Slingshot kites are known for consistently leading the way in kite innovation and quality. Slingshot have been producing kites for over 10 years now and have a team roster of some of the best riders in the world. Based out of Hood River in Oregon Slingshot kites founders Tony and Jeff Logosz have been heavily involved in both wakeboarding and windsurfing so it made sense that they would be inclined towards kiteboarding. Since founding Slingshot kites it has grown to be a major kite brand known the world over and catering from complete kite beginners all the way up to pro tour riders.
Slingshot Kite’s commitment first and foremost is to the people who ride their kites ensuring that they are provided with a kite that has an innovative and quality design. Through their extensive testing and internal riding Slingshot have been a driving force in the kite world for well in excess of 10 years now. Slingshot have been busy designing new safety mechanisms and designs and have even been awarded four patents which help make the sport of kite boarding more safer and convenient for new riders to get comfortable in. They are also not averse to licensing patents from other fine kite manufacturers and designers to combine high levels of kiting excellence and set new ever reaching industry standards.
Slingshot Kites product range includes Foil Kites for beginners, LEI kites for use on various terrains, twin tip kiteboards, surfing kite boards, spreader bars, complete bars and the associated items you would expect from a well respected kite company such as lines, fins, clothing and technical bags.
As for their kites, Slingshot have got various models available depending on personal requirements.
Slingshot Kites Fuel reintroduces one of Slingshot’s fundamental design tricks – that of Splitstrut technology. With the Fuel being built on a five strut design it is a fantastically rigid kite bringing stability in the harshest conditions. Its C-shape brings a consistently solid oomph through the power stroke and when it loops its recovery is as predictable as you could possibly hope for. Slingshot’s Compstick Control Bar allows a very high level of safety, something that is of utmost importance in a performance kite like the Fuel. In fact Slingshot claim it is the most versatile control bar one could ever own.
If you want a kite with more low end power, better pivotal turning response, a much greater lofting hang time as well as the great ease of relaunch then the Slingshot Rally could be the kite for you. Giving C-kite power and stability through its three strut Open Delta C design it brings a light weight build, beautifully balanced for the maximum in stable flight.
Complete with Slingshots pulley less bridle which they claim to be an industry first this kite delivers a greatly enhanced responsiveness along with an upwind performance which is unsurpassed. Its Open Delta C design really comes into its own as it blends the C-kite core performance characteristics with the latest advantages in 4 line technology making a truly awesome kite with a light and crisp feel with extra durability due to its split strut design.
In Slingshot’s RPM kite they’ve come up with a design that is the first non C-kite to win a PKRA podium finish. With its three strut open C-kite canopy it brings high end performance to all conditions and is suitable for wakestyle, surf style and even unhooked freestyle. Its innovative design brings C-kite qualities such as power, stability, control and edging along with Delta qualities like ease of relaunch, boost and de-power. All in all it is a truly customizable kite for a variety of riding styles and conditions.
Slingshot Kites’ Turbine lets you greatly increase your water time by maximising whatever conditions you find yourself with. Combine it with a race board, surf board or even a glide and it will match either of them perfectly. This is a kite that is all about increasing the fun you can have on the water on the low end of the wind range.
If you’re after a hybrid delta canopy design then take a look at Slingshot Kites Key HD model – well suited to the freerider it provides easy relaunch, great upwind capabilities, rapid de-power giving great performance with matching safety to boot. Match it with the Keychain control bar and a twin tip Ignition board and you’ve got a great value for money package that will bring hours of fun.
For outright beginners Slingshot Kites have a range of trainer kits that teach kiting in a safe and controlled manner. The B2 is Slingshot’s original two line foil trainer kite. It has established a solid reputation as one of the best trainer kites you can get it is remarkably easy to fly out of the box. Its durability and forgiving nature make it a hit with those just starting out in kiting. For those looking for a traction trainer kite then the B3 is one of the best light traction kites available. Still a two line kite the B3 is durable as you would expect and delivers enough pull to get you started. Finally the B4 light traction kite is a perfect place to start out for land or snow use. Similar to the Slingshot B3 but with the Ready Relaunch technology it provides instant de-power when needed coupled with an advanced re-launch system that is available as an add on.
If you want to see the full range of Slingshot Kites or ask any questions check out their website at http://ride.slingshotsports.com/kiteboarding