SLINGSHOT Rally
Sizes Available: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14m
Sizes Tested: 7, 9, 11m
Slingshot Says:
Touted as the most versatile and user-friendly kite in Slingshot’s lineup, the 2016 Rally incorporates an open Delta-C profile, a direct-connect pulley-less bridle system, beefed-up surf-tough seams and fine-tuning attachment points and a number of other unique features to make this the ultimate all-around weapon of choice for kiters across the spectrum.
Updates to the 2016 Rally include relocated attachment points and a slight change in geometry, which increase handling and steering speed, and reduced bar pressure which brings back a feel similar to the popular 2012 version. These updates compliment the Rally’s unrivaled wind range, low-end power, hang time, upwind performance and bombproof construction.Slingshot’s 2016 kites come with our new One Pump Speed System (excluding 5m), which increases inflation efficiency to get you out on the water faster and with less energy than before.
Visit for more info: www.slingshotsports.com/2016-Rally
Our Testers Say:
“The 11 meter handled well with solid power and great maneuverability. It responds quickly and is easy to control in gusty winds and varying conditions,” Rob Shea.
“Pulls hard but generates crazy consistent power through turns,” Jon Dixon.
“With an exceptional wind range, this kite has powerful upwind abilities and a quality build,” Bill Gordon.
TKB Says:
The Rally is back with some slight changes to the 5-strut (including two micro wingtip struts) Delta-shaped medium aspect kite that Slingshot markets as a user-friendly freeride surf crossover. This is the first year you can get the Rally with the large diameter bayonet style inflation valve that requires no nozzle on the end of your pump hose for a quick and easy set up. Rally tuning is straightforward with three wingtip steering settings and a single setting fixed front bridle without pulleys. Testers commented on the the Rally’s medium plus bar pressure which offers solid kite placement awareness and its amazingly easy relaunch from deep within the window. The Rally delivers solid boosting with its quick and reliable turning dynamics, and once you are in the air the air frame delivers solid hangtime. The Rally features tons of grunt with a smooth/progressive sheeting, but also delivers really solid depower within the available throw on both versions of the Compstick bars. Testers commented on how the Rally continues to steer while depowered/sheeted out and praised the Rally for its tight pivot style turn. In its upper range the Rally makes boosting quite easy and testers recommended this kite as a great all around freeride option that will work well in the surf with the control and depower that is ideal for freeride foilboarding.
The Rally can be used with either the Guardian or Sentinel versions of the 2016 Compstick bar. We will discuss the Guardian here but for the review on the Sentinel checkout the bottom of the RPM review (CLICK LINK). The 2016 Compstick with Guardian is a simple yet feature rich fixed length bar (43cm, 50cm and 58cm bar widths which come with 20m, 23m and 27m line lengths respectively) that uses a single center-line safety depower, spectra sheeting/throw line, low V, sliding stopper and below the bar cleat tuning integrated into the push away quick release. There’s no travel guard or below the bar hand swivel but the quick release is compact and keeps a large amount of throw travel within reach of the rider. There’s an above the bar swivel, adjustable length throw and the only bar in our test that featured dual outside line OS handles. This year’s bar has new bar ends which also offer bungees for wind-up (SS used to use velcro on the OS handles) and while testers liked the smaller diameter grip and raised volcano at the insert to avoid pinched fingers, testers commented on the thin rubber lines along the grip and how they makes for a very solid grip. This bar uses Slingshot’s existing Guardian quick release system which puts the kite’s tuning below the bar, which allows surfers to increase the amount of throw/sheeting while still being able to reach the tuning of the kite. Testers who are not used to below the bar sheeting often find it’s difficult to get the leverage to operate the cleat, but with the proper technique (place the cleat on the side of your favored arm and sheet out while adjusting) this is a fairly easy and functional design for performance kiters. If you prefer an above the bar tuning system then check out the Compstick Sentinel.
Visit for more info on the bar: www.slingshotsports.com/2016-Compstick-w-Guardian
