Archive October 2012
Slingshot Turbine 2012 Review
This year Slingshot has come up with the new Turbine kite which is much lighter in kind. If you enjoy light wind surfing then this is one of the best kites that you can use to stay on the water and have fun. The minimum wind speedfor the Turbine is around 4 -5 knots which basically can get you up and riding when everyone else give up. The bladder material used on the turbine 2012 kite has been lighter by 25 % this time with reduced size on the struts and the smaller diameter used for the edges. The kite works fine in lighter winds due to the increased aspect ratio of the kite surface which is given a glider feel for the wind turbine shape of its. A new concept has also been introduced in the kite wings this time which is called Free-twist tip. On the technology part which Slingshot has worked on this kite so much to add a list of new features which helped to make this surfing kite a lighter and faster one. We would like to review each one by one.
On the wingtips and the edge panels the steering line is attached which has given the extra narrow wind rage for the kites and also the panel to twist when required. This actually helped the kite to acquire wider wind range and a quicker mechanism to turn around. The kite design is given a more delta-C shaped one to acquire higher speed and move it in the forward window directions. The struts situated on the bars have also been integrated to a 3 strut design called the integration of split strut, which has given a more rigid and stable structure to the bars for control. Since the material is light, it helps in the water re-launching of the kite n-number of times due to its flexibility. The wing tip struts are redesigned to give a conical tapering shape for efficient control of the kite. To increase the efficiency of the kite the trailing edges has been made flexible to both the opening and closing. The steering of the kite has also been given a boost with improved power steering plan. Here the power is delivered at the wingtip so that the steering of the kite is smooth and this in turn reduces the pressure of the bar to give top performance while surfing.
The kite uses the single point inflation procedure which is totally a patented product of the Slingshot Company itself. The makers also took care of the affected areas of the kite and they have put scuff guards on those places to make the kite quite durable. Included stuff like Neoprene, Mark Cloth and ballistic Kevlar on those places. Any users who have faced any issues or have queries can directly contact the personnel from Slingshot as the customer care people are very friendly and assist the users in the best possible ways. The design part of the kite has been totally upgraded so much to give a better look, lighter to use and higher is performance and efficiency. This has basically helped to make the Turbine 2012 kite to be lighter and faster and user friendly. I am sure this will be a surely loved by Kite surfers all round the world.
0Slingshot Rally 9m
Slingshot has been the most popular brand in kite making for the last two years. Rally 9m is one of the most sold kites from Slingshot. Recent changes made to this kite had given a little twist from the original this time. The kite is being tested in many ways so that it stays at the top of the game. It’s been an all round machine which is being used for some success on the racecourse. To improve the upwind ability with a higher aspect ratio the kite is been made in the shape of an open arc this time. The point of rear attachment is also moved forward to avoid the kite stalling in due to the over sheet on the bar. To give the kite more rigid frame the leading edge has been made larger in diameter this time. The kite also carries a new wingtip shape, and this is been supported by two mini struts on the bar.
Last few years it was observed that the Compstick Bar is in the lineup. There are few new changes but the rest are only the old favorites. There was a 100% test conducted which was done over this kite for the Center Safety System. The Swivel is on the front line. The chicken loop remains the same. Only on the centre lines a new aluminum is provided which offers low friction. One can also avoid trapping of finger by raising it. To make it easier the grip is softened, and hence was rewarded as the overall rated the best kite of the year voted on the maximum customer choice.
Last year, Rally was praised for its innate stability and it allowed the rider to do its job instead of not worrying about the kite much. The team was cautious that the changes took place in the Rally this year and the kite was a stable one previously might cause a sales issue. The kite having Bow shape outlines which is noticeable and also higher aspect in nature. The kite also has a big diameter at the leading edge which helps the kite to stay high in the water and also stops from rolling. From the previous year the turning speed is little slower. It makes the 9m smaller as one is flying altogether and more predictable in the air. The shape and profile is a new one which allows the window to penetrate and pull it upwind just like as for trains. It’s suited for the learners especially intermediate to advanced riders, those who are looking for the all round kite. This kite is suited very much to the beginners, but also who are ambitious and can progress much with the kite has an appetite to use it.
The kite Rally became famous for the riders over the world. In last couple of years many people became fan of Rally, which is never going to change. The kite has been better due to its shape, design, predictable, stableness, and reliable. There is so much to perform with the kite and even the performance satisfies all the riders.
0Slingshot rider Mauricio Abreu
Mauricio Abreu has been kitesurfing for a looong time! His style is far from old school, rather one can call it new school!
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