What is the Slingshot Z kite?

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

I've seen some pictures and read a little marketing hype on the Z kite that Shy mentioned in a recent thread. And I've also read the SS page, but I'm still not clear on who this kite is intended for...what style of riding, etc.

SS has Fuel, RPM, Rally and they had/have the Key as an entry level kite.
So, does the Z replace one of those or address a new audience?

It does look similar to some other kites I've seen and looks like a big meaty kite that will be fun to fly. Just not sure how it would compare to the Rally and RPM in particular.

Only 4 sizes, looks like it'll have a nice wide wind range and maybe just testing the waters to see how people like it;

Thanks in advance for any info!

Justsmile · Since 20 Jul 2009 1527 Posts Not Portland XTreme Poster

Think it replaces the Key for teaching and true entry level. Priced much lower for retail too!!!

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

It is a replacement for the Key.

I flew it last year at Rufus and it's a great kite.
The bar pressure is neither light nor heavy but perfectly in between.
Relaunch is ridiculously easy.
Kite is stable (need to yank on the bar to get it to move).
Great low end.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1765 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

Yes, it fits the Key slot,(which I flew for a year, and loved). Had the most fun ever on a Lit 7m Z at Stevie last summer.

The entry level thing is kind of misleading. Sure its a Great first timer kite due to stability and ease of relaunch, but its also a kite you won't outgrow.

Alex was Ripping all summer with them, throwing every trick in the book and going HUGE.

Bottom line, excellent all around kite.

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

Yup, 1st there was the Turbo 1, 2, then 3. Then the Key, and now the Z.

Definately it's geared to the 1st year or two of kiting since it has quite a swept back design. That gives a kite a huge depower-ability and also gives enough bar-pressure that a newbie can feel the power on-off easily. Also the rounded leading edge makes it roll-over easy for relaunching. Lastly it sits a little deeper in the window so that they don't have to stroke the kite for power, it's already there.

Some more advanced riders like the kite for the surf since it stays in the air when going down the line easily.

Most advanced kiters want a kite that's quicker turning and faster and will sell their Z kites after 2 years. However there are lots of newbies looking for good used beginner kites, so the market is strong regardless if it's a Slingshot or another brands beginner kite.

Hope that helps.

Dave

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

Thanks, guys. MUCH clearer picture now.

Back in the day I liked the Ts, never tried a Key, might have to fly a Z! Wink

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

I must be a marketing idiot, 'cause I still don't understand Slingy's need to rename their kites all the time. Does Ford rename the Mustang every year, even if they completely redesigned it? Even some years that the Mustang truly sucked, they didn't scrap the name.

I dunno, makes no sense to me. Build a brand name, and keep building off it. Starting new all the time leads to confusion on the consumer's part. Hence, the original post.

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

[T] is different then the [Key] and the [Z] is different then the [Key]... Very little DNA or Design is passed on between those kites other then all are 4-line.

Ford has many models and many more options per model to really get your brain fried.. IE- Mustang EX,DE,SL,HD,SLK,V8,V6,diesel ect... Rolling Eyes

No evol marketing ploy just basic brand management.

*In most cases the shelf life for a kite model is about 3 to many 4 years... After that its just old news compared to all the other brands trying to steal your spark. New name new spark!

If the kites on [legendary status] its stays in the line-up.. IE FUEL and soon to be RPM and Rally. Only time will tell what riders think about the new [Z].

Make sense?

[...Really we are nice non-evol people working at Slingshot] Twisted Evil

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

Very little passed on between the 1978 Mustang, and the 1979 Mustang except for they both have four wheels. The trim levels you mention can be likened to the color schemes you offer on kites, they are just variants of the same basic vehicle.

It just seems like marketing suicide to me, people can't figure out what model kite is intended for what, since they are always something new. That and every one is "perfect for freeride, freestyle, waves, and taking your Mom to the store". Silliness.

Make a C kite, a kite for freestyle, one for riding waves, and a compromise between the two for freeride. Saying that every kite is good for every riding style is just idiotic to me, and insulting to the buyers.

So, you've made the RPM three years, and it's legendary? And the Rally, what, two years? Two or three years and it's legendary? The Turbo you made for longer than that. Why wasn't it legendary?

But, if you guys are making money and selling kites, then whatever some tool (me) says on the internet is irrelevant.

fstdude · Since 16 Feb 2010 89 Posts

I'm glad to see it back. I will recommend the Z to many of the new people taking up the sport over here in Montana's east slopes, I learned on Turbo D, t 2's and T3's and still use my 5M T-3 10+ times a year and most of the time it is the only kite on the water when its really cranking.
Slingshot deserves credit for paying attention to this segement of our growing sport. I hope the Z is a great success.

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

surfcamp · Since 09 Sep 2009 19 Posts HR

Slingy rocks!!! They do what they want!!! More names means more models, kites and boards... Press on, progress!!!

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