2010 Slingshot RPM (10m) Review
Slingshot RPM 2010 (10m)
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Out of the Bag
The RPM is what Slingshot call an “Open C” hybrid kite with a medium diameter leading edge with 3 struts. It has a 2 pulley bridle which gives the kite good support and allows it to pivot well for good depower. The kite is very well reinforced in all the usual places, and comes with Slingshot’s usual attention to detail with the stitching.
Like all Slingshot kites, it’s a one-pump affair – which gets you out on the water quickly, and is quick to pack away also. There are two front line attachment points on the leading edge, allowing the kite to be tuned for freestyle or wake-style and four rear line connections to adjust bar pressure and response.
The slingshot bar is a meaty affair, and is a product of real quality. The bar itself is weighty with a rubberised grip which looks like it will stand the test of time. The safety system looks up there with the best of them – a push away release which flags the kite onto a single front line and a ‘suicide’ attachment point to cover all bases. The flying lines are exceptionally good also – 800lb front lines with thinner rear lines to reduce overall line drag. The bar comes with a clam cleat beneath the bar which will please anyone who normally struggles to reach above the bar sheeting systems.The larger kites in the range come with a 23 inch bar and 27m lines, mid-sized kites use a 20 inch bar with 23m lines, and the smaller sizes use a 17inch bar with 20m lines.
In the air
The RPM feels similar to the Fuel in flight, direct steering, good power in the turns and with a medium light bar-pressure. Jumping seems very good due to the lift generated when working the kite and loops are a lively affair.
Launch and re-launch are very good too – a pull on the back line will cause it to pivot, and can also be reverse launched with ease.
On the water
The bottom end of the RPM is impressive due to the large projected area coupled with its ability to generate power by working it through the window. It flies mostly off the front lines and the bar pressure is light-moderate and adjustable. The bar needs to be steered assertively in order to induce a quick turn, making it perfect for wake-style. It’s a great kite to free-ride on, boosts well, but its real strength lies when you unhook – it generates bucket loads of pop, with decent line slack for passes, whilst patiently sitting stationary in the air for you to land – a wake-styler’s dream kite.
Similar to the Fuel, the RPM needs to be worked a bit to get good air-time, but can boost very well indeed once you get the hang of it.
Conclusions
The RPM is a kite which will be very attractive to a wide audience – a great freestyle kite which will blow the socks off intermediates all the way up to pro’s, without the inherent weaknesses of a hardcore C kite. Its wake-style performance is outstanding, but is also a great all-round performer, ticking all the boxes for wind range, relaunch, hangtime and powered kiteloops.
For more info, check out Slingshot's Site, view on S2AS Kitesurfing Shop, or compare on Wisekite
Out of the Bag
The RPM is what Slingshot call an “Open C” hybrid kite with a medium diameter leading edge with 3 struts. It has a 2 pulley bridle which gives the kite good support and allows it to pivot well for good depower. The kite is very well reinforced in all the usual places, and comes with Slingshot’s usual attention to detail with the stitching.
Like all Slingshot kites, it’s a one-pump affair – which gets you out on the water quickly, and is quick to pack away also. There are two front line attachment points on the leading edge, allowing the kite to be tuned for freestyle or wake-style and four rear line connections to adjust bar pressure and response.
The slingshot bar is a meaty affair, and is a product of real quality. The bar itself is weighty with a rubberised grip which looks like it will stand the test of time. The safety system looks up there with the best of them – a push away release which flags the kite onto a single front line and a ‘suicide’ attachment point to cover all bases. The flying lines are exceptionally good also – 800lb front lines with thinner rear lines to reduce overall line drag. The bar comes with a clam cleat beneath the bar which will please anyone who normally struggles to reach above the bar sheeting systems.The larger kites in the range come with a 23 inch bar and 27m lines, mid-sized kites use a 20 inch bar with 23m lines, and the smaller sizes use a 17inch bar with 20m lines.
In the air
The RPM feels similar to the Fuel in flight, direct steering, good power in the turns and with a medium light bar-pressure. Jumping seems very good due to the lift generated when working the kite and loops are a lively affair.
Launch and re-launch are very good too – a pull on the back line will cause it to pivot, and can also be reverse launched with ease.
On the water
The bottom end of the RPM is impressive due to the large projected area coupled with its ability to generate power by working it through the window. It flies mostly off the front lines and the bar pressure is light-moderate and adjustable. The bar needs to be steered assertively in order to induce a quick turn, making it perfect for wake-style. It’s a great kite to free-ride on, boosts well, but its real strength lies when you unhook – it generates bucket loads of pop, with decent line slack for passes, whilst patiently sitting stationary in the air for you to land – a wake-styler’s dream kite.
Similar to the Fuel, the RPM needs to be worked a bit to get good air-time, but can boost very well indeed once you get the hang of it.
Conclusions
The RPM is a kite which will be very attractive to a wide audience – a great freestyle kite which will blow the socks off intermediates all the way up to pro’s, without the inherent weaknesses of a hardcore C kite. Its wake-style performance is outstanding, but is also a great all-round performer, ticking all the boxes for wind range, relaunch, hangtime and powered kiteloops.
For more info, check out Slingshot's Site, view on S2AS Kitesurfing Shop, or compare on Wisekite
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Kite Style
Struts Inflation Front connection Rear connection Tuning options Depower Safety Low End High End Bar Pressure Turning Unhooked Upwind Hang time Relaunch |
Open C Hybrid
3 One pump 2 Pulley bridle Direct 2 options for front line connection (freestyle/wake), 4 rear options Clam cleat (beneath the bar) Mini 'fifth' line to single front line Very Good Very Good Light-Medium Medium-Fast Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good |
