The RPM is a totally new kite from Slingshot for 2009, it is aimed as a crossover kite filling the gap between the Fuel and the Rev, the Fuel being their classic all time C kite and the Rev being a punchy flat style speed demon.One of the main remits of the Slingshot RPM is to deliver excellent unhooked kitesurfing abilities yet still offer the ease of relaunch and depower of a bridled design. Youri Zoon, their pro rider from Holland, is currently giving Aaron Hadlow a run for his money using a stock RPM range of kites, so that says something about the freestyle capabilities of the kite.
As usual when you pull the kite out of the bag you can’t help but be impressed by the build quality. Whilst a lot of smaller brands are upping their game this year, the top guys are putting together kites that are setting standards. The RPM has plenty of panels, extra stitching and overlap in load areas and lots of Kevlar wear patches on stress points. The bridle on the kite is minimal and short and there is a direct connection on the back lines. Graphics have improved over the Rev, which we felt was a little plain, the RPM sports some standout attention to detail, which is always good to see on a top end product like this. Of course the infamous Slingshot One Pump is present, the system that most other systems now follow, you can be sure it is tried and tested!
The Bar
The biggest feature on the new bar is without a doubt the double strength front lines, these 800lb beasts ensure that you should never snap a front line. The bar also features the Centre Safety System which allows the kite to flag out on the front line in an emergency, so it is good to know these lines shouldn’t ever fail you. The bar itself features O Shit handles and a chicken loop depower cleat. There is a stopper ball as well for those long sessions on the water. The chicken loop is the same as last year and the release works really well, just be careful not to grab it by accident when hooking back in though as it can release.
On the Water
The RPM feels like a larger kite for its size, the wide wingtips and open C shape arc giving it lots of low end power. This kite really does seem to have a huge bottom end range and, coupled with a kiteboard, you could easily have the 10m as your biggest kite if you weigh around 80 kilos.
The other instantly noticeable feature when you have the kite in the air is just how smooth it is. In gusty conditions it just seems to deliver the same sure footed power throughout, it doesn’t tug and drop back in the window; it sits there perfectly poised. It is almost spooky how smooth this kite is. Don’t be fooled though as the power is there when you need it and once you start moving the kite around the window in anger you can really start to see it’s potential.
Kite loops are a very meaty affair, the RPM delivering plenty of yank through the turn, it is predictable though and you won’t find this kite power spiking at the wrong moment. When powered up it cruises upwind with ease and jumps with the best of them, a solid pull from the water is met with a floaty glide of a jump.
Perhaps the most impressive thing though is the unhooked performance of the RPM. Being very stable and poised it allows the rider to unhook without worrying about the kite doing anything strange. It just sits there and continues to pull. Bust out your trick and you’ll come in to land to find the kite exactly where you left it. It is almost as solid as going to the cable tow! Something that will appeal to a lot of riders.
Suited more towards the experienced freerider or the freestyler looking for the benefits of 4 line simplicity and the depower of a bridled kite the RPM is sure to set a few hearts racing. The power and grunt rule it out for the beginner to be honest, this is a powerful beast with top end performance up its sleeve that is just waiting to be unleashed.
Pros
Huge wind range, great low end, and equally impressive top end. Very stable, a great platform for unhooked tricks. Stellar build quality that really sets the standard in modern manufacturing.
Cons
If you unhook a lot you may end up changing the chicken loop or modifying it, the red pull knob is just too easy to activate when you are grabbing the loop to hook back in. If you’ve suicide leashed directly to the chicken loop then this can cause problems.
Overall
Yet another great kite surfing kite from Slingshot, the team in the states are really pulling out all the stops with their manufacturing and also their designs. The RPM fills the void for the performance-bridled kite that can be used as a freestyle weapon. If you have got the skills then this kite will excite and enthral!
For more information visit www.s2as.com or go to www.slingshotsports.com