We bought every version of the Dice for the last 7 years. Why? Because it is big fun to ride. It combines an agile character with a clear direct reaction on input. Howling wind? No problem; It ditches the powers in nanoseconds. No wonder a lot of people like it. But it seems the real development of the kite has stopped. Even with the choice between two versions (SLS or normal) we are not convinced to ride the newest model.

Power

It cuts through the air like a hot knife through butter. Resulting in explosive g-force on takeoff with snappy kiteloops and effortless handling. But the Dice lacks one thing: power. Particularly in low and medium wind. Even the SLS version doesn’t solve that problem. The Dice is just too inefficient to make proper use of its agile character.

That is why it is a must to get a Dice in a SLS version in sizes 9 and above.

To make our point about the lack of power; think about Dice rider Lasse Walker. In KOTA 2021 he complained about the lack of power. While the person who won –Marc Jacobs on a North Orbit– is far from being a light person.

Price

The second reason we didn’t order a 2023 Dice is the ridiculous price tag. A 9m SLS 2023 got 15% more expensive and has broken the 2K Euro barrier. A painful barrier. And what hurts even more: there are very little to no changes compared to the 2022 version (as Lasse explains). Inflation yes. R&D no.

If one kite deserves a rainbow color version it for sure is the Dice.

Podcast

Duotone is not the only brand offering kites with a new material. The question is if the SLS ‘Penta TX‘ is a big step up. Yes it handles quicker. It is a bit more direct and feels stiffer. Riding an 11m did get a whole lot more interesting. But compared to other brands it seems not the biggest step up. Another reason to wonder if an investment in a SLS version is worth it. And how durable is a SLS version? Our worries started with rumors about leaking kites within weeks after the first 2022 SLS versions where sold. After problem free riding during 10 months ourselves it looks like at the most a small problem for some early versions. To enhance things even more negatively for Duotone a podcast tells us that SLS is clearly not the same as Aluula.

Kitesurf365 podcast from September 2022 has the title ‘0-1 + Difference Between Aluula and SLS?’ which doesn’t need much clarification. Sure the podcast is sponsored by Duotone’s biggest competitor North. But does it matter? The word is out and -true or not- it enhanced the questions and hesitations about the SLS version of the Dice.

Bottom line: If you are looking for a kite that is not just 100% aimed at fun the Dice is not your choice. In need to break your WOO record? A more demanding Kite? Or are you heavy? You probably need a five-strut kite. With the new materials they are no longer slow reacting bulky feeling kites as they were in the old days. Which means not only more power but also potential much more fun than they used to be.

List Prices

Duotone Dice (kite only) 9m 2023 EUR 1709,-

Duotone Dice SLS (kite only) 9m 2023 EUR 2039,-