Slingshot Rally vs. Turbine

[grigorib]

I have always considered the Turbine to be a larger, LW extension of Rally line with few differences:
- less Dacron on Turbine wingtips
- 5 points LE bridle on Turbine vs. 3 on Rally
- [edit] supposedly higher AR

Now I saw some material suggesting the smaller sizes of Turbine are about to become available https://www.surffx.com.au/product/2017- ... t-turbine/ and I'm wondering if anyone had a chance to demo these two side by side and point out any further differences in construction or why to pick one or another.

Anyone?

[dylan*]

My initial thought was that for foiling, your lightwind kite doesn't need to be big, it just needs to be lightweight and efficient. My lightwind kite for 8-10 kts would be a 12m-14m if it flew well enough in that wind.

But they make them in sizes all the way down to 5m, so I have no idea.

[dylan*]

I guess Slingshot saw this thread, because I just got an email:

NEW FOR 2017
SLINGSHOT EXPANDS TURBINE
TO FULL SIZE RANGE

The Turbine has proven to be one of the best light-wind kites ever made. Slingshot is excited to unleash this high-aspect, high-efficiency machine in a full range of sizes for 2017. All the same qualities that make the Turbine such a great light wind kite translate to an aggressive, high-power, high-flying, high-performance weapon as you go down in size and up in wind speed.

* 15, 17, 19 meter- The proven light wind kite of choice for riders of all abilities. The Turbine’s high-aspect, high-efficiency profile gets you out and riding when others watch from the shore hoping for the wind to pick up.

* 11, 13 meter- Perfect for intermediate to advanced riders who want a massive dose of spice on those moderate-wind days, or as a full light-wind kite for smaller riders. This range yields long, lofty airs, aggressive upwind angles and more power than any kite of the same size.

* 5, 7, 9 meter- Massive air, lofty hangtime and aggressive, high-power freeride performance. Described as “a Rally on steroids”, this size range is perfect for experienced riders who are ready to take their riding to the next level, and for foilers looking for competition-level performance out of a LEI kite.

[kiterocky]

[iriejohn]

WTF?

Suppose it makes sense to have lighter 3 strut kites for those who are never going to go out in waves.

But no 10m so you can't go 7m, 10m, 13m?

Oh dear.

[Jonpnw]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHcbYEo ... 55B950679A

[kiterocky]

No need rally no more? If turbine better...why people spend money on rally...

[Onthewater860]

Anyone know what the difference between the 2015 and 2017 kites? Weight? Ar?

[dylan*]

No need rally no more? If turbine better...why people spend money on rally...

Just going by looking at the pictures/video, it looks like they're trying to position the turbine as a more performance-oriented kite, which usually means they take a little more skill to fly and require a little more attention to get the most out of them. The rally will still be a good option for an all-around kite.

It seems like slingshot's lineup is starting to get a little cluttered, though, so I wouldn't be surprised if we saw one disappear in the future. We have:

Fuel: High performance freestyle/looping
RPM: Freestyle/freeride
Rally: Freeride
Turbine: Freeride/racing/light wind
Wave SST: Waveriding
Z: Beginner/freeride/price-point

It does make you wonder what the rally's place will be with the overlap between models

[CaptainArgh]

dylan, I was wondering the same thing. If you offer someone either a "Rally" or "a kite just like the Rally but better" they're going to choose the latter.

I was not sure if the Turbine has longer bridles that would make it more likely to wrap in a wave wreck ? or if it is built of more lightweight materials making it less durable when it gets tumbled. If so, then I could see them keeping the Turbine for performance, racing and foiling.

From the foiling aspect though, I can't see how it'd be better than the SST. That thing just stays in the air with the lightest breeze and very little bar input. Drifts so nice when you ride at it. Maybe the Turbine does as well, but with the addition of mad jumping.

disclaimer, I have only flown the Turbine once so I'm pretty must speaking out my ass.