Slingshot Asylum Review

The Slingshot Asylum is the board I was using when I first started progressing in kiteboarding. If you watch older reviews, you know I used to rave on Slingshot kiteboards. In recent years I've branched out and covered many other brands, but I always seem to come back to Slingshot. They have been making kiteboards and wakeboards for over 20 years! Needless to say, they know how to build them properly.

The Asylum is a freestyle board in the range, but that shouldn't scare big air riders or freeriders. Key features you will notice under your feet are the wood core, the intuitive channel layout and the balanced feel.

Wood Core

The wood core has a dampening feel on the water. You can expect to feel connected to the board with exceptional response under your feet, yet there is a softer feel in spite of the stiff performance flex. The core really has a shock-absorbing effect that I always appreciate.

Kiteboard Outline

The channeling and outline of this board are aimed at performance. Regardless of your riding style, the Slingshot Asylum has benefits you can appreciate. In this case, the outline generates good speed, the channels help you hold down the power, and you would be surprised by the powerful release off the water.

A Balanced Kiteboard

The unique thing about this board is where the performance meets the average rider. The pop is as aggressive as any freestyle board, but the damp wood core provides some softness in the chop and on landings. Now, if you have knee or back issues, any freestyle board is a bad idea! If you are looking for performance that won't break you, this is a good option to consider.

Kiteboard Setup

You can see that Slingshot markets this as a boots board, and it is one of the best in that regard. However, the Asylum works exceptionally well in straps and would be a killer choice for a ripping freerider or competitive big air rider. Big air and freeriders should opt for larger fins and footstraps. If you are more core and want to do some progressive riding, use smaller fins and bindings.

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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Producer of: Ride with Blake I Sessions I Versus I Destinations I Foil Fridays