The 2020 Super Session is Duotone’s “Bump & Jump” sail for freewave and small freerideboards and should combine easy handling with a surprisingly immediate riding feel, giving the rider absolute control and confidence in all situations.

In June 2019 we had the chance to try the sail for a few runs. 

Duotone Super Session 2020

Is the Super Session a Bump & Jump allround sail?

The magazine tests of the 2019 Super Session were diverse. This fact made us wonder as it is a model from the bump & jump category? Bump & jump sails have been on the market for many years. It should be a sail that can do it all.

In the Super Session promotional video we are able to watch how Victor Fernandez shoots into big Back loops in Hawaii or rotates through Forward Loops. Alessio Stillrich does Push loops and Maria Andres jumps straight or carves through power jibes.

Check out the Super Session promo video.

 

On Land

The new design makes the 2020 Super Session visually fresher and more playful compared to the 2019 model. Responsible for the new graphics is Flo Panther, who also in in charge of the Duotone kite range graphics. Kai Hopf takes care of the cut and sail profile and Victor Fernandez tests the sail. 

For 2020 Duotone changed to the classic size increments, having now smaller steps between the sail size with 0.2m, 0.3m and 0.4m steps. In 2019 the Super Session is available in 10 different sizes and two different color styles. And it is also available in the stronger HD version (no mono film), too.

In 2019 we already tested the 5.2m and 5.6m Super Session on a Stubby and a Grip. And one of the things we definitely can remember is the higher pressure point of the sail. 

This year we decided to test the 5.6m and in comparison the 5.9m. The 5.6m Super Session is slightly heavier compared to the 5.7m Super Hero, still the sail feels very handy on land. The sail was rigged with a Platinum RDM 430m. 

 

HTS Super Session

HTS: The harness line trim system (a print on the sail which basically marks the middle of the harness lines) helps to find the harness line position quicker. The final harness line position depends of course on personal preferences and style.

VTS Super Session

The VTS Visual Trim System is a visual mark in the sail top, which helps to find the perfect luff trim. Even beginners can trim the sail in a matter of seconds to 100% accuracy. All you need to do is pull the luff until the top of the loose leech reaches the “lower wind limit” or “upper wind limit” mark.

VTS

VTS: The Visual Trim System got extended. In addition to the visual mark in the sail top you can mark your ideal luff trim with a velcro patch at the mast protector now (originally this idea came from Ezzy Sails). 

Dura Luff

DURA LUFF PATCH is a luff reinforcement, which provides a soft transition to the monofilm to avoid film breakage. The area around the boom cutout is exposed to extreme wear due to rigging and can result in tears in the mono film.

More stability for the big sizes

“All sizes got tested by Victor Fernandez and we realized the bigger sizes were a bit too low-end oriented and therefore Kai Hopf reworked these sizes and they have more loose leech now. The head is also a bit smaller compared to last year. In a way they are not a step back but we took some design elements from the Volt from 4 years ago and implemented it into the big Super Session sizes to make them more stable.” (Raoul Joa, Line- / Product Manager)

Raoul Joa

 Listen to more… Raoul Joa explains the 2020 Super Session

KEY FEATURES SUPER SESSION

XPLY PLUS
According to Duotone the XPLY PLUS is the laminate (100/150 MICRON) with the lowest stretch and best UV- and puncture resistance on the market. 


HD EPOXY BATTENS
Epoxy battens for maximum durability.


TRI PLY
The TRI PLY foot panel (150 MICRON) with its 3rd thread direction increases the rip-stop ability by 30%. 


RDM & SDM Masts 
Designed to work best on RDM masts but the sail is compatible with SDM masts, too.


HD (HEAVY DUTY) VERSION
Available in a mono film-free HD (heavy duty), full X Ply construction, too.


HOLLOW LOWER LEECH
Hollow lower leech means a scooped leech outline to reduce leech flutter and should stabilize the profile.

Hollow Lower Leech

Hollow Lower Leech

TECH FEATURES

DUOTONE is worldchampion in little features and pointing them out. Everywhere are little features, marks or indications, which should help the customer to rig and trim the sail. 

On regular top caps and pin systems the webbing is connected in a “one-dimensional” way with the sail body (either side to side or front to back), which transfers the downhaul tension only in certain points. The 3D TOP CAP allows a “three-dimensional” and very widespread transition of the downhaul forces into the sail body. This eliminates top fluttering and ensures a progressive loose leech extending the wind range. The integrated abrasion ribs eliminate the need for heavy, bulky reinforcements at the end of the luff sleeve.

3D Top Cap

No more trial and error when trying to find the best vario top setting. Even when first rigging up, the correct length of the vario top is found straight away. Clear length indicators mark out the perfect setting with reference to the mast length used, eliminating any need for testing or re-adjustments.

Inspired by high-strength climbing harnesses and Formula 1 helmets. The exclusive, two-part metal double-D buckle on the vario top replaces traditional solutions. This design guarantees the best trimming characteristics and eliminates all webbing slippage.

Double D Buckle

Improved sail control at higher winds. Designer Kai Hopf originally designed the TT TOP for the WARP. The reduced, concave shape improves tension conditions for a more effective, three-dimensional top twist. This means the top twists not only horizontally, but also vertically under strong winds. By completely neutralising gusts of wind, the rig is kept steady in the rider’s hands, and thus works in a much larger range of winds.

The VTS Visual Trim System 2.0 is a visual mark in the sail top and at the mast protector, which help to find the perfect luff trim. Even beginners can trim the sail in a matter of seconds to 100% accuracy. All you need to do is pull the luff until the top of the loose leech reaches the “lower wind limit” or “upper wind limit” mark. In addition you can mark your ideal trim with a velcro patch at the mast protector (originally this idea came from Ezzy Sails.)

VTS Super Session

Short and highly effective mini-battens provide support for the areas between the battens and prevent undesirable flutter.

Mini batten

Double the durability with half as much stretch with the triple-stitch zig-zag seams. Unlike other products with their single-seam design, these are double-seam. They cover all exposed crash areas, which increases tear resistance and reduces bending-elongation by up to 50%, boosting profile stability and performance.

iROCKET 2.0 batten tensioners are super-lightweight, aerodynamic and highly stable, consisting of high-quality components such as a self-lubricating, salt-water-resistant brass nut with stainless-steel screw which can withstand all batten tensions. DUOTONE promises 100% correct batten tension, correctly adjusted when purchased and forever after. They calibrate each individual batten at the factory according to development specifications. All battens are adjusted to 100% accuracy using torque wrenches and they apply soluble screw adhesive to the locknuts so that the tension cannot be altered. This means that the batten tension remains absolutely correct and will never have to be adjusted again. The batten key included with the sail is therefore only needed for fine tuning or in the unlikely event of a batten breakage (should not happen anymore).

Extremely stable, extremely break-resistant with extremely durable epoxy laminates.

The DUOTONE logo above the boom cutout gently opens the sleeve so that the mast can be threaded into the luff easily.

Mast sleeve opener

The harness line trim system is a patented print on the sails, which helps to find the harness line position quicker. The final harness line position depends of course on personal preferences and style. 

HTS Super Session

Specific length recommendation printed directly on the luff sleeve. 

A luff reinforcement, which provides a soft transition to the monofilm to avoid film breakage. The area around the boom cutout is exposed to extreme wear due to rigging and can result in tears in the mono film.

Dura Luff

30% higher ripstop strength in the critical foot area. TRI PLY PLUS 150 was developed specifically for highly stressed foot areas used by intermediate riders and also in wave and bump & jump sails. It consists of two layers of thicker monofilm and a third thread, which together form an extremely durable polyester film/thread construction.

Tri Ply Plus

 

 

When starting off on the water or catching up, the foot of the sail is constantly dragged over the nonslip coating, particularly for wide boards. With the exclusive DURATECH FOOT, the seams are completely protected within a large plastic channel so that the surface cannot chafe against seams and material.

Duotone says they are the only manufacturer to use only polyester webbing for the (vario) top and the tack roller. The advantage compared to conventional polypropylene is the negligible amount of stretch. As a result even brand new sails will retain full luff tension and will not need subsequent trimming.

Polyester Webbing

 

The integrated, nickel-plated brass triple roller minimizes the downhaul forces tremendously.

A 2+3 year warranty (excluding monofilm) if you register the sail at www.duotonesports.com straight after the purchase. Otherwise, only statutory warranty claims will be accepted. Valid only for original owners.

On the water

We rigged the Super Session on the Platinum RDM 430 mast and we tested it with various boards like the Gecko, the Skate TE 99 and the Freewave 95. We mostly used the single fin boards as we had no proper wave conditions during the test.

The Super Session is a sail for many different target groups. It fits the intermediate windsurfer who is just learning to cruise around on freeride boards without daggerboard as well as windsurfers who plane safely and try an Air Jibe at time. It ’s the ideal sail, which grows with the personal skills. 

The sail provides some form of basic stability with neutral handling. It’s a classic sail with 5 battens, which neither pulls too much, nor generates a backhanded feeling or has a shifting draft position. The feeling of having control over the rig is always there.

Super Session 2020 – 1st test runs with the 5.6 and 5.9

Stability, a direct feeling while planing and a classic sail feeling were probably on the agenda of the sail designer Kai Hopf for the Super Session. And handling comes before high end performance and top speed. The Super Session is a sail for many different skill levels, conditions, styles and boards. The Super Session creates a sensational lift while beach- or water starts due to the 5 batten concept and the higher draft position.

According to Duotone the Super Session is the ideal sail for freewave, bump & jump conditions, designed for endless super sessions. We would extend the description a bit. The Super Session already makes sense for the beginner, who occasionally does beach starts. Due to the neutral handling the sail works very well during the first planing or power jibe attempts, too. As a pure wave or freestyle sail we would recommend the Super Hero or Idol.

As already mentioned we compared the 5.6m with the 5.9m. We definitely liked the 5.6m more than the 5.9m, which seemed a bit heavy in the top section, especially with the light wind trim setting. 

C7 Verdict

The Super Session is a free move sail for a big target group. The Super Session performs very well in flat water conditions and in not too extreme chop. Besides it can handle gusty conditions very well.

+ 10 sizes with small increments 
+ Vario top up to 5.0m
+ One mast (4m) from 4.0m to 5.3m
+ Handy feeling in moves like Duck Jibes, Duck Tacks or Heli Tacks
+ RDM/SDM mast compatibility
+ Heavy Duty (HD) version without mono film available
+ Warranty: 5 years (2+3 years), when you register your sail online the warranty can be extended by 3 more years (mono film excluded)
+ Big sail window for a good view
~ Relatively small trim range
~ Unusual feeling due to the very high draft position.
– The top of the 5.9m felt big and the feeling, especially with light wind trim, was a bit wobbly. 
 
For windsurfers riding waves with multi fin boards, a Super Hero should be part of the quiver. For freeride orientated windsurfers looking for a 6.2m or 6.6m we recommend the faster, more performance orientated E_Pace. 

Super Session 2020

Tech Specs Super Session 2020

Sizes 4.0 4.2 4.5 4.7 5.0 5.3 5.6 5.9 6.3 6.7
Boom (cm) 149 153 157 165 167 171 177 179 189 191
Luff (cm) 380 388 396 412 424 434 434 444 452 492
Battens 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Vario Top yes yes yes yes yes no no no no no
Weight (kg) 3.10 3.20 3.30 3.40 3.50 3.60 3.70 3.90 4.10 4.30
Mast Platinum/ Gold>Silver Platinum/ Gold>Silver Platinum/ Gold>Silver Platinum/ Gold>Silver Platinum/ Gold>Silver Platinum/ Gold>Silver Platinum/ Gold>Silver Platinum/ Gold>Silver Platinum/ Gold>Silver Platinum/ Gold>Silver
Mast (cm) 370/400 370/400 370/400 400/430 400/430 400/430 430 430 430 460
Mast Geo RDM/SDM RDM/SDM RDM/SDM RDM/SDM RDM/SDM RDM/SDM RDM/SDM RDM/SDM RDM/SDM SDM

More info about the sail:

Note:
We tested the Super Session during the 2020 Duotone distributor meeting in Bolonia (Spain). The travel expenses were paid by Duotone. 

 

Share