Rider: 85kg, intermediate
Style: Bit of everything (Freeriding, Surf, Wake, Freestyle)
Weather: 16-22 knots
Build Quality: 9/10 (always room for improvement)
Satisfaction: 10/10
Disclosure: Dealer (for several brands including Slingshot)

My Comments: Had my first go on my new 10m RPM on the weekend. To sum it up I was very impressed. I have owned the Rev2, F-One Bandit and Blade Trigger this season and flown a number of other 2009 kites.

I came in from using my 14m Bandit Dos when I thought there would be enough wind to fly the RPM. As soon as I got it launched I noticed how smooth it felt when a gust hit. I could hardly feel the gusts. The CSS obviously works (even if it does look a bit weird)

I gelled with this kite so quick. It was so easy to fly. I used the freestyle + light bar setting attachments. The kite flew very fast and turned well. I'd have to say there was the slightest increase in bar pressure when compared to the Rev2 but it was negligible.

When jumping I found the RPM had loads of lift and was pretty smooth when landing. I didn't get that dropping feel that I sometimes got with the Rev2 when I pushed the bar out too far when landing. Hangtime was also good (not as good as Bandit Dos)

When sheeted out the kite is very stable and doesn't flap about like some kites. This is a real bonus as I like a kite that can keep its stability and shape when depowered. I wasn't overpowered at any stage so I can't really comment on how it handles when its really windy. Can't wait to try it in 20-30 knots.

I gave a few mates a go and they loved it. They were 2009 Fuel and T3 Riders and they only had positive things to say. I didn't get a chance to try flying the kite with different settings as the wind dropped off and I couldn't get it back from my mates.

The RPM really is a cross between the Fuel and the Rev2. If you are after a kite that seems to have the benefits of both kites then the RPM is great choice.

I'd definitely recommend having a go on one. I also like the fact that some companies are releasing different kites throughout the year. RPM are on a March to March release cycle. I've sold all my Rev2's and will now get another RPM. Loved the Rev2 but love the RPM more. Best of both worlds.

Hope this helps if you are considering the RPM.

Cheers

Matt

Hi matt
Had the 12 out on sunday pretty well all day to see what its top end was.I was pretty impressed over all, especially how it flew even when fully depowered or in big gusts.while i was ridding the 12RPM, Fiona was riding a 7 REV , I would probaly of being on a 10 but still had an awsome time, the kite sat just where i wanted it too it didnt slide down or make unexpected turns .

Have Fun
GEORGE

I got to demo a 10m RPM last weekend. By way of background I'm on a quiver of 09 North Evos, so that's what I'm comparing against. I was tempted by the RPMs at the time but there weren't any available.

Anyways, they are superb unhooked. No adjustment is required in advance and no hint of back-stall or mushiness. Very direct steering, I was on the wake-style setting so it was supposedly slower turning and a higher bar pressure, but turning speed and bar pressure were fine for me.

I felt that I was going faster in a straight line than I'm used to. Kite loops also had more yank than I'm used to. My timing on popping was out for the first 10 minutes then I was fine, I'm unsure why. Hang-time was OK but not spectacular. The wind and current was slowly dying away so I got to try it in a range from 22 knots apparent wind down to about 12 knots when I gave up.

In summary, I really really liked it when I got it dialled in. A better kite than the Evo for unhooked tricks (which can be a bit heavy on the bar if not perfectly trimmed), but probably doesn't quite have the same wind range and floaty hang-time.

BTW, the Evo 09s are also very good, definitely more performance oriented than the 08 models.

Simon

I'd be interested in hearing what people think of the 14m RPM. I currently fly a 2009 14m Bandit Dos and love it (best big kite I've ever had or flown). I doubt the 14 RPM would get going in light wind as well as the Dos but I might be wrong. I would consider selling the Dos and getting another RPM (mainly to recoup $$$ on Bandit before the 2010 model is released later in year).

My concern is that it would be too slow. I was a little disappointed with the 13m Rev2 this season. Great kite and good low end but not as good low end as many other kites on the market (even smaller kites).

Anyone tried the 8m RPM? What is the top wind range you have used it in? and how was the handling? I think this size would be a gem in high wind.

Cheers

Everyone I have spoken to that has tried the kite have said it was pretty gutless, and you need to go up one size, would you all agree on that?

I'd compare the 8m RPM windrange to a 7m Rev.

The 8m RPM has more float in the jumps tho. I tested it up to 30knts and didnt even think of cleating in any depower. She needs a good 20knts behind her for the fun to start. 30+knts and it goes BIG

What size RPM's for an experienced 80kg rider with a 134x42 board,also ride surfboards a lot,
round 6'6 to 6'2 depending on wind and surf conditions.I'm thinking maybe the 12 and 8? Will that combo leave me standing on the beach in lighter winds?
Cheers.

hi I got a 12m rpm yesterday from kite power (thanks matt for the quick good value sale), conditions were 14-20, gusty, previous kite 13m rev1, wanted a quicker kite, I only really go out in 15+, don’t like low wind slow reaction kites as it doesn’t work too well when you have waves ready to crush you, love my rev 9m, if I could fly that in 15 I would. anyway the rpm is faster, smoother, stabler (like the old fuels), handles turning with depower perfectly, however this is not a low wind kite, will be perfect for your size and use, I feel if you bought a 10 you would need 20+ for it to work well, my 12m rpm and 9 rev is perfect for my type of riding in crap east coast conditions, I would love to hear other peoples thoughts on this low end discussion. Overall the kite is exactly what I wanted and again another slingshot perfect product for me. just remember to play with the settings , I ride on light bar pressure wake style for a little more low end and this setting likes surf by the look of things . BUY ONE it ranks with the quility of the rev's in my mind , everyone should try one

Select to expand quote

mc said...

hi I got a 12m rpm yesterday from kite power (thanks matt for the quick good value sale), conditions were 14-20, gusty, previous kite 13m rev1, wanted a quicker kite, I only really go out in 15+, don’t like low wind slow reaction kites as it doesn’t work too well when you have waves ready to crush you, love my rev 9m, if I could fly that in 15 I would. anyway the rpm is faster, smoother, stabler (like the old fuels), handles turning with depower perfectly, however this is not a low wind kite, will be perfect for your size and use, I feel if you bought a 10 you would need 20+ for it to work well, my 12m rpm and 9 rev is perfect for my type of riding in crap east coast conditions, I would love to hear other peoples thoughts on this low end discussion. Overall the kite is exactly what I wanted and again another slingshot perfect product for me. just remember to play with the settings , I ride on light bar pressure wake style for a little more low end and this setting likes surf by the look of things . BUY ONE it ranks with the quility of the rev's in my mind , everyone should try one

What is the bottom end like compared to the 13 REV?

id say 3 knots higher than the 13 rev, you will get out in 15 knots , 85 kg 132 board , you will ned to work the kite, not really worth kiting below that anyway omho