THE ALL NEW - 2012 Slingshot Turbine

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

Link

https://vimeo.com/39805887

Slingshot is proud to introduce the all new 2012 Turbine...

We had one thing in mind as we developed the 2012 Turbine, make it even lighter. Every change we've made down to the smallest detail was to make it even lighter. When you want to stay on the water in 5- 6 knots you have to be light, and that is exactly what we set out to accomplish with the 2012 Turbine. We started off with a new bladder material that is 25% lighter, we also reduced the leading edge diameter and introduced a smaller strut size. Efficiency is king so we completely updated the design geometry as well as adding a few new features in increase on-water performance.

One the wing tips we have developed a new concept called "free twist tip technology." Developed to increase the narrow wind range of large kites. We also added a new and improved "forward steering bridle." Designed for more improved steering, power delivery and adds more support to the wingtips. It's clean and light to the leading edge to maximize performance and Lightens up the bar pressure. No Pulleys!

Less wind does not have to mean less fun. Get the right kite for the job...

www.slingshotsports.com

PS- eventhough its has awesome low end.. This kite can handle high end without feeling out of control.. Which is the most cases with larger kites of this size.. 6-20kts easy..

soona · Since 27 Sep 2009 72 Posts

Looks awesome!

Where was the photo with the whale taken?

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

I am wondering about the thinner LE on a larger kite. It has been my experience that the thinner LE has a harder time holding the kites shape when it hits the water. Relaunching is not quick and takes some line tugging to get the kite into position where it can catch the wind and pivot up onto its tip. Yes, I pump my kite hard.

Any videos of the kite crashing and then relaunching?

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

Same question as salmon. Kiting six knots is one thing, relaunching in 6 knots a completely different beast.

I currently have a light wind kite that keeps me going as long as or longer than anyone, with very small LE and Struts, "twist technology" and amazing top end. But If it drops out in a lull at the bottom end I am SOL. Get ready to swim

And really I am not trying to be a debbie downer but your video has hardly any shots of the kite flying, relaunching etc. exactly what are you selling? A dead tree?

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 432 Posts Obsessed

Same questions as others regarding thin leading edge and relaunch...

Is Slingshot going to be represented at the Pismo Kite Expo this weekend? Would love to give the new Turbine a try..

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Looks like Battons on wingtips? Hows it compare to the 13 Rally?

Whats the top end?
Cool

forrest · Mon Apr 09, 12 9:08 pm

You know Sexyton is going to be hassled like a bitch for riding straps! Haha Razz

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

i usually gain weight after dumps..

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

any kite will be a bitch to relaunch in ultralight wind.

There is a system that can be attached to the kite that will help this.

I know we're not naming brands here, but the idea is to make an attachment point at the TE on the on of the struts, and then run a line via a bungee on the TE back attachment point and down to the bar. It is like magic (only it isn't...it is actually physics) in light wind.

Sella · Tue Apr 10, 12 2:13 pm

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Didn't Cabrinha Nitro or something like that have the trailing edge line to help with relaunch back in 2004? Have we come full circle?

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

I think it might be similar to the Cab system, but I am not sure. I added the vid. It should be fairly easy to have someone sew on a pigtail around the strut where there is already reinforcement.

The system actually does work....

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/post-161371.html#161371

that said, the SS kite might relaunch fine.

Bailey · Since 13 Apr 2008 87 Posts

That looks great but will it reverse launch in light wind ?

Sella · Wed Apr 11, 12 9:36 am

Nak · Wed Apr 11, 12 1:01 pm

Super light winds is where reverse launch comes into it's own, IMHO. I've not flown the Turbine, but if I have enough wind to fly my 14m Rally, I can reverse relaunch it. Rotating the kite--like in the video--never works out well for me. Too easy for the kite to sink when its TE down on the water. If the first attempt doesn't work when rotating the LE up, it falls back in the water and sinks. If you're reverse relaunching and there's a lull, the kite just falls on it's LE again and you're ready to launch again. I pull in all of both back leaders and let the kite rise as high as it can. Then--if it's high enough--I just let go of one of the leaders and the kite will rotate. When it's close to pointing up I let go of the other leader. That way the kite can climb with minimum load on it.

Like I said, I've not flown the Turbine, but with the Rally my first choice would be a reverse relaunch in ultralight winds. If it won't reverse relaunch, it probably won't fly anyway. (With a Rally.) Anyways, that's my experience. Some kites don't reverse well and the system shown would be a big help.

Sella · Wed Apr 11, 12 1:57 pm

That makes total sense Nak but I've never had good light wind reverse launch luck in the water with my 09 14 RPM. I'll have to work on that. The 14 Rally seems to be looking better and better to me but rotating on tip with an extra line to assist with rotation seems pretty fast...and simple. Tautologies video showed it about 3.5 knots....but on land. I still thought that was impressive under extreme light conditions. Still TBD how light the Turbine will relaunch, or maybe just buy the 14 Rally and call it good. Smile