Surface2Air Sports test the new 2008 Slingshot Fuel Kite.
Ok so we have been waiting for this kite for so long most of the Surface2Air Sports team ride the Slingshot Fuel 2007 model and everyone was fighting to get out on this first! here is what the Surface2Air Team thought of the 2008 Slingshot Fuel
Slingshot Fuel 9m
At a Glance
The 2008 Slingshot Fuel is a kite with more pedigree packed into it than a tin of chum! Over 5 years of development have gone into this kite and over the years it has won some faithful followers. It is an out and out freestyle kite and is still a C shape with a fifth line system. Last year was one of the most popular editions of the Fuel and this year you will be pleased to know they haven’t changed too much on the kite. It still has the deep profile that gives it all its power, the bar with the long depower throw that gave the kite such impressive range has hardly changed either. The panel layout has changed slightly with some extra panels around the struts, which also look a little slimmed down. The stitching and build quality has been beefed up even more and the leading edge has 6-inch overlaps where the segments are. We are guessing the bag will be similar to last year; this kite was so fresh though it just arrived in a cardboard box!
In the Air
When brands spend a long time developing the one kite they tend to get it pretty spot on. The Slingshot 08 Fuel is a super rigid and super stable airframe that turns with such precision it is impressive. Even just small movements on the bar create a direct and solid movement in the kite. Kite loops are as ever smooth and stable yet still giving the rider one of the best tugs around. The responsive steering makes the jumps huge and once you have the timing dialled in the Fuel will be putting a big smile on your face. Upwind the kite penetrates the window and is eager to haul the rider back to where they started. Perhaps the most impressive thing was the kites’ stability in strong gusty winds. Even when seriously overpowered the Fuel feels solid invokes confidence in the rider. Perhaps our only grumble would be the chicken loop is pretty busy with the depower cleat, the 5th Line cleat and the solid state quick release all fighting for limited space. This is fine when you are just cruising but as soon as you unhook there is a lot going on right next to your hands!
For
Impressive stability, great upwind, huge top end range, good jumps and an impressive heritage.
Against
Just the busy chicken loop really; fine for cruisers but can bash the hands when riding with the kite set up for unhooking.
OverallAnother great edition to the Fuel family from Slingshot kites!
Other Items that Slingshot Kiteboarding offer:
Slingshot Kitesurf kites:
Slingshot Turbo 2
Slingshot Rev
Slingshot Fuel
Slingshot Kiteboards:
Slingshot Fuse
Slingshot sx
Slingshot Misfit
Slingshot SRT
Slingshot SST
Slingshot Glide
Surface2Air Sports Team