DUOTONE E_PACE 7.3 TEST REVIEW

DUOTONE E_PACE 7.3 TEST REVIEW

THE VERDICT

With its unique luff curve and tuning capacity, the E_Pace can dramatically change its character, fulfilling various roles. From light wind master, to high wind blaster or a wind-foiling secret weapon, the E_Pace excels, without falling into the ‘compromised’ trap of becoming a ‘Jack of all trades, but master of none’.

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OVERVIEW

The E_Pace comes into the Duotone lineup for 2020, taking over from the E_Type. Its architecture has been refined to present what the brand are calling a ‘3 in 1 design’ – an increased tuning range for bottom-end freeride grunt, top-end freerace efficiency and also a set specifically designed for foiling use. Described as an ‘athletic freeride sail’, it is said to be easy to rig and set, providing the impetus to get planing without pumping; light handling in transition, yet with the speed of a no-cam freerace at its top end. At the heart of this versatility is the sail’s luff curve, which has been reduced further still from its predecessor, the mast becoming nigh on straight in the top third. It has quite noticeably the least amount of luff curve of all the sails on test here, indicative of the brand pushing the envelope of development in the freeride sector. The idea is to significantly change the looseness and twist present in the sail as downhaul is applied. On minimal set, the leech remains tight along most of its length, whilst reducing any pretension in the mast. Plus, the addition of the lower clew eyelet, specifically for foiling, forces the sail even more upright for work in the lightest airs. Downhaul the sail to its maximum setting and the leech falls away right down to batten five, just above the boom. Whatever the set though, there is relatively little shape to the E_Pace’s profile at rest, the four lower battens retaining an extraordinary amount of rotation around the mast, even on its maximum setting. Well detailed and finished, the E_Pace features many of the brand’s established concepts, such as the hollowed lower leech, iRocket 2.0 (factory pre-tensioned and calibrated battens), and their patent pending VTS 2.0 – a patch that can be used to mark an individual’s personal settings, so that they no longer need to judge the set by looking at the top panel markings. Available as standard in two colourways, it is also produced in a monofilm-free HD model, priced with an extra £100.00 markup.

BRAND CLAIM

“There is no no-cam sail out there covering a larger trim – and wind range than the E_Pace!”

PERFORMANCE

Set for light marginal winds, with little looseness along its trailing edge, the E_Pace delivers an incredible amount of grunt and response. It feels light and easy at rest, almost disguising its size, but as soon as pressure builds, the pull and feedback is remarkable. Dare to pump and it’s as if every square centimetre of the sail’s cloth is engaged and being used; and with its built-in softness, the sail helps to connect the rider with the mast’s direct reflex and punch. The centre of effort is high and forward, making the delivery clear and obvious and yet there’s an ease and progressive practicality to it, so that it doesn’t pull the rider to their toes. It found real favour in the OTC centre when used by larger riders on wider more stubborn boards, where the low-end torque enabled them to make the most of marginal conditions. And as the sail is eased out, its light handling returns, making it a fantastic tutor for the more nervous passenger round the corners. An increase in wind strength can be met with extra tension, fully utilising the E_Pace’s twist potential, which goes all the way down to the clew. Locking stability and structure in place, the E_Pace willingly adapts to a high-end freerace role, the energy still coming from a relatively high position in the draft, helping to generate lift and flight on the fin. It’s not the most natural freerace engine, and in flat water drag races was left behind when compared to some in this group. But take the fight into turbulent seas and the built in softness of the E_Pace’s delivery began to claw back ground, the sail moving around the rider and enabling them to maintain their committed stance. We also had the opportunity to use the E_Pace for foiling and have to say its tuning range makes it a marvel to use in this fast-evolving discipline, its diverse set making it a first-rate one-sail solution for variable conditions and roles.