Slingshot: Octane vs. RPM ?

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1487 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Help me decide between RPM and Octane.
I learned last year on Best Waroo kites. I like the Waroo but I need new kites and I want to support my friends and neighbors (Slingshot).
I ride 75% gorge (white salmon bridge) and 25% ocean waves (san carlos,newport).
My style (if i have one) is straightforward freeride with an emphasis on swell riding and wave riding. Just learning to jump. Will switch from twin-tip to N.P. surfboard this summer.
Don't see myself doing freestyle or unhooked rail slides. Would like to get away with 3 kite quiver (7,9,13 or 8, 10, 12).

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

Havent tried the Slingshot KEY myself but if has similar flying characteristics as the Delta style I fly then that may be a even better option. Demo!

Pepi · Tue Apr 20, 10 7:42 pm

Getting a chance to demo is the most ideal way to test a kite, but due to the liability issues, demos are kinda hard to find around here. Yes, we will be doing some demos with Slingshot, but probably not until things warm up around here more.

If I were to weigh in my 2 cents on the matter, due to the fact that you are planning on moving more over to directional/surfboard riding, the RPM would make for a very nice kite due to it's very smooth pull, predictable timing, mucho depower, and ability to ride down the line without any yanking issues pulling you off of your rail (*This not to say that the Octane does not do any of the above well, but the RPM, to me, is a much smoother and predictable feeling kite, which is what I like on a surfboard. As a boosting/looping kite, the Octane is money.).

Pepi

EY · Since 06 Jul 2008 76 Posts NW, Florida, Asia Made in China

I am doing demo for Slingshot this season. I have 2010 RPM for demo. PM me to schedule a time. If you would like to try out the KEY. Give me a heads up and I will try to find one for ya.

Eric

lineman · Since 05 Feb 2009 170 Posts Stoked

Couldn't go wrong with either. RPM is better in gusty conditions though, keep that in mind.

mcsailor0303 · Since 18 Mar 2009 184 Posts The Dalles Stoked

Both are great kites.

I agree with Pepi that the RPM has a more constant pull, however, the Octane will feel much more similar to the Waroos. A 7, 9, 13 would be a great quiver for the corridor as well as the coast.

Good luck on your decision, see you on the water!