Let's Chat: 2017 Slingshot Rally w/ Lucas

Lucas on the 2017 Slingshot Rally

The 2017 Slingshot Rally - what's new this year, who will benefit from it, and why. The Rally is Slingshot’s all-around freeride kite, but what does that even mean?

If you’ve been researching kites, by now you know most kites can “do it all”, in a sense. The differences present themselves in that every kite will do certain things better than others. For every benefit, there is usually a tradeoff. Fortunately, a kite that excel in each aspect of kiting can be found in each respective lineup. So, in what areas will the Rally excel? If I had to name a few, I would highlight its user friendly upwind ability, exceptionally easy relaunch, a larger than average wind range and a shape that will foster growth in any style of riding, particularly hooked-in tricks, large jumps, and surf.

If you have your eye on becoming a wakestyle freestyle master, you can build a solid foundation on this kite. However, with the wakestyle, you would be better served on the RPM or even the Fuel. If you’re looking to ride really aggressively, the Rally might not be the kite for you.

What do all of these things really do for you?

Having a user-friendly upwind ability is pretty self-explanatory. Kiteboarding is all about being able to maneuver effectively around the water, and if you can't get back upwind you can’t keep learning. I don't know about you, but I would rather spend less time fighting to get back upwind and more time practicing tricks & jumps.

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The exceptionally easy relaunch does a few things for you.

It inspires confidence, whether that’s the confidence to try your first board starts, try a new trick, or even get on the water for the first time. You want to know that you will be spending more time having fun riding than fighting your kite back into the sky. It’s pretty discouraging to have to swim your kite in because you can’t relaunch when you’re just learning, believe me - I’ve spent plenty of time doing it myself.

The larger than average wind range is especially nice for new kiteboarders.

Long story short, more wind range means more days on the water for you. On top of that, you are a lot less likely to have to pump up another kite as the conditions change during your session.

What's new with the Rally?

For 2017, Slingshot has implemented some changes across the whole lineup. This year, you can expect a more refined version of the Rally, starting with the addition of Teijin T2 polyester ripstop on the trailing edge. To put that in English, you can expect less flutter from the kite and more durability. It’s just another confidence builder to know that your kite is meant to take some crashes while learning. The inflation system has also been reinforced and Kevlar patches have been added to the wingtips to prevent bridle rub on the trailing edge.

The big question: which riders should get a Rally? I would recommend this kite to new riders who want an easy kite to learn on, but don't want a kite that they will outgrow. This is also for people looking for a kite that will make progression simple and quick, due to the ease of use. The Rally is also great for riders who want to get in the waves without committing to a pure wave kite - I ride a Rally the majority of the time I’m on the water, especially when I’ve got my surfboard out.

Speaking of surfing, the Rally is designed as a freeride kite but will also serve you well as a surf kite. Obviously if waves are your main goal, the Wave would be a better means to that end. That said, if you are looking for a versatile kite to perform well across the board and offer you quick & easy progression, the Rally is a great kite for you.

Again, back to that concept of wakestyle, the only type of rider who wouldn’t want the Rally is someone whose main goal is unhooking. I would point that rider towards the RPM. For the truly advanced wakestyle/freestyle rider, the Fuel would be the kite of choice

Riders: Stephen Lee, Ryan Goloversic