Video summary

NEW Duotone Evo D/LAB 2026 Vs Evo D/LAB 2024 Ft. Jamie Overbeek, Rubenlen10 and Lasse Walker

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product Reviewed

Duotone Evo D/LAB (2026) kite — compared directly against the previous Evo D/LAB (2024).

What’s New in the 2026 Evo D/LAB vs 2024

  • Flatter, more open arc in the center

    • Feels more “bow-like” visually and in flight.
    • Contributes to more loft / lift and smoother, mellower power delivery.

  • Bridle redesign

    • Changed from a 7-point system toward the center to a 6-point bridle system on each side (12 total).

  • New closing seam

    • Redesigned using Duotone lab testing (UV, pull/push, and long test hours).
    • Makes the kite more rigid/stable in the air.
    • Allows more tuning freedom: the bridal doesn’t need the center attachment point anymore.

  • Overall character change (team + consumer feedback)

    • Market feedback suggested the older version felt more aggressive.
    • The 2026 is described as more forgiving, with slightly more direct D-power, and more “mellow and smooth” feel.

Key Performance Claims (How It Rides)

  • More forgiving in gusts

    • If you make mistakes (learning jumps/loops or slightly wrong technique), it punishes less.

  • Higher jumps + longer hang time

    • Multiple riders reported noticeably more height, distance, and hang time on the new kite.

  • Strong loft / climb

    • Described as wanting to climb up, generating good lift during loops.

  • Loop behavior

    • Mixed reports:
      • Some found looping easy and convenient, with floaty he-loops.
      • Others reported the loop can be a bit unpredictable (sometimes very good, sometimes the kite drops/loops low), potentially influenced by conditions (noted as very gusty).

User Experience / Handling Notes

  • Steering + bar feel familiarity

    • Despite being a different kite, the bar feel and steering build-up are said to be very similar to the Evo D/LAB line.
    • Sheet-and-go feels similar to the prior model.

  • Riding technique sensitivity

    • One rider noted better results with less backline tension (more “ride it in the middle”).
    • Another rider preferred front-line riding during loops if too much backline tension caused stalling.

Pros Mentioned

  • Easier/more forgiving for progression (learning jumps, loops, staying harder; intermediate-friendly)
  • More loft, higher/further jumps, longer hang time
  • Mellower, smoother power delivery vs older/aggressive feel
  • More stable/rigid in air (closing seam + bridle changes)
  • Overall “full package” (per the host/ending verdict)

Cons / Limitations Mentioned

  • Loop unpredictability at times (kite may loop low or behave differently depending on takeoff/conditions)
  • Less ideal in gusts for consistent takeoff timing (conditions may have affected looping)
  • Implied dependency: loop performance may require getting a proper takeoff every time

Comparisons to Other Models (Rebel D/LAB)

The video also compares Evo D/LAB vs Rebel D/LAB:

  • Rebel:
    • Described as more direct and more reactive to steering inputs.
    • Potentially better performance in very strong wind.
  • Rebel downside:
    • Higher bar pressure / steering pressure and generally harder-to-ride feel.
  • Evo upside:
    • Lower steering pressure and easier overall ride quality, while remaining lofty and jumpy.

Host summary: If you want “does it all,” go Evo. If you want a harder/higher-feedback kite and can accept less ease, consider Rebel.

Overall Verdict / Recommendation

  • The 2026 Evo D/LAB is described as a definite improvement over the 2024 model:
    • More forgiving
    • More mellow
    • Better lift and hang time
    • While maintaining familiar Evo feel
  • Recommendation in the video: choose Evo for the best overall package, especially if you want progression-friendly handling.
  • Rebel is positioned as a great-performing but less forgiving alternative.

Unique Points Mentioned (Consolidated)

  1. Evo D/LAB is a successful kite for 3+ years, loved by pros and consumers.
  2. 2026 upgrade keeps Alula Gold material and 3 struts.
  3. Arc is flatter in the center, making it more open / bow-like.
  4. Bridle redesign: 6-point per side (12 total) vs older system.
  5. New closing seam made with lab testing → more rigid/stable.
  6. Improved bridal tuning so it no longer needs center attachment point.
  7. Kite is more forgiving in gusts, making small mistakes less punishing.
  8. More direct D-power, more lofty feel.
  9. Overall character: mellow and smooth.
  10. Bar feel / sheet-and-go / steering buildup remain very similar to Evo line.
  11. Riders reported higher jumps, more lift, further jumps, and longer hang time.
  12. Looping: can be easy/floaty but sometimes unpredictable depending on takeoff/conditions.
  13. Technique note: avoid too much backline tension; ride more centered.
  14. Direct comparison: Evo vs Rebel (Evo easier/lower pressure; Rebel more direct but more bar pressure and harder).

Speaker-Specific / Rider-Specific Takes

  • Host / Tech explanation (primary speaker)

    • Focused on engineering changes (arc, bridle, closing seam) and how they improve stability + forgiveness.
    • End verdict: Evo is the full package; Rebel is for riders who want harder/less forgiving feel.

  • Jamie (as referenced by others)

    • Mentioned issues when overusing backline tension (click bar/backline).
    • Suggested riding with correct line tension.

  • Rubenlen10 (key in-water comparison)

    • Strongly preferred the new Evo over the old.
    • Reported more openness, higher jumps, longer hang time.
    • Mentioned loop behavior could be unpredictable, and sometimes better with front-line preference during loops.

  • Lasse Walker (comparison viewpoints, especially Rebel vs Evo)

    • Highlighted Evo being more above-the-head at takeoff.
    • Compared Rebel as more direct but with higher steering bar pressure.
    • Concluded Evo is better overall, though Rebel may yield more performance in very strong conditions.

Original video