Help!! I need the opinion of real Slingshot users - unbiased

[saifann100]

I am thinking of getting a SS Fuel 2005. the thing is that I can't decide what size to get.
here's the thing, I have a Mach5 14m (an awsome kite BTW) that works well in the range of 14-22 knots ( I am 75Kg intermediate riding a Style 139 board).
So, I can't decide between the Fuel 11m to the 9m to comlete my quiver.
SS say that the 9m's range is 20-30 knots, but that's usually opimistic.
I need to cover exactly 20-30 knots, if the 9m will get going only at 22 knots, that wouldn't be a good enough overlap for me.

any one of you have experience with a 2005 9m fuel??? if you wiegh about 75Kg than I would love to hear your experience.

the other option would be to get the 11m Fuel, but, if it's range is 18-25 than it's not good for me cause of too much overlap.

gus, help me out with the real wind range based on your experience

cheers

[Si_B]

Just come back from a holiday where I bought a 2005 9m. I'm 102kgs and I was out on my 9m in 20 knots on a 145 Litewave FS. I had to work the kite a bit in the lulls, but I felt well powered up.

I have a 13m as well, and I think the 9m overlaps well with that size for my weight and size.

[kiteboardingcentral.com]

I'm getting a 9m 2005... put it on layaway... haven't heard anything but good stuff about the 9m.

[CaptainArgh]

...So, I can't decide between the Fuel 11m to the 9m to comlete my quiver.
SS say that the 9m's range is 20-30 knots, but that's usually opimistic...

sorry to be the lazy american, but not having looked up a 75kg conversion I'll just let you know that I fly my 9M diesel in 20-30knots. I'm 180 lbs with a 140 board. I actually like to fly it from 23 to 30, and it'll handle gusts higher than 30 for me nicely. Its the Diesel, so the Fuel '05 should do the same range or better I would think. hope that helps.

[moray]

hey,

i weigh around 70 kg and recently purchased mu first baby quiver of 7, 11, and 15 slings 2005. in short, its all i've needed in varied conditions. aside from 12 knot days when your cruising on a surfboard the spread has been great so far. point in case is a yesterday in gusty 20 - 40 knot wind when i was on my 7m. although i had to pump it through the low 20s it handled the gusts incredibly well and i could hold it into the high 30s. fyi i was riding a fat dragon (135x29). the great thing about these kites is that when you fly them they generate tons of power due to their grunt but in juicy conditions they seem to hold power pretty well. i would say that the 7, 11, and 15 are good for 14 - 40 and everything in between. having said that, unless you buy 2m spreads you will have to fly your kite through the different conditions.

luck with your purchases.

-moray

[panchito]

Fuel 11 with oneline up-grade. and you are done

[pndLA]

go for the 9!
i am 75kg too... i ride 9, 13, and machine 17.5
last winter i had a 2005 9 in brazil and was riding it all the time (wind from 20 to 30 knots)

the 13 goes up good to but at 20 knots i prefer the 9

[saifann100]

So, what I get from you guys is that the official SS figues are quite right.
the 2005 11m fuel will work till about 27 Knots
the 2005 9m fuel will go up to 30 (or more) knots
am I right so far?

[panchito]

So, what I get from you guys is that the official SS figues are quite right.
the 2005 11m fuel will work till about 27 Knots
the 2005 9m fuel will go up to 30 (or more) knots
am I right so far?

yeap but with my Octane 12 I have been kiting till more than 30 knots.....ok. the 5th line trimmed for about 1 meter and half depowered and I am 72 kg......but it was possible and the kite handled the gusts very good till I could not depower any more at 35 knots.....was time to get out of the water....

[PsYLoR]

Yeah i agree totally with panchito. I weight 70kg and ride a FLX 132, i had the 12m octane out in wind 25-35knots today. One line trimed a few inches and only depowered to halfway and still able to hold it easy. Kite has unbelievable high end.