Ok we have a new 2012 Slingshot Z kite for demo below is our take on the kite,
The kite we have on demo is a Slingshot Z 9m size and after some playing around we got it dialled in. Even in the 9m size the kite fly’s great in light winds. The low aspect design of the kite will make it great for beginners - Intermediates as it sits deep in the power zone and has lots of grunt for light wind and low end pull to help you get going early. The Slingshot Z Kite kite DOES not stall easily like the Slingshot Key had done from last year. Slingshot have fixed this problem and the kite actually fly’s great unhooked.
We were able to get up and ride this 9m kite in about 12mph of wind on a 137 Slingshot Crisis kiteboard and actually make it back up wind. Over all the Slingshot Z kite should be a good cheap kitesurf package with the Slingshot crisis kiteboard and a great addition to the all ready world renowned slingshot line up.
Technical Information:
So they call this Z kite a “Bucket-C” Profile…The kite is cut with a very low aspect shape (wide and short) and a lot of curve to the sail so it will sit back in the window and pull hard even with less relative wind. The curve will make it very stable in the air because of the dihedral effect of the lifting surfaces on either side of the main lateral sail. The trailing edge of the kite is scalloped which looks great, and it also came up off the water very easily even in the light air. The design has no pullies unlike the Slingshot Key 2011 and the Slingshot RPM 2012 but other than saving costs this isn’t a big deal as Slingshot pullies don’t fail like other brands. The bar is the Z bar and line set which is very similar to the Key bar and lines set up. There is no center bearing like the compstick bar.
And it comes with a great new Blue kite bag!
What Slingshot says about it:
Announcing the first “Spherical-C” Profile. The fresh, versatile design of the Z kite gives consistent pull with controlled power and unmatched versatility. Stable and predictable in virtually all conditions. The Z kite produces huge boosts with good control and effortless relaunch.
The Z kite is loaded with the latest innovative features. However, it’s most important feature is the “plug and play” usability you will experience everyday. This includes features like our industry first pully-less bridle that delivers a direct feel, enhanced responsiveness, and unmatched upwind performance. Additional unique features like our Spherical-C Profile and Axis Wing Tip allow the kite to easily roll up off the water into relaunch. Like our other kites, the Z has been optimized for maximum range to suit all kinds of riding conditions.
BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED RIDERS Newly introduced kite boarders looking for plug and play convenience while aspiring for stable sessions in the largest variety of conditions.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
Z Kite
Z Control Bar
Kite Backpack
Bladder Repair Kit
Quick Start Guide
Kite with confidence. All conditions, all the time.