Slingshot
Slingshot Turbine 2014 Review
With the ever changing times we have today, there’s always something to discover beyond the horizon. We’re never content with what we have, we strive for something new, something better and something that will take us closer to the edge. It doesn’t matter if it’s a minor difference or a major one, it’s still a step towards achieving our goal and even surpassing it.
The 2014 Slingshot Turbine 17 meter light wind kite (a free ride light wind kite) has delivered on its promise of more days on water. With 10-12km/h wind, you won’t be standing on the beach anymore, you’d be on your board with your new Slingshot Turbine and it lets you stay on the water even if the wind is picking up. There are a number of improvements on the new design: it now has a direct bridle, mini strut and 5th strut on the wing tip, lighter weight construction. The progressive open delta C design updated with a new bridle 5 point cascading bridle attachment system which gives you a consistent smooth feel and specific control over the power. The new design gives a more powerful grunt without sacrificing riding speed, efficiency or upwind performance. The long lines allows for a long power stroke and you can bet with it’s quality build, it’s gonna last forever -or at least for a very long time. This kite is good for those who are into wakestyle, freestyle, or if you just want to go out there and enjoy the waves.
| FEATURES | |
| OPEN DELTA C-DESIGN PLATFORM | The kite’s a higher aspect ratio in combination with speed improves the lift rather than the angle of attack. The new shape allows the kite to fly forward in the wind window while freeing up the wing tips to prevent the kite from being oversheeted. |
| SPLITSTRUT INTEGRATED DESIGN | The kite has only 3 struts and is very light, yet it’s built in quality material for increased stability and canopy shaping control. This kite will not drop down from the sky in the first case and the lighter profile makes is easy to water relaunch. Another plus is that this kite doesn’t take much room once packed down |
| REFLEX WINGTIP | The free pivot wingtips work as natural regulators and open up by the wind to extend the apparent wind range. |
| CONNECT FORWARD ATTACHMENTS | The steering lines have a direct connection with the forward “sweet spot” geometry of the kite. Three different settings enables you to fine tune the bar settings for desired bar pressure and turning speed. |
| WINGTIP STRUTS | The struts have a conical shape to decrease drag and for a more efficient control. |
| LOWPROFILE WINGTIPS | This is a proven design for faster turning speed similiar to the one to Rally. It also reduces drag and hence make the kite even more high performing. |
| ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT POINT | Use the additional attachment points for optimal performance in super-light wind. |
| AUTO-TRIM TRAILING EDGE | This design feature automatically reduces the risk for oversheeting and virtually makes it impossible backstall the kite while still allowing the panels to open and flex. |
| CASCADING 5-POINT BRIDLE | The bridles are free from pulleys which not only reduce the total weight (only with a few grams, but still every gram counts for light wind kites) but also gives you a more consistent and smooth bar feeling throughout the power stroke when you sheeting the bar in. |
| TRI-TECH PROTECTION | Strategically placed reinforcements such as mark cloth and neoprene, individual scuff guards and ballistic kevlar protect the kites most vulnerable areas and optimize the kites durability and life length. |
| LEGENDARY SLINGSHOT CONSTRUCTION | Slingshot has always been known for their bullet proof kite constructions and the Turbine is not an exception. The newest high tec and strongest materials are used throughout the kite. Everything from the Leading Edge, canopy, bladders to the smallest trim details are made with the best excisting materials. Nothing has been left to chance |
| SLINGSHOT ONE PUMP | One pump systems are standard these days and the Turbine is of course also equipped with Slingshots patented single point inflation system to spare your time on beach and maximize the time in the water. |
| LIFETIME RIDER SUPPORT HOTLINE | If things still go wrong connect directly to Slingshots competent and helpful customer support. |
“The turbine has three attachment points to adjust for bar pressure and kite turning speed. Personally, I like to ride on the middle setting giving me a firm feel yet still quite fast turning for a 17meter kite.” – Tucker from MACkite
The 2015 Slingshot Turbine will be released in February 2015. If you don’t have a local Slingshot store in your area then a recommended online store for European kitesurfers is
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 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…
Slingshot Rally Review
I’ve been riding with my Slingshot Rally’s since last autumn, and will here give a small review of the best kite I’ve tried to date in the waves.
2012 Slingshot Rally is the second version of the shape Slingshot calls an “Open Delta C”, which blends the features of C-Fuel and RPM with the delta kite’s wind range and depower performances, and the result is for sure worth a test!
There is really no significant changes from the first edition, the new version is rather a result of optimization. The bridles have been tweaked so that the kite now has more precise control and the balance of the kite makes unhooked and drifting properties top notch. Some extra reinforcements have been added to the wingtips where the 3 pigtails attach, so you can trim the kite, depending on how much bar pressure you desire. For those who remember the split struting from the past, this is now back, and gives the kite a great stability.
As I started writing, I find this kite especially suitable for wave riders, but Slingshot Rally will also be the perfect kite for free riders as well as the beginner. Common to both is that you want a kite that is so easy to handle as possible so that you can concentrate on anything but the kite.
The kite control is quick, which is a result from the short bridle that comes without any pulleys. There is such a good feeling with the kite, it is extremely easy to manage. Slingshot Rally also has a huge wind range with an unmatched depower. There are many kites can be drifting hooked, but Rally drifts also unhooked and if it stalls, so it makes it to the “good way”, so it is easy to catch again. Whether it is because the kite only has 3 struts, is very light, or if it is the balance of the kite that gives it its drifting properties I do not know, but the result is just perfect.
Last but not least, there’s no pull in the turns. There are perhaps some who do not think this is so cool, but it’s a different style which people prefer. I think it is very important in the waves, so you will not be torn away from the wave in the bottom of the turn, so you can always position yourself where the wave breaks, so you can utilize the wave all the time. Also in strapless aerials and airs it is an advantage not to get ripped off by the board, and for beginners, it also means that you are not punished by any fault input. And when it happens, the kite is easier than easy to water start again.
So just to recap:
The kite is quick
The kite has no pulleys
The kite has only 3 struts
The kite water starts easy
The kite has no pull in turns
The kite has a direct bar feeling
The kite is going really well upwind
The kite drifts perfectly – even unhooked
The kite has a very simple and short bridle set-up
The kite has Slingshots tested one-pump system
The picture above shows the very simple and short bridle set-up without pulleys
Above seen is slingshot’s one-pump system that many other brands choose to pay a license to use. Please also note the small closure feature on the inflate valve (far right in picture), which means you can hammer the kite into the ground or water without popping the plug out.
I really thought much about anything negative about the kite, and I had to find something, it must be that the fabric can flapper a little when the wind is very strong and gusty. But if that is what you have to pay to get a kite with 3 struts with somewhat less direct kite control, with a very short and simple bridle without pulleys, which drifts perfectly and is so easy to ride unhooked – then I can live with that =)
Slingshot bar is also right in the eye. Not so much bullshit and no frills. It just works perfectly with a quick release, easy to keep around unhooked. If you choose to release, the system is so easy to assemble, it can be done in the water without any problems. There are deepower the bar and the bar has a swivel which prevents lines from twisting. (Which happen if you rotate many times around the same axis). The bar seems a little heavy when you just hold it by hand on land but on water it just feels really good in your hands.
Finally, there is a very handy bag that can both be opened at the top and is has a side zipper. The bag is spacious enough to fit the kite, bar and pump, but if you prefer you can also secure the pump and bar on the sides of the bag.
Overall a very positive review, but it is also very hard to find something negative to write about with this amazing kite. The Rally will not be the first choice for those who want to ride freestyle, but for freeride, waves and beginners it is spot on. Nor am I alone in this assumption, since testers from around the world all come with the same very positive feedback.
The Rally comes in the following sizes:
Sizes: 4m, 6m, 8m, 9m, 10m, 12m, 14m
Let me know if me if there are any items that you require more information about.
/ Raphael
Patrick Rebstock with his Slingshot Rally:
Here are some more reviews of the Slingshot Rally:
https://www.kiteboardingreview.com/kitereviews/20-slingshot/97-slingshot-rally-2011
https://www.sbckiteboard.com/2011-kite-review-display?news_id=1764
https://www.forcesix.com/2011-slingshot-rally-review.html
https://www.sbckiteboard.com/2012-kite-reviews-display?news_id=1867
LEN10 MEGALOOP CHALLENGE
A nice video from the Len10 Megaloop Challenge. As you can see not all riders are using Slingshot kites. North, RRD, Naish, Best. Alberto Rondino shows that it´s even possible to make kiteloops with Cabrinha. However as we all know Lewis Crathern won this challenge and what is he riding with… Slingshot Fuel! Maybe a coincident that the riders choose Slingshot, maybe not… 😉
1The History Of Slingshot
Slingshot was founded 1999 by the Logosz brothers, Jeff and Tony. In 1998 One of Jeff’s friends was calling him to talk about a guy he had seen riding upwind with a kite and wakeboard, something no one ever had done before! The name of this guy was Lou Wainman and he is probably the main reason to why kiteboarding began to evolution to what it is today.
By this time Tony Logosz already had a company that were designing kiteboards so taking the step into designing kiteboarding gears became natural. The two brothers didn’t want to interfere with Tony´s own company, so they decided to form a new company solely aimed for kiteboarding gear, the name was Slingshot!
Many of the windsurfing companies saw the potential in kiteboarding why they also started to manufacture kitesurfing kites. These windsurfing companies already had an image and a legacy reputation that they had to honor. Slingshot was formed solely as a kiteboarding brand that could do whatever they wanted since they had nothing to lose and they had the freedom to create their own image.
Slingshot became an innovative and creative company that wasn’t afraid of doing any mistakes that could hurt their brand. For example they were the first company that actually put some graphic on their kites in the form of flames, suddenly some sort of coolness was added to kites.
The first kite that Slingshot designed was the “Stealth” kite, a full size kite that literally sucked which they also were honest about. Stealth was a megaflop, but Slingshot learned a ton on this lesson and from that time sort of become obsessed with the quality of their products. They started doing massive changes to their kites and the R&D team were constantly testing prototypes. If something wasn’t top notch then they had to fix it!
The company grew from zero to one of the global kite companies and Slingshot has definitely helped the sport to develop to what it is today! With the popular C-kite “Fuel” Slingshot targeted a new small group of extreme hardcore freestylers. The Fuel is a kite that makes it possible for riders such as Ruben Lenten to go crazy with insane kiteloops, he simply needs this super high performance kite that it is.
After Fuel came RPM, a kite that once more made Slingshot the emperer on the market!
Slingshot has always had a drive for making the kiteboarding sport better, safer and still more extreme! The technology behind many sports such as golf, tennis, bicycling etc. have been developed so that perfomers have been able to achive better results. This was not really the case for kiteboarding gear. The wakeboards that were released on the market around year 2000 were the same old crap that were designed 15 years earlier, just in a new costume. Slingshot was the first company that started to design boards with flexibility which added pop and made landings softer. The same drive to improve their products also mirror the kites. Slingshot has released some great products year 2012, but don’t think they have reached some kind of plateu. Kitesurfing is a sport with endless of opportunities and it will continue to grow. Slingshot will keep pushing the limits and bring safety to the equipment!
Stay tuned for the 2013 products that soon will come!
Slingshot goes to Nitrocity
Some lucky guys from the Slingshot team have recently been to Nitrocity in Panama to test some of Slingshot’s new products, among them the Slingshot Turbine light wind kite. Anyway, check out this cool video and book a flight to Panama!
0New Slingshot Video
The Slingshot team has made a new movie in Panama. A great edited video with some kick-ass shots, just like we’re used to see productions from Slingshot!
02012 Slingshot Z
Slingshot Z is the first “Spherical-C” profile kite on the market. This is a versatile kite that gives constant pull with controlled power yet very stable and predictable in all types of wind conditions. The Z-kite is easy to relaunch and can generate huge power for those massive jumps!
The Z kite comes with all the latest features that we already see in the RPM and Fuel, but also with some brand new features, such as the “plug and play” feature. This include a pulley free bridle for a more direct feel and for enhanced responsiveness. Compared to RPM and Fuel, the Z-kite sits slighty further in the wind window, which gives it unmatched upwind performances. The Spherical-C Profile in combination with the axis wing tips make the kite more or less relaunch by itself, since it wants to roll up off the water. Z is a kite from Slingshot that has been optimized for a maximum range to fit all kinds of riding conditions.
The Z kite comes in sizes: 6m, 9m, 11m, 13m
2012 Slingshot RPM
Slingshot’s RPM has was a great kite already when it was released year 2009. The RPM is now released in its 4th version, tuned to perfection! You´re probably familiar with Ruben Lenten and Youri Zoon. Ruben is the guy’s that make insane kiteloops, Youri is the world’s kiteboarder champion. Perhaps is it a coincident that they both ride with Slingshot or perhaps do other kite manufacturers simply not produce kites that are good enough for those who requires top performance?
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