Tech Focus: Slingshot Joystick Bar

Foil fanatics and light-wind enthusiasts, check this out! Slingshot has launched a minimalist control bar that is the perfect pair for kite foiling. Fred Hope gives us the inside scoop on what went into creating the Joystick bar in this Q&A!

At first glance, the Joystick V1 has a simple, minimalist look. But it's clear that each design choice was made consciously. What characteristics should a bar that is marketed to foiling and surfing have?

The Joystick boasts an exceptionally minimal design for a bar, ensuring optimal safety without compromising on essential systems. Catering to the demands of foiling, we've crafted lighter line specifications to reduce drag. The incorporation of thinner tubes contributes to a more balanced kite experience for the rider. Additionally, the bar diameter has been minimized, capitalizing on the lower forces associated with kitefoiling and surfing, thus preventing "arm pump" and enhancing overall comfort.

In our pursuit of a more streamlined design, we removed the depower feature and significantly reduced the PU tubing thickness. This not only sheds considerable weight but also aligns with our "More Feel From Less Weight" philosophy. Notably, our PU tubes feature a flagging line without the traditional bungee, opting for a static line that smoothly pulls through in case of emergencies. This design choice minimizes potential snags and eliminates concerns related to bungee twisting or stretching, common issues found in many bars on the market today.

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Moving to the release system, we've maintained the SURESHOT system, underscoring our unwavering commitment to safety in kiteboarding. Despite this emphasis on safety, we've managed to incorporate a smaller chicken loop, bringing all components closer to the rider. This adjustment not only enhances safety but also provides riders with an expanded range of throw for their kite.

There is no depower cleat on the Joystick, which is something many kiters have never encountered before. However, this bar allows for maximum depower. How does depowering the kite work without the traditional depower cleat or strap?

No depower? It might sound wild, but let's break it down. Ever fully depowered your kite while out on the water? Notice how it becomes sluggish in response and handles lulls poorly? I've been there, and it led me to a realization. I gradually stopped using my depower to the extent that the rope crystallized within the cleat, refusing to budge. What I'm driving at is that once you acknowledge that depowering compromises your gear's performance, you reconsider its use. Instead, opt for a smaller kite that responds swiftly, relaunches seamlessly, and lets you steer as you're accustomed to. Why stick with depowering when sizing down delivers a superior experience?

The mindset shifts to this: If I find myself so overpowered that I need to depower the kite, I'm on the wrong kite. It's not crazy—it's about refusing to compromise on water performance.

For the kiters that are used to using a traditional depower system to trim their kites, how can they adjust their setup to get the feeling of more or less power with the Joystick bar?

No adjustments needed; just switch to a slider rope or a metal loop on your spreader bar. This not only brings the bar closer to your body but also extends your reach up the bar. With the Joystick, be prepared to experience everything that was previously dampened by your standard control bar. Get ready for heightened sensitivity and a more direct connection to the kite.

Did you test several line options before choosing the Variable FlyTech lines? What aspects of these lines made it the final choice? 

After relying on the legacy white lines for years, we made a significant shift to the SK99 line, inspired by our positive experience with it on a prototype bar a couple of years ago. Contrasting with the rectangular shape of our previous front white lines, the SK99 lines are now round and notably thinner yet maintain exceptional strength. This design minimizes drag, offering a more streamlined and efficient performance. While the SK99 lines may come with a slightly higher cost, we believe that you get what you pay for, and the enhanced quality justifies the investment.

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Is the Joystick bar compatible with kites from other brands? 

Certainly, it's compatible. Virtually every bar on the market today is interchangeable, although you might need to adjust the pigtails accordingly. The Joystick is designed to provide the same benefits for other kite brands as it does for the UFO, enhancing your feel of the kite and offering limitless throw.

Are there any Slingshot kite models or riding styles that you would advise against using with the Joystick bar?

When it comes to big air, the Joystick may not be the ideal choice. While it can be used for jumping and looping on a twin tip, we recommend against it. For activities that involve higher loads, such as big air, we suggest opting for the Sentry V2, which is specifically engineered to handle such demands.

The Joystick looks like the perfect pairing for a kite like the UFO. What other kites in the Slingshot range would you pair with the Joystick bar over the Sentry? 

The experience with the Joystick depends on your skill level. In my personal opinion, every Slingshot kite feels better on the Joystick, although not everyone may be comfortable with the longer throw. As mentioned earlier, it's important to note that we don't particularly recommend using the Joystick for big air.

What goes into designing a minimalist bar? Do you start with a bar like the Sentry and look at what you can take away? Or do you start with a blank slate and look at only what elements you need to make this bar?

The development of this bar spanned a considerable period. You can trace the evolution back to March 2018 through images featuring a bar stripped down to its bare essentials. Over the course of my kitefoiling journey, you'll notice the progressive updates. I experimented with various configurations, reaching a point where the bar lacked a safety feature (much to my mom's dismay), utilized a 2005 Mickey Mouse swivel, featured lighter lines both front and back, and had looser floats on the bar ends. I consistently rode with a small chicken loop and a rope spreader.

The decision to create a product brief marked the beginning of the bar's journey to the market. It took substantial time to identify the optimal materials and diameters for the bar, lines, tubes, and floats. Today, what we have is the culmination of over five years of experimentation—a testament to the dedication and refinement that went into bringing this bar to fruition.

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What types of tests are done to ensure the system works safely in all conditions? How much testing is required before the product is ready for the market?

Our testing process is rigorous and comprehensive. We subject the bars to numerous challenges, conducting sand tests, leaving them in the sun, intentionally tangling them in the water, and treating them as roughly as possible. In some instances, I've thrown the bar down my driveway to assess how the grip holds up. We deliberately refrain from freshwater washes for extended periods, pushing the limits of durability. Additionally, we ride much harder than typical use to evaluate how the lines handle stress, including performing advanced tricks like the Around the World, which stresses the lines in ways most customers wouldn't reach.

These extensive tests are vital to ensure that before a product hits the market, it undergoes thorough examination. We aim to prevent scenarios where a bar inadvertently releases on the customer or has hidden wear points that could lead to breakage, posing risks to the rider. In our testing, safety and durability are paramount, representing the foundational pillars that guide our product development.

What is your favorite thing about the Joystick V1?

What I truly appreciate about the Joystick is how it completes the entire package. Beginning with the UFO and followed by the Hope Craft, the addition of the Joystick to our kitefoil line brings together the optimal sensations in foiling. While many products may function adequately, the UFO/Hope Craft/Joystick combination stands out as the best in the industry. It's the culmination of a carefully crafted lineup that delivers unparalleled performance and exceptional foiling.