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Forums > Kitesurfing Gear Reviews

TD2??

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Created by kitepilotoz > 9 months ago, 23 Jun 2007
kitepilotoz
QLD, 181 posts
23 Jun 2007 10:09PM
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ANYBODY?????

Maximum
WA, 37 posts
24 Jun 2007 7:45AM
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They have been recalled to have - yep you guessed it - new bridles fitted

crakas
QLD, 465 posts
24 Jun 2007 10:11AM
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Kitepiloz,

Mate.... you should all the info on the TD2. Cumon...give us a review.

Bigwavedave
QLD, 2057 posts
24 Jun 2007 12:01PM
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I ordered 2 (11 & 14). No recall so far.

sunseeker
QLD, 1203 posts
24 Jun 2007 2:32PM
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A mate has been flying his 14m for a couple months now. It is heaps more stable than the TD1 and seems to have more low end grunt. I reckon the TD2 is one of the best surf kites on the market at the moment. I would love to give the 11m a go.

Kite Action
QLD, 20 posts
Site Sponsor
25 Jun 2007 10:23AM
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Hi Nick,
If you would like to try the 11m T2 come and in and see me at the shop.I have one here that you are more than welcome to have a go of.

As you may have heard from echo the T2 is Awsome in the surf.

Dont listen to any talk about bridles not being right et****he kite is so stable sraight out of the bag, and the relaunch is super easy, as easy as a crossbow, wich until now was the easyest of all kites by far.


Regards
Luke


kitepilotoz
QLD, 181 posts
25 Jun 2007 7:04PM
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In Ingrish preeze.!

merman
QLD, 431 posts
25 Jun 2007 9:42PM
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Hi guys,

I ve got a 12 mtr TD1 and a 16mtr love em to bits.

whats the difference in bar pressure compared to the first series of the TD??? is it that much different/lighter??? i,m looking for a new kite but with les bar pressure for easyer toeside riding in the waves.

cheers

Merman

Maximum
WA, 37 posts
26 Jun 2007 7:15AM
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merman thats why my mates kite was taken back for a new bridle it was too heavy on the bar - heavier than your kites best to wait until they have it sorted could be another link type disaster
Its lighter now but it seems to be too easy to invert if you get under it when you land a jump

Imax

sorse
NSW, 509 posts
26 Jun 2007 10:40AM
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First I work for slingshot, maximum has got his facts very wrong. There has been no bridal mod to any of the production T2. As kite action said they are perfect straight out of the bag. Very very stable. I teach and last year I wouldn't teach or reccommend a T1. this year I won't even hesitate to put a first timer straight on the T2 as it is so dam stable and easy to use. I'll put my reputation behind it.
Yeah it's not super light on the bar, it's a Bow kite not a hybrid or C, it is lighter then the naish shock wave though.. But it is super grunty for the size, I ride the 11m instead of my fuel 15m as it turns faster and has more power. Might be a little heavy on the bar for an 11m, but not compared to the 15m.
There were 6 preproduction kites brought into aus as demo's 2x11m, 2x9m, 2x14m, I think one or 2 were sold due to custmoers not wanting to wait. The others have been used for demoing by shops through out australia, and are all now standard.
There is no bridal mod for the T2 it is perfect as is..
If you really want to make the bar pressure lighter run it on a standard bar with out the pulleys alot lighter, but you loose alot of range. Advanced option only..
The T2 is one of the best beginnner, cruiser, freerider kites I've riden and will continue to ride. Hope this sets the story straight..
David Sorensen
aka sorse, lucky dave or slingshot dave.
written because I'm sick of 1 or 2 people bagging a great product.
I thankyou to all those who have supported the product and continue to do so, thanks guys and girls..
This is not written on behalf of slingshot. just wanted to let you know I wrote this and I only work for the company, which really puts back into the industry..

blueflame
NSW, 4 posts
26 Jun 2007 11:34PM
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I do like the sound of the T2. The only kite Ive really flow is a Xbow, can anyone comment on that comparison. I'm still very much a learner I"m just starting to boost.

Also Ive seen some of those new REV's out there I haven't found any info on them but i've seen them out there on the water I"m interested to hear how they go.

5mmKiter
WA, 7 posts
27 Jun 2007 3:59AM
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I would also like to hear a comparison of the TD2 with the Xbow!

Bigwavedave
QLD, 2057 posts
27 Jun 2007 10:38AM
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Kitepilotoz has an 11m and a 14m in Caloundra.

He loves to let people have a go......ask him!!

Just PM him to set up a date.

crakas
QLD, 465 posts
27 Jun 2007 2:35PM
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I can set him up with a date.....my sister. She is real pretty...looks like me with long hair....

Bigwavedave
QLD, 2057 posts
27 Jun 2007 6:30PM
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Does she come with her own mattress like you?

Blaster
WA, 501 posts
27 Jun 2007 4:58PM
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Hi all,

can anyone compare the TD2 to the best range of kites. eg up wind performance and absorbing gusts and any other differences you noticed.

I'm thinking of getting a demo on these style kites. I want to start going in the waves more but still have the option of flat water occasionally. I'm considering between Bularoo, Waroo, Yarga and TD2. The flexi sounds good but hows the $$.. Oh and the RRD hyper is appealing. Decisions decisions.

Any unbiased opinons appreciated

bearbusa
QLD, 295 posts
27 Jun 2007 8:01PM
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Hi blaster have 7/9/12 rrd hypers second season for me had fuels before them ,rrd have a new kite this year the type9 the best kite ever john from sos fremantle wa can fill you in with the lowdown you wont be dissapointed once you fly one of these every thing else is average.good luck

merman
QLD, 431 posts
27 Jun 2007 9:52PM
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Hey kitepilotz

have you flown the TD1,s???? whats the biggest difference compared to the TD2,s??

is the 11mtr TD2 as grunty as the 12mtr TD1??? bar pressure??

i know, so many questions.

what do ya recon, is the REV gonna be a better alternative for the waves???

crakas
QLD, 465 posts
28 Jun 2007 1:03PM
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quote:
Does she come with her own mattress like you?


No, but I can organise that for the right fella....however she does carry a gun, handcuffs and likes to go the biff.



Hows the weather down there?....nice and warm up here in Darwin...no wetsuit for me.

kitepilotoz
QLD, 181 posts
30 Jun 2007 10:48AM
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So whats her name Crakette??
If she looks like you, poor thing!!

I've just changed from GK SONICS.For no other reason but a change.
I really liked the ultra light bar pressure, so going to a heavy bar took some getting used to. About five minutes!!!
There's a whole lot more grunt with the pressure & for a heavier guy 85kg,there's a whole lot more feel thru the bar so I always know where it is. Good thing in da surf!!
Flew a TD1 when they first came out wasn't really that impressed at the time, just another 1st model bow with only a few others to compare to!!
If I've learnt anything in 7 years kiting its wait for mark 2!!
So I think personally that the TD2 with its total redesign is by far a good combination of all that is BOW .(+ no more invert).
And the usual SS bomb construction and customer package.
My 2 cents
Cheers Sam

choicey
QLD, 280 posts
1 Jul 2007 1:57AM
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Hi all if your in WA come and demo them for yourself.
We have a 9m Slingshot 07 Turbo 2, 11m 07 Slingshot fuel,
7,9,11m 07 Best Waroo, 9m Best Yarga 07, 9m Flexifoil Atom, all available for demo. check out the spec's here, www.choicekitesurfing.com.au
Carve deep, fly high.
Choicey

echostorm
QLD, 1245 posts
4 Jul 2007 8:28AM
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*EDIT PLEASE SEE MY LAST POST AS MY OPINIONS HAVE CHANGED *

I have already posted a review but here it is again (refined)...

Took it out today! OMG what can I say... WOW! The bar pressure is reasonably heavy, but I am actually a fan of getting a bit of a work out while i kite. The kite freaking rips! It feels like a beginner kite and I would happily recommend it to a beginner as no matter how hard I tried to invert it i just couldn't. They have actually gone too far the other way as with my old TD i could hover it 1m above the beach and rip on the outside line stall it then have it land LE facing the wind. This kite just turns then flies backwards and launches again.

As an advanced kite it is a demon. Flown correctly it by far generates more lift and hangtime then any kite I have flown. You can literally hover on the beach and boost AFTER you have already boosted. I did some of the longest jumps in my life today and it was only 20knots.
When I parked it at twelve it would just stay there without moving whilst I could maintain exceptional control. I literally pulled the stopper ball in and let it sit there without touching the bar for 30 seconds. Then by pulling the bar in further I would get pulled up and start to fly. my 12m TD1 would never have the grunt to do that.

I did find it a little tricky to do my standard moves as double fronties were accidentally turning into triples also the pull is very different. As with normal kites you boost then come down, with this kite you boost and just keep going up! Unhooked is ok, however as with any bow the range can be challenging. The trim tab just above the chicken loop serves as a molded hand hold for easy adjustment of the front lines whilst riding unhooked. I though maybe I could hold the 14m in 30knot winds but I took it out the other day in solid 25knots of cold gusty westerlies and was literally fearing for my life thinking I was going to get lofted, never to return to earth. I recommend the 11m as the power these beast generate is unbelievable. That said, I didnt which speaks lots for this kite (mind you in one of the gusts I was fully depowered and detrimmed and gaining speed whilst trying to cut against it).

GOOD
Pulls hard
Solid air time
Never inverts (I tried some crazy stuff landing literally behind it and it just flies backwards plus I have now dropped it a few times in the surf, I hang on let it tumble around and it launched without tangles)
Sits in the one spot and does as its told
Doesn't pull on and off like the TD1
Solid construction (i thought the TD1 was solid, this thing is a tank I have no worries about it splitting when dropping it in surf and holding on instead of letting go).
Clip over inflation valve so it doesnt pop open
Stronger pullie lines
Stronger bridle lines
Nice all-round kite

BAD
My 14 was a little slow (apparently the 11's turn like wheels)
In 8knots and under it flies backwards and its real hard to turn around at the edge of the wind window. Even after trimming it flew backwards (the TD1 would invert instead)
Moderate to heavy bar pressure (this is very debatable in comparison to other kites). I actually like the heavy bar pressure as you 'feel' the kite and where it is in the wind window plus it makes you man like borat.
Trim tab is way too hard to adjust (seems the rope gets locked into place)

I would highly recommend it for beginner to advance. I would strongly suggest a beginner buy the 11 and not the 14 as I gaurantee with the lift this beast generates they will end up in a tree.


quote:
Originally posted by merman

Hey kitepilotz

is the 11mtr TD2 as grunty as the 12mtr TD1??? bar pressure??


Yes very much so, the bar pressure is a little heavy though. I cant see what all the fuss is about bar pressure unless your a chick .


quote:
Originally posted by Blaster


can anyone compare the TD2 to the best range of kites. eg up wind performance and absorbing gusts and any other differences you noticed.

Any unbiased opinions appreciated

I know the construction is killer compared to the best range, a lot of mates I know that own bests bust there kites in the surf. My old TD1 snapped two lines when getting pulverized by a massive wave and it still didn't tear, add the extra strength construction of the TD2 and you will fell like smashing your kite on the rocks just to prove to ur mates that it really is invincible (well maybe not). In regards to upwind performance and gusts both the best and TD are exceptional kites so its 6 of 1 and 1/2 dozen of the other.


quote:
Originally posted by Maximum

merman thats why my mates kite was taken back for a new bridle it was too heavy on the bar - heavier than your kites best to wait until they have it sorted could be another link type disaster
Its lighter now but it seems to be too easy to invert if you get under it when you land a jump

Imax

Notice how you get the bull shyte comments of noobs in the gear section? You think maybe this is s smear campaign? Gee I wonder? Why dont you go back to what ever company you are working for and reply with a better kite instead of this dribble.

echostorm
QLD, 1245 posts
4 Jul 2007 3:14PM
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I just re-read my last post... GEEEZE LOUSIE youd think I work for slingshot or somethin! Just letting you know that I dont work for them or have anything to do with them I am just fan of a superior product and a big fan of procrastination from work!

athorsness
12 posts
25 Jul 2007 2:45AM
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How I learned:
I got T2 about 1 month ago.. Had never kiteboarded before in my life. I took one land lesson from the local shop in alameda (from Jeff at www.kitewindsurf.com in Alameda). Got the kite and took it out 3-5 times to learn to launch it safely and body drag.. a couple weeks later I got a board got up the first day for only about 65 seconds total. But the second and 3rd day I was able to go back and forth zigzagging down wind. And then the 4th day I was able to hold my position and land the kite back where I started..

One major issue with the T2 so far:
The seam on the main strut blew open (basically the material ripped out of the stitching, and no I didn’t over inflate (only inflated to 6lbs)) Believe it or not I have never really crashed the kite, and this seam blow happened in the air. I had to land it in the water and self rescue, then swim in. Great leaning experience….

I took it to my local shop and they are sending it to slingshot for me. I am now flying a Cab. Omega I got from the shop. (My local shop ROCKS!) The Omega is a super easy kite to fly…… Kind of like flying a marshmallow. But so comfortable that I can now catch about 3ft of air. I can't wait to get my T2 back and try the new moves out. I hope they fix it fast.

Moral of the story (and the good):
1) BUY LOCAL!
2) And yes, the T2 (11m for me) is a cool kite to learn on.
3) easy to launch and relaunch
4) easy to control, It kind of feels like I am flying a trainer sometimes (usually in low wind)

The bad I can see so far:
1) The pigtails that connect the lines to the kite are not that great. They are starting to fray. I will probably get new ones soon. (the kite is only 1 month old)
2) Seems like I could go up wind easier with the 12m Omega, but that is probably because I just started and don’t really know how to handle the T2 just right… yet..
3) Oh ya and there is the potential for the seams to blow. I am hopping that this was a one time thing, and that slingshot fixes it relatively painlessly. I just bought the thing so I am assuming there will be no issues.
4) I have noticed the valves on the Omega seem way more durable. Not sure why the T2 costs so much, but has some aspects that seem kind of cheep. (valves, and pigtails)
5) One of the connector tubes (strut to main) popped off and I lost the tube crimper. I think this happened because the guy launching me got caught on it. (he seemed a bit awkward with the launch). But I shoved the tub back on and have not had any problems since. And I had not gotten around to re zip tieing it.

dustin
QLD, 448 posts
25 Jul 2007 7:37AM
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you blew a Slingshot?? Are you sure a meteor didnt hit cos thats about the only thing i could think of that could damage a slingshot. About the pigtails, on my 07 fuel they frayed really quick but they stop after a bit and they just stay the same, ive had my kite almost 6 months. I really only stay in the surf and my kites been hit frm some sold 2m waves and nothing hapened, i started on a 05 fuel and that hit the ground and was tumble by waves more times than yu can count and never had anything break or blow. Seems you jsut had an unlucky faulty seam or something.

fozzy
SA, 501 posts
25 Jul 2007 9:00PM
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quote:
Originally posted by dustin

you blew a Slingshot?? Are you sure a meteor didnt hit cos thats about the only thing i could think of that could damage a slingshot. About the pigtails, on my 07 fuel they frayed really quick but they stop after a bit and they just stay the same, ive had my kite almost 6 months. I really only stay in the surf and my kites been hit frm some sold 2m waves and nothing hapened, i started on a 05 fuel and that hit the ground and was tumble by waves more times than yu can count and never had anything break or blow. Seems you jsut had an unlucky faulty seam or something.



Definitely happens. My 05 Fuel tore from LE to trailing edge early last summer without being crashed. Jumped, thought its slow responding, landed and looked up to find a humungous hole in it. Just pot luck I guess. Wouldn't stop me from buying another but I guess any brand is susceptible to the odd dud.

S  Carver
QLD, 42 posts
25 Jul 2007 11:10PM
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Athorsness,
First ever post? Pity your whole story sounds made up.

cjcos2
VIC, 37 posts
26 Jul 2007 6:48PM
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Rode the TD2 at St Kilda a while ago and have just demoed the XBOW3.

Personally liked the TD2 better, thought that it turned a bit faster and had better bar feel. Both kites have heaps of power and pull like trucks. XBOW3 did jump higher.

Cheers.

athorsness
12 posts
31 Jul 2007 4:59AM
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quote:
Originally posted by S Carver

Athorsness,
First ever post? Pity your whole story sounds made up.



Now why would you say that?... And why the heck would I make something like that up?... Oh well, believe it or not, I was just putting my experience out there to see how people would respond. I really want to believe the T2 is bomb proof. I would love to get more sizes to expand my wind range, but am very hesitant after what happened.


By the way after trying some other kites (while mine is being repaired/replaced.. by the way that seems to be taking an awful long time… its been 10 days now) I have realized I really like the slingshot bar. For instance the bar on the Cabrinha 2007 (switchblade or cross bow…) has a plastic “rope” going through the fancy stainless steel hole in the bar, but I kept getting frustrated with them sticking as they rubbed while I was turning and sheeting in or out. The rope on my T2 slides super smooth through the bar…and I really like the movable stopper, which the Cabrinha doesn’t have. You can only really set it in one position on the fly.

sorse
NSW, 509 posts
31 Jul 2007 10:45AM
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athorsness Are you in aus or the states?? As thinkk to get your ktie repaired first return to shop, shop return to distributer then he takes photo's asks international company if warranty then when approved get kite repaired 10 days is only a short time. so where are you?

athorsness
12 posts
1 Aug 2007 4:18AM
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quote:
Originally posted by sorse

athorsness Are you in aus or the states?? As thinkk to get your ktie repaired first return to shop, shop return to distributer then he takes photo's asks international company if warranty then when approved get kite repaired 10 days is only a short time. so where are you?



I am in the San Francisco Bay area (USA)... They took the pictures at my local shop and sent them the day I blew the kite. I think the approval came a couple days later. I believe everything is being handled through Oregon (Hood River (the Gorge)) (probably the West coast distributor). The people at the store (here in Alameda, CA) said I should be getting it back early this week... I'm keeping my figures crossed...



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"TD2??" started by kitepilotoz