RPM reviews anyone?

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

now that the kite's been out for a week or so, anyone out there have some insight they want to share? Interested to hear how it compares to the Revs-

Cheers-

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

I got to fly the Slingshot RPM 8m at the LaVentana Kite Expo. The following is my personal opinion. I currently fly 2008 REV's.
I was very surprised on how stable and smooth it felt, as advertised it somewhere between the feel of a Fuel and the Rev. A very fun kite to fly and Boosts HUGE!. I did not fly it unhooked (my mistake) as the Slingshot Crew suggested that’s where this kite really excels. I will have to give it more attention as this is my focus. The kite has adjustable bar pressure, the setting it was on felt very similar to my 2008 Revs, with more adjustability for finer tuning bar pressure for your pleasure. I did not get the opportunity to relaunch the kite, but I sure that it relaunches similar to the REV (quick and easy). More of a Fuel shape with a Rev bridle. I would like to fly it some more at my local spot.
Shy, thanks for the hooking Kramer and I up at the Expo, sure was a lot of fun.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

I flew the 14m all day today. I was amazed at how solid this kite is in the air. The wind came up and I kept pulling in on the de-power rope wondering when the kite was going to start behaving poorly........It never did. Most of the other kites on the water were 8-10m and I was still on a 14m, that is crazy.
The kite turns quick and loops are not a problem. The low end is good too.
The bar pressure is more than a REV but not too heavy.
I have a few more days ahead and will come up with more input on the kite later.

PS. Adam, I did unhook once today (by accident and it wasn't pretty) The kite did re-launch real easy though. Maybe I can be brave enough to un-hook on purpose before I leave. I am trying to be easy on my shoulder that needs repairing.

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

MIght as well go hard Steve. You are already scheduled for a tune up on the shoulder!!

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

RAILEY RAILEY RAILEY RAILEY RAILEY

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

pdxmonkeyboy · Wed Jan 28, 09 8:32 pm

The hard charging award definitly went to twin fin for his railey practice. Way to stay focused Jeff, you will have that shit wired by spring

forrest · Wed Jan 28, 09 9:42 pm

I'll get you going Jeff. There are a few things you can do hooked in that will improve your chances of landing one.

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

That would be awesome Forest.
Based on my 3 days of doing nothing else but Raileys, its all in the POP!
My shoulder are still sore as hell. I need to rig the suicide setup like the one that Lance showed me, so I can get worked even more Laughing

I figure its just more time on the water.

stringer · Since 31 Jul 2007 694 Posts Chucktown Flying Tomato

Way to charge it Jeff!
Anyone get some pics or video of the crashes?

One thing that helps me when I can't get my shit dialed is to spend a good part of the session just practicing popping off the water.
Don't go right into a railey or other tricks, just work on the unhook, load, and pop and get it clean.
If you get that down in muscle memory, then its way easier to throw tricks.
plus, this hurts way less...
Just keep that kite low. Wink

gottaloope' · Since 01 Sep 2007 16 Posts seattle/laventana Â

The RPM's are the sickest kites out there!!!!!
All I can say is at the kite expo everyone was on or trying to get on the RPM's, the Slingshot booth dominated the LV expo.

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

MORE...MORE.....!!!! DETAILS DETAILS... TWIN FINN AND BLANCHO THANKS-!!!

NOW ITS TIME FOR SOME MORE OPINIONS! SEQUESTER THIS POST FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD AND LETS HEAR SOME THOUGHTS- 09 QUIVERS ARE ON THE FENCE AND US LUCKY GORGE-ITES HAVE THE INSIDE THANKS TO SS- SO WHATS UP???!!!

MY CAPS BUTTON IS STUCK, MUST BE HOP LAVA...

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Jan 30, 09 10:45 am

All I can say is that they look pretty damn sick. I never got down to Baja Joes to ride one as my timing wasn't right and my tendon in my arm wouldn't have appreciated more bar pressure. Plus as gorgie types can probably take one for a spin anytime we like.

In terms of concept though.. REV like depower and flying with more explosive pop...shit man, sounds good to me!!

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

i would like to hear from someone that has rode both the 09 Fuel and the RPM?

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

Well I have ridden both a good amount. This is my thoughts.

The Rpm 10m would be the closest to compare with the 9m Fuel. The 10m is a sweet size. I was out during ventana and I really had a good time for someone that really still likes his fuels... The nice thing about the Rpm, is that they pretty much have all the quality's, performance and looping ability's of the Fuel but with better range, shut off, relaunch and is very user friendly. Also with the 3 strut frame this baby packs down super tight, which is killer for those winter trips...

Quiver break downs will probably be
10-12;8-12;10-14;6-10;8-10-12;6-10-14;6-8-12

The 6-10 combo would be a sick 2 kite kit.

Show how the hell did it feel?

Very similar to the Fuel but with the option "at the kite" to free up the bar pressure for Rev like wipness and control or increase it for more pure power and smoother turning speed for wake unhook.

Since the shape of the kite is tagged "open-C" it really preforms like a C. The kite sits back just a bit in the window but as you edge against the kite it surges forward just like your trusty Fuel. So even when unhooked' the kite still doesn't blow you off your edge or back stall.

With its large wing tips the kites looping ability is as good as you need it if not better then you want it... Tons of lift and forward movement. Power throughout the radius of the loop.

This will be a great kite for those that would like the Fuel but have demoed one but got their ass kicked and it was just to much but still vibe'd the feel or someone that really whats something sick. This is the kite your ride with your "board" more and less with sheeting in and out at the bar; like most typical SLE'S, Hybrids or Bow's. For those that are used to riding with your bar this is not the kite for you.

The bar is basically the same as the Rev bar but called the REDLINE bar. There are a few upgrades, so that sick...

*The center hole on the bar now has a plastic top cap which will allow less friction with the CL rope and should very well extend your lifespan by a good amount. It has seen 2 weeks of baja sand and the rope still looks good.

Always clean your bar after you ride with fresh water or beer just get the salt off!

Bag is all black. Comes with Tall pump.

Hope this helps. We will have them out for the Rodeo so that would be the next best time to check one out. These will be sick SK kites.

Yardsale · Since 29 Mar 2005 387 Posts Portlanastan Obsessed