2013 Slingshot RPM (10m) Review
Slingshot RPM 2011 (9m)
Three Word Summary
All-round User-Friendly Preformance
Out of the Bag
The 2013 RPM returns again in its ever-popular format - "Open C" canopy with the dual-pulley bridle we've become used to. Like all Slingshot kites, the RPM has a one pump inflation system and like previous incarnations has only 3 slim struts. The four rear line connection allow plenty of adjustment of bar pressure and the two front line connection options allow the kite to be tweaked to be more wake-style or freestyle oriented - sitting the kite deeper or further forward respectively. One noteworthy change this year is the inclusion of a narrow dacron strip across the centre of the canopy - presumably to guard against edge to edge tears.
The meaty slingshot bar has a few minor improvements to the previous years design - a coated centre hole which should reduce de-power line wear, a two-tone colouring to assist in getting the bar the correct way around, and small velcro line-locks to help keep your lines tidy. The smallest kite sizes in the range use a 17inch bar with 20m lines, extending to a 20inch bar with up to 27m lines on the largest in the range. The flying lines continue their usual high standard - 800lb strain on the front and a little lighter on the back lines.
In the air
When flown on the beach the RPM feels very familiar - fast through the air and generates a good deal of power when worked. It has great stability and also generates some impressive lift when jumped off the beach in light airs. The bar pressure settings offer a good range of tuning between medium light up to medium heavy, and the wake setting sits the kite back in the window a little. The RPM unhooks with ease and parks still in the sky for handlepasses with good feedback at all times.
On the water
The bottom end of the RPM seems to be very good provided you work the kite improving its bottom end significantly. The RPM goes upwind well when powered and is also a very nice kite to do some serious boosting with. It's a very user-friendly kite and allows you to get the most out of days when the conditions are gusty.
The RPM is a great fun all-round machine, generating a good turn of speed, boosts well and loops powerfully; it relaunches with ease and is a pleasure to fly. For unhooking it generates a great deal of pulling power when popped, and slacks too, but not as much as some of the more dedicated C kites on offer. The bar feedback is very good and is an excellent choice for an aspiring freestyler.
Conclusions
The RPM has to be one of the most refined kites out there, and a best-seller which speaks volumes for its credentials. Slingshot have hit on a winning formula, and its no huge surprise, that only minor tweaks have been made from previous years designs.
Its a kite which most kitesurfers could get a lot out of - a true all-rounder, with plenty of performance to even win a freestyle world championship (or two) with!
For more info, check out Slingshot's Site or browse on Kitemare
All-round User-Friendly Preformance
Out of the Bag
The 2013 RPM returns again in its ever-popular format - "Open C" canopy with the dual-pulley bridle we've become used to. Like all Slingshot kites, the RPM has a one pump inflation system and like previous incarnations has only 3 slim struts. The four rear line connection allow plenty of adjustment of bar pressure and the two front line connection options allow the kite to be tweaked to be more wake-style or freestyle oriented - sitting the kite deeper or further forward respectively. One noteworthy change this year is the inclusion of a narrow dacron strip across the centre of the canopy - presumably to guard against edge to edge tears.
The meaty slingshot bar has a few minor improvements to the previous years design - a coated centre hole which should reduce de-power line wear, a two-tone colouring to assist in getting the bar the correct way around, and small velcro line-locks to help keep your lines tidy. The smallest kite sizes in the range use a 17inch bar with 20m lines, extending to a 20inch bar with up to 27m lines on the largest in the range. The flying lines continue their usual high standard - 800lb strain on the front and a little lighter on the back lines.
In the air
When flown on the beach the RPM feels very familiar - fast through the air and generates a good deal of power when worked. It has great stability and also generates some impressive lift when jumped off the beach in light airs. The bar pressure settings offer a good range of tuning between medium light up to medium heavy, and the wake setting sits the kite back in the window a little. The RPM unhooks with ease and parks still in the sky for handlepasses with good feedback at all times.
On the water
The bottom end of the RPM seems to be very good provided you work the kite improving its bottom end significantly. The RPM goes upwind well when powered and is also a very nice kite to do some serious boosting with. It's a very user-friendly kite and allows you to get the most out of days when the conditions are gusty.
The RPM is a great fun all-round machine, generating a good turn of speed, boosts well and loops powerfully; it relaunches with ease and is a pleasure to fly. For unhooking it generates a great deal of pulling power when popped, and slacks too, but not as much as some of the more dedicated C kites on offer. The bar feedback is very good and is an excellent choice for an aspiring freestyler.
Conclusions
The RPM has to be one of the most refined kites out there, and a best-seller which speaks volumes for its credentials. Slingshot have hit on a winning formula, and its no huge surprise, that only minor tweaks have been made from previous years designs.
Its a kite which most kitesurfers could get a lot out of - a true all-rounder, with plenty of performance to even win a freestyle world championship (or two) with!
For more info, check out Slingshot's Site or browse on Kitemare
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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 adjustable to Medium-Heavy Medium-Fast Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good |
Slingshot 2013 RPM Story from Slingshot Kite on Vimeo.