2011 Slingshot Turbine from XLKITES Houston on Vimeo.
2012 Slingshot Z Review with XLKites Garrett Hazley and Phil Midler (aka "The Kiteboarding Chicken") from XLKITES Houston on Vimeo.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
New Slingshot Turbine and Slingshot Z kiteboarding reviews
Checkout the new kiteboarding reviews videos from XLKITES on slingshot kites.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Best Low Wind Kiteboarding Kite
2011 Slingshot Turbine is the best inflatable light wind kite available on the market right now.
Get your light wind Slingshot Turbine Kite
Get your light wind Slingshot Turbine Kite
Light Wind Kiteboarding Kites
Everything about the 2011 Slingshot Turbine light wind kite has been optimized to perform on days when wind ranges are in there low end.
2011 Slingshot Turbine
Head to Head test between 2011 Cabrinha Crossbow and 2011 Slingshot Turbine in 8-10mph with same large light wind board. No comparison...the lighter 3-strut design of the Turbine coupled with its high aspect shape proved to be much more efficient on relauch and easier to keep in the air when trying to get up on the board. Light wind is when you prove the metal of a kite and the 2011 Turbine just proved it is the best light wind kite of 2011. With a skilled rider behind the wheel and a large board wind range down to 8mph is possible with this kite in your quiver.
The number one way to increase your time on the water is by extending what conditions make kiteboarding fun. The Turbine can be combined with a Competition Race board, surf boards or a Glide for mind blowing speed, power, upwind and downwind performance. Bottom line is this kite increases the fun factor and time on the low end of the wind range. The Turbine is the perfect example of the way we build, the way we ride and the way we live. Its our commitment to the core!
Kite Package Includes
17m Turbine Kite
Comp Stick Control Bar
Kite Backpack
Jena J XL Double Pump
Kite Patch Kit, CSS and Butter Box Bungee
Turbine Quick Start Guide
Lifetime Rider Service Hotline Support
Kites in light wind surf....17m Blade pumping the the 17m Turbine lit up!
Check your local shop to see if this great new light wind kite is in stock.
Florida
850 598 3735
sales@xlkites.com
Texas City
281 508 6485
houston@xlkites.com
Everything about the Slingshot Turbine has been optimized to perform on days when wind ranges are in there low end. The number one way to increase your time on the water is by extending what conditions make kiteboarding fun. The Slingshot Turbine can be combined with a Competition Race board, surf boards or a Glide for mind blowing speed, power, upwind and downwind performance. Bottom line is this kite increases the fun factor and time on the low end of the wind range. The Slingshot Turbine is the perfect example of the way we build, the way we ride and the way we live. Its our commitment to the core!
Turbine kiteboarding closeout
INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERTS FREERIDE, COURSE RACING, LIGHT WIND AND SURF
Includes: 2011 Slingshot Turbine 17m kite, Comp stick control bar and lines, leash, bag, pump
-Riders looking for a light wind specific kite. -Riders who demands performance in light wind and want to extend their time on the water. -Excels in efficiency, speed, power and upwind/downwind performance.
Features + Advantages
-Split Strut integrated 3 strut design Blends the core C kite performance characteristcs like power, stability, edging, control and direct feel with the advantages of the latest advancements in four line technology. Advancements like the positive Delta attributes of incredible low end power, maximized range, upwind ability, depower, speed, re-launch,hang time and safety.
-Accelerated power steering bridle Light and crisp in the sky with added durability, increased stability and canopy shaping control. Less struts and lighter profile will enable better water re launch in light winds. Packs down tight
-Custom fuel injection Allows for smooth responsive steering, power delivery and adds more support to the wingtip. Clean and tight to the leading edge to maximize performance and lightens up the bar pressure.
-Scalloped trailing edge Customize kite tuning performance from freeriding to course racing to maximize power and efficiency.
-Slingshot 1-pump The trusted original single point inflation system to get you out faster and easier
-Low profile wing tips Increases turning speed, while reducing drag and creating more efficiency
-Slingshot legendary construction Surf tough, abrasion proof, reduced flutter wear. Ensures long lasting durability and performance
-Lifetime rider hotline support Communicate directly with our friendly in houseprofessional customer service department
Kite Package Includes: 17m Turbine Kite Comp Stick Control Bar Kite Backpack Jena J XL Double Pump Kite Patch Kit, CSS and Butter Box Bungee Turbine Quick Start Guide Lifetime Rider Service Hotline Support
Bar: 23 Inches Lines: 27 Meters
Comp Stick Control Bar Truly innovative design and engineering with superior safetyand performance in mind, Slingshot introduces the COMPSTICK CONTROL BAR. This bar has the highest level of CSS safety and Center of the Universe performance / convenience in the cleanest 4 line configuration available. The clean and uncluttered 4 line configuration also allows for easy and speedy set up. Features such as the Surefire Spinner, Progressive Line Lengths, Auto Indexing Chicken Loop, Active Stopper Ball and Push Away Center Safety System makes it the first choice for crossover riders who demand more.
What the Kiteboarder Magazine has to say about the 2011 Slingshot Turbine:
On the Water: Even in really light wind, the Turbine remains stable and has no tendency to overfly when along the edge of the window. Is has a surprisingly light feeling in the sky for a 17m kite and the kite gives great feedback to the rider, making the Turbine a kite you can easily fly without having to constantly look at it. Bar pressure is in the light-medium range with the rear bridle on the rear setting and the Turbine delivers a very smooth pull. Low end power is fantastic and with a light wind specific board you should be able to ride upwind in less than 10 knots. The Turbine flies forward in the window and is easy to get upwind for such a big kite. Handling is relatively quick for a 17m and the kite handles well when depowered. Jumping performance is good and jumps tend to have a lot of hang time. Even unhooked, the Turbine remains very stable.
PROS:
The Turbine is light-feeling and surprisingly nimble for such a large kite.
Rock-solid stability, even in sub 10-knot winds.CONS:
The trim system can be challenging to adjust, especially when under a lot of tension.
When you depower the Turbine a lot, you are stuck with the excess line dangling near the rider.
Turbine Kiteboarding Package
Get your light wind Slingshot Turbine Kite
Get your light wind Slingshot Turbine Kite
Light Wind Kiteboarding Kites
Everything about the 2011 Slingshot Turbine light wind kite has been optimized to perform on days when wind ranges are in there low end.
2011 Slingshot Turbine
Head to Head test between 2011 Cabrinha Crossbow and 2011 Slingshot Turbine in 8-10mph with same large light wind board. No comparison...the lighter 3-strut design of the Turbine coupled with its high aspect shape proved to be much more efficient on relauch and easier to keep in the air when trying to get up on the board. Light wind is when you prove the metal of a kite and the 2011 Turbine just proved it is the best light wind kite of 2011. With a skilled rider behind the wheel and a large board wind range down to 8mph is possible with this kite in your quiver.
The number one way to increase your time on the water is by extending what conditions make kiteboarding fun. The Turbine can be combined with a Competition Race board, surf boards or a Glide for mind blowing speed, power, upwind and downwind performance. Bottom line is this kite increases the fun factor and time on the low end of the wind range. The Turbine is the perfect example of the way we build, the way we ride and the way we live. Its our commitment to the core!
Kite Package Includes
17m Turbine Kite
Comp Stick Control Bar
Kite Backpack
Jena J XL Double Pump
Kite Patch Kit, CSS and Butter Box Bungee
Turbine Quick Start Guide
Lifetime Rider Service Hotline Support
Kites in light wind surf....17m Blade pumping the the 17m Turbine lit up!
Check your local shop to see if this great new light wind kite is in stock.
Florida
850 598 3735
sales@xlkites.com
Texas City
281 508 6485
houston@xlkites.com
Everything about the Slingshot Turbine has been optimized to perform on days when wind ranges are in there low end. The number one way to increase your time on the water is by extending what conditions make kiteboarding fun. The Slingshot Turbine can be combined with a Competition Race board, surf boards or a Glide for mind blowing speed, power, upwind and downwind performance. Bottom line is this kite increases the fun factor and time on the low end of the wind range. The Slingshot Turbine is the perfect example of the way we build, the way we ride and the way we live. Its our commitment to the core!
Turbine kiteboarding closeout
INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERTS FREERIDE, COURSE RACING, LIGHT WIND AND SURF
Includes: 2011 Slingshot Turbine 17m kite, Comp stick control bar and lines, leash, bag, pump
-Riders looking for a light wind specific kite. -Riders who demands performance in light wind and want to extend their time on the water. -Excels in efficiency, speed, power and upwind/downwind performance.
Features + Advantages
-Split Strut integrated 3 strut design Blends the core C kite performance characteristcs like power, stability, edging, control and direct feel with the advantages of the latest advancements in four line technology. Advancements like the positive Delta attributes of incredible low end power, maximized range, upwind ability, depower, speed, re-launch,hang time and safety.
-Accelerated power steering bridle Light and crisp in the sky with added durability, increased stability and canopy shaping control. Less struts and lighter profile will enable better water re launch in light winds. Packs down tight
-Custom fuel injection Allows for smooth responsive steering, power delivery and adds more support to the wingtip. Clean and tight to the leading edge to maximize performance and lightens up the bar pressure.
-Scalloped trailing edge Customize kite tuning performance from freeriding to course racing to maximize power and efficiency.
-Slingshot 1-pump The trusted original single point inflation system to get you out faster and easier
-Low profile wing tips Increases turning speed, while reducing drag and creating more efficiency
-Slingshot legendary construction Surf tough, abrasion proof, reduced flutter wear. Ensures long lasting durability and performance
-Lifetime rider hotline support Communicate directly with our friendly in houseprofessional customer service department
Kite Package Includes: 17m Turbine Kite Comp Stick Control Bar Kite Backpack Jena J XL Double Pump Kite Patch Kit, CSS and Butter Box Bungee Turbine Quick Start Guide Lifetime Rider Service Hotline Support
Bar: 23 Inches Lines: 27 Meters
Comp Stick Control Bar Truly innovative design and engineering with superior safetyand performance in mind, Slingshot introduces the COMPSTICK CONTROL BAR. This bar has the highest level of CSS safety and Center of the Universe performance / convenience in the cleanest 4 line configuration available. The clean and uncluttered 4 line configuration also allows for easy and speedy set up. Features such as the Surefire Spinner, Progressive Line Lengths, Auto Indexing Chicken Loop, Active Stopper Ball and Push Away Center Safety System makes it the first choice for crossover riders who demand more.
What the Kiteboarder Magazine has to say about the 2011 Slingshot Turbine:
On the Water: Even in really light wind, the Turbine remains stable and has no tendency to overfly when along the edge of the window. Is has a surprisingly light feeling in the sky for a 17m kite and the kite gives great feedback to the rider, making the Turbine a kite you can easily fly without having to constantly look at it. Bar pressure is in the light-medium range with the rear bridle on the rear setting and the Turbine delivers a very smooth pull. Low end power is fantastic and with a light wind specific board you should be able to ride upwind in less than 10 knots. The Turbine flies forward in the window and is easy to get upwind for such a big kite. Handling is relatively quick for a 17m and the kite handles well when depowered. Jumping performance is good and jumps tend to have a lot of hang time. Even unhooked, the Turbine remains very stable.
PROS:
The Turbine is light-feeling and surprisingly nimble for such a large kite.
Rock-solid stability, even in sub 10-knot winds.CONS:
The trim system can be challenging to adjust, especially when under a lot of tension.
When you depower the Turbine a lot, you are stuck with the excess line dangling near the rider.
Turbine Kiteboarding Package
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Deep Water self rescue and emergency clinic
| Deep water self rescue and emergency clinic Windy week ahead!
We just got the 2012 RPMs in stock today. We haven't had them out on the water yet, but a full inspection tells us that a few things have been changed but mostly it is the same good old RPM. Checkout prices here (don't forget your locals discount): http://www.xlkites.com/2012-slingshot-p-1380.html
|
| 2012 RPM Promo Video (we have these in stock...just today!!)
30mi surf ride in Galveston video.
|
| XLKITES KITEBOARDING REPAIR: http://www.xlkites.com/kite_repair/
Contact Us: (281) 508-6485 FWB: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/327577625989/ Houston: www.facebook.com/xlkites.houston Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/midlerp |
Feel uneasy with deep water operations? Well many people do and the reason for it most of the time is because they learned in shallow water and have never had to do a full emergency release and self-rescue in deep water. Another fear is losing your board in deep water. Both of these items will be covered and practiced by each clinic participant in deep water on their own equipment under the watchful eye and instruction of Phil Midler from XLKITES.
We will cover each of the exercises on land, practice on land then do a actual board recovery and self rescue and pack down out in the deep water. This class has a limited number of participants so if you’re interested email the shop at houston@xlkites.com or call 281-508-6485 as soon as you’re sure you can do it. It will be run like a normal lesson so we’ll call each participant the day before to confirm the time on Sunday. It will most likely be in the afternoon after everyone is done riding for the day. Prerequisites for the class are:
1. Being able to ride upwind
2. Land/launch your own kite
3. Know emergency procedure theory (in shallow water etc)
4. Know how to swim (hopefully this is not an issue)
5. Have equipment with working safety release and safe operating condition
Price for the clinic is $35/person and can be payable the day of the clinic. it will be 1-2 hours long.
Testing the new Cabrinha Chopstick board
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Kiteboarding Repair in Houston/Galveston Texas
KITEBOARDING REPAIR in Houston/Galveston Texas:
Kite repair can be easy or very difficult depending where the damage
is located on your kite. Most kites come with a some simple repair items such
as sticky sail tape for sail repairs and bladder patches for pin holes and small
bladder holes.
Our full service repair center is at the Texas City store at the address below. We can do ANY kite repair including lead edge tears, massive sail rips, bladder repairs and replacement, valves, etc. Our prices are below for typical repair work. Just follow the instructions below and mail the kite to our center or come on in and drop it off most repairs are completed in 1-4 days.
Repair 1st 2nd or more
Replace Valves $9.00 $4.50
Take out LE bladder $20.00 n/a
Put in LE bladder $20.00 n/a
Leading edge bladder in/out $30.00 n/a
Take out strut bladder $7.00 n/a
Put in strut bladder $7.00 n/a
Strut bladder in/out $10.00 $5.00
Find and Repair Bladder $25.00 $20.00
Patch bladder $5.00 $3.00
Sail sewing $1.25/in n/a
LE sewing $4.00/in n/a
LE sewing access $20.00 n/a
Cleaning fee $15.00 n/a
Sail Patch $8.00 $5.00
Inflate and check $5 n/a
To send your kite to us for repair please make sure it is clean and free of sand as it will clog our machines and equipment. Next, package up the kite in the kite bag and ship it to us at the address below via UPS, FedEx or USPS to the following address. Make sure you get insurance on the kite when you send it to us incase it is lost in transit. In package include a brief description of the problem that needs repairing as well as your contact phone number and return mailing address. An email address is also a good idea.
Mailing address and contact information:
XLKITES-HOUSTON kite repair
524 9th Ave N.
Texas City, TX 77590
houston@xlkites.com
281-508-6485
Kite repair can be easy or very difficult depending where the damage
is located on your kite. Most kites come with a some simple repair items such
as sticky sail tape for sail repairs and bladder patches for pin holes and small
bladder holes.
Our full service repair center is at the Texas City store at the address below. We can do ANY kite repair including lead edge tears, massive sail rips, bladder repairs and replacement, valves, etc. Our prices are below for typical repair work. Just follow the instructions below and mail the kite to our center or come on in and drop it off most repairs are completed in 1-4 days.
Repair 1st 2nd or more
Replace Valves $9.00 $4.50
Take out LE bladder $20.00 n/a
Put in LE bladder $20.00 n/a
Leading edge bladder in/out $30.00 n/a
Take out strut bladder $7.00 n/a
Put in strut bladder $7.00 n/a
Strut bladder in/out $10.00 $5.00
Find and Repair Bladder $25.00 $20.00
Patch bladder $5.00 $3.00
Sail sewing $1.25/in n/a
LE sewing $4.00/in n/a
LE sewing access $20.00 n/a
Cleaning fee $15.00 n/a
Sail Patch $8.00 $5.00
Inflate and check $5 n/a
To send your kite to us for repair please make sure it is clean and free of sand as it will clog our machines and equipment. Next, package up the kite in the kite bag and ship it to us at the address below via UPS, FedEx or USPS to the following address. Make sure you get insurance on the kite when you send it to us incase it is lost in transit. In package include a brief description of the problem that needs repairing as well as your contact phone number and return mailing address. An email address is also a good idea.
Mailing address and contact information:
XLKITES-HOUSTON kite repair
524 9th Ave N.
Texas City, TX 77590
houston@xlkites.com
281-508-6485
Kiteboarding Down wind Ride Monday 16Jan12
Kiteboarding Down Wind ride in the surf in Galveston Bay near Houston Texas with XLKITES.com
What: 30mi ride on Galveston Island
When: Monday 16Jan12 ...Time is TBD check back on this page this weekend.
How: The wind will be South so we'll meet at East beach and car pool back to St Luis Pass then ride from there back to East beach...about 30 mi.
Remember to bring some floatation, hook knife, booties, cell phone in dry bag, water, keys. I always wear a small bag with waterproof audio, water, and a cell phone. If you are very uncomfortable with losing your board in deep water a Reel type leash may be a good idea as well. Remember NEVER attach any type of leash to your board at the handle or the straps! This is very dangerous and any type leash should only be attached to a lanyard off the fin screws.
Surfboards are the easiest way to get down wind in the surf but if you're more comfortable on a twin-tip that is probably a better option. There are a couple reasons surfboards are easier to go down wind in the surf, but the main reason has to do with the location of the footstraps. A normal twin-tip board has it's straps located equidistant from both tips. Going downwind in the surf on a twin tip you'll need to keep the front of the board up and out of the waves so you'll be constantly putting pressure on your rear foot. Alternatively, a surf board has the straps already set to the rear of the board so you can maintain your normal stance while riding downwind. The surf board will also have more displacement so it will float easier over the waves and swell. It isn't a big deal, but your rear leg will be tired by the end for sure on a twin tip.
Why is riding down wind hard for some riders? When you're riding down wind you're riding with the wind so your kite feels less relative wind. This lack of wind will test the skills of even an advanced rider when he/she is being pushed by a wave. Also, the front of the board digging in is common as many riders don't put enough rear foot pressure on the board when they ride down wind. The keys to riding down wind successfully in the surf are:
1. Keep rear foot pressure on the board to keep the nose up.
2. Keep the kite moving to produce relative wind while you're moving down-wind.
3. Use your edge to put tension on the kite lines when you're making large control movements...like a down loop or just the bottom section of a normal kite stroke to keep your kite out of the surf.
4. Stay relaxed...if you're up tight the ocean will tear you apart...just like surfing keep your knees bent and stay loose so you can move with the sea.
5. Have fun!
XLKITES has plenty of surfboards in stock that would be a good match for the Houston/Galveston area, here are a few:
2012 Slingshot Dialer 5'11"
This is a quad fin light wind machine. Lots of buoyancy to keep you up wind on light days or easily glide over mushy Galveston waves.
2012 Slingshot Pit 5'11"
This is a narrow fast board and is incredibly agile in the waves.
2012 Slingshot Celeritas 5'8" or 5'11"
This is Phil's Favorite surfboard for 2012 in the 5'11" size. The 5'8" would be good for someone who rides in high winds or is lighter than 170-180lbs. This board is a tri-fin with a pin tail so it is easy to move around in the surf and cut back on the face of a wave. It is also large enough that jibs are a breeze and you can get back up wind in lighter air.
2011 Wainman Gambler 5'7"
This was the go to board from Wainman for 2011, great in the surf and much lighter than any of the slingshot boards albeit not as strong/durable . This is a really good fit for a kiteboarder that already surfs and wants to get into kitesurfing.
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