Duotone has launched the Evo D/LAB 2027, the latest iteration of its flagship high-performance freeride kite. The update focuses on refining the Aluula-based construction to improve Big Air height, hangtime, and loop recovery compared to previous models.
This release marks a significant point in the product cycle for Duotone, as the Evo D/LAB serves as the brand's primary choice for riders seeking a versatile three-strut kite that can compete in professional Big Air. The 2027 model enters a competitive market where lightweight materials are now the industry standard for premium performance.
Design and Performance Shifts
The core of the Evo D/LAB 2027 remains its use of Aluula fabric in the leading edge and struts. This material allows for a stiffer, lighter frame than traditional Dacron, which translates to a kite that climbs faster after a loop. According to testing by IKSURFMAG, the new model shows distinct differences when compared directly to the 2026 version.
Riders transitioning from the 2026 model will notice a change in the "second lift." This is the vertical pull a rider feels after the initial jump, which helps extend hangtime and allows for more controlled landings. The 2027 design aims to maximize this loft without sacrificing the kite's ability to drive through the wind window in high-end conditions.
The new model shows distinct differences in the second lift when compared directly to the 2026 version.
Comparing the Evo and Rebel D/LAB
While the Evo D/LAB is a three-strut all-rounder, it is frequently compared to the Rebel D/LAB, which uses a five-strut layout. The 2027 Evo D/LAB maintains its position as the more playful, faster-turning option.
- The Evo D/LAB 2027 offers quicker loop initiation than the Rebel.
- It provides a more pivotal turn, which is preferred for technical kiteloop variations.
- The Rebel D/LAB continues to lead in absolute sheet-and-go hangtime, but the 2027 Evo has closed that gap through improved aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Refinements for Big Air
The 2027 model focuses heavily on Big Air performance, a discipline where the Evo has become a staple. The kite’s high-end stability has been a priority, ensuring that the canopy remains clean and does not deform when the wind speeds exceed 30 knots.
Industry retailers like Kitemana have noted that the Evo D/LAB series appeals to riders who want one kite for multiple styles. The 2027 version continues this by balancing the low-end grunt needed for underpowered days with the structural integrity required for megaloops. The reduction in weight from the D/LAB construction is particularly noticeable in light wind, where the kite stays airborne in conditions that would ground a standard Dacron kite.
Market Context and Availability
The release of the 2027 Evo D/LAB follows a trend of pushing material limits. As Duotone continues to refine their D/LAB line, the focus has shifted from merely reducing weight to optimizing how that weight reduction affects the kite's turning radius and feedback at the bar.
The kite is now appearing at major retailers and is expected to be the primary tool for Duotone team riders in upcoming Big Air competitions. For current owners of the 2026 model, the upgrade choice depends on the demand for that extra margin of second lift and slightly faster recovery speeds during loops. As the 2027 season approaches, this kite sets the benchmark for the brand's high-end performance offering.
