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A review of the 2019 Slingshot RPM Slingshot is hyping up the new RPM hard and their videos are hilarious. However, they do leave some questions at hand. Namely, what can you expect from the new RPM, and how does it differ from the original? More importantly, are they fixing something that's not broken to get it back on your radar? We'll cover all of that and more in this complete review. If I had to sum up the new RPM in three words it would be, "smooth, consistent and grunty", but tha …

Full breakdown of the 2019 Slingshot RPM, including how to set the kite up for different conditions, what pigtails to use, how hard to pump your kite... Additional clips: https://www.instagram.com/as_the_dodo_doPick up your new 2019 RPM …

Last week, Nathan Brad and myself decided to take some of the 2019 slingshot foils out to film and test. We promised to start doing some versus videos on our Foil Fridays series a while back and now it's time to really dive in.  We'll be doing kite reviews, surf reviews and wake reviews on many of our foils. This week, we wanted to test the wake applications of these three foils. Part of doing through reviews here is taking notes on our sessions  Here are our first impressions …

Working at MACkite has some unique benefits. Working with friends in an industry that we are passionate about makes most days feel less like “work”. The huge amount of demo gear available is also well appreciated by our staff. However, it is hard to monetize the value of our “Board Meetings”. Our "Board Meetings" are not the typical drudgery that is associated in most workplaces. Rather, it is a meeting of employees where we can go play and test gear during work hours. Last week, we had …

Kiteboards are often treated as an afterthought next to kites but that's a huge mistake. There are a ton of variables in every kiteboard and it makes a huge difference on the water. As far as kiteboard construction goes, Slingshot has been on top of the game since the very beginning. From their hand-crafted construction to their clever shapes. In 2018 they have a solid line up with each kiteboard catering to and crossing over into different styles of riding. It can be a little confusing s …

Lightwind kites have come a long way in just the last 5 years really. I’ve said it before, if you’re not taking advantage and kiteboarding in the sub 12 knot days, you’re really missing out. This week, we’re breaking down two of the longest standing light wind kites in our shop. The Cabrinha Contra Vs The Slingshot Turbine. Their both built with the same purpose and rider in mind but they do have some pretty distinct differences.Let’s start with the Contra. There are a few things that come …

Tucker Talks Foils with Slingshot's Tony LogoszWhen was Slingshot founded?Slingshot was originally founded in 1999. Started in ‘95 and officially launched in ’99.So going on 18 years-ish. Wow, that is basically the entire lifespan of kiteboarding. When did you start to see Hydrofoil's becoming part of the sports Slingshot represents? When did you start designing your own products for that purpose?We were influenced by the original kite-skiing that started here in the Columbia Gorge area. Hydrofo …

MACkite Foil Showdown: Who Wins?If 2016 was the year of the foil (according to the ancient kiteboarder zodiac calendar), then 2017 is the year of foil refinement. Hydrofoils are being ridden for more than simply racing, and are now accessible for most riders. For goodness sake, Kai Lenny is ridding them without a tow-in on waves. What was once a simple choice has now become far more convoluted. However, with more options comes the opportunity to get something that better fits your riding st …

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 f …

Thunder From Down Under Ayy mate, Slingshot’s got a new rider! Comin at ya from down under, this current Wake Park World Champion is now on Slingshot’s team. At just 20 years young, he’s got more bounce than an Aussie kangaroo. Aaron Gunn of Sydney showcases his cable skills at his home park with out-of-this-world tricks. Wake parks are spreading like wildfire and have been growing in popularity over the past couple years. Who needs a boat when you’ve got a cable? Here in Michigan, we …

A Fresh Kite for A Fresh Rider What’s the definition of versaility? Slingshot’s newest RPM kite for 2016. And what better way to debut a new generation of Slingshot kites than with a young, Brazilian Slingshot rider: Carlos “The Freak” Mario. At 17 years young, Carlos sure has made a name for himself in the freestyle kiteboarding world. He throws down with massive air that rivals some of the most talented and weathered pros. For a rookie, he sure knows how to put on a show. Slingshot; back …

Wave Day w/ the 2016 Slingshot RallyConditions Water temperature: Low 40s Wind: 20 - 25 knotsGear Used Water wear: NP Mission 5/4 Wetsuit NP Neoprene Hoodie NP Thermal Pants NP Mission Booties Xcel Gloves Ion Beanie Kite: 2016 Slingshot Rally w/ Slingshot Guardian Bar Kiteboard: 2016 Airush Cypher Grab a Rally Today!Experience Having made it to May without a session, I figured it was long overdue that I get out on the water. With water temperatures in the low 40s, I grabbed my NP Mi …

Jessie Richman Joins Ride EnginePhoto credit: Ride EngineHere's the latest from Ride Engine's email blast... Few fits in the kiteboarding industry could be more appropriate and well-suited than Jesse Richman joining the ranks of  Ride Engine. As an innovative new brand, Ride Engine is focused on challenging the status quo and setting ourselves apart from the standards set by the industry. Jesse has been doing the same thing over his decade-long career as a professional a …

Learning to Foilboard Using Slingshot's "Foil Flight School" Foilboarding is an experience unlike anything else in kiteboarding. No matter your riding or your style, there is nothing like gliding silently and efficiently across the water (in fact, it's almost addicting). But learning how to foilboard can be a difficult experience, and it can take months or years to become proficient in riding. To some, it can be intimidating, painful, and frustrating. Sometimes people do not take the plunge d …

#RPMISWHAT: FUN Alex Fox has been flying the RPM since day one and over the years he's figured out that having fun on the water is key. The versatile RPM keeps him on the water longer and more often where he can focus on having fun. If you're not having fun, what are you doing? Check it out as Alex Fox the fun, weapon-of-choice for tricksters, soul-searching surfers, and casual weekend-warriors alike known as the 2016 Slingshot RPM. 2016 Slingshot RPM The legend continues with the 2016 RPM: …