount of versatility. It’s equally at home being used for freeriding and boosting big airs as it is for wave riding. If you’re looking for a high-performance wave kite, then the Neo SLS should definitely be on your radar.
Overall
The Neo SLS is a fantastic all-around wave kite that excels in a variety of conditions. It’s quick and responsive, with excellent drift and a dynamic feel. The Neo SLS is equally at home in the waves as it is being used for strapless tricks and boosting big airs. If you’re looking for a versatile wave kite that can handle a wide range of conditions, the Neo SLS should definitely be on your radar.
Videos
For more information visit DUOTONE
Related
By IKSURFMAG
