Slingshot T3 - High End

rayg · Since 19 Jun 2008 9 Posts New Member

Anyone fly the T3 in high winds? How does it ride?

Thanks!

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1692 Posts XTreme Poster

I've got 2 sessions on the T3 11 in a 2:1 set up.
I launched from the spit in the shadow with very little trouble on a 20 to 30 day last week.

I went directly up wind in 23mph to 29 maybe a few gusts to 30's but not many. I can't say it was the top end but it was in the range of the kite. My body weight is 218, I'm on a diet, and board is a 136 LF. I'm a decent rider!

The first thing I noticed about the T3 is that it is a faster turning kite. My downloops were quick and easy. The bar pressure is much less than the T2. It just feels really solid.

As I began to feel more comfy on my new T3 I started doing some back loops. It just hangs there while I do my set up..very steady no twitch at all.

After a few loops going both ways I'm feeling better so I decide to boost some old man big airs. I loaded up and looked for a wave! I sent the kite as I hit the wave face and BOOMMM baby! The T3 jumps, "Elevator Up Up and away!"

About mid session I dumped the kite trying to do a front role transition. The T3 parked on the water and I easily maintained line tension. As I got my eye on the kite I realized it was already turning with no input from me back to wind. I pulled on the bar to turn kite to wind and it just popped up.

This is a well designed kite and I'm going to fly it with a strapless surfboard. My goal this year is do a basic kite loop.

If you like low end power and are making the jump from windsurfing to kiteboarding T3 is for you!

shymac · Since 20 Jul 2005 919 Posts Home Valley, Wa. Bigfoot

5M is super trick!

I have rode it many times up at the White and out east at 3 Mile. Fast but not twitchy fast, super stable and probably the best kite for water relaunch.

I can get a range of about 26-40 no problem and if a gust hits hard you have the full range of depower so you won't have to worry about getting worked or coming of your edge.

Also it boost like a rocket and floats you down real nice instead of dropin you like a bomb from 30 ft.

Next big day here at Stevenson you should stop by and give it a run.

Like always, Daily Demos here at Slingshot HQ just ask for shy! Very Happy

rayg · Since 19 Jun 2008 9 Posts New Member

I have a Fuel but I wanted a fun kite. So I got 11 T3. Love the range. Very stable, I can't seem to crash it yet...But I can see it wants to relaunch like crazy everytime I self launch from the beach. Nice design, light and simple...(aahem Link).

I might go for a smaller size for those days. Thanks guys.

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

rayg · Since 19 Jun 2008 9 Posts New Member

Barfly...haha, u got me...Fuel is fun. But I'm looking for more range, relaunch and depower...yes, I'm sacrificing apparent power and responsiveness.

Sometimes I get sick of driving my Ferrari. I just want to drive automatic and let my luxury SUV do the work. Lol.

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

I knew what you meant, I just have to post sometimes Razz

. You have a great sense of humor! Very Happy

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

The T3 high end if pretty much as stated in the SS wind chart on their website. At the high end (particularly on the smaller sizes) make sure you pump that bitch rock hard. You can fly above the wind range when you depower it, but it'll slow down so you're better off jumping to a smaller kite than pulling in a bunch of trim IMO.

The kite flies great though and agreed, is somehow more stable that even the T2...which was a very stable kite.

Definitely use the sliding stopper ball on the high end. If you're in gusty conditions the habit may be there to sheet out too far when a gust hits since you can actually sheet out further than you need to. So, figure out where 100% depower is on your first couple tacks, and leave the stopper ball there.

The kite is a blast. I'm 180lbs and have flown the 7, 9, 11, 14. The wind chart seems to match my riding/weight on a TT.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

I have flown the t3 7 up to 40 no problems. The only thing is make sure you sand it down on the beach the leading edge want to come up when sitiing on the beach.

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed