Hi All, Has anyone out there tested the new 2012 RPM? I owned the 2010 version and I was impressed with how the 8 & 10m flew, speed, upwind ability, bottom end, high end and general feel. I also owned the 14m but hated it, I found it had a really smalll wind range and was very slow indeed.
I am looking at another 3 kite quiver, I weigh 95kg and ride a 135 TT. Can anyone give an honest review of the new kite and what quiver would you recommend. I was thinking 8,10,12 but I am worried the 10 and 12m will be to close in size.
I could possibly get an 8,10 rpm and a 12m rally or even a 12m in another brand. I dont really want to go bigger than this as I hate slow kites...

Your thoughts would be appreciated, cheers and happy kiting..

Last year I had 12m Rally and 9RPM both 2011 and I'm 92kg riding a 135tt and it was absolutely fine.
I went for the Rally in the 12m because is has much better low end than the 12 rpm and is really good fun.

I'm on North rebels now, 13 & 10 and an 8m EVO

hope it helps

Hi, thanks for the info. They reckon the new rpm has improved low end in the larger sizes compared to the 2011.
What sort of wind could you ride comfortably and stay upwind on the rally?
How do you find the rebel compares to the rally in bottom end etc. thanks

10 and 12 are certainly too close on size, especially since the 12 has really bad low end. Didn't feel powered until about 14 knots and I'm just over 140 lbs.

How big of a quiver will you have? If you're going with a 3 kite quiver, get a Rally (12 or 14) as your large kite and make the rest RPMs. Rally has a great wind range and is a very nimble large kite. Fun to fly.

Then, when it's blowing anything over 20 you can jump on your RPMs. (you can stay on your large Rally also as they depower nice).

Anyway, I'm 180lbs and I'll stay upwind on my 14 Rally in 12mph or higher. If it's very steady wind or I have a gigantic board I can go out below that, but I usually just grab a beer and wait.

$.02

Hi
The 12 Rally was good from 15 knots on the TT (a bit less on the skim) but became really fun at 17/18.
I used to jump on the 9 RPM at about 24 knots.
I'm heavy and like being powered.

I tested a 10m Rebel in 25 knots and it blew my mind, very quiet (no flutter), great power and massive boosts which is what I like so I switched.
I have 13 & 10 Rebel and an 8m EVO for 30+

Re: Slingshot....the postings above are spot on. Go 8 and 10 RPM and then a larger Rally if that is the sort of thing you are after. I asked myself if I'd ever use a 7m at my weight and the sort of riding I do and the answer was no. I just tested an 9m EVO yesterday in upto 38 knots and it got a little overpowered so the 8m is what I went for.
Almost forgot...13 rebel has just slightly better bottom end than 12m Rally but much better top end as the kite is soooo solid and stable. The 3 strut delta losses it's shape right at the very limits and with me being heavy, the top end limits are way higher than the kite was designed for.
The Rebel just has a much more solid airframe with 5 struts and leading edge stiffeners etc etc.

The 2012 rpm sounds awesome cant wait for them to be released in the uk. I think I'll defiantly get the 12m, my dilemma now is do I get the 8,10,12 or do I get a 9,12m.
I am 95kg and ride a 135 x 42 TT, I like being powered and do general freestyle/ free ride. I don't normally go out unless it's 15kts and prob wouldn't bother if over 35knts due to the state of the sea.

This is an absolute nightmare choosing the right quiver, worse than buying a car, can anyone help

Thanks

i dont think you will use a 8m much with your weight, unless you are really in a very windy place.
I would go 12-9 or 12-8 (9 if its not very windy usually), simply quiver.
Unless you are very focused on freestyle and want to always be on the kite sweetest spot, then 12-10-8

my response is not based on owning rpms but a general thinking. i have some questions about the rpm, i currently ride vegas but thinking to change to rpm.

how does it compare? bar pressure? unhooking? boosting? kitelooping? low end and high end size for size?

Hi, I would say slightly more bar presure. Loops just aswel if not more pull through the loop. High end just as good if not better. Low end much better. Speed about the same. Equal in vertical boost if you time it right. Unhooked get good slack on rpm can't compare to Vegas as didn't unhook on Vegas.
4 lines though, much prefer, always worried about the 5 line wrap.

Hope this helps, still can't decide on the 9m rpm or 10m due yo my weight, think 10m
May be better? Any thoughts