Up until a short while ago, the 12m Turbo Diesel was the biggest size available. They just released the 14m and 16m Turbo Diesel. We had a chance to ride the 16m the past two days after work in some pretty light wind conditions. Winds were 9-14mph, if that, probably averaraging around 11mph. Riders weights around 170lb, boards used: Slingshot Glide, SX 151, Misfit 137.

Construction: Like all Slingshot kites, bomb proof and very well made. Of course one pump, etc..

Size: It is a big 16m...when you pump it up(and it takes a while) you realize how big it looks.

Low end: very impressive. The first day I took it out, I was thinking I could ride, but would probably have to walk back up wind...I was pretty lit on it..the thing pulls like a truck. Probably as powerful as a 20m kite, if not a bigger size kite...Super powerful

Top end: don't know yet...

Speed: This is the one thing I wasn't too happy about. I personally like a fast kite, even in the bigger size kites. This one was a little too slow for my tastes. It definitely takes a while to pivot and if you want to jump, you need to send it early. Very similar to the 16m Crossbow in terms of speed, probably even faster..but still slow in my opinion. I know a lot of guys that love the 16m Crossbow...so if you are okay with the speed of that kite, you will be okay with this kite's speed

Bar pressure: Right up there with the 16m Switcblade or Crossbow. Definitely on the heavier side compared to the Waroo, ION, Answer, Sonic. Not to the point where it was SUPER heavy, but definitely heavier than some of the others.

Bar and lines: just like the others sizes of the turbo diesels, it has the 2 pulleys, etc.. on it. I love the adjustable slide down stopper ball...that thing rocks.

Overall: If you want a Low end grunty machine to get you riding in 9-14mph winds, this could be your kite. It has incredible power for a "16m" kite. It doesn't take much wind to get it going, and then you are off. It is great for just parking it in one position and going. You don't even need to do much moving of the kite. On the other hand, if you like a fast turning kite, you won't like this kite. You would probably like the ION, Answer, Sonic, or Waroo a little better. This one falls into the category of the 16m Crossbow, or 16m Switchblade in terms of overall feel. Again, all a preference thing.

do you think you could get the same range out of the 14, or have you tried the 14 yet

haven't tried the 14m yet, but I would think with the right light wind board, I could ride it in around 12-13mph plus winds, and probably hold it comfortably in the low to mid 20's. Again, haven't ridden it yet, but based off of my time on the 16m and 12m Turbo Diesel, it should fit right in there....