Fuel

Slingshot Fuel 2013

 

Here are some sneak photos of the new Slingshot Fuel 2013. I havn’t heard about any major changes, but why change a winning concept? At least I guess we can expect some new kind of graphics, hopefully a bit more colorful than those we see on these photos…

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Advantages and Disadvantages of C-kites

Advantages and Disadvantages of C-kites

The C- kite is considered as the original kite used for kiteboarding. Until today, it is the sole inflatable kite available on the market. It consists of square corners; it forms a deep C-shaped arc in the course of flying. Its lines which are attached at the four corners of the kite give its unique characteristic.

This type of kite has advantages and disadvantages.

Some of its advantages include a ‘direct’ feel when riding. C-kites constantly pull and put pressure on the rider enabling him to feel more attached with the kite. C-kites also turn faster than the bowkites and they tend to turn around a pivot instead of an arc which is the case for the bowkites. Whether this is an advantage or disadvantage can be discussed, but the fact that the c-kites turn faster make them easier and safer to loop and they do not generate as much power in the loops as the bowkites. Bowkites can’t be looped as quickly as the c-kites, the result is more power in the loop and at the same time more likely to crash in the water (since they need a bigger looping radius).
C-kites also offer more performance for their specific wind range. They can only fly well in their hardly specified wind range; thus, prepared to be fine-tuned for a precise range.

These are very specialized kites completing a higher performance kite. These kites are also great for unhooked riding; it means that the kite doesn’t need to be slipped in and out more often.
The shape of the C-kite also maximizes SLED boosting; thus, improving jumping performance.

C kites also have some disadvantages. First of its disadvantages include having a very specific wind range. It means that more kites are needed to cover all possible winds which can be very expensive. To cover all wind conditions, around three to five kites are needed. But even purchasing five of the cheapest kites is also expensive.

A smaller wind range also means that you will need to put together kites more frequently. It also involves water re-launch. To be able to re-launch, these kites need to be spanned onto their back and directed to the rim of the wind window. With the limited sheeting ability, C-Kites can be unsafe for beginners. It means that they can’t be de-powered just like bow kites.

To fly the kite, there should be more power to control it. It is very disadvantageous for beginners because they do not have enough experience.
C kites consist of safety releases; however, they don’t have the ability to plunk a lot of power by sheeting out.

Kites continue to evolve, so the pros and cons will keep on shifting. But one thing remains; these kites are outstanding performers. Not many kite manufacturers design pure c-kites nowadays. Most of them try to design kites that benefits of the advantages both from c-kites and bow-kites. These kites go under names such as Hybrid-C, Delta-kite, SLC-concept kites etc…
However, Slingshot still design pure c-kites to please a small but faithful band of kitesurfers have realized that c-kites is the only way to go! The Slingshot Fuel is also known as the c-kite’s c-kite!

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Slingshot Fuel 2012

fuel 2012You may already have seen it at your local kite spot, the Slingshot Fuel 2012! Slingshot has once again released a beast on the market. the Slingshot Fuel 2012 is an improvement of an already more or less perfect kite. The new split strut design makes the Fuel 2012 extremely steady when you fly it through the wind window. The bar pressure is slightly lighter compared to the 2010 year model which drops even more when you pop making handlepasses easier than ever before. When it comes to big jumps you still have to get used to the typical c-kite characteristics, but once you get a grip over it you´ll notice that this kite is a monster when we´re talking about big airs. This is something that you especially get a feeling for if you´re making unhooked kiteloops, the pull upwards is extreme, not like you´re looping with bowkites that tend to pull you more downwind. The secret behind the improved upwards capabilities lies within the split strut system combined with the aerodynamical shape that creates more lift and reduced drag.

Turning speed is of course lightning fast and water relaunches a piece of cake. The safety system is also top notch. The previous version of the Slingshot could be a bit slacky in its shape during high pressure, loaded jumps etc. The new splitstrut however seems to have fixed this issue. Slingshot has really done a terrific job this year, keep up the good work!

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