SLS vs non-SLS (Evo) - long-term durability, construction (thinner bladders?)

[dpublic]

Hi
Can I ask you guys for an honest review/feedback on the SLS subject? I mean there is a ****load of generic "oh-wow" "reviews" on the matter which doesn't do any service to the community - all these look like a shamelessly generic sponsored material... What I mean is that after going through almost all North/Duotone models (Evo, Dice, Vegas+Neo) I'm looking for a really durable gear (Evo) that I will get old with (aborting my Vegas romance to make this happen

What I fished out from the marketing blurb keeps me questioning the durability of the SLS variant, hence questions

1. I can see Penta TX replacing Trinity TX - I think all good in the rip-stop department (5 filaments vs 3) - but the density had to be significantly lower (to achieve the advertised weight loss) - I guess age-related wear-and-tear, UV destruction and micro-damages will be faaaaar worse on the SLS?

2. Thinner bladders on the Evo SLS - is this true??? - this looks like an accident waiting to happen, right?

3. Any other comments on the subject of durability? Preferably some honest input from a rental with huge sample of ill-treated equipment (but I understand that it may be difficult to write openly).

Best regards

[SpaceRacer]

I think it is weird that there have been no replies on this question. I cannot comment on the performance of SLS as I have not ridden one but as a dedicated North/DT rider since 2008 I still have kites that are 10 years old, well used and still in good shape so unless the SLS blow the doors off of non-SLS in the performance category I can't imagine that they are far more superior in durability. MHO

[rnelias]

I can't say nothing about SLS versions but some non-SLS 2021 Duotone kites presented issues on the trailing edge. The rip stop close to the trailing edge started to present micro fractures. It seems they reduced the thickness of the trailing edge turning it less resistant to flapping.

Here's a picture of an Evo 2021 that I had for a couple of months. The previous owner had to sew a band of rip stop to avoid premature wear.

If you compare the trailing edge of this kite with previous versions, specially 2019, you'll easily note the difference.

[Peter_Frank]

I have no idea what SLS is?????

I know Aluula and Hookipa materials - but what is SLS?

Peter

[leepasty]

I have no idea what SLS is?????

I know Aluula and Hookipa materials - but what is SLS?

Peter

Sls uses penta tx on the leading edge and struts which is lighter and stiffer than normal dacron

[Peter_Frank]

So an in between material Aluula - Dacron?

[leepasty]

Yes have a look there must be a Neo sls near you. It’s great material

[rnelias]

So an in between material Aluula - Dacron?

In between but with Aluula price

[nixmatters]

So an in between material Aluula - Dacron?

A step up from good old (but heavy) dacron, but still a polyester with coating.
Aluula and Hookipa are different spices.

As regard stiffness (bias stretch) - yes, DLE140 (PentaTX) is better than the Teijin (Marubeni) soft dacron used by Duotone, but same/similar to DP dacron.
Lightweight just can't bring better durability if you use the same raw material and just improve the coating.

There are other lightweight good dacrons - Contender Stormlite for example - but far above the cost target for mass production kites.

[dpublic]

I can't say nothing about SLS versions but some non-SLS 2021 Duotone kites presented issues on the leading edge. The rip stop close to the leading edge started to present micro fractures. It seems they reduced the thickness of the leading edge turning it less resistant to flapping.

Just to make sure: @rnelias : did you mean the trailing edge (where the white dacron line is visible)? That would be fully compatible with my intuition that they weakened a critical part of the kite. Moreover the 2022 non-SLS seems to have the same weak spot, no improvement was done there