quote:
If i want the best kite slingshot are bringing out is this no longer the fuel then????
The Fuel is the best of Slingshots range if you like the unhooked/wakestyle type of riding. The Octane is the best of Slingshots range if you like to boost. Two kites with different objectives, not one that is neccessarily better than the other.
The Fuel is a great kite. I have had it for about a week and finally got some wind today to give it a run (13m). It certainly handles differently than the 2005 due to a differing shape/cut. The wing tips are about 6 to 8 inches longer, the middle strut seems to be about 4 to 6 inches shorter (higher aspect), the 3rd strut is alot nearer to
the wing tip, the trailing edge seems to be more parallel to the leading edge and the scolloped trailing edge cut is not as pronounced, the LE is narrower in diametre. (We placed the 2005 and 2006 over each other deflated, then inflated and then side by side in the air).
IMHO the 2006 turns a hell of alot quicker due to the wingtips and seems to fly faster through the window. Bottom end seemed to be about the same, not enough wind to test the top end but I reckon I would be able to hold it down in a bit more wind as it was easier to send the kite out to the front when jamming the rail down hard in the gusts. It seems to have a more higher aspect feel to it, others may disagree, but that is how it felt to me. I had trouble with basic unhooking moves such as raleys, sbends and tantrums as the slightest bar input would move the kite.
The bar is great, you can customise the CL line, the CL and the 'cut out' section of the centre hole improves the turning with little or no resistance when turning unlike the knuckle saver bar of 2005 which required alot of input to turn the kite.
Any, this is just my opinion. Take it or leave it.
Cheers