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SLINGSHOT RPM
Sizes Available: 4.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14m
Sizes Tested:8, 10, 12m

Slingshot Says:

The renowned all-around weapon of choice for world champion tricksters, soul-searching surfers and casual weekend-warriors alike. The 2016 RPM comes equipped with the Intuitive Response System (IRS) Bridle, which gives riders a more fluid connection to the kite and gives the kite improved stability and smoother, more reactive performance. It also features upgrades to its bombproof construction including a tougher, more durable diamond leech trailing edge and a new DP 175 Dacron leading edge and strut material. These upgrades complement Slingshot’s proprietary tri-tech protection, making this one of the toughest, most durable kites on the market.

Visit for more info: www.slingshotsports.com/2016-RPM

Our Testers Say:

“Super smooth power delivery and ease of turning. This kite is happy going up or downwind,” Russ Werner.

“Loved the double swivel and adjustable above the bar cleat,” Dray Murray.

“Super solid construction that provided stability and comfort for going big,” Marko Bartscherer.

Meet the 2016 TKB Test Team.

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TKB Says:

The 2016 RPM is 3-strut medium aspect C-shaped kite that Slingshot markets as a freeride kite that crosses over between hooked and unhooked freestyle, surf and general freeride. Inflating the RPM is easy with its large diameter bayonet style inflation valve that requires no nozzle on the end of your pump hose. The RPM delivers C-kite style performance with medium bar pressure and solid grunt. Testers gave the RPM high praise for its crisp steering response and overall predictable power delivery. Compared to the Rally, the RPM turns in a broader steering arc and the canopy feels balanced and tuned when unhooked. When it comes to relaunch, it’s not as quick to rotate and clear out of the water as the Rally, but overall the relaunch is good for a C-shaped kite. Testers commented on the Rally’s solid grunty power and ability to boost big lofty airs and recommend this kite as a great crossover kite for freestyle and surf.

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The RPM can be used with either the Sentinel or Guardian versions of the 2016 Compstick bar. We will discuss the Sentinel here but for the review on the Guardian checkout the bottom of the Rally review (CLICK LINK). The Compstick with Sentinel is an entirely new design for 2016, featuring Slingshot’s first above the bar tuning layout and and a redesigned quick release. The Compstick 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 above the bar cleat tuning which also makes it easy to adjust the length of throw to the rider’s preference. The tuning toggle has a built in magnet so it stays attached to the cleat while riding and doesn’t tangle. This bar features two swivels, one above the bar and a hand swivel integrated into the quick release which also doubles as a quick release guard. The Compstick is the only bar in our test that features dual outside line OS handles and 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. If you are a loyal fan of Slingshot’s below the bar tuning then you can still get that bar, read about it here.

Visit for more info on the bar: www.slingshotsports.com/2016-Compstick-w-Sentinel