The wait is finally over. The Duotone Foil Assist is here and this is one of the most exciting product releases of the year. I’ve been testing a prototype sample since June and today I’m giving you the full breakdown. If you’re into prone foiling, downwinding, winging or FoilDrive, this is going to be a big moment for the sport.
I’m Sam from Worthing Watersports and as a Duotone specialist store we were lucky enough to get early access to the system. This post gives you a closer look at the full video review on our YouTube channel, where I run through every part of the design and give my genuine first-ride impressions.
What is the Duotone Foil Assist?
The Duotone Foil Assist is a modular electric motor system designed to help riders get into foiling with more confidence. It brings the support of products like FoilDrive but with Duotone’s own twist. The design is clean, lightweight and user-friendly and has some clever features that really stand out.
I start the video by comparing it to my current FoilDrive setup and where I’ve got to with that system. Then we jump straight into what makes Duotone’s approach different.
Lightweight waist-belt power system
One of the biggest design differences is the waist belt that holds the batteries. It feels balanced, secure and surprisingly light. It also uses a non-water absorbing material and built-in buoyancy so the belt floats independently without adding drag or weight in the water.
The leash system connects the power to the board, and the overall weight compared to FoilDrive is noticeably lighter.
Smarter battery design and travel-safe power
The batteries are compact, modular and travel-friendly straight out of the box. You don’t need special travel batteries or add-ons. Duotone have also included a very smart charger that looks after the longevity of the batteries. Storage Mode lets you keep the cells healthy when you’re not riding, and it’s simple to use.
Remote, gearing and real on-water usability
The remote is completely different to FoilDrive. It’s a watch-style unit with a trigger that sits in the hand rather than a traditional throttle. It feels natural, intuitive and you get two modes of operation depending on how much assistance you want.
At around the 16-minute mark in the video I turn the system on, show the interface and demonstrate exactly how the trigger works.
Universal adapters and foil compatibility
This part is huge. The Foil Assist has fuselage adapters that allow it to work with a long list of major foil brands including:
F-One
Armstrong
Gong
Axis
Lift
North
Code
SAB / Moses
AFS
KT
The carbon D/LAB version can also be used with Armstrong foils, which will make a lot of riders very happy.
Mast options: aluminium, Cruise model and the D/LAB carbon version
Duotone are launching different models including the Cruise setup and a full carbon D/LAB mast version. The carbon model is incredibly light and the integrated design feels premium. Both mast versions bolt straight onto any standard track-system board using normal M8 hardware.
Foil Assist boards
Alongside the motorised kit, Duotone have developed mid-length Foil Assist boards specifically shaped for assisted foiling. They have a straight rocker line, parallel rails and full carbon construction, making first flights easier and more stable. There’s also an inflatable mid-fish version coming which makes the entry point even more accessible and affordable.
First ride impressions
From 22 minutes onwards in the video, I take the system out for my first go. It’s the best way to see how the power delivery works and what it feels like in real conditions. At 25 minutes my friend Ben has his first attempt and shares his own feedback later in the video.
What happens next?
At the end of the video there’s a sneak peek at part two, filmed in the waves. This is the real heart of the Foil Assist system. I even chat with Cyril, the designer behind it all, about how the product came to life.
If you want to see that episode the moment it drops, make sure you subscribe to the Worthing Watersports YouTube channel.
Pre-orders
The Duotone Foil Assist will be available for pre-order very soon. If you’d like updates or want to secure one of the first units in the UK, get in touch.
sales@worthingwatersports.com
worthingwatersports.com