I’m thinking of upgrading my 2014 RPMs (9m+12M) to 2016 and I was hoping to get some information from people that have ridden the 2016 or both kites.
I wanted to understand the differences between both years outside of what they state on the various web sites – pully-less brindle, wide inflation, more reinforcement in the leading edge etc. I guess if I had to narrow down the attributes I care about they would be
jumping, low end, range and bar pressure.
maybe I should pick up discounted 2015?
Thank you in advance
hey mate couple of things i noticed between the different rpms,
ive ridden 09,12,14,15,16 rpms but have spent whole seasons on the 09 and 15s
wide inflation point is pretty good just is more secure and is much easier to pump, not really a massive aspect of the kite, its just a bit nicer
for me the biggest change was the pulley less bridal new in 2015, this really sharpened the feel of the kite up and made it feel far more direct, i went back for a session on a 2014 the other day and it almost felt like a different kite.
Bar pressure obviously is interchangable depending on the wing tip setting but the big change is still in the front bridal point setting as it has been since the first model.
Its only gotten better in my eyes since 2014, but obviously if you can get your hands on a demo thats worth far more than anything i can ever say on a forum.
cheers Alex, appreciate the feedback . that's helps me a lot.
I also read when they moved from 2014 to 2015 (same as 2016) jumping was improved slightly. Is that accurate or a bunch of marketing bs:)
The RPM has in the past always been little bit of delayed release here in Australia, but this year it's coming earlier.
Great time to place your pre-order at local shop.
Honestly couldn't tell you if the jumping is better, i for one go way higher on the newer model, but thats cause i've improved heaps since i was riding the earlier model. RPM is really one of those kites that does it all and i think if you liked the earlier models then you'll love what they've done with it since.
Hi.
I have had rpms from 2009 and the main difference I have felt was when the 2013 model came out.
It was such a better jumper than the earlier models. Still great for unhooking.
Todays quiver 2015 14M 2013 10m and 8m.
The 2015 14m is a much better kite than the ealier 14m 2013 model. Faster lighter and does not pull you downwind as much.
Have not tried the 10 and 8 meter in 2015 model only 2014 model so can not comment on the smaller sizes. i Feel the 2013m in smaller sizes are still really good.
My question - (the 2015 14m is still not a good jumper. Even when the wind picks up. Gets fast overpowered. It is sooo boring to jump so I only unhook with it) does the 12m act as the 10M or as the 14m.
Want a kite that unhooks good and jumps big as the 2013 10m.
will the 12M be good?
14M RPM had some changes from 2015 - onwards.
Making it more efficient at turning which in turned helped the jumping ability.
For 2016 the RPM has really improved the feel of the 14m kite. It is now made with lighter weight materials and Slingshot made it faster turning with more power. Both much needed for the improvements on the 14m. When you are building a quiver of RPMs consider going up to the Turbine 15m or 17m as the pinched wing tip and flatter profile offer more power per size and better water relaunch in the really light winds. We see a common three kite quiver to maximize wind range being a 9m and 12m RPM and a 17m Turbine.
The 6th version of the RPM is better than ever. 6 years of consistent improvements leaves the RPM a #1 rated kite world wide. You will be hard pressed to find someone that does not like the RPM. This kite is best suited with the performance rider in mind. If you are a beginner that is on the trajectory of becoming a performance oriented kiteboarder, don't be afraid of the RPM because it is really easy to ride, learn, and progress on.
