AT A GLANCE

The Octane is an all new kite from Slingshot for 2010, based on the Rev, one of their best selling kites of 2008 and 2009. Essentially they have taken the Rev, which was originally designed to be used as a user-friendly wave/freestyle kite, and opened up the trailing edge to allow it to fly faster through the sky. This gives a little extra spike to its power and turning ability. They have pretty much kept the simple bridle system and the bombproof kite canopy layout. Finally no Slingshot kite would be complete without Slingshot’s pioneering one pump system.

THE BAR

Slingshot have really stepped it up for 2010 with the all new Comp Stick bar. They have pretty much ticked every box; with a whole new chicken loop using a friendly push away QR. A locking pin on top of the chicken loop locks out straight when unhooked to make hooking back in as easy as possible. There is an all-new centre line swivel that removes any twist left in the centre lines after spinning the bar after rotations and kiteloops. The de-power cleat and cleat line have been slimmed down for easy use, furthermore the bar features a removable chicken loop dick and a attachment for a suicide leash as well as the usual o’shit handles on both sides of the bar.

IN THE AIR

After a fast responsive Rev2 for 2009 we didn’t think the Octane could be improved by much, but by opening up the trailing edge and a new stiffer shape from the new strut lay out and tweaked bridal they have managed to squeeze a bigger wind range from a kite that travels through the sky quicker than ever. After moving the rear lines up a knot or two closer to the kite to tighten the steering tines up, the kite becomes very responsive enabling it to turn on a sixpence allowing the rider to be able to throw impressive kiteloops without any drastic consequence. Boosting with the Octane has been fun with the kite turning and moving faster, however the kite demands extra kite piloting skills to use its full jumping and hang time potential. This kite seems to demand input and likes to keep a nice forward speed. Without a good amount of board speed and keeping the rear lines tort, the kite will fly further around the wind window then desired. Any inexperienced riders will want to use the most inner pigtail attachment point on the wingtips. Riding waves with the Octane is more fun than ever, being able to stick the kite where you want it and have confidence the kite will keep up with board speed on lighter wind days. It parks realty well and just hangs in the sky allowing you to ride down the line.

FOR
Wave riding and freestyle on this kite is a dream. The all-new bar is a pleasure to use leaving only the riders to hold themselves back.

AGAINST
Any riders looking for a kite they can lock down and load a rail for wake style tricks should stick to the RMP or Fuel.

OVERALL
The Octane is a quick responsive kite with a huge wind range and great up wind potential to make ground up after ripping up a huge wave down wind or some big lofty jumps. The build quality is as ever second to none!

I settled on the 13m Octane as my one kite quiver. The kite is super stable in the air and produces good low-end and high-end power. A great all-round kite. Flies great down-the-line and boosts huge with soft landings. Relaunch is fairly good, but not as good as delta kites and some other hybrids. (I had my rear lines connected to the middle pigtail set for increased bar pressure; this makes relaunching harder though).

Bar pressure on this setting is just how I like it, nice and heavy for good kite feel.

The 2010 compstick bar is the best bar on the market. Slingshot finally have a push away quick release! They have also designed the center line swivel that works line a charm. No problems jamming up after 13 sessions. The bar grip has a great feel with slingshot quality written all over.

The build quality as always is top notch from slingshot. The only problem I have found is those annoying lock-off clips on the one pump system. When packing down they don't always open properly. Also the depower is very hard to pull in over-powered situations.

I rode our 11M demo for 2+ hrs last night in 16-23 knots, its a sweet kite.

The bar feel and quick depower remind me of the Rev1, but it has a much better bar feel and overall is less on/off. The kite has less swept back tips, they are more upright, this gives a short depower range at the bar, which can take a bit of getting used to. Took me about an hr of riding to begin to get it dialed. When I did I found it an extremely easy kite to ride toeside due to easy one handed steering and power control, and to rip fast toe to heel turns and back again. I was on choppy flat water but was trying (imagining) to test it for waves, etc. Unhooks without trimming, I had the trimmer all the way out (full power).

I really really like the bar this year although my winter hands need to HTFU. The function, toughness and cleanliness of the bar is simply standard setting for most other brands.

Relaunch, self launch and self landing are a cinch. Big floaty jumps, just need to hold the bar in and redirect late for a swish soft landing.

Here is what our riders had to say about the new 2010 Slingshot Octane Kites and Control Stick Bar:

“The 2010 Slingshot Octane is here! I tested the 11m in 15-19mph. It was a little underpowered, but the kite had no problem going upwind, unhooking or jumping. The kite itself has the same solid Slingshot construction that we know and love. The shape looks like a cross between the Slingshot Rev2 and the Slingshot TD3.

The 2010 Slingshot Octane was extremely stable and relaunched like a charm. I tried to keep it on the water and it would not stay down! The Octane had power through the turns and had an average turning speed. The nicest thing about the performance of the Octane was that you can ride it in any conditions at any level and you will not get yourself into trouble. It is a very safe kite with a very re-assuring power delivery.

The most impressive part of the 2010 Slingshot product line is the 2010 Slingshot Control Stick. They took the best bar on the market and made it that much better. What stayed the same is the bar, floats and OSR loops, and the bad ass super beefy lines. Everything in the center of the bar changed over. The new centerline safety and center line swivel is second to none. I could not get the lines to twist. This was really impressive. The new chicken loop is a huge improvement. Works when you need it and stays put when you don't.

Overall the 2010 Slingshot Octane is a very versatile kite that will be best suited for customers that loved the Slingshot Rev and Turbo series but want some more performance.” – Matt Nuzzo REAL Co-Founder

“The 2010 Slingshot Octane is going to be THE kite of the REAL Lesson Center this next year. The students will love it because of its ease of use, simplicity and easy relaunch. The coaches will love it because they’ll get all the credit for students that are progressing faster than ever!! No joke, Slingshot has this kite dialed!!! If you’re in the market for your first kite, you owe it yourself… your future in this sport, to get an Octane! You’ll progress faster than any of your friends… you’ll progress faster than the advanced riders at your home spot!” – Ryan Evans REAL Coach, REAL National Team Rider

“Setting up the new 2010 Slingshot Octane is a breeze thanks to Slingshot’s patented One Pump system. After I got rigged up, the first thing I noticed was how quickly the kite moved for its size. However, despite its quick turning, it was still extremely stable, and I was able to park it at 12 o’clock while I slid into my bindings. While I had fun with it in flat water, where I think this kite will excel is in the ocean as a waveriding kite. The kite has great depower and "sits" where you put it. Downloops were also significantly quicker than I expected for the 11m I rode. If you're looking for a fast kite that relaunches easily then I think you'll be happy with the 2010 Octane.” – Daniel Anderson REAL Rental Shop Manager

“Just like the Slingshot REV and REV2, the Octane has proven to be a very versatile kite. Slingshot retained many of the qualities experienced riders loved about the REV, while making it a more user-friendly kite for the novice! I’ve been teaching on them and having great success with riders of all skills levels. From day one to 30 ft boosts, everyone seems to love the Octane!!! – Trevor Murchie REAL Coach, REAL National Team Rider