Ocean Rodeo Razor and Slinshot Rally test

rePete · Since 18 Dec 2007 215 Posts Mosier, Oregon Stoked

I got to test out the new OR Razor 10m and Slingshot Rally 10m today. First of all I have been riding OR Rise's for the last 3 years so I'm probably a little biased but here goes. Flew the Razor first in average 10m wind and noticed more bar pressure and it not flying as far forward as my Rise. No problem going upwind though. It was set on the middle rear line attachment. Turning speed was ok but I would like to fly it on the rear setting to speed up the turning. My first jump noticed a quicker boost but not as sustained as my Rise. Glide time was less also. Sort of like flick the switch on then off. Wind gusts felt the same, on and off more. It seemed to fly well when turning on the waves, not falling back as much as the Rise maybe. Didn't fly as smoothly or feel as stable as the Rise. I was on the 2010 bar with this kite and the 2011 bar is set up differently with the mouse ears significantly higher up to accomodate the new safety release system, both front lines go to the center when going onto leash only. This may have hindered it's flying somewhat.
Now the Razor test. The wind backed way off on the Oregon side so I had to sign it furiously to get out to the wind line, almost to the other side. It whipped throw the turns and felt like I was turning my 7! The kite had a very nimble and light feel to it, like it was really an 8. It actually looked small when I was blowing it up, I even checked the number on it! So once I got into some wind I was pleased with it's ability to go upwind in spotty conditions even though I felt it didn't have much power. It also didn't fly as forward as the Rise but no problem going upwind. Jumping felt similar to the Razor. I'm used to the gradual boost and longer hang time of the Rise so for me I didn't care for either for my jumping style. With that said I can see someone who likes unhooked tricks and wake style liking these kites. I enjoyed my time on both of them, especially the Rally with it's nimble and quick feel. Both would probably work better for me at the coast riding down the line than my Rise although it does pretty good. For the surf I think I would pick the Rally but I want to fly the Razor again with the 2011 bar and the back lines attached to the quickest turning position (back).
To sum it up I'm staying with the Rise for now but I am considering getting a Wave specific kite. Kite surfing is the ultimate fun for me but I kite here in the Gorge 95% of the time. I would like to test both of them in overpowered conditions and see if they can come close to the Rise when it gets super gusty. I also would like to test the 12m version of both of them since that's when the turning speed becomes more of an issue for me.
I hope this is helpful and not too biased, I'm really trying to be objective!