Slingshot currently has 6 types of kites in its range. A number of them are further developed kites and therefore new versions. It is clear that Slingshot is not sitting still in this area. The developments are piling up and it shows. Better kites, higher quality kites, wider usable kites and safer kites. That's what it's all about when developing thinner bridle lines without stretch, reducing the number of spinnaker parts and adjusting the geometry. In this kitesurf blog a brief explanation about the different Slingshot kites.
Sling shot kites
Machine v1 – robust 5 struts everyone's friend
The Machine v1 is a fast and solidly built kite suitable for hang-time and big-air. Going high, staying in the air for a long time in combination with doing your best tricks. The Machine v1 is technically the most advanced kite she has ever made, according to Slingshot. Everything has been thought of: from reducing the number of spinnaker parts to reducing the stretch in the lines on the kite. This would make the kite very easy to restart and very reliable in different circumstances. This is Slingshot's Red Bull King of the Air kite type.
Machine v1 suitable for: hang-time, big-air, performance freeride
Machine LW v1 – Especially for low wind
Then there is the specially developed Machine LW v1. This is the 'light wind kitesurfing freeride variant of the Machine v1. The Machine LW has 3 struts instead of 5 and the geometry of the Machine LW has been specifically developed to generate smart power for good crossover as quickly as possible. The Machine LW v1 kite is available in 15 meters and 17 meters. The 17 meter weighs only 4.1 kilos and is said to perform from 6 knots.
SST v6 – wave kitesurfing in 2022
The sixth generation of the SST wave kite builds on the kite once designed with wave kitesurf guru Ben Wilson. Wave kitesurfing is now no longer just in the waves. No, it also takes place high above the waves. The wave kite surfers surf, but also jump over the waves and then do beautiful tricks with the wave kite surf board between their legs. The kites have to steer very quickly, be able to be disengaged very well, restart quickly and easily, have good crossover and also generate good lift for big-air and hang-time. The SST v6 can be adjusted for optimal tuning per session and conditions.
SST v6 suitable for: wave kite surfing
Slingshot kite UFO v2 – kitefoil kite without struts
In short, the UFO v2 is a minimalist kite. The UFO v2 has been completely stripped down to a kite that is as light as possible. We call this concept 'lite surfing’ and thus, according to Slingshot, a 9-meter UFO v2 weighs only 1.9 kilograms. The UFO v2 has been specially developed for kite foiling and to be able to perform in as little wind as possible.
UFO v2 suitable for: kitefoiling
Ghost v2 – light and fast single strut kite
Like the UFO, the Ghost v2 is a lightweight kite. The Ghost v2 has one so-called 'luff-strut'. This is connected with space between the canvas. This stands for natural aerodynamics, maneuverability and easy control. Our experience is that a 'luff-strut' also works well at absorbing gusts of wind. With the Ghost, kite surfers would also be able to ride up against the wind above average with ease.
Ghost v2 suitable for: kite foiling, kite surfing
RPX v1 – open C-shape kite freestyle and performance freeride
Where the RPX Slingshot kite was still specially developed for freestyle, the RPX v1 has been further developed for performance freeride kite surfing. This is actually the sailing style that is completely in at the moment. Going high, staying in the air for a long time and doing the most beautiful trucks in the meantime. Possibly even in combination with a kite run of mega run† The RPX was soon. Due to the innovations, the RPX v1 should generate even more constant power and be incredibly reliable. Even during challenging conditions.
RPX v1 suitable for: freestyle, performance freeride
Rally GT v2 – all-round crossover Slingshot kite
The Rally GT v2 is the kite that is recommended by Slingshot as the ultimate all-round kite suitable for learning kitesurfing that you don't get tired of quickly. It is a versatile kite that should support kitesurfers in what they want to do on the water while maintaining maximum control. The Rally GT v2 should be the fastest and easiest to restart of all Slingshot kites. The Rally GT v2 would also have a light bar pressure and be very stable, giving kite surfers confidence.
Rally GT v2 suitable for: beginners, performance freeride
Conclusion Slingshot kites 2022
We felt the need to explore the Slingshot kites in 2022. In particular the differences per kite. We have done this and hopefully we have given you a short and concise explanation about the Slingshot kites in 2022 and their most important properties. As far as we are concerned, 6 beautiful kites with something for everyone. Of course, this is a theoretical exploration. After all, we have not had a kite in our hands ourselves. Hopefully we can post a review about one of the kites ourselves soon. Tip: visit too slingshot.com.
