Slingshot Fuel 2004 , 17 or 19

[waves2355]

Hi !

I will change my x2 16, for a better light wind kite, i can have a deal for a Slingshot fuel 2004 , 17 meters or 19 meters. tell me witch size if i am a intermediaire kiter , 180 pound and my other kite is a FLexifoil Strike 13 meters.

A try a 20 meters X3 , and it's not good , to big and the heavy ..

What is the Wind range of both kite ..
low end ??

Thk to reply me Wave

[pjc]

well, the gap between a 13 and a 19 is probably a bit much. bit at 180lb, the 19 is the better light wind kite for you (if you're trying to goose every last bit of usable wind).

maybe get the 17 and ride a skimboard on the barely kiteable days

[CaptainArgh]

17.

I'm the same weight and the gap from 13 (which I have) to 17 is just about right.

Plus, while I have heard a lot of great things from others (and myself) who have the 17 fuel, I have heard nothing w/ regards to the 19.

-todd

[Dax]

I think its probably a sign that the 19 wasn't a great kite when in '05 Slingshot stopped making a 19. The next size kite bigger than 17m will likely be the "Machine" kite, which is a high aspect, wide tip, open arc kite.

[Noabacca]

waves,

I have ridden the 19M Fuel for about 6 months.

As an earlier post said, your choice is between better performance and a smaller wind range, or larger range and a slower kite.

As I have now grown comfortable with jumping, I find the 19M is not much of a thrill to ride.
In borderline winds, it will get you up and planing earlier, if you use longer lines (30-40M), but it will be too slow to get good jumps of real hight. Unless you can catch a lucky gust.
If you are looking for a cruising kite, it will serve you well.
You can extend the low wind capabilities, if you ride a larger board (ie: surfboard or 6' directional)

When the wind picks up, I have flown the 19M off of a pulley bar and shorter lines (15M), and it improves the appearent speed of the kite and makes better jumping possible. But, at that point, I'd rather drop down to my 15M, since it is faster and a better jumper used with longer lines.

I have not flown the 17M FUEL, but have heard it is the largest Fuel, people still have fun jumping.
I'm sure if you have two bars, one with short and one with longer lines,
say 20M and 30M. The 19M will work well for you as a second kite.

-NOA

[chicagokitesurfer]

I think its probably a sign that the 19 wasn't a great kite when in '05 Slingshot stopped making a 19. The next size kite bigger than 17m will likely be the "Machine" kite, which is a high aspect, wide tip, open arc kite.

I have a 19m. Awesome kite for its size. The reason they aren't making it anymore is not because it was a bad design, but because they totally redid the light wind option from SS. There is a totally new kite design that supposedly will shock. Have yet to see it though.

[The_One_and_Only]

Look I own the 2004 19M and I weigh 180lbs. I have a 2 kite setup. I have the 19m and a 13m GII. The 19 is my best kite for 10 knots, yes I am just riding but in 15 to 17 knot and a small board I having the time of my life. Yes the 19 does not jump super high. But it gives you float, which has made me a better rider. Yes everybody wants to go high but come on its 12 knots. In 14 knots or so I even try kite loops. I 19m turn faster that my old old 2002 14m SS. The new 2005 SS have a more projected area so that is why they have on made the 17m for fuels.

Buy the 19m cause when you launch the 17m and cant plane or stay upwind the 19m will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dax]

I think its probably a sign that the 19 wasn't a great kite when in '05 Slingshot stopped making a 19. The next size kite bigger than 17m will likely be the "Machine" kite, which is a high aspect, wide tip, open arc kite.

I have a 19m. Awesome kite for its size. The reason they aren't making it anymore is not because it was a bad design, but because they totally redid the light wind option from SS. There is a totally new kite design that supposedly will shock. Have yet to see it though.

I have, its called the machine (read the second line of my post.) It didn't shock me, but I think it will perform better than the current big SS's (I think they are the only weakness in the SS line right now.)

[Biel]

All I can say is, that if youre a heavier rider I would go for something different than the 19 Fuel. The kite is great for its size but does not perform for heavier riders in light winds!

IMO the SS Fuel 17 from 2003 would be a better choice if youre heavy...

CBIEL

[larryxxx]

I have riden the 04-19 for a year now at 185lbs. My partner rides his x-4 16 in the same conditions and weighs 225. I don't think that the 19 really has much more performance than the 17. The technology of that year doesn't gain much from the 17 to the 19. I think that is why they stopped at the 17 in 05, and made a different design (the machine) for the larger sizes. I can ride the 19 from 10mph on a 141 sx to about 20 mph lit up eyeing a smaller kite. Go for the 17.