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I know many of you have been waiting to see what Slingshot is going to do in the tradition of the T3. ( though I do love the fact that more than a half dozen of you have bought a second 14m as a backup).
Soon we should see the release of the Key from Slingshot. Sizing will be 7,10,13
They are calling it a Delta Hybrid not a bow. There are no pulleys on the bar.
They are demoing them down in La Ventana now so we should be hearing some reviews soon.
Here's what I got from Schey from the demos in LaVentana
"really really good feedback on the Key HD. That Kite is gonna kill it for those that came off the T2/T3 and even the REV and Octane if that's the style of kite they prefer. Similar in range as the T3 but all of the performance and control of the REV/Octane. IE Delta Hybrid. Turn tight with power or you can dump it and have all the depower you need but still have steering. This will be a sick kite for the waves and anyone that tried one thought the same thing due to it Delta type design. Super boost just like the T2/T3 and effortless relaunch. Simple bar too. No stopper or swivel. So this will be nice for those that really want simplicity. Also all 4 line will run 600lb so the kite is really quick through the air because of this. Very light bar too with out all goodies. I can bet all of MN will enjoy this kite. Sizing will be 7-10-13. These Key HD's won't be out till late Feb early march"
We're gonna try and get one here for the Crossing. Hopefully I'll get a chance to get a session on one while out in Idaho. If I do I'll post a review when I return.
So why do you think there has been such a big shift away from bow kites from most manufacturers? Is it because of the increased range and ease of use of hybrid kites and all kites in general or lack of popularity in many areas or something else?
Interesting they dumped the stopper and swivel. I have been talking to the cab guys about swivels and they all have the same feeling that to make them work right it takes a bulkey piece that has potential of snagging lines in the event of dropping kites that could lead to saftey issues, the same for the set stopper. Is Slingshot moving towards saftey vs performance features ?
Rob Hyland
Cabrinha Shop Rider / Lakawa Team Rider
The Swivel is great. Once again SS is leading the way. First they pioneered the below the bar leash and now they have a way to keep everything below the bar super clean and tidy. Unless you are getting sand in it (which can easily be rinsed out) as far as I know they work flawlessly.
I think the reason they decided to not put those two items on the Key is to control costs a bit. Obviously the stopper ball can't cost that much but the swivel is pretty sophisticated. I think the Octane and RPM bar will work with the Key so if you want the Swivel you could upgrade to that bar.
The swivel is on the rest of their 2010 kites. It is pretty sweet.
RobH wrote:Interesting they dumped the stopper and swivel. I have been talking to the cab guys about swivels and they all have the same feeling that to make them work right it takes a bulkey piece that has potential of snagging lines in the event of dropping kites that could lead to saftey issues, the same for the set stopper. Is Slingshot moving towards saftey vs performance features ?
Slingshot just dropped those features for keeping the cost on the bar down for our package kite for 2010. This Key HD/Ignition package will be the one replacing the T3/Ignition package that was a hit last season. Plus the nice thing about this is for those that want "super simple" but yet functional this it the bar for them... Slingshot has something for everyone for 2010.
That swivel works like a charm too. When maintained and taken care of just like anything else..
Schey had a sweet white Key out in Idaho last weekend. Up close it looks really nice. All the construction details typical of Slingshot products. The canopy was real open and less concave through the center of the kite, at least when not powered up. Bar was clean and straight forward.
Unfortunately the wind wasn't strong enough to give it a good test ( they only had a 10m). Looking forward to riding it during the Crossing weekend.
I think that "Key" is a move in the right direction in terms of name branding. "Octane" and "Fuel" were dumb names for kiting -- an activity is this the antithesis of motor sports. "Turbo Diesel" was beyond ridiculous.
Man sure can't satisfy everyone now can they, meaning the kite companies. I do find it strange some of the names of Kites and the name of kite companies, Monkey Kites...what the ????
Saturday the wind picked up to about 8-9 Mph and I took out the 10m Key with skis. Sined it a few times and found I could lock it in and cruise. Crazy efficient kite.
Didn't feel I got a good test of the key, though from the short test, I thought the power stroke was really smooth. Psyched to get mine.
Local retailers have them in stock and have some great Crossing deals available.
