SLINGSHOT RALLY GT V2 REVIEW

The Slingshot Rally has been a mainstay in the Slingshot range for over a decade, and the
previous model perhaps displayed the biggest design overhaul of its lifespan,
really bringing it up to speed as a far more modern freeride contender and
confidently earning its GT badge. They have clearly been proactive with product development again in Hood River.
Technically speaking, the GT V2 heralds quite a comprehensive rework from
last year. The base platform remains a three-strut delta with a fairly complete
C-shape. The diameter of the leading edge has been decreased, pushing the
kite upwind more and improving general agility. Split strut technology remains which fuses the struts into the 4×4 ripstop canopy. Twin sliders have
been implemented into a completely reworked bridle system. Between the
struts there’s a healthy dose of batwing, which seems to minimize vibration
for a smooth experience, even when depowered.
The Rally GT V2 is punchy in its power delivery and has that classic Slingshot
feeling of having more power in its specified size than similarly shaped kites.
Its sheet and go capability is up there with the best and you don’t need to finesse the kite at all; it seems to even out and ride through gusts and lulls very
smoothly without much pulse through your harness, and seems to maintain a
consistent background pull. Steering response is the best ever for a Rally, and
the slightly ponderous turning speeds of the old models can be banished well
into the mists of time.
Overpowered on the 8m, you could access some impressive and very floaty
lift, and the perky handling allows some pokey little trainer kite loops on tap
as well, whether that’s to give you a little boost around a transition or an all-out
sent number.
For a kite perhaps geared more towards beginners and intermediates, the re-launch is an important factor, and the GT V2 is amongst the most simplistic
on the market. The build, although slimmed down a little, will easily stand up
to abuse from beginner and school situations, and that low-end instant grunt
will be great for those first board starts. For the more established and capable
rider, the GT V2 lends itself to old school hooked-in riding and delivers a true
all-terrain experience.
Slingshot are very much on the march with product development at the moment and the Rally GT V2 feels far more than a quick rework. The weight saving and material changes have really livened up the kite from last year, and it
now packs a punch and has more far versatility for the serious free-rider. It’s
the kite equivalent to the Willy’s Jeep.

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