The All New 2012 Slingshot Turbine

[shymac]

Slingshot News:

The All New 2012 Slingshot Turbine





Slingshot is proud to introduce the all new 2012 Turbine...

We had one thing in mind as we developed the 2012 Turbine, make it even lighter. Every change we've made down to the smallest detail was to make it even lighter. When you want to stay on the water in 5- 6 knots you have to be light, and that is exactly what we set out to accomplish with the 2012 Turbine. We started off with a new bladder material that is 25% lighter, we also reduced the leading edge diameter and introduced a smaller strut size. Efficiency is king so we completely updated the design geometry as well as adding a few new features in increase on-water performance.

One the wing tips we have developed a new concept called "free twist tip technology." Developed to increase the narrow wind range of large kites. We also added a new and improved "forward steering bridle." Designed for more improved steering, power delivery and adds more support to the wingtips. It's clean and light to the leading edge to maximize performance and Lightens up the bar pressure. No Pulleys!

Less wind does not have to mean less fun. Get the right kite for the job...

www.slingshotsports.com

[fdvj]

It seems that it has taken a lot of influence from a fat lady, which is a good thing. Is the new bladder material going to be used on other kites in the range?

[shymac]

Sorry the new "lighter bladder" won't be available for the other kites in the Slingshot line-up. Mainly due to the fact the lighter bladder is not as strong as the standard LE's and Struts found in the rest of the Slingshot line-up. Don't be scared that the bladder is gonna blow its just that in lighter winds you usually don't slam your kite as hard. Performance over durability but finding the right balance is the key for the 2012 Turbine... Its a great 17m kite and will be stoked to hear more reviews on it

[james]

having flown it at the weekend it isn't anything like the Fat lady, what were the areas you thought were similar, we can get one of our demo kites over to your neck of the woods if you want to do a compare and contrast?

[davesails7]

What is free twist tip technology?

From what I've seen, Turbine and Dyno were ahead of Infinity, Zephyr, and the LF NRG for 2011 in absolute low end. Interested to see reviews that can compare the 2012 Turbine and Dyno to the new kites from the others.

Seems that Fat Lady is similar to Inifinity? If so, the Turbine has it beat on absolute low end for sure.

What is the suggested price?

[wardr77]

Is that a whale poking his head out in the first photo??

[shymac]

Free Twist Tech - Allows that black panel you see on the trailing edge to twist or "auto-sheet" out wind. Similar to what you would find on windsurf sails.. This twisting motion allows to the kite to have a no "back-stalling" issues and handle's well when over powered or over ridden.. Since the steering attachment point is on the front LE this gives it a really cool feel and produces decent turning speed with power and has a progressive robust pull to the edge of the window when you load the kite up.

The LE to the wing is more cylindrical in shape and progressively narrows out towards the tip. This increase tuning speed, allows free twist tech and help aids in relaunch! Good stuff.

*Relaunch better then 2011 with new bridle configuration and weight loss.

[SupaEZ]

Will be interesting to compare to the 2012 17M DYNO
Do the struts inflate separately to save weight also?
Seems lower aspect ratio then upcoming Dyno

Time will tell which tube kite will rule ULW

[Kamikuza]

How much lighter is the kite over-all? Cos it was a damned light kite to begin with I've launch Junkie Sensei's Turbine for him numerous times, and it's always a surprise when I pick it up... especially if I've been carrying my Crossbow 16 around

[Toby]

good to know Slingshot also pushes the development of bigger kites.
Few years ago heavy and airstyle kiters were getting frustrated with no more big kites produced...luckily race brought it back, I am on a big kite daily and enjoying it so much, don't want anything else!

Thanks!