What characteristics has it borrowed from your other kites?
The Code shares the same DNA as our 7m Machine but is a whole other animal. Lighter, nimbler, and with a lower aspect ratio, the Code is a breed of its own.
What manufacturing changes and materials have you implemented to keep weight down?
We can’t give away all our design secrets, but with our simplified canopy layup and new leading-edge material we are able to keep the Code light and nimble – without sacrificing any of our legendary durability.
You’ve chosen a pulley-less bridle for the Code. How does this affect its handling?
By eliminating pulleys, you feel a more instant and direct response from the kite. We also use ultra-thin and static bridle lines, which produce less drag and allows the kite to move quicker and more naturally.
Why did Jeremy choose to use the Code instead of the Machine at TatajubaFest?
Jeremy said “The Code has helped me to improve and land my tricks. It has the perfect bar pressure that lets me know where the kite sits at all times – if I am upside down while doing a board-off I will know exactly where the kite is. Also, its speed and lift make me 100% sure that the kite will catch me after every loop. I prefer the Code V1 for super technical Big Air tricks; the Machine will have more lift and hangtime but in terms of looping I prefer the Code V1.”
What else is new from Slingshot currently?
In August we released our 2023 range with cutting edge materials, modern graphics and a department team restructure. We have updated the SST, Machine and Machine LW kites, and updated most of our twintips including adding a brand-new Dream Rider to the range. Then we have two new surfboards, the Burner XR and Impact XR, alongside a second iteration of the Sci-Fly, designed by legendary shaper Al Emery and kitesurf icon Ben Wilson. On the foil side, we’ve updated our foil boards and have given pro rider Fred Hope free rein to design the perfect foil board, the high performance yet user-friendly Hope Craft V1. ■