Sizes Available: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19m
Sizes Tested: 9, 11, 13m
Slingshot Says:
The Turbine has proven to be one of the best light wind kites ever made. For 2017, Slingshot is unleashing this high-aspect, high-efficiency machine in a full range of sizes. All the same qualities that make the Turbine such a great light wind kite translate to an aggressive, high-power, high performance weapon as you go down in size and up in wind speed.
The 15, 17 and 19 meter kites are our proven light wind kite of choice for riders of all abilities. The Turbine’s high-aspect, high efficiency profile gets you out and riding when others watch from the shore hoping for the wind to pick up.
The 11 and 13 meter kites are perfect for intermediate to advanced riders who want a massive dose of spice on those moderate wind days, or as a full light wind kite for smaller riders. This range yields long, lofty airs, aggressive upwind angles and more power than any kite of the same size.
The 5, 7 and 9 meter kites are aimed towards massive air, lofty hangtime and aggressive, high power freeride performance. Described as “a Rally on steroids”, this size range is perfect for experienced riders who are ready to take their riding to the next level, and for foilers looking for competition level performance out of a small kite.
Visit for more info: www.slingshotsports.com/2017-Turbine#.WFszHLYrKRs
Our Testers Say:
“This kite flies upwind and boosts you to the moon.” // Jabe Harpole.
“Good for getting speed and great in the turning department. The Turbine is a fine red wine with lots of body.” // Max Mackendrick.
“Stable and great for going upwind.” // Alejandro Strauss.
TKB Says:
The Turbine has a long history as the Godfather of low-end grunt, and now for 2017 Slingshot has introduced smaller sizes in the Turbine line to create a dedicated freeride quiver of big boosting, upwind tools for the kiter that likes to boost and cover large distances (added: 5, 6, 9, 11, 13 and 19 to the existing 15, 17). These kites tend to turn a little slower because of the high aspect ratio, but they are by no means a slouch when it comes to setting up big airs and setting hangtime records. You will find middle of the road bar pressure in the smaller sizes and a little heavier pressure as you get into the 13m and up, but this is expected from grunt machines. Much of the power builds when the Turbine starts moving across the window and cranks up its apparent wind. The 17m, 15m and 13m can be thought of as light wind machines while the 11m and smaller are performance freeride kites. We learned admist the test that the Turbines come stock with bridle settings that make them perform like ram air race kites and may be more prone to over-sheeting, but can be adjusted to an alternate setting that performs more like your traditional inflatable. When it comes to light wind or performance freeride big air, the Turbine quiver has you covered. Rig big to get you up and going in minimal breeze or rig small to reach new heights in powered conditions.
The Turbine can be used with either the Compstick Guardian or Compstick Sentinel control bars. Either of these bars is fixed length bar that comes in three sizes: 17”width with 20m lines, a 20” width with 23m lines (3m ext), and a 23” width with 27m lines.
The Compstick Sentinel has seen some changes this year. It still features an above bar power tuning, but this year there is no above the bar swivel for a cleaner more simpler layout. The Sentinel features a single center-line safety depower, spectra sheeting/throw line with sliding stopper, adjustable length throw, tuning cleat power system with a toggle that uses a magnet to control excess tuning slack and a low-V. The Sentinel offers a sturdy quick release that integrates a below the bar hand swivel 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 create a break between the floats and the bar tip and which also offer bungees for wind-up. 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 make for a very solid grip.
The Compstick Guardian features 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 it’s the only bar in our test that featured dual outside line OS handles. 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/Bars
