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I'm looking at the Slingshot SST for my new quiver but I'm a bit confused on the sizes so I'm hoping people with experience of the new 2018 or the 2017 model can help out. I weigh between 95 and 100 kgs and use a surfboard and foil board in anything from 12mph to 35+ mph. I currently use North Neos in 10,7,5 with a 12 Mono (in Autumn through Winter the 7 and 5 are my most used kites). It's the Neos I would be replacing so in the SST would the correct sizes be 10,7,5 or 10,8,6?

i have the 12, 10, 8, and 6 SST 2016. Also have the 12 , 9 , 7 and 5 Neo 2015. I like the SST but the NEO are better. My advise is buy one new SST or used kite. Use it for several session then make your decision. why did I buy the SST? very good deal. Would I sell the SST? no I like them. Would I buy the SST again, NO. The 12 SST 2016 has the same power as a 10 NEO.

I had the 2017 6,8,10 SST . Loved them for riding surfboard and foiling ! Sold them and now I have the 2018 6,8,10 SST. Great kites that perform exactly how I wish. I weigh 90kg = (30mph + 6m) (20-30 = 8m) (15-20 = 10m )

72kg so may not apply but having ridden the SST & Neo back to back the Neo has easier to access low end and the SST has friendlier top end. Both good kites but about a half to three quarter of a meter size difference feel. If I was going to buy I would go one size bigger.

10 / 8 / 6
Sounds like you are covered for lightwind with your 12 and/or the foil board. At your weight, those sizes will cover you in anything else you encounter.
I have an 8/10, love them. I'm 185 lbs and had the 8M out this weekend in wind ranging from low 20s to low 30s (mph) on a Tomo Vader. Awesome setup.

knotwindy wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 01, 2017 6:53 pm

72kg so may not apply but having ridden the SST & Neo back to back the Neo has easier to access low end and the SST has friendlier top end. Both good kites but about a half to three quarter of a meter size difference feel. If I was going to buy I would go one size bigger.

Re your comment on the SST "friendlier top end" - have you tried the Neo 'High Depower Setting'? (see Section 3.4 in the Neo User Manual).

The Neo ships from the factory with the 'Medium Depower Setting' so it must be changed by the user. After using the Neo for 1/2 a season I finally did so and was very pleased with the result! To put it simply, I felt the Neo handled the gusts much better and almost made gusty wind a non-issue. It became smoother and simply easier to fly. Previously, I frequently complained about gusty Gorge wind - but no longer! Highly recommend any and all Neo riders give it a try! As always, YMMV.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Bit of a thread hijack, sorry, but interested in the Neo vs SST comments. I currently ride Slingshot Rallys (2014). I am now on a strapless surfboard and although the Rally seems pretty ok for my level and ability I am thinking of selling them and getting wave kites. I'm 75kg. Was thinking of the SST as I already ride Slingshot and like the quality. But the 'Neo is better' comment caught my attention. How are these kites for general freeride? My Rally quiver is 7/9/12. Should I replace these with same sizings in Neo or SST?

Hi Robinson,

I am 85 kg and recently changed from Rally to SST.
I am riding strapless, with 8 Rpm, 10 rally and 12 rally.

I changed the 10 rally by SST 10. Is a different animal you have to get used to. Faster, less pull, less upwind, better drift. I am happy with the change.

In terms of size the feeling is the SST about one size less than the Rally. So my SST 10 pull as a Rally 9 or 8.

I will keep the Rally 12 for the light days, as It pulls well.

The Sst 10 for when conditions are better, and waves.

And maybe in the future go to a 7m Rpm or Sst.

I hope It helps.

11m neo = 12m sst

In the smaller siZes it pulls more like a 1.5m difference

Sst might drift better in my opinion