For 2025 we have restructured our sail range according to the materials and construction being used (for further details please see below under D/LAB vs. SLS vs. Originals).
As a consequence the SUPER_HERO SLS is now being called SUPER_HERO D/LAB. It’s simply the biggest evolution on a wave sail in our history deservedly carrying the D/LAB label. Because for us, D/LAB represents the maximum technically achievable, giving a glimpse into the future.
3 things set the SUPER_HERO D/LAB apart from any other sail out there:
1. Unseen wind range
Unbelievable but true the wind range is extended in both directions means it gets planning earlier while offering more high-end control. To give you a better idea on the Original SUPER_HERO a typical quiver is 5.3 – 4.7 – 4.2. With the SUPER_HERO D/LAB though you can go 5.0 – 4.2 and cover the same range!
2. Ultra-light ON THE WATER
The physical weight is just one side of the medal. As usual though the real truth happens on the water. The sailing weight describes how light the sail feels in your hands while sailing. It is a combination of the physical weight but more importantly the sail’s dynamic. Therefore we are only interested in the so called sailing weight. A responsive/dynamic sail feels lighter in your hands. On the other hand a spongy sail feels heavier in your hands “eating up” much of the physical weight advantage.
Technora/Dyneema and Kevlar have a high tear strength, but are not very stiff (only similar stiffness than the Polyester monofilm). Therefore, if being reduced in thickness to save weight (membrane and laminated or composite sails), these sails tend to become quite spongy and dull to ride. This sponginess results in a less efficient sail with a reduced wind range (especially when overpowered).
Carbon, on the other hand, is approx. 3-4 times stiffer than Technora/Dyneema and Kevlar. Using our INTELLIGENT CARBON XPLY CONSTRUCTION we have found the ideal balance. The CARBON XPLY in the high load clew, top and tack areas guarantee unsurpassed low stretch and power transmission. However, the slightly more (re)flexing regular XPly in the body avoids the power from becoming uncontrollable. This makes the SUPER_HERO D/LAB extremely responsive and dynamic. In combination with the very low physical weight this results in the lowest possible sailing weight. There is no sail that feels lighter in your hands than the SUPER_HERO D/LAB!
3. Ultra-light without any sacrifice on durability
The easy and usual way to bring down the weight is by reducing the film/laminate thickness. Unfortunately reducing the film thickness has an over-proportional effect on the wear resistance and longevity in general. This is the reasons why reducing the weight the easy way by just reducing the skin thickness has never been an option for us - because all our products are designed and engineered according to our motto “LIGHT DONE RIGHT”.
For the SUPER_HERO D/LAB we use the same film/laminate thickness as with our bomb-proof Original SUPER_HERO. The fusion bonding joining the panels are much stronger than traditional sewing (actually the fusion bonding is even stronger than the materials itself). Hard to believe but experience has shown that the SUPER_HERO D/LAB is even stronger than the Original SUPER_HERO. We back this up with our industry-leading 5 YEAR WARRANTY, something no other brand is able to offer.
Using the SUPER_HERO D/LAB for the first time it feels as if your body becomes united with the sail and you are truly connected with the waves. The lightning quick reflex reactions without any sacrifice in control is a real game changer, so much so, all of our Pro Team will be using the SUPER_HERO D/LAB in 2025.
Please note: after intensive uv radiation, the fusion bonding may take on a yellowish tint. Extensive lab and water tests confirm that this is purely aesthetic and has no influence on the mechanical properties/strength. That's why this is excluded from the warranty.
