From Winners to Beginners! | 2024 Slingshot Code NXT V1 Aluula Kite

Dustin is here to share his thoughts about the new 2024 Slingshot Code NXT, along with... Jeff? As you may know, Jeff used to kite a lot, but now is primarily a wingfoiler. So what's so special about this kite that it was able to pull him away from his wing for a session?

What is the Code NXT?

The Code NXT is Slingshot's new school big air Aluula kite. What's so new about it? Big air is dominated by five-strut kites, but the use of Aluula allows the Code to move to just three struts. It's lightweight and stiff, and it's already a champion kite: shout-out to Jeremy Burlando!

Dustin's First Impressions

Dustin fell in love with the Code NXT right out of the box. Despite the gusty, subpar conditions, it was intuitive and easy to control. He was on the 12m in 16-22 knots, which is a wide, challenging range, but it handled the low and high end very well.

He felt it had a lot of possibilities, not just as a big air kite, but as a freeride kite in general. It had medium bar pressure, which he loves since you always know right where the kite is. It downlooped very quickly, and he's excited to get out on it again once the summer doldrums are over in Michigan and he can ride in high end conditions.

Jeff's First Impressions

Even though Jeff hadn't been on a kite in a while, he felt quite comfortable on the Code NXT, which is a good barometer for a kite's intuitiveness. Even though it's designed and marketed as a big air kite, he thought that other customers shouldn't be steered away from it.

He was impressed by how stable it was in the sky with a nice, even pull despite the gusty conditions. He did a few downloops (he only crashed once!) and those had an even pull all the way through the loop.

The arcing shape of the Code NXT did remind him of his early days in kiting with C kites. With the Aluula leading edge and struts, the frame was very stiff and held its shape despite the punchiness of the wind. It felt really smooth, and that's a good thing since those are conditions you're going to encounter in big air.

As long as he was in kiting mode, he rode a 12m in another brand, and the Code stood apart in how incredible the low-end was. Jeff was even able to send the kite and it felt really good. A lot of people get into kiting to be able to jump high, and the Code delivered in spite of the conditions.

Jeff agreed with Dustin's assessment of the medium bar pressure, but he felt they could have been on a little longer bar that day. However, the self-untwisting feature really shone and Jeff appreciated not having to think about that, even when he kept looping the kite in the same direction. The diameter was also just right and felt good in his hands.

He thought it was interesting how loud the kite was as it looped, yet it didn't chatter or flutter, and it couldn't be felt in the bar.

Features and Characteristics

It didn't have much backstall in the lulls even though it sits a bit further forward in the window. It looked like it was parked there. It wasn't super far forward like other kites that can drive really far forward, but with Aluula you do want it to be at least a little out in front.

One big difference for the Code NXT is the high pressure valve. An attachment is included for it. The reason for the change is partly so that nothing gets caught on the valve, and also because it's the fastest inflation and deflation system. If you pair this with the Ride Engine Airbox, you'll be on the water in no time at all.

The Code NXT is available in a nice range of sizes without going overboard: 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14m. While it's a great kite for anyone, it's definitely designed with the pros in mind. Still, Jeff didn't feel at all intimidated by it despite not having been on a kite in a while. You just want to be sure to commit when you start to loop. It does have a nice, steady pull all the way through, but it doesn't pivot very quickly. This is what allows people to go big, though.

Summary

In spite of being only a three-strut kite, it held its shape very well thanks to the Aluula. It handles the high-end well; this was a 12m in winds gusting up to 23 or 24 knots. Normally you'd want to be on a 9m in those conditions, but for big air you need a kite that feels at home when it's powered up, and the Code NXT does. It had good lift and float, which is critical in a big air kite. If you want a kite that will let you go big, but also work as a do-it-all kite, the Slingshot Code NXT nails it.

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