Wave / Strapless / Foil Crossover
2026 Slingshot Fuse Kiteboarding Kite
Deep drift, instant redirects and clean depower for riders who want to surf the wave—not manage the kite.
The 2026 Slingshot Fuse is a dedicated wave kite developed from the ground up with legendary wave rider Ben Wilson. Its wave-specific leading-edge placement, compact wingtips and four-point Deep Drift Bridle help the kite stay where you position it, follow naturally as you ride down the line and respond immediately when the next section demands a redirect.
Smooth power delivery and clean depower let you release pull when carving, while fast pivot turns make it easy to reposition the kite for bottom turns, top turns and downloops. It is built primarily for wave riding and strapless surf, with useful crossover performance for freeride and kite foiling.
- Dedicated Wave Kite
- Three-Strut FrameLITE Airframe
- Four-Point Deep Drift Bridle
- 90% Manufacturer Drift Rating
- Sizes 5–12m
Why Choose This Kite?
Wave-First Performance
Choose the Fuse when your priority is riding waves with less kite management. It drifts as you ride toward it, helping you stay focused on rail pressure, board placement and the next section.
Fast, Controlled Placement
Compact wingtips and an official 80% turning-speed rating give the Fuse quick pivot turns and immediate redirects. It re-engages rapidly after a turn, hit or downloop.
Clean Depower on the Face
Power builds smoothly and switches off cleanly when you need slack. That helps prevent the kite from pulling you away from the wave during powered bottom turns or gusty sections.
Tunable Bar Feel
Three wingtip settings allow you to choose more bar pressure and a slower, direct response; balanced medium pressure; or the stock low-pressure setting with quicker steering and easier relaunch.
Windance recommendation: The Fuse is an excellent choice for confident wave and strapless riders who want maximum drift, fast redirection and dependable depower. Choose another model if Big Air, freestyle or beginner progression is your main goal.
An All-New Dedicated Wave Platform
Slingshot describes the Fuse as an all-new kite developed specifically for wave performance. It is not simply an all-around freeride kite with surf-friendly settings. Its structure, leading-edge position, bridle and wingtip design are tuned around what riders need on a wave: drift, predictable control, rapid positioning and clean depower.
Developed with Ben Wilson
Development focused on keeping the kite composed while riding down the line, shutting off power when slack is needed and redirecting instantly for critical sections.
Engineered Leading-Edge Placement
The wave-specific leading-edge position helps the Fuse remain where it is placed and support the deep, stable drift required when the rider moves toward the kite.
Deep Drift Bridle
A four-point bridle supports predictable placement, deep down-the-line drift and rapid re-engagement when steering input returns.
Compact Wingtips
The compact wingtip design supports tight pivot turns and fast redirection without requiring large sweeping steering movements.
How the Slingshot Fuse Rides
Wave and Strapless Riding
This is the Fuse’s strongest discipline. Slingshot gives it a maximum 5/5 surf and strapless rating. It drifts naturally when line tension reduces, depowers cleanly and responds quickly when you need to reposition it.
Freeride
A 4/5 freeride rating shows that the Fuse remains useful outside the waves. Its predictable power and responsive steering suit cruising, carving and directional-board freeride, although jumping is not its main purpose.
Kite Foiling
The Fuse can link swell and drift while foiling, with an official 3/5 foil and light-wind rating. Choose it for wave-foil crossover; choose the Ghost V4 when minimum weight and marginal-wind efficiency are the priority.
Jumping and Loops
Fast redirection makes downloops and transitional loops intuitive, but the Fuse is not a Big Air kite. Slingshot rates lift at 40% and hangtime at 2/5, confirming its wave-first focus.
Turning, Bar Pressure, Depower, Relaunch and Drift
Turning Speed
Slingshot rates turning speed at 80%. The Fuse pivots quickly and cleanly, then re-engages for the next maneuver rather than continuing through a wide, slow turn.
Bar Pressure
The manufacturer rating is 50%, indicating a medium baseline feel. Wingtip settings let you increase or reduce pressure while also changing steering speed and directness.
Depower
Power comes on smoothly and shuts off cleanly when the bar is released. This helps create slack on the wave face and keeps the kite predictable through gusty or rapidly changing conditions.
Relaunch
Slingshot identifies the stock C wingtip setting as the quickest-response option and the best setting for the easiest relaunch. Correct line tension remains important, particularly in lighter wind.
Drift
With a 90% drift rating, the Fuse is designed to remain composed when you ride toward it. This reduces unwanted pull and lets the kite follow you through down-the-line sections.
Boosting and Hangtime
The Fuse can jump, but lift and extended float are secondary. Riders primarily chasing boosting, hangtime or aggressive aerial progression should choose the Code V2 or Machine V3.
Construction and Technology
Three-Strut FrameLITE Airframe
The three-strut layout balances structure with the responsive handling and drift required from a dedicated wave kite. Slingshot identifies the airframe construction as FrameLITE.
Four-Point Deep Drift Bridle
Bridle placement is designed to help the kite sit where it is positioned, drift deeper and re-engage immediately for redirects and downloops.
DLE 135 Trailing-Edge Reinforcement
Dedicated trailing-edge reinforcement supports long-term stability in a high-load area while helping the canopy retain consistent performance session after session.
4X4 Canopy Tech
Slingshot’s 4X4 Canopy Tech is used to give the Fuse a durable, dependable canopy structure suited to repeated wave, freeride and foil sessions.
Rider Customization System
Wingtip tuning changes bar pressure, turning speed and kite-to-bar feedback, letting riders adapt the Fuse to different wave conditions and personal preferences.
High-Pressure Inflation Valve
The high-pressure valve supports straightforward inflation and a firm, properly pressurized airframe before launching.
Fuse Construction: One Purpose-Built Version
The 2026 model is offered simply as the Fuse. Slingshot does not divide it into standard, Pro, NXT or Ultra versions. Every Fuse combines the FrameLITE airframe, four-point Deep Drift Bridle, DLE 135 trailing-edge reinforcement, 4X4 Canopy Tech and Rider Customization System.
This keeps the buying decision straightforward: choose the Fuse for its dedicated wave shape and handling—not for a premium suffix or alternate construction package.
Fuse vs. Other Slingshot Kites
| Model | Primary Purpose | Construction and Shape | Performance Character | Why Choose It? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuse | Dedicated wave, strapless surf and wave-foil crossover | Three-strut FrameLITE platform, compact wingtips and four-point Deep Drift Bridle | Maximum surf focus, 90% drift, fast pivot turns, clean depower and tunable bar pressure | Choose the Fuse when wave riding is your priority and you want the kite to drift, depower and redirect with minimal management. |
| Ghost V4 | Beginner progression, light wind, freeride, surf and foil | Single luff-strut FrameLITE construction with TrimFlight bridle | Light in the sky and at the bar, smooth low-end power, easy placement and confidence-focused relaunch | Choose the Ghost V4 for beginner-friendly handling, marginal-wind efficiency, easy relaunch or a lightweight travel quiver. |
| Code V2 | All-around freeride, progression, jumping, loops, surf and foil | Three-strut lightweight platform with an Open-C hybrid freeride shape | Smooth predictable power, supportive lift, dependable catch and broad crossover performance | Choose the Code V2 when you want one versatile kite for freeride and jumping with occasional surf or foil sessions. |
| SST V7 | Wave and freeride | Lighter, more rigid Dacron frame with sizes extending down to 4m | Tight turns and strong drift from Slingshot’s established SST wave platform | Choose the SST V7 for its proven legacy wave feel, available 4m size or closeout value. Choose the Fuse for Slingshot’s latest ground-up wave design and adjustable response. |
Simple decision: Fuse for dedicated wave performance; Ghost V4 for easy progression and light wind; Code V2 for all-around freeride and jumping; SST V7 for legacy wave performance and value.
Who Is the Slingshot Fuse Best For?
Best Match
- Wave and down-the-line kiteboarding
- Strapless surfboard riders
- Riders who prioritize drift and depower
- Fast redirects in critical wave sections
- Directional-board freeride and carving
- Wave and swell kite foiling
Consider Another Kite For
- First-kite beginner progression
- Maximum light-wind efficiency
- Unhooked freestyle
- Big Air boosting and long hangtime
- Competition racing
- A jump-focused one-kite freeride quiver
Recommended skill level: Best for confident progressing, intermediate and advanced riders who are already comfortable controlling a kite in surf. Beginners should consider the Ghost V4, which Slingshot specifically positions as an easy-to-use progression kite.
Official Sizes and Sizing Guidance
| Available Sizes | Official Selection Guidance |
|---|---|
| 5m, 6m, 7m, 8m, 9m, 10m and 12m | Choose according to rider weight, board type and local wind range. Adjust for your skill and conditions. If you are between sizes, size down for more control or size up for more power. |
Slingshot Conditions Rating
| Conditions | Manufacturer Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Light Wind | Medium | Useful foil and freeride crossover, but not a dedicated light-wind specialist. |
| Medium Wind | Strong | Excellent range for wave riding, carving and controlled strapless performance. |
| Strong Wind | Strong | Clean depower and predictable control support demanding, changing wave conditions. |
Official Manufacturer Performance Ratings
| Attribute | Slingshot Rating | Rider Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Lift | 40% | Sufficient for transitions and casual jumps, but not tuned for maximum boosting. |
| Loop | 75% | Fast redirection supports downloops and quick repositioning in the surf. |
| Drift | 90% | The defining Fuse advantage for riding down the line and toward the kite. |
| Turning Speed | 80% | Quick pivot turns help place the kite precisely in critical sections. |
| Bar Pressure | 50% | Medium baseline feedback with adjustable pressure and response at the wingtips. |
Discipline Ratings
| Discipline | Rating |
|---|---|
| Surf / Strapless | 5/5 |
| Freeride | 4/5 |
| Looping | 3/5 |
| Foil / Light Wind | 3/5 |
| Hangtime | 2/5 |
| Freestyle | 1/5 |
Wingtip Tuning Settings
| Setting | Bar Pressure | Steering | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | More | Slower with a more direct kite-to-bar feel | Riders who want stronger feedback and deliberate steering |
| B | Medium | Balanced turning speed and feedback | All-around wave and freeride use |
| C — Stock | Less | Quickest response | Fast wave handling and the easiest relaunch |
What’s Included?
- 2026 Slingshot Fuse kite
- Kite bag
- Quick Start Guide
- Bladder patch kit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Slingshot Fuse a beginner kite?
The Fuse is a dedicated wave kite rather than Slingshot’s primary beginner model. Confident progressing riders can appreciate its predictable depower, but the Ghost V4 is the stronger recommendation for first-kite progression and easy relaunch.
Is the Fuse good for strapless wave riding?
Yes. Strapless surf is its primary discipline, with a maximum 5/5 manufacturer rating. Its drift, fast pivot turns and clean depower are specifically intended for riding waves.
Can I use the Fuse for kite foiling?
Yes. Slingshot specifically describes the Fuse as suitable for linking swell on a foil and gives it a 3/5 foil and light-wind rating. The Ghost V4 remains the better choice for dedicated marginal-wind foil efficiency.
Does the Fuse have adjustable bar pressure?
Yes. Three wingtip settings adjust bar pressure, steering speed and feedback. The stock C setting provides less pressure, quick response and the easiest relaunch.
Is the Fuse good for Big Air?
Big Air is not its intended purpose. Its official ratings emphasize drift and turning rather than lift and hangtime. Choose the Code V2 for versatile jumping or the Machine V3 for dedicated boost and float.
What size Fuse should I choose?
Base your selection on rider weight, board type and local wind. Slingshot recommends sizing down for more control or sizing up for more power when you fall between two sizes.