rally vs rpm

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

anyone have the info?

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

I like the RPM's a lot. the rally's are awesome for a wave kite though. What I really want to know though is whats up with either sbc kiteboard or the kiteboarder mentioning something about the rally rpm. was this a typo or is there actually going to be a hybrid between the two. Anyways if I were to be kiting only on the coast in the waves I would probably go with rally's.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

RALLY = hooked in
RPM = unhooked riding

Thumb's Up

1surfer · Thu Mar 31, 11 5:16 am **Both good**

I have flown both in a variety of sizes on the snow. The Rally seems to fly a bit more forward in the window. Would be good for racing. Has a very modern SLE feel. Great re launch. I have the 2011 RPM's in 10 an 14. Just love them. Started kiting on C-kites in 98 or 99 and i like the old C- kite feel with the benefits of and SLE kite. Good de power, tons of range, loops like a mofo. Love the Compstick bar.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

rpm- great unhooked, freestyle machine. great in waves. best in flat water. super stable in the gusts

rally- awesome wave kite, great range, goes upwind so well you're on a constant downwinder, fast turning, immediate feedback, best depower and relaunch.

get either one and you'll be stoked. favorite kite is the 8m rally- fricken race car!

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 384 Posts PDX Obsessed

E-

I'm just glad to hear that you are getting new kites!
I've got a 6m RPM and love it in high wind.
Super stable and solid.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

Interesting. I always though "a good wave kite" meant it sat back in the window (I had a bullaroo which did this). If I was looking 50/50 ish, or maybe more like 70/30 ish ocean/hood river, would the rally be the choice? Can it perform ok in HR? Can I still jump a little bit? Or is it more for just cruising?

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

RPM is a sick wave kite (hooked in or unhooked)

just a data point
i do see some of the best coasties ripping on Fuels

Cole135 · Since 26 May 2008 61 Posts

I ride the RPM practically everyday in Maui with about 75% wave riding 25% freestyle riding. Both are fantastic kites that do everything well but they are built for different styles of riding. In my opinion they are both wave kites, just meant for different ways of riding waves. If you looking for a kite that will sit a little farther back in the window and be able to just leave it alone while riding a wave and do unhooked freestyle then the RPM is probably your best bet. However if your more into kite loops, boosting, and riding waves with more kite movement I would go with the rally. It was a tough choice for me but I went with the RPM because of its ability to preform in all riding styles, I feel its just a little more versatile then the rally.

Cole

tree · Since 29 May 2007 150 Posts Bend, OR Stoked

I've flown both quite a bit and have found that I like the 12m Rally better than the 12 RPM, but I prefer the 8m RPM over the 8m Rally. They're both great kites, but for waves the RPM would be hard to beat. My local spot gets crappy wind swell so when it's blowing hard I ride waves, and when it's barely blowing it's mostly bump and jump giggling, which the Rally is better suited for.

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1214 Posts Portland BRACKISH

Lots of different opinions here. I think the Rally is an excellent wave kite. It behaves very much like a c-kite when initiating your bottom turn and sweeping it in front of you. I'd say it initiates its turn faster and responds to input more-subtly. Confidence in a driving bottom turn is nice.

I haven't flown RPMs much but have had Fuels. The difference from Fuels or a c-kite is that the Rally as a Delta C will fly forward and for side or side off conditions on waves is superior. It doesn't pull you off and tracks reasonably well. Like others have said, it makes for a great race, upwind kite. A big plus on the coast where you often need to point sail.

The Rally can be outrun more-easily than a c-kite. If you are kiting at high speed down a wave face, ensure you keep it moving forward in the window. It doesn't like to sit back too much.

I don't know what I'll do next year. Stay w/the Rally or go to an RPM/Fuel. The Fuels have changed since '08 making them better wake/power style kites and not as nimble and quick in the waves IMO. The '08's were sure great wave kites!!

gorgeperformance · Since 30 Nov 2010 67 Posts

Just try them both!! We have a demo 8m in both the RPM and the Rally. Give us a call here at Gorge Performance when your ready to hop in the nice warm water and test them out. Smile

-The Gorge Crew
503-246-6646

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

I agree with both Cole and Bob said. We also have demos for you to try, nothing beats on water test.

Dave

alleycat · Since 29 Jun 2006 176 Posts Portland Stoked

You have to love shops that sell Slingshot products...they seem to always have the just try before you buy policy...I am pretty sure that is why I tend to go with Slingy, the dealers always have the opinion go out and fly the kite and let the the kite do the talking.

sirmichaelo · Since 26 Mar 2010 353 Posts Maui Obsessed

Good to see Gorge Performance in the forum.

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

I would agree 100 with Cole. You can ride waves on either. If when your not riding waves you prefer to ride more wakestyle go with the RPM. If when your not riding waves you prefer to ride more dangle style go with the Rally.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Looking to add a higher wind kite to my rally quiver (8 & 10). Could anyone comment on the differences at the 6m size? I hear so many using rallys for 10m or above and rpms for 8m or below. I'm 70% coast/30% gorge and probably forever in the intermediate skill range due to kids, wife and job. A demo would be ideal but never seems to happen.