The biggest compliment a kite can get is to be the bench mark for other kites. That is exactly what we have been told during many of our tests; “could you compare our kite to the Dice?”. For 2018 two minor changes in the kite results in a something we would’t expect for the Dice. Did some of the Evo aspects get under it’s new tripled skin? Definitely more hang time and your Woo score will go up if you come from previous versions of the Dice. But it is an bit of an unexpected development for a kite that used to give that quick, responsive but above all fun feeling.
Changes
The 2018 Dice is a few centimeters wider compared to the 2017 version. It sounds like a minor change. But in the kiteboarding sport such changes can have huge effects. The longer Dice has gotten an extra panel between the struts. As a consequence the third batten has moved a bit more inward towards the middle strut.
There are more changes in 2018, like the option to choose which chicken loop you want on your North bar. But as with the wider inflation tubes those are not the relevant differences. It is the shape and probably the changes of the canopy (Trinity TX) that changes the typical Dice experience a lot.
Test
We have to admit we test the Dice more thoroughly, as we use it the year round. We also have acces to several sizes and used every version from 2015 onward. Which means anything written in this review is on a very solid base, but also a bit under a magnifying glass.
We love(d) the fact the Dice is quick enough to throw it around with a limited amount of effort, zero worries on controlling the power and still capable of a impressive boost. Its hang time wasn’t the best. But who cares if you are the one having the most fun.
While some kites give the impression you are dealing with a truck, the Dice is more the opposite, like you are in control of a kart instead of a truck. With this friendly version of the Vegas you could not go wrong owning the Dice. It is a kite what should trigger for trying to do new stuff while still always maintaining that in control feeling.
Is this fun factor gone in the ’18 version? No it isn’t. But it just didn’t improve from 2017. But let’s start with the positive points of the changes to 2018. What clearly did improve is its jumping abilities. It is the most outstanding difference. 
Which is easy to feel in a longer power momentum and more floating feel while jumping. It results roughly in 20% higher and longer jumps on the Woo scores. Which is good for image building out of the water.
But now the less positive side of the new Dice. It needs more input, while it lost some of its speedy, reactive aspects. A radical mega loop is still on its list. But the turning circle is bigger and -again- the peak of the pull is later and has changed noticeably.
Specifically coming down from a big jump the ’18 versions needs a lot of steering to catch your descending movement. The power development is also quite different from previous versions. And the peak of the boost is a fraction later. It can come as a bit of frighting feeling if you are less experienced. The Dice -even more as previous versions- lets you know exactly what the wind does. In gusty winds it results in a constant pulling and pushing of the bar, which may be its worst new character.
Trinity
The new canopy Trinity has three lines running in the direction of the leading edge and two in the same directions as the struts. Most brands are using the version with two by two lines (D2 Double ripstop), which North introduced around 2011. As far as we know only North uses the Trinity 3 by 2 canopy at the moment, although Core (Coretex 3 by 3) and Naish (Quad-tex 4 by 4 lines) are on a similar or even more radical path. Since these are rather recent development not much is known how much of the beloved lifetime extension will be met. But what we do know is that -apart from a theoretical weigh increase- it influences the kite feel. Roughly said it means the kite will be more firm and rigid. Which in the end probably is mainly a benefit for advanced riders. 
For the Dice it is no different. From a sweet and forgiving kite in 2015 the Dice has grown step by step to a more powerful and more advanced kite in 2018. Nothing wrong with that, but the type of persons who will love the Dice has also either changed or has grown with the Dice. Too bad this means it also losses some of the ability to give the rider a feel of challenge to progress in a fun and friendly way.
List price
North Dice 2018 9m (kite only) 1359,- Euro
Hi Nathaniel,
More than the advised 6psi, roughly around 8/9 psi.
Dave
We Test Kites
What are you pumping up the 2017 dice too?
Hi Francis,
The only thing that I can come up with is a stretched bridle lines or the lines from a different bar? Sorry to say we can’t help more, we just don’t ride that big of a kites.
Dave
We Test Kites
Hello Dave,
Thanks for the reply, yes we are talking back stalling. According to her she tried every setting on the back lines but last time I checked, she was setup in the middle. The 7m duotone Dice works great for all her unhook needs with more lift than my 2016 so when doing hooked in she just doubles and triples her rotations as she gets higher for longer… But with the 13, she really struggles with her unhooked whereas the 2016 was just smooth and fun to unhook with in 15ish (a bit less for her, she would ride it when I could not ride anymore).
Hi Francis,
Thanks for sharing these experiences. It is a bit difficult to understand what you exactly mean bu wrapping and chocking.
Maybe those are some backstalling experiences? There are differences between those 2 versions of te Dice, but if that causes what you describe is hard to tell (we usually don’t ride or test bigger than 11m). And at which setting is the back line connection?
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi,
GF was using my dice 2016 13m when the wind was too light for me to use (30kg difference). No worries, great raileys (unhooked of course) and basic unhooked stuff. She bought herself the 2018 and the kite keeps wrapping and chocking, I keep saying the wind is too light or to trim but she says she does and the other day it wrapped as I was riding a 12m Evo. Any Idea if the kite got harder to unhook?
Hi Jerome,
We understand what you try to say. Indeed the Dice has become more freestyle oriented and grew towards the Vegas. We did use the Evo 2018 last year. It was a bit too short of a session to make review about it. It is much easier but it isn’t like the the old Dice in 2015. If you are willing to change to another brand we would advice to try either the Cabrinha FX or the Naish Dash (22m lines!). Both are more like the old Dice.
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi Dave and wetestkites team and thanks for your very detailed reviews.
I recently changed my beloved dice 2015 9m ( worn out ) for the new 2018 version.
After 5 sessions in different conditions i cannot help but regret my old kite !
i find the new version much less fun and playful especially riding in the waves. i As you explain it, its has become a more perfomance-oriented freestyle kite, but my skill doesn’t allow me to take advantage of it…
Since the Dice has moved more towards the Vegas the past 3years, has the Evo 2018 whith a 3 strut design moved toward the “old Dice ” ? Or should i get an old version of the dice back ?
Thanks again for the quality of your work, it has helped me put words on my feelings 😉
Hi Erik,
We haven’t got any similar feed back from any one. Which doesn’t mean it isn’t an issues, but we haven’t heard form it (yet).
Some brands have smarter zippers compared to North; they are covered underneath with a fabric to prevent the zipper getting caught up with the canopy while packing and closing. But I assume you ruled that one out.
Dave
We Test Kites
Did you guys experience any issuese with the new fabric?
Last month I noticed a small hole (2mm) in my canopy of a 10m 2018 Dice. Thought it was very weird as I take very good care of my kites and never had this happen before.
So started checking my kites for holes before and after each session and last week I noticed the same type of hole on a similar location of my 7m Dice when I got of the water; so it got there during a session.
Now I do not baby my kites, but I definitly take good care of them; judging from what I see around me probably way better than most.
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for asking.
Sadly we did not get this opportunity yet. We hope to do it, but it will not be in the very near future.
Hopefully people will push Duotone to not only get their hardware “reviewed” just at the regular magazines…So it also depends on people like you to ask them.
We will update you when we get our hands on a 9m Dice from 2019.
Dave
We Test Kites
Hello, will you do a review on the 2019 dice duotone in the near future?
thanks !
Thx for the advice Dave,
I`ll probably get use to the bar pressure in the next few sessions and hopefully the power peak lag as well. I tried my friend`s 9m Hantu v3 (Ziankiteboarding) in the past and it feels exactly like it.
In light winds around 20-22knts, 9m Dice18′ didnt perform as well on 22m lines, compared to my 7m Dice 16′ on 24m lines. using the clickbar 2.0 – amazing so far 🙂
Hi Yuvy,
thanks for you feed back!
We never noticed any issues with the exit valve, but you shouldn’t be pressing it in all the way…
As for any tips; the most obvious one is adjusting the back lines to either more soft or on hard settings. Also tip to try with boots, it suits the Dice ’18 a lot.
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi Dave,
Just got myself a 9m dice 2018, can’t believe how accurate your feedback is for the less positive aspect of the new Dice.
Can you provide some tips to get around it or I need to hit the gym 😉
Also noticed, the transparent exit valve located at end of leading edge, leaks upon pressing it all way in and playing with it? Is that normal?
Hi Lefteris,
Thanks for contacting. The Dice and FX (ons same line length’s) are pretty much the same.
So I would say 9m again!
Dave
We Test Kites
Hello
i had cabrinha fx 9m2 2015 and i am 76kgr. shall i buy the north dice 2018 in 9m2 or 10m2. i have read that you recon to size up.
Hi Andrea,
It is quite stunning you can go with such low numbers. Maybe more clear is by explaining the Dice’s wind range compared to the Bandit; on 22m lines it is quite similar for the ’18 versions. Hope this helps you out?
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi Dave ,
We measure it with the anemometer .
I know the board is very old but it is like a pair of sneakers you never want to leave ?
Hi Andrea,
I think the difference is in how we know it is how many knots.
When you say you go with 15 knots on a 11m, how do you know it is 15 knots?
The Nobile 555 is quite a famous one (although quite old :)). When you say you can go on a 9m Evo, is this with 24m lines?
Dave
We Test Kites
I’m a bit surprised !
North site says 10mDice from 14 to 30 knots for a rider 80kg avarage.
With 15 knots on a bandit 11 mt 2015 and my board I can easily go ,do transition and jumps .
The board is a nobile 555 130/39 and is with me since they start to sell it.
With the evo 9 and Same board I go easily in
14 knots…..
Where is the trick?
Thanks a lot ???
Hi Andrea,
10m Dice 2018 on 22m lines and 79kg’s starts get going around 19knots. On 24m lines one or maybe two knots less. Your board seem to be quite small for your size, we need to add one or two knots.
The upper limit is of course a lot depending on your skills, but things start to get sketchy with this 10m around 28 knots on 22m lines.
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi guys!
As you handle different size of the Dice 18 .. what do you think is the range of the 10m?
I want to take it as one kite quiver .. I ride TT 130/39 and i’m 79 kg.
Tks
Andrea
Hi Pawel,
That would be awesome, thanks and good luck.
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi Dave,
Great, it sounds perfect for me.
I found something about it on kiteforum.com, so I was just curious about adjustments.
I will let you know shortly how dice works like with wakestyle bar comparing to vegas.
cheers
Hi Pawel,
As far as we know there is no adjustments needed. Why do you think it needs adjustments?
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi Dave,
Any luck with info about wakestyle bar adjustment,
I am going to test kites with wakestyle bar this weekend and any info is welcome. cheers
Hi Pawel,
At the moment we don’t know this. We will ask around and come back on it if we have more information!
Dave
We Test Kites
hey Dave,
I am thinking about wakestyle / freestyle with wakestyle bar. I heard that the wakestyle bar should be adjusted , 5th line extended or shortened. Do you may be know how to do it?
Hi Pawel,
We never did that. But we did use the Dice in ’16 on 5 lines. It wasn’t a succes. Maybe good for more freestyle/wakestyle, but you loose a lot on all other aspects.
Dave
We Test Kites
Hey,
I am just curious is it possible ride Dice with wakestyle bar – 5th line set up? If yes, what is difference?
Hi Savvas,
We prefer 22m lines. If you losse too much low end, you can always get 2m extensions later!
ps the Click bar comes with those extensions.
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi dave,
Thank you,very helpful replies.
I am 174 cm and 74kg.
Shall i choose 22m or 24m lines for dice 2018 10m?
Thank you!
Hi Richard,
The Vegas hasn’t been in our hands (properly) since 2015. We have to leave this question to others to respond.
About the combo being heavy and the Dice we haven’t had any specific complaints, so no more or less responsive compared to comparable kites.
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi Dave,
What are you thoughts on the 2018 Dice verses Vegas for a 100kg+ guy, riding boots? I’m confident looping/basic unhooked/basic handle passes. Looking at riding twin tip 85% of the time, surf the rest. I’ve heard in the past that the Dice hasn’t responded well to heavier guys however it looks more like older vegas’ in terms of shape this year.
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the feed back, that is what keeps us going!
If you will take a Click bar which has the 22+2m extensions, your wind range might even be better as with the bandits before.
We own 4 dice’s 2018, and dont like anything bigger as 11m either. Those kites still can be fun for some unhooked sessions or trying new tricks, so we understand where you dislikes are referring to.
So although more expensive, we would advice to take the 2018 Click bar with it and you will be very happy on it.
Let us know how things work out!
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi!
I’m really thankful about your reviews because i find it really difficult to test most of the kite-types and sizes as an ordinary kiter, specially when all of your friends ride with almost the same brands.
My plan is to switch from F-One Bandit (2015) to North Dice (2018) and I was wondering if the same setup 8m/11m will be fine for the same wind range (with 22m lines) after the change?
I’m 70kg and I ride with my 8m 70% of the time even when others (+10kg) go for the bigger kites. It seems like the Dice covers slightly smaller wind range, but I don’t like slow and”big” kites (12+) . Do you have any experience on this topic?
Thanks,
Jim
Hi Valantin,
As your are experienced by your landkite experience and it sounds like you will be looking for more excitement. In this case the Dice is on a large part much more fun. The Evo is mainly easier, jumps higher en with a bigger wind range…but once you get it right with the Dice the reward is much higher.
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi Dave,
thanks for the advice. I’m 24. I have a few years of landkite behind me.
In the future, I want to do some jumps, kiteloops and rotations.
I think the Evo will be good for me but on the spot the Dice seems to be more popular
Hi Valentin,
Thanks!
As you are just riding 3 months our guess is that you can still go perfectly with the Evo. The Dice can be more fun, yes, But it also has some more difficult handling and a smaller wind range compared to the Dice.
If you are really young and learning fast and already pushing it (and going for more difficult tricks), it will be a different answer.
Dave
We Test Kites
HI,
Great review !
I have a 12m Evo 2016 and i’m looking for a 9m.
I don’t know what to choose in 9m between Dice and Evo. The Evo is easy to use but i read the Dice is really fun.
Can you help me in my choice please ?
My level: 3 months of kite. I know how to go upwind and now i want to learn jump, riding toeside etc.
Thanks for sharing… So I think 2017 is the pinnacle of the Dice then. I will be curious to see how the New 3-struts Evo will blend in. I might go 7-10 dice and 13 Evo as the 13 Dice is a good kite but in lighter winds, I find it more finiky to go upwind. BUT the Dice 13m is a fun kite for the 12-18 range… Not so much in 8-13…it still does it with a big bord but more atally that the EVO.
Hi Hendrik,
we are testing the Enduro’s V2 this week, looks very nice already from the first day!
Dave
We Test Kites
The gap between 6 and 9 can be an issue yes.
The 8 would be fine from 24 knots.
It is not a miracle low end kite, you will need the 2m extensions for that.
Dave
Thank you Dave! So the gap 6/9 is easy doable on the Dice?
How do you think is the lowend of the 8?
Hi Martin,
The 11 kn is pretty light. It probably really needs the 12m and 24m lines. So the click bar would give this and the 22m option. The 7m can be used very well on average in 30 knots. But you are pretty light. So there is some doubt but the 12/9/7 option looks better or take a 6 instead of 7?
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi Dave,
would you go 6/8/11 or 7/9/12 on the Dice at 63kg/140lbs? Riding anything from 11-30 knots and having a Nobile Split and a FW Evo.
Cheers Martin
Hi Markus,
We will be in Tarifa this month to test gear, and we will try to contact F-one.
No promises so far…but we keep you updated when we have it.
Dave
We Test Kites
Will you be testing the new Bandit 2018, would be good comparison to the Dice 2018?
Hi Stian,
Thanks!
Yes there are some updates;
We broke our front line again after a free warranty replace. Breakage occurred below the iron heart. The line is not well protected.
We asked for the ’18 protection part, which is unanswered.
We don’t know if is possible to put this on the ’17 version, but the split from ’18 can be put on without any problem.
As said the main issue is at the end, but North is not telling us (yet) if the ’18 part can be ordered.
Will be continued
Dave
We Test Kites
Hi Hendrik,
Thanks for the compliment! We are trying to get the Enduro II but do far no Luck.
We Will announce it when we got it.
Dave
We Test Kites
Great review guys! Keep it up!
Btw any news on last years click-bar, whether they’ll compensate for broken lines due to the v-distributor
Thanks for the amazing review guys really helpful!
Have you guys tested the new enduro v2 yet? Or are you guys looking at reviewing them in the future? Would love to see a side by side review between the enduro v2 and dice 2018