Slingshot Rally 9m 2013
Reviews / Kites
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At A Glance
The Rally has been a popular kite in the market for two years now, while last year saw some small tweaks to the original design, 2013 is a little different. The kite has been given a fairly major overhaul to ensure it stays at the top of its game. It is still an all round machine, being used to some success on the racecourse, by the wave team and some of the wakestyle riders on the Slingshot team. This year sees a more open arc to the kite, with a higher aspect ratio to improve upwind ability. The rear attachment point has also been moved forwards to avoid the kite stalling when you over sheet the bar, and the leading edge has been made larger in diameter to give the kite a more rigid frame. It also has a new wingtip shape, which is supported by two mini struts, so small it took me two sessions to notice them!
The Bar
The Compstick Bar has been in the line up for a few years now, 2013 see’s some new developments as well as lots of old favourites. The Centre of the Universe Safety System (CSS) is a proven 100% depower flagging system that has been tried and tested, releasing the kite onto one of the 800lb breaking strain front lines. The swivel on the front lines is one of the very few we have come across that actually works, the chicken loop remains the same with a below the bar depower set up. A new aluminium insert offers low friction on the centre lines and is raised slightly so you can avoid trapping your fingers as the line slides through the bar. The grip has also been softened for this year so it should be a little easier on the hands.
In The Air
In previous years we have praised the Rally for it’s innate stability, allowing the rider to get on with the job of riding and not worry about the kite. We were keen to see how it would far after such a revamp, but we are pleased to say the Rally is still as stable as wooden box you keep horses in. The kite has a very noticeable ‘Bow” shape to it’s outline, no doubt compounded by the higher aspect nature of the new kite. This does make relaunching a breeze though, the bigger diameter leading edge not only keeping the kite higher in the water but also stopping it from rolling in on itself. The turning speed feels a little slower to last year, making the smaller 9m we were flying altogether more predictable in the air. It does “drift” incredibly well though, which makes it fantastic for down the line wave riding where you want to just park the kite and go. Upwind was fantastic, the new shape and profile allowing it to penetrate the window and pull you upwind like a train. Hangtime and jumping were also very good. Best suited to intermediate to advanced riders looking for a great all round kite. Would also suit the ambitious beginner looking for a kite they can progress on.
Overall
We’ve been a fan of the Rally for a couple if years now, and that isn’t about to change, the new shape and design makes a great kite even better, predictable, stable and reliable. With enough performance packed in to satisfy the most insatiable of riders.
Videos
This review was in Issue 35 of IKSURFMAG.
For more information visit SlingshotRelated
By Rou Chater
Rou has been kiting since the sports inception and has been working as an editor and tester for magazines since 2004. He started IKSURFMAG with his brother in 2006 and has tested hundreds of different kites and travelled all over the world to kitesurf. He's a walking encyclopedia of all things kite and is just as passionate about the sport today as he was when he first started!
