The Octane is an all-new kitesurfing kite from Slingshot for 2010, based on the Rev, one of their best selling kites of 2008 and 2009.
Essentially they have taken the Rev, which was originally designed to be used as a user-friendly wave/freestyle kite, and opened up the trailing edge to allow it to fly faster through the sky. This gives a little extra spike to its power and turning ability. They have pretty much kept the simple bridle system and the bombproof kite canopy lay out. Finally, no Slingshot would be complete without Slingshot’s pioneering one pump system.
The BarSlingshot have really stepped it up for 2010 with the all new Comp Stick kite bar. They have pretty much ticked every box; with a whole new chicken loop using a friendly push away QR. A locking pin on top of the chicken loop locks out straight when unhooked to make hooking back in as easy as possible. There is an all-new centre line swivel that removes any twist left in the centre lines after spinning the bar after rotations and kiteloops. The de-power cleat and cleat line have been slimmed down for easy use, furthermore the bar features a removable chicken loop dick and a attachment for a suicide leash as well as the usual O shit handles on both sides of the bar.
In The Air
After a fast responsive Rev2 for 2009 we didn’t think the Octane could be improved by much, but by opening up the trailing edge and a new stiffer shape from the new strut lay out and tweaked bridal they have managed to squeeze a bigger wind range from a kite that travels through the sky quicker then ever.
After moving the rear lines up a knot or two closer to the kite to tighten the steering lines up, the kite becomes very responsive enabling the it to turn on a sixpence allowing the rider to be able to throw impressive kiteloops without any drastic consequence.
Boosting with the Slingshot Octane has been fun with the kite turning and moving faster, however the kite demands extra kite piloting skills to use its full jumping and hang time potential. This kite seems to demand input and likes to keep a nice forward speed. Without a good amount of board speed and keeping the rear lines tort, the kite will fly further around the wind window then desired. Any inexperienced riders will want to use the most inner pigtail attachment point on the wingtips.
Riding waves with the Octane is more fun then ever, being able to stick the kite where you want it and have confidence the kite will keep up with board speed on lighter wind days. It parks really well and just hangs in the sky allowing you to ride down the line.
Pros
Wave riding and freestyle on this kite surfing kite is a dream. The all-new bar is a pleasure to use leaving only the riders to hold themselves back.
Cons
Any riders looking for a kite they can lock down and load a rail for wake style tricks should stick to the RMP or Fuel.
Overall
The Octane is a quick responsive kite with a huge wind range and great up wind potential to make ground up after ripping up a huge wave down wind or some big lofty jumps. The build quality is as ever second to none!
Original review from our friends at IKSurfmag