Slingshot Fuel 12M

I decided that I'd get a kiteboarding kite to get into the sport. I am very small so I just got a 12m hoping that it would cover the largest wind range and hoping to expand my quiver later. I bought a used kite off of ebay. I got a 12m 2002 Slingshot Fuel for 93 bucks. I got it out knowing I'd have more power than those Beamers I'm used to flying. I was right, and it was loaded with traction, and in above 9 mph it popped me off the ground very well. I jumped a few up to 10 feet high at 15 mph

Build quality. You shouldn't have to ask. It's a Slingshot, doesn't that about sum it up? I have crashed this kite many times, gone over sticks on the beach, and lets not forget that it has been used by someone else since 2002. there are no rips, tears, or holes in the canopy, or anywhere on the sail, and the bladders still hold rock solid. amazingly duable. I already crased it twice and thought it was gone. Thanks Slingshot! All the seams on the kite are double stitched, and it has wear pads over the critical wear spots on the kite, including the bladders. The fabric is rip-stop nylon, barely thicker than oher brands, but it is way stronger. my friend tore his Naish V4 after he crashed it the second time on the beach. This kite is as many put it, "bomb proof." The only hassle is that the valves aren't one way, meaning you have to pinch them.

The kite flys very well in light winds for starters, but does not depower as well as most, partially because it is a mid-high aspect. In higher winds, it is easy to become overpowered, and I had a couple of very frightening moments when the kite just picked me up off the beach 20 feet. It is harder than most to steer, and I would suggest a longer bar. It turns kind of slow, but makes up for it with its high forward speed. The lift is truely amazing, and the pull is great as well. The kite is not as stable as most, so you will crash it a few before getting the hang of it. It does, however, hang very well once you are in the air. great to catch some sweet hangtime, especially for a 12m.

I only paid $93 for this kite, and it was the best deal on a kite I ever got. it was used, but still flies great, and has a long time left in it. The newer Fuels sell for a bit over a grand, and I have heard wonderful things about them, especially because of their one pump, fifth line, and split-strut. As far as I know, the Fuels get better every year. I got a great deal on mine, and I believe even the 06' Fuels are well worth it.

The kite is indesrtuctable, and built to last. I've beat on the thing so much, and it has had no problems, and still holds strong. I got it very cheap, an if you get them used off of ebay, you can always get a great deal. It pulls very nicely, and gets lots of pop and hangtime, but can be overwhelming at times. It flies well in lighter winds, but hard to handle in higher winds. Not exactly a good begginer kite, but tons of power for the more experieced. A bit hard to handle and turn, but like I said, the power is ameome. Overall, I love flying this kite if the wind is right, and love flipping on the thing. It definatley puts out, and it was cheap. Not recommended to a begginer, but f you have been flying for a while, you have to try a Fuel.

By : Beamerpilot27