Slingshot Code V2 Kite

It has been roughly a year since I initially reviewed this kite after riding it several times in varying conditions. Since then I have used the Code V2 as my daily driver, travelled with it, repaired it, taught on it, rented it out on lots of demos, sold quite a few, and landed my first loops with it. Looking back on the past year with this kite, I think I have fully explored it's ins, outs, best features, and limitations.

Initially I said that this kite would be good for people doing down winders. That derived mainly from the gentle bar feel and is true, but I think that is selling it a bit short. In reality this kite is for EVERYONE. Whether you are a complete beginner and need a kite that relaunches well and is stable and predictable when flying, or you are an experienced rider looking for a great budget option for big air, this kite is for you. The best part of it being good for all ability levels is that you will not outgrow it. It is just a great kite that makes all levels of the sport accessible. I think the single greatest aspect of how this kites flies is how predictable it is. This kite just does exactly what you tell it to do. It is so intuitive to fly that it gives you the confidence to send it right out of the gate. Something about the brain-bar-kite link here just works and I can’t say that about most other kites.

It also travels very well. One of the most overlooked parts of a kite is its bag. Let's be real for a moment, the bag for this kite is not a looker. It is offensively orange. But, it is also HUGE with a nice double zipper system that makes fitting the kite in a breeze. I can easily fit my kite, bar, harness, leash, helmet, pump, towel, and a snack all in one bag. This means that the only thing I actually have to carry on the walk from the car to the spot is my board. I travelled with this kite this winter and was able to get 3 kites, 2 bars, and 2 wetsuits into the 12m bag and check it. While I was sitting on the plane anxiously looking out the window trying to see if my bags made it, the bright orange kite bag was easy to spot on the luggage cart. My only real complaint about the bag would be that it doesn’t have the size printed on it, rather it has a small paper insert on top that has a tendency to fall out or fall apart when it gets wet.

We have not had any major problems with these kites yet, but we have had 1 bladder failure and a few small canopy tears. This is probably one of the easiest kites to do bladder changes on since it uses the screw off inflate valve system and has nice clips on the strut hoses. Some brands seemingly want you to destroy your fingers while doing bladder changes, the newer slingshot stuff is easy-peasy. On the topic of repairing this kite, Slingshot's warranty department is one of the best. I'm emailing them from an @realwatersports.com email to YMMV but of all the warranty departments I've worked with they are one of the best.

I'm not the only one that is really liking this kite. This kite is super popular for lessons because of its stability, relaunch, and intuitive steering. Virtually everyone that demo's this kite comes back loving it, and a large portion of our staff is riding this kite on a regular basis.
So what's not so good about it? First of all I wouldn’t call it a desert island kite, but I would call it MY desert island kite. When I go on a kite trip I primarily want a kite that does well in the nuking conditions I'm hoping to get, but if I need it to can also foil on a light wind day or ride waves. I think if roughly 90% of riders are honest with themselves, that is exactly what they want out of a kite as well. The Code V2 will foil and ride waves decently, albeit with a bit of a back stall tendency while drifting, but is mostly a twin tipping kite.

The other noticeable shortcoming of this kite is that it loses steering pretty fast as you depower it. All kites do this to some extent since you are effectively taking tension out of the steering lines, but the Code loses steering faster than most other kites I've flown. The good news here is that because the Code V2 is so affordably priced, you can buy 4 of them (and a bar) for the price of 3 kites from other brands. This way you could just switch to a smaller kite instead of depowering.

Last complaint is that this kite loops ok but not great. There are kites that loop faster and recover much faster, but if you are really looking to kite at that level then maybe the NXT is a worthwhile upgrade.

The reality is that in the last year we have entered the era of $3500-$4000 kites…which is gross. Don't get me wrong, every single $3000+ kite that I've flown has been fantastic, and if your budget allows then you should absolutely spend the money and get the best kite possible. But if you want a kite that costs half as much and still delivers 90% of fun then the Code V2 is for you.

I was introduced to the Code V2 a month or so ago and it has quickly become a favorite of mine. When properly powered, it's difficult to beat the smooth, easy feeling that comes with flying this kite. It is responsive but not too touchy; I never feel out of control, even on the 6m in high winds. It also has an impressive ability to boost that can be difficult to find in a three-strut kite, though beware that riding depowered dampens this potential notably. I've progressed a lot in my kiting these past few months, and it never felt like I'd "outgrown" what the Code V2 offers. I would recommend this kite to kiters at all levels, from total beginners to more advanced riders looking for a fun session.

I’ve been writing the code V2 for a few months now. I regularly use it when the wind picks up to 25 to 30 miles an hour, and my go-to kite for big loops is the nine-metre. I’ve absolutely loved this kite. It has enough range to hold down power during gusts and really get you up there when jumping. Jumping is also pretty fast, so the loops are on point, and I can have confidence that the kite will catch me. The kite is well-made, just make sure to remember the valve piece for the pump for your session.

I also like the bag. It has enough space to put a bunch of stuff in there. I really think this is a great go-to kite if you’re into jumping and want something versatile for your progression through all levels.

This kite really punches above its pricepoint and feels close to some more “premium” options out there like Aluula and brainchild competitor models.
This kite is definitely beginner friendly and super easy to fly around the wind window and boosts great with long hang time and super responsive movement in the air.
Only complaint is this kite can lose some steering response and feel sticky when depowered, ride it powered for sure.
Overall really fun fluid smooth and boosty kite that is a fantastic value for the price.
Haven’t tried it but I’d imagine you could surf or foil with it as a 3 strut, the steering and turns are intuitive and responsive.

Having tons of fun with this kite. I’m finding I really enjoy the lighter bar pressure, especially with how easy and intuitive the kite is in the sky. Really stable and easy to fly. Don’t let the ease of use + lighter bar pressure fool you, the kite still has heaps of power. Felt great trying a couple jumps. Definitely a big fan and want some more time with this one.