My current light wind kite im completely satisified with except with the turning rate. My 20 is slow but it does provide the power i need in light wind. Ive been looking at the slingshot 06 machine 17.5. I'm pretty sure i flew one during the demo day and the turning rate was extremely fast compared to my 20m. I flew it on a really high wind day so i couldnt see how it handles in light winds. Like i said i only got to fly it for a short period of time.....how does it jump and whats the low end like. If someone has one or flown one in more conditions REVIEW it for me.... thanks. Also are the octanes better in smaller sizes such as the 12 or are the fuels better in smaller sizes such as the 13. I heard the octanes are better in certain sizes and the fuels are better in certain sizes..... this true?

Hello..I'll try to help with some of your questions. The 17.5 Machine is a great light wind kite. Pretty fast for its size and lots of grunt. It will definitely be a step up from what you have. Another option to consider is the 20m RRD Type HIR. That kite, believe it or not, is faster than the 17.5 Machine and probably has just as much range(low end and top end). We just talked to one of our friends that just got out on it yesterday in very light winds(11mph or so), to some winds pushing 20 mph, and he loved it. He is coming off of the 23.5 Contra and has flown the 17.5 machine..

In terms of the Octanes and Fuels...everyone will give you a different answer, but I think in general for the bigger sizes, go with the Octane, and with the smaller sizes, the Fuel. Although, I flew the 12m Octane and really liked that kite. It is more of a 10m in terms of low end, but when you have enough wind for it, it rocks! Either way, the new Slingshot Octanes and Fuels are killer.

I ride all RRD Type HIRs in case you are wondering...

Hope this helps a little...