2021 Slingshot Sentry Bar Review

The new Sentry bar is a welcomed upgrade for Slingshot. I’ve been using their bars since 2013 and while they were making welcomed changes, like above the bar depower and a functional swivel the core design of the bar hasn’t changed all that much.

So What's New?

Softer Bar

The new bar is soft. This really stood out to me. We now have soft molded ends, a soft grip, coated center lines. The older bar was cool because it was so simple but there was a lot of hard plastic. I found in colder weather this could beat up my hands. Especially the exposed rope. 

This might not impact everyone but if you are someone who likes to split the bar, you can rub your fingers raw with a traditional rope. The coated center lines are super nice on the fingers and prevent this issue. They now have EVA Over-Molded Bar Ends: Soft on you and your gear. They prevent damage to your body and your stuff. Also when crashing, its nice not worrying about getting hit with a hard plastic bar. 

Click-In Chicken Loop

This is a standard release but it does click in easier. As Slingy says, you can release and reload faster and with zero hassle. Simply click in and go. My only gripe is the release could be shaped more ergonomic. It's the only point on the bar that is not soft. This is not a deal breaker but something I noticed when everything else was soft and gentle on the hands. 

Auto Swivel Center Lines

This is epic! When you sheet in, the lines untwist perfectly every time. I never have to sit there and unwind my centerlines. They have dual PU Coated Center Lines. Not only are they softer on the fingers but your centerlines will last longer having some extra protection. I also appreciated that the bar never had any binding issues when sheeting, Some coated centerlines have a rectangle shape that can lock up. This does not happen on the Sentry bar, 

Simple Cleat De-Power

I like how the bar has a simple cleat system. Its above the bar and functions well.  This is an easy to use functional cleat system with Velcro to hold the excess trim. 

Bungee Line Keepers:

These are a welcomed addition. Something I always disliked about the older bar was a lack of line winders. A small detail but essential in my opinion. 

The look

Obviously with gear, looks are on the bottom of priorities. That said, the simple black red and white colors are super simple, clean and look good to me! Sometimes brands can get a bit obnoxious with colors. I don't mind this on kites but I like my bar to be simple.  Red on the left pops and is an easy visual que. 

In summary, Slingshot has nailed it. This is a near perfect bar with the simplicity and features work well together. It''s not over engeneered like some bars and everything functions perfect. 

Ryan (Rygo) Goloversic

Many people dream of quitting their job, traveling the world and pursuing their passions. Rygo is one of those people who pulled the trigger. A few years into his career, he decided to change everything and travel as a kiteboarder, freelance videographer & writer. His mission is to share the stoke & help people put the boarding into their kiteboarding. Get outside and kite!

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