The Dalles Spot Session

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Went out last night around 4pm for a nice 12mtr. RPM Seshion'.

Met some buddies at SS to fly moldy kites!!

The new RPM's are really nice. Slingy has the safety on the bars so wired!! My friends a beg. and was starting to get up on his board. After the session we triggered his safety chicken loop and presto!!!

The kite just sits there. Then a quick tug and the below the bar safety pulls through and the kite is flagged.

I'm totally gonna teach on nothing but Slingy bars from here on out.

The safety factor is state of the art perfecto!!

massterb · Since 16 Apr 2010 17 Posts

I'm sure the new SS stuff is nice, it's just really not superior in any way. Many other brands have also figured out safety and refined it over the years.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

I'm just saying that having taught on several bar types the 2010 and 2011 RPM bars are really refined.

In my opinion the Slingshot Bar is really nice. I've taught on several 2010 bars and the slingshot bar for 2010 and 2011 are really great.

I'm gonna teach on slingshot gear this year,

Ron

4Stringer/KipWinger · Since 27 Apr 2005 541 Posts Hood River Addicted

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Agreed. I taught family and friends in the gorge last summer.
We never needed to use the quick release except when practicing self rescue.
Our mantra is "when the shit hits the fan - JUST LET GO". Meaning - just let go of the bar.
The SS kites depower smoothly and allows you to get your shit back together.
Love my SS kites (rpm and rally).

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

that sounds so good , I'll tell you why for me ,
I was at the event site the other day and it got a little too much for the kite I was using so I let it go onto the safety . No sooner did the safety line tighten and my kite bar and lines were tumbling away . ! The safety release on the leash let go without any input from me .
I have noticed that the slide to release it moves down on it's own a little but the mechanism still remains in the tube where it 's supposed to be . Best Red Line Bar and leash . ( Im not bashing best here by any means as thats what I use)
I was very lucky in more ways than one .
First , there were but myself and one or two kites out .
Second , I was about 300 yds upwind of the last piece of sand bar and my kite and lines tumbled there in an instant and the kite flipped over the one chunk of root driftwood and kept going I thought to Washington or beyond , so sad too bad .
But , the lines hooked on the root and flagged out the kite ! I had an Idea the thing would tear loose at any moment . No way , it stayed put till I got there and allls well . Lines are fine , No visible damage .
I have seen the SS bars and they are very fine quality . I want one .
This could have been disastrous if the crowds were out !!
I had to use it again on the coast . What if it's a total emergency and there is no time to ensure it didn't slide down a bit ?!
I check my gear and had no way of knowing until it was too late . I don't want to keep ensuring it stays in place ,it should on it's own. Time for a new leash !?
Maybe one of these SS bars would be better all around with the heavy duty lines etc.
jackZ

farwellbooth · Since 28 Oct 2008 26 Posts Seattle

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

It's a secret spot.
You know you've found it when you see the grazing unicorns and sexy mermaids on the beach serving free beer.
Whatever you do....Don't ask them to launch your kite.....

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

JackZ,

SS leashes are shit, that design is ancient and used on many other brands, I've lost three kites the same way. Leash starts to slide and presto, no kite.

It happened while teaching others who let go of the bar routinely. after awhile the leash slides and needs to be pulled tight.

luckily I was able to run them all down in shallow water. (LOVE HATTERAS) I usually use duct tape to tighten the release. Wrap it around a couple times. Works, but test it occasionally.

Cab makes the best leash, never releases on its own but must have expensive patent. So I would buy one of theirs and ditch the SS leash.

Now you have to buy your pump AND leash with slingy...

pollywog · Since 07 Aug 2009 291 Posts Obsessed

Cab makes the best leash, never releases on its own but must have expensive patent. So I would buy one of theirs and ditch the SS leash.

Now you have to buy your pump AND leash with slingy...[/quote]

Yeah, what's up with the discontinuation of SS sending pumps and leashes? Got my new kite yesterday and both items mia! Cabrinha does make a better leash. I got one last year and it quickly became my favorite.... Much better then SS leash.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Either way SS (and every other kite company) will be criticized.
Damed if you do and damned if you don't.
Last year I bought 4 SS kites - I got 4 pumps and 4 leashes.
I thought that was silly and apparently so did SS.
This year when I buy my new quiver, I can keep last year's pumps and leashes.
Shoot - I have so many leashes I use them for my dog leash.
Personally I support the decision to make them optional.
That being said my new 2012 Rally came with a leash!
Now - if we can just get them to eliminate the wasteful plastic they pack everything in. The factory packages the kites and bars in individual wrapped plastic (huge giant ziplock for the kite?!) and then seals them inside a box.
The entire package is ready to survive a tsunami.

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Well you can send your pumps to me if they bother you, as mine always break pretty quick. (4 pumps = $140.) Thanks.

The leash is a safety devise, I dont think a kite should ever be sent w/o one.

It took YEARS to get some people, who were new to the sport, to use them. Lets not go backwards.

Kites can get wet, then mold. You want your $1500 kite nice and moldy, have it your way

Nak · Fri Feb 10, 12 10:08 am

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Yeah I have bought Coleman and its not as good, you dont get metal tube and no gauge. The plastic tube wears out fast in the heat.

Always liked how slingy gave you a gauge. Too bad.

More evidence of American decline. Laughing

Nak · Fri Feb 10, 12 11:55 pm

Lurk · Since 04 Apr 2009 355 Posts Obsessed

Great, Ill take another look.

56casinoc030 · Since 29 Jan 2012 3 Posts Kook

Superb, what a forum it is! This forum presents helpful information to us, keep it up.