"Terrible" is completely uninformed and unfair. While they are not surf specific kites they drift well and if you put the flying line on the furthest wing tip attachment they turn fast. And a kite that drifts well and turns fast is what you want in a surf kite. Does it drift quite as well as a Reo or other deep profile/low aspect kite? No. But can it turn just as fast? Yes. And is it more powerful size for size than a Reo or other surf specific kite? Absolutely. I've been riding them for 4 years and I divide my time equally between surf and freestyle/freeride and although I have ridden other kites and brands I still have yet to find a more versatile kite that I'm as happy with in both disciplines. If you're looking for one kite for all things, the RPM deserves a try.
BTW, I also fly Rally's for speed kiting and so often took them surfing as well. The 2012 and prior turned unbelievably fast which was great for the surf but didn't drift that well. The 2013 I really didn't like for surf. While it drifted well they changed the whole setup on it and really slowed the turning down. Or to be more accurate, the 2013 Rally is like a diesel car with a slow turbo unit. You stomp on the accelerator, there's a pause, then it kicks in.
Anyway, that's my experience and perspective.
Thanks for the info, I've pretty much narrowed down my choice to RPM, Reo or Switchblade going to try a test ride on these kites before the end of the season. Really want something to ride during winter
I agree with Edhead's comments.
I dont believe they are a surf specific kite and maybe that is where surfingboye is coming from but they are a great kite. I thought I was going to change to another type and tested a few kites but kept coming back to the RPM.
I believe it comes down to what you want to use the kite for? If you want surf specific that is fast turning and drifts well then get a REO or something similar but don't expect to have great power and boost.
I find the RPM is a good compromise, an all-round kite that suits the conditions that I kite in.
Just remember if you do test some kites try and test them where you would normally kite. My first kite purchase's were the wrong kites for me at my local spot, as I tested them near the kite shop where the conditions were quite different from where I intended to ride them.
Try and read the latest Kiteworld Magazine (April - May 2013 Edition).
In that issue they have tested Cabrinha Drifter, Ozone Reo, Airush Wave, RRD Religion, Best Cabo, Blade Trigger, F-One Bandit, Crazyfly Sculp, North Neo, Slingshot RPM and Wainman Gypsy.
Flew my bro's yesterday against my 2013 Airush Razor, and I think terrible was an accurate description. But this RPM had a LE repair, so it was already at a disadvantage.
Surfinboyo more than likely flew a RPM on the wake setting which makes the kite a totally different beast, as for fast turning ,forgiving , unhooking and down the line drift I doing think you could find a better kite,that's just my opinion , I've been using these kites for four years now and it's the ease of use that I like, you've got enough happening around you in the surf to worry about a grunty kite that's a handful , so in the wright conditions all you have to worry about is your surfing .
