Founded in the Pacific Northwest as Slingshot, the company has expanded into nearly every subset of the wind sports market since its humble beginnings as a manufacturer of control bars for kiteboarding. Slingshot has been a pioneer in kite technology from the start, with innovations like the first single inflation system and innovative technological canopy designs.
To ensure they have the best Slingshot kite, foil board, and other products, they have brought in skilled resources. Their team is full of experienced professionals who are pioneers in their fields. They bring a wealth of experience and connections to the table, allowing the company to serve the expanding surf market with cutting-edge products.
The Slingshot team and company are expanding from an organizational perspective. The timely introduction of innovative products to the market has been their primary priority. As part of this effort, they have reorganized their research and development department and allocated more resources to product development.
Slingshot foil board is a significant component of their business. They will likely continue to expand in the next few years, with their team serving as its undisputed leader in the production of foil boards. They will greatly benefit from the extensive knowledge and expertise of their team members as they continue to provide their consumers with top-tier gear.
They have specialized designers for designing amazing Slingshot kites and wings. Their team members are always challenging one another and setting new standards for design. Their mission is straightforward: to provide their consumers with the finest items possible by utilizing their large staff of designers and sportsmen.
Here is a review of one of their most demanding products, the 2024 SLINGSHOT UFO V3 KITE. Let’s explore its amazing features.
2024 SLINGSHOT UFO V3 KITE
An Unlimited Foiling Object is known as a UFO. In terms of unfettered, full-on kitefoiling performance, the UFO is the way to go. The UFO V3 is now available in full size. Sizes 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 11 meters will be available on Slingshot sales.
The new sizes make it easier for riders to create the perfect quiver and increase the wind range even in the lightest gusts. In addition to a new, lighter Dacron material for the leading edge and a smaller bridle line, the UFO V3 has a lower overall weight, making it easier to control.
The zero-strut design of the UFO revolutionized kite foiling by providing unprecedented drift, and upwind reach. Reduced weight without compromise in performance or durability is achieved with the UFO V3’s FlexLITE airframe, which is constructed with 140g/m2 high tenacity polyester.
A water relaunch is a breeze with the UFO V3’s swept wingtips and its Compact Swept C canopy shape. The latest zipperless roll-top kite bag is the perfect complement to the ultra-minimalist UFO design; it is incredibly lightweight, convenient, and easy to pack.
Major Features of the Slingshot Kite
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FlexLITE
The use of FlexLITE on the leading edge and struts of the airframe is the basis for the UFO V3’s lower weight and increased performance. A more open 1:1 thread orientation gives the FlexLITE frame more room to bend and breathe when the rider applies pressure.
Because of the flex, the rider may create more apparent wind through the loop and steer more quickly and responsively. Reduced drag and optimized drift are the results of FlexLITE’s 140 g/sq m weight reduction effort.
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TrimFlight Bridle
Because TrimFlight Bridles have 25% thinner lines, they produce the least amount of drag, which greatly improves the UFO’s responsiveness and efficiency. Their geometry, length, lightweight material, and placement are all thoughtfully planned to highlight the best features of the UFO’s Hybrid Compact Swept C shape.
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Compact Swept C-Canopy
Superior steering, pivoting, and drifting are attributes of the UFO V3’s distinctive Compact Swept C shape, which has a lower aspect and a compact arc. Perfect for zero-strut kites, the fanned wing tips make water relaunch a breeze and a guarantee. The shape helps to avoid over-foiling by the responsive and instantaneous power control.
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Airframe with Zero Struts
It took a lot of time and effort to perfect the Zero-Strut Airframe of the UFO when it was first released in 2020. The result is almost little drag, which means the UFO can fly in very weak breezes and still attain the essential foiling performance metrics of limitless drift, excellent upwind angles, and intuitive responsiveness.
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2X2 FLYWEIGHT CANOPY TECH
Slingshot kites’ lightest canopy material, which doesn’t skimp on stiffness or longevity. 2X2 Flyweight Canopy Tech is a 2X2 woven reinforced ripstop nylon that offers superior tear and stretch resistance while being significantly lighter than 4X4 Canopy Tech.
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Rider Customization System
With its Rider Customization System, which includes three knots on the pigtails of the harness and three knots on the flying lines of the Sentry Control Bar, you may completely personalize the UFO’s performance. With RCS, you can adjust the UFO’s performance, power delivery, and handling to suit your riding style and the conditions of any given session.
Who Intended To Buy This Slingshot Kite?
Kite foilers who want more out of less, who know how to progress and ride in a flow state, know that it all starts with the equipment. The kite, lines, bar, board, and foil must all be in perfect harmony so that the best possible connection may be established.
Final Words
Slingshot is always the brand to trust for kites and foils. Their ever-evolving technology gives a better experience to its users. A lighter, faster, and more drift-capable platform than before is the end outcome of modifications done in the UFO V3 Model. We trust them to bring more amazing products for us.