About

The Slingshot RPM is designed to be a kite that suits as many riders as possible.

Despite being a bridled kite, it works remarkably well for Freestyle, and is arguably the best freestyle SLE kite on the market to date. The secret to its success are the large wind tips, short bridle and direct rear line connection which gives it unmatched feedback, performance and versatility in one kite. This is not just another SLE kite trying to do everything I assure you.  When I tried it I was bowled over how in touch i felt with the kite, which is what lets most SLE kites down. The sheer numbness and lack of feel.

Performance

 It was truly the closest thing to a C kite you can get with the depower of an SLE. The Wide wingtips give the RPM a remarkable handling, and although it doesn’t quite generate the power C kite would in a kiteloop, it makes up for when you park the kite at 45 degrees and pop into your favourite tricks. It’s a deep canopy, so big it dwarfs a fuel, and sits quite deep back in the window, and works really well for wake style riding although it does make upwind riding less efficient for less experienced riders. But this can be adjustted to suit on the leading edge, which will bring the kite further forward in the window. Interestingly the likes of top riders such as Youri Zoon and Ali Barret have moved over from C kites and have discovered real advantages for competition use. Ali said “the best thing about the RPM is if the wind picks up like it always does in the U.K, I never need to change down. I can hang on to it and still practice and land tricks consistently without getting spanked”.

Kiteloops are fun but different to a C kite. it tends to loop then pull a rider downwind, where as a C kite Pulls then loops, so its a differnt feeling in the loop. But comparing to other Sles it provides far more confidence and pull. its predictable

Boost is there, and although there isnt the initial whip up of power than you can get on  C kite, ascent and descent are slowerRe launch is a doddle, and all it takes is a bit of manipulation on a steering line and the kites back in the sky.

The versatility of the RPM continues to stagger me. Not only is it safe enough for a complete newbie, but it’s even a delight in the waves. Although it doesn’t quite turn on the axis like the Octane, if you changed the back lines settings to increase turning speed it really performs excellently in waves without any fuss.

The 2010 Rpm is ultimately the same kite as the 2009, but the bar is a nice little improvement, particularly for freestyle, with the lock in chicken loop when unhooked, however there is an increased weight with the new metal chassis which may put some riders off. The bar is of extremely high quality, with the only bar that comes with 800lb front lines which is 300lb stronger than standard lines. That’s incredible strength and will have a prolonged lifespan.

Depower ropes are easy to replace and only £12 which is cheap by today’s standards

Compares to..

There isn’t really a kite that you compare it to, it’s in a league in its own and there certainly isn’t a kite that covers all corners of the market so well.

But if you’re determined to have a kite that has on off power delivery or sick of getting spanked by your C kite give it a shot. Its a great step up from any sle kite, and your riding and stance will benifit greatly from the extra feedback it offers. Its way more practical than the Fuel, but doesn’t turn on its axis like the octane, which wont make it as ideal for dedicated wave riders.

Sizing

The 8 and the 10 are just so brilliant it hurts to try and make a decition between them, But for two kite quivers id consider 8,12, or 10,6 if your under 75 kilos or enjoy the higher winds.

the 14m is probably one of the best light wind performers around. If your a specific wave rider, we have had great success with the 6 and the 10. The 10 gets going really early which is great, as you'l never really need anything bigger.

The 6 is a very quick kite, but high wind nutters will love how comfortable it feels when its honking

To Sum up

Revolutionised the SLE market leaving many competitors trailing in the wake!

Not a cheap kite but great resale value, and it does just about everything!

Also Consider ... Fuel, Vegas, HIFI Comp, Envy, ION4