Unveiling the 2025 Neo SLS Kite

What's new for 2025 Neo SLS? Could you share the design goals for this season and feedback from the previous model?

Sky Solbach: The feedback for last year's Neo SLS was overwhelmingly positive. We aimed to refine what we started, focusing primarily on the tip area of the kite. We've worked to make the wingtips more efficient—smoother steering, less flutter, which is crucial for a wave kite that needs to turn quickly and smoothly. The changes in the 2025 model include a slightly flatter profile in the wingtips, with increased tension that enhances the canopy's performance, leading to quicker and more reactive steering.

Has this redesign influenced other performance characteristics, such as drift?

Sky Solbach: The main enhancements focus on the wingtips. We've managed to eliminate flutter, which smooths out the steering significantly. This results in a marked improvement in the initiation of steering compared to the 2024 model. While there are minor aesthetic tweaks to the canopy, the core improvements are geared towards optimizing handling. 

So, this also helps with power generation and kite positioning within the wind window?

Sky Solbach: Absolutely. The kite feels more aligned and responsive. It’s especially noticeable in how the Neo SLS handles, providing excellent bar feedback and a smooth, progressive power delivery when sheeting in the bar. This makes the kite not only efficient but also intuitive to control.

Could you elaborate on the design of the Struts in the Neo SLS? Are there differences in the strut composition across various kite sizes?

Yes, both the SLS and the D/LAB models incorporate what we call the Hybrid Flex Strut design. In smaller kites, a larger portion of the strut is made from the Flex Strut material, enhancing agility and responsiveness. For larger kites, the proportion of Flex Strut material is reduced, with more Penta Tx being used. This configuration provides a balanced mix that optimizes performance across the size range. We transitioned to this hybrid approach as it allows for tailored performance characteristics, enhancing the kite's steering and overall handling.

Who would be the ideal user for the Neo SLS?

Sky Solbach: This kite is a true wave-riding machine, perfect for intermediate to advanced wave riders. It offers quick depower, exceptional drift, and superb low-end performance. Additionally, it’s versatile enough for freeriding, appealing to those who might occasionally use a twintip board.

The Neo SLS is noted for its power. Can you elaborate on that?

Sky Solbach: The Neo is designed to be powerful yet manageable, enabling riders to opt for smaller sizes than typically necessary. This translates to quicker turning and better handling in waves. We've packed a lot of power into its design, enhancing both its low and high-end range, allowing riders to use a 7-meter Neo in conditions where a 9-meter of another model would usually be required.

What about the recommended setups, in terms of bar and line lengths?

Sky Solbach: I prefer the medium Click Bar with 22-meter lines across all sizes for quicker turning, which is essential for wave riding. However, preferences can vary; for example, smaller riders or those riding smaller kites might find a short bar with 22-meter lines ideal, while larger kites could benefit from a wider bar with 24-meter lines.

Does personal style influence setup preferences, like the difference in line lengths?

Sky Solbach: Definitely. Shorter lines offer quicker steering, which can be crucial for aggressive wave riding. Longer lines provide more room for error, beneficial for backside riders like Patri, who appreciate the additional lag time to focus more on surfing the wave rather than on precise kite steering.

And what about inflation pressures across the range?

Sky Solbach: All sizes are optimized at seven psi, ensuring consistency and performance across all conditions.

How does the Neo SLS compare to other models in the Neo range?

Sky Solbach: The original Neo is the most user-friendly, with softer materials and a more forgiving feel. The SLS, in contrast, is sportier and more responsive. For those seeking the ultimate in lightness and reactivity, the D/LAB version offers superior drift and handling, thanks to its advanced materials like Aluula, making it both forgiving and exceptionally responsive.