Any feedback on the Slingshot Converter?

voy-tech · Since 08 Apr 2014 372 Posts Seattle Obsessed **CGKA Member**

I'm really tempted to get on the foiling train, but reluctant to pull the trigger on a whole setup at once. The Slingshot Converter looks like a really nice setup - I could pick up the board learn some strapless in the swell and than pickup a used mast+wing in winter. Did anyone had a chance to play with it and try how it compares to other foil boards out there?

bobgatpdx · Since 04 Oct 2008 218 Posts Stoked

I haven't used one personally, but I've seen several of these dual purpose setups. The guys I know that have tried them, end up getting frustrated and switching to a foil specific board for learning. These might work better as a travel board once you are experienced, but not so good when learning.

Best board for learning to foil is Slingshot Alien Air - it's big and floaty - which helps a lot in the beginning stages.

Starting with a 24" mast worked well for me. Took the fear factor down a notch. Once I got that sorted out, going to a longer mast was no problem.

This is a great time to get into foiling - so much good used gear out there.
- Bob

Slappysan · Since 13 Jun 2012 309 Posts Obsessed

Get a beat up LF foil or HG for cheap and then sell it when you want to upgrade for minimal loss.

If you get a good deal on just the foil you can find lots of boards for $100 that work well enough.

user124 · Since 02 Aug 2012 391 Posts Portland Obsessed

I agree if you're trying to save $ you are better off just buying a complete dedicated foil setup used. The converter is new enough it may be hard to find used. I see that as mainly a travel setup, but it would be a compromise. I learned to foil on the larger dwarfcraft and it's been great to learn on and should continue to work well as I progress. I also wouldn't want to give up my favorite kite surf boards for the converter. You might want to demo some surfboards first. There is a pretty big difference in how they ride.

Hazard to Navigation · Since 12 Sep 2016 62 Posts Hood River

I'm using a Converter, first for a few weeks as my first directional board, now learning to foil with a 24" mast. It's working great for me, but I really don't have anything to compare it to. As others have said, it's not really a money saver unless you can get a very good deal, since there are tons of cheap surfboards and quite a few used foil boards available these days. It is nice to have both options for travel, and my guess is that it's a better surfboard than most other dual-purpose boards.

One thing to note: When using the Converter as a surfboard it is possible for the brass nuts to slide out of the tracks. You want to either remove them or use a couple of set screws to keep them from sliding.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

I got the Converter and the Lift mast for my first foil setup. I needed a smaller, heavier, surfboard for big choppy days. The Converter has fit the bill perfectly and I think it rides and surfs really nice. It's got the snap-in fins which is really convenient for going back and forth between the foil and surfing. (I wish the foil was snap in!)

Definitely take the nuts and bolts out for surfing. Thumb's Up

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

I think its a bit narrow so it might bounce around a little on the water when foil touch downs. I'm sure its fine for kite surfing, but keep in mind there are channels for the tee nuts and this will create drag. maybe put tape over the channels when no foil.
When we learned a couple of seasons ago, we would slap a foil on anything that would hold it. today there's so many choices to get you going. even the used market.
I still find the LF fish a good learning board and you can still find them pretty cheap on the used market.

voy-tech · Tue Aug 29, 17 7:18 am

Thanks for all of the feedback!

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 432 Posts Obsessed

Now that the converter has been available for a while wondering if any further reviews/impressions.

Thinking of picking one up. My wife wants to learn to ride strapless and I was thinking of it as a foil board for La Ventana.

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 383 Posts PDX Obsessed

Love the converter.

I've used it in the surf a few times; it is fun and snappy in small waves.
Also goes upwind well.
I haven't used it in Gorge swell, but probably perfect for that too.

I'm a brand new foiler and it was super easy to learn on.
Yes, it felt a little narrow, but after half an hour I was used to it.

I think it is a prefect travel board and in my opinion there is little compromise.

Drew

apctjb · Since 19 Aug 2007 432 Posts Obsessed

Good to hear.

Is the converter the same as the angry swallow with tracks or are there other differences?

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 383 Posts PDX Obsessed

I think the converter is half a pound heavier than the angry swallow.
Other than that, I think they are the same.
The weight is noticeable when you are holding it...but in the water it feels fine.
Also, I've ridden it a few times as a surfboard and didn't feel any drag from the foil mount channels.

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2611 Posts The 503 METAL

Question for other Converter riders...

I got mine last year and started with the mast almost all the way back in the track. Now I have it almost all the way forward in the track and it seems to help with a more comfortable stance.

But my toes of my front foot are still near the front edge of the deck pad and my back foot is on the front of the back pad overlapping a bit on the deck when I am riding. So it makes me wonder if the pads and strap inserts are places for surfing the board but a bit too far back for strapping it up for foiling.

Thoughts?

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1853 Posts XTreme Poster

Without consideration to the size of your car, or disposable income, I would get the Alien Air for learning to foil, and a dedicated wave/kite board for swell.

Start on a 15" mast and work your way up to 24/30/36. Follow the tutorial videos on "Foil Academy." Practice what they say to practice, then move to next stage and mast length as you master each lesson. Fun right from the first reach. Much safer.

Eric

shred_da_gorge · Sun Oct 25, 20 6:38 pm

I love my Converter. I'm on day 3 of foiling but rode it as a surfboard yesterday (flat water). I used to have an Angry Swallow and truth be told I preferred riding it as a quad but I'm sure they want to cut down on cost and weight and the thruster is fine.

I know this is an old thread but I think the Converter is the perfect platform for someone transitioning from twin-tip who eventually wants to learn foiling. It was recommended to me, and the path I took anyway, to learn strapless surfboarding as a step to foiling. The Angry Swallow was my second surfboard and Converter (which is same) functions as a great light wind board to augment my dedicated surfboards, and it travels easily enough.

A few things:
- I've been advised to set the foil all the way to the back.
- I'm using a Ride Engine hoof hook all the way forward; helps to tip it on side.
- The open deck between front and back pads SUCKS! My friend added this which I just ordered: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074NZ82VG.
- My friend uses a rear hook and I've found my rear foot placement much like what someone mentions earlier: front of rear pad (I use surfboard wax for that 'skating rink').
- I'm looking for a stick-on leash loop for the front of the board, because that seems to be a better place to drag a foilboard around by.
- Upgraded the fins to Performers; maybe it's in my head but they make a difference.
- Nothing to compare it against but I'm digging this Cabrinha Varial, and there are really good deals floating around on them because Cabrinha has a slick new line.
- United Airlines doesn't charge for surfboards in and out of California.

shred_da_gorge · Sun Oct 25, 20 6:49 pm

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