Slingshot Era

In the previous issue of the magazine, we had the pleasure of testing Slingshot’s latest Big Air kite, the Code NXT, and we were thoroughly impressed. For this issue, we got a few days to put the new Slingshot Era V1 to the test, a twintip specifically designed to complement that kite. Needless to say, expectations were sky-high after our experience with the kite and we were eager to see if the board could deliver the same level of performance.

The Era V1 comes in three sizes: 132, 136 and 140 cm, and we tested the 136 cm model. Being built tip-to-tip in carbon fiber not only gives it a sleek, high-end appearance but also contributes to its lightweight feel. A few design features immediately stood out, most notably the angled fins and the full-length double concave hull. At first glance, it’s clear that this is a meticulously crafted board with no detail overlooked.

We tested the Era V1 in generally pretty choppy conditions. While not perfect for soaring high, it was the perfect opportunity to see if the Era V1 could perform in less-than-perfect water. From the very first few tacks, one thing stood out: this board eats chop incredibly well. Carbon boards are often known for being stiff and unforgiving in rough conditions, but the Era V1 felt surprisingly smooth and comfortable, gliding over the chop without any noticeable drag. Another standout feature was the exceptional grip, even at high speeds. This made edging and preparing for takeoff not only easier but much more controlled. If you’ve ever tried to hold an edge in messy water before a jump, you know how difficult that can be, but with the Era, it felt noticeably more manageable. Even while fully powered and going fast, the board held its edge with confidence, making takeoffs feel solid and consistent.

The pop is excellent, offering explosive and vertical takeoffs. And the landings? In a word, buttery. Even when we didn’t stick the landing with much horizontal speed, the board somehow carried us forward and smoothed it out. Jumps that might have ended in crashes with other boards turned into clean ride-aways on the Era.

So, who is this board for? While it’s clearly designed with Big Air in mind, the Era V1 also performs incredibly well across a range of conditions, making it a great choice for freeriders too. If your local spot is choppy, this board could truly transform your sessions. For Big Air riders who struggle with boards that can’t handle rough water, the difference will feel like night and day. And even if you’re more of a weekend cruiser, the comfort, control, and responsiveness will still make a noticeable impact on your ride.