Slingshot RANGER 2007 User manual

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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
WARNING
DO NOT USETHIS SLINGSHOT PRODUCT UNLESSYOU HAVE
READ AND UNDERSTANDTHESE WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
WHICH ARE FOR YOUR SAFETY AND PROTECTION.THIS
INFORMATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANYTIME.
FOR CURRENT UPDATES, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT:
WWW.SSKITEBOARDING.COM
IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18,YOU SHOULD HAVE
YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN READTHESE WARNINGS AND
INSTRUCTIONS AND SHOULD NOT USETHIS PRODUCT UNLESS
YOU ARE UNDER THE PROPER GUIDANCE AND SUPERVISION OF
SUCH A PERSON.
The use of this product exposes the user to many unavoidable and unexpected
risks, dangers and hazards. The suppliers of this product are not responsible for any
damages to property or any personal injury caused by any use, misuse, abuse, or
irresponsible use of this product.
Kiteboarding is an extreme sport. Power kites, their lines and control equipment can
be dangerous to flyers and to anyone in the vicinity of their use. Kiteboarding must
be taken seriously and we recommend that, at least in the early stages of use, you
seek the guidance of professional instructors and experienced kiteboarders. Improper
and/or unreasonable use of this kite may result in serious injury or death to yourself
and others. Do not use your kite near power lines, airports or streets, and keep your
kite flying lines away from people and obstacles. Always fly in an open area, observe
wind and weather conditions, particularly in circumstances where you may encounter
offshore, onshore winds or strong winds. Do not attempt to use your kite on water
until you are confident and comfortable with the use of a trainer kite on land. Spend
time to become familiar with the operation of your kite and remember that you are
responsible for its operation and for safety of those around you. Do not attach
yourself or tie yourself permanently to the kite lines. The kite is not intended for use
as a flying device nor indeed is it intended as a means of flotation.

2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview&Package............................. 4
Features&Benefits ............................. 6
Safety ....................................... 10
KiteSetup.................................... 16
Launching&Landing........................... 18
Maintenance ................................. 20
Tips ......................................... 22
FreshGoods .................................. 23
Warranty/Disclaimer .......................... 24
Slingshot an industry leader in innovation, quality and overall style constantly push the
envelope to bring you, the rider, products that help you redefine your personal best.
CONTACTS
If you require further assistance, please call, email or visit our website:
www.sskiteboarding.com
Rider Service Line (Toll free in the U.S.): 1-877-775-4832
International Tel.: [phone]
CUSTOMER SERvICE:
Domestic: [email protected]
International: [email protected]

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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
OvERvIEW:
The NEW Slingshot Ranger is a 4 line foil designed for the intermediate
to advance snowkiter who value characteristics such as de-power ability,
performance, durability and convenience. The NEW Ranger meets all of
these needs at an affordable price. The Ranger is ideal for snowkiters who
desire, predictability, smooth power, quick turning and stability. The Ranger
represents the best value in snowkiting for the dedicated snowkiter.
As with all Slingshot kites, the Ranger is built using state of the art manufac-
turing techniques and light weight materials. The Ranger control bar includes
the Lock-N-Load chicken loop, rear brake/relaunch webbing, additional safety
release on the Quick Release Surefire Bungee, colored 20-meter Firewire kite
lines, easy handling leader lines and mega traction bar grip.
INTRODUCING THE NEW 2007 SLINGSHOT RANGER.
SIZES: 9,12 METER

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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
PACKAGE:
Ranger Kite
Slingshot Ranger Control Bar with Auto Park
9 Meter Ranger comes with a 20” bar.
12 Meter Ranger comes with 23” bar.
Colored Firewire 600lb, 20m flying lines
Unique Backcountry kite Backpack
Standard Kite Pigtails Kit “Kook Proof”
Instruction Book
Product Registration Card
Slingshot’s Commitment to Unsurpassed Customer Service
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FEATURES & BENEFITS
Foil kite design - compact and stuffable. No need to inflate
4 line sheet ability
Wingtip pockets - for line storage when kite is not in use
Reinforcement on leading and trailing edge - added durability
Aggressive color scheme - easy visibility in low-light situations
Slingshot’s legendary bomber construction
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Easy-access top-loading cargo
pocket
Bar storage pocket
Hydration system interface
sleeve
Yokestyle padded comfort
shoulder straps - distributes
weight evenly
Backcountry shovel pocket
Backcountry axe pocket
Vertical and Horizontal
snowboard carry straps
Ski carry straps
Convenient side access zip to
the main compartment
Padded back for added comfort
Waist load bearing straps
Dry weave on straps - helps
absorb moisture
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FEATURES & BENEFITS
RANGER CONTROL BAR WITH AUTO PARK
Auto Park Rear line safety brake - redundant safety and reverse
relaunchability
Slingshot’s NEW Direct Drive steering - no pulleys on the bar
NEW 2007 Ranger Carbon Control bar - safety and relaunchability
without deploying the Lock-N-Load chicken loop
Below the bar de-power andTRIM - puts the convenience of front line
power/de-power within the reach of the rider
Active Stopper Ball - on-the-fly adjustment of chicken loop throw elimi
nates bar pressure associated with sheeting in especially in light winds.
NEW stainless steel Power Steering Dug Out - reduces bar pressure,
increases turning speed, and prevents wear and tear on the chicken
loop line
Lock-n-Load Chicken Loop - safe and immediate no load release in any
situation
Colored Firewire kite lines - so you can see them in the snow
Extended Super grip leader lines - easy to grab
Line winders
Removable Donkey Dick
Bar floats
Front Line Depower Handle
Frontline Depower cleat
Quick Release Surefire Bungee Leash
Wire gate carabiner
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SAFETY
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FOR THE SAFETY OF YOU AND THOSE AROUND YOU, PLEASE
READ THE FOLLOWING SAFETY REMINDERS BEFORE OPERATING
YOUR SLINGSHOT KITE.
The use of this equipment could result in risk of serious bodily injury or
death to yourself or those in close proximity to you.
Slingshot strongly recommends that beginners take a lesson from a
certified school.
This product is designed and manufactured for use on land or snow
only.
Slingshot advises that you closely inspect your equipment for signs of
wear and tear before each use. If there are any signs of wear and tear,
replace or repair them immediately. Contact www.sskiteboarding.com
for more information.
Never put yourself in a situation where breakage of any of the compo-
nents would put you or anyone else in danger.
Although these kites have a huge wind range, flying this kite in over
powered condition can be dangerous and is not recommended.
Slingshot strongly recommends using appropriate protective gear.
Make sure you use properly designed and manufactured parts from
reputable suppliers. (Harnesses, helmets, etc)
Study the current conditions and weather forecasts before going out.
Become familiar with any new snowkiting location by talking to the
locals and asking questions. Study the weather conditions and know
your launching and landing zones.
Watch out for other snow users, including snowmobilers, cross-country
skiers, sledders and pets and remember they have the right of way.
Make sure you have your Ranger foil, board, and lines under control at
all times.
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Use the buddy system by riding with a buddy. Before snowkiting,
always let someone know where you will be riding and when you plan
to return.
Keep your eye on the constantly changing conditions. Always go back
if there is a significant change in the weather.
As you learn the sport, work within your own limitations and do not
exceed them.
Do not alter or modify any Slingshot products.
Slingshot has designed this foil for snowkiters averaging 175 pounds.
The minimum weight of a rider using this kite is 105 pounds. The maxi-
mum weight is 220 pounds.
Refer to these instructions for future reference.
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SAFETY
Getting Started: Always begin your session by making sure all lines are free
of knots and tangles. Check your bar and make sure there are no cuts or
rips in the chicken loop rope. IMPORTANT: Make sure your Quick Release
Lock-n-load chicken loop is secure.
INSTANT DEPOWER: The Ranger Control Bar includes the Lock-n-Load
Quick Release chicken loop and rear line Auto Park Brake/Relaunch Webbing.
This webbing is used to deliver instant depower to your Ranger foil. You
can either connect your leash to brake line for instant depower or it can be
easily grabbed and pulled to begin instant depower. For beginner riders
we encorage you to connect your leash to the Auto Park Brake/Relaunch
Webbing. TIP: You can connect your Quick Release Surefire Bungee leash
to your Surefire Spreader Bar to avoid bungee tangle when spinning your
bar and doing tricks.
SUREFIRE SPREADER BAR Safety SYSTEM IN ACTION:
POST AND PRE SAFETY CHECK LIST
It is very important that you inspect all your equipment before and after
every use. Replace worn or damaged parts immediately. Contact your local
dealer or log onto www.sskiteboarding.com for more information or parts
replacement.
Check your Ranger foil for cuts, holes, and visible wear and tear.
Check your bridles for knots, cuts, tangles, and worn out pulleys.
Make sure your Lock-N-Load Chicken Loop is secure and engaged.
Check your chicken loop rope for excessive wear.
Check your flying lines for knots and excessive wear. Replace if
damaged, change the corresponding side to maintain even line length.
Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions and never fly further than
you are willing to walk back.
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SAFETY
OvERPOWERED
If you become overpowered and start to get pulled off your edge, you can
grab your front line depower handle and pull until you feel more on your
edge and in control. If your TRIM is not doing the job and you are still over-
powered switch to a smaller size foil or end your session.
WIND RANGE “RECOMMENDED”
WIND WINDOW
YOU WILL GET MORE POWER IFYOU FLY YOUR FOIL
IN THE CENTER “HOTSPOT” OF THE WIND WINDOW.

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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SAFETY
REBOOTING: LOCK-N-LOAD CHICKEN LOOP
STEPS:
Feed the safety pin through the opening next to the safety release knob.
Fold the safety pin over and pull back the safety release knob at the
same time.
Feed the safety pin into the opening at the end of the safety release
knob, and release the knob. Pull on the chicken loop to make sure it is
rebooted properly.
SUREFIRE BUNGEE LEASH
ATTACHMENT
STEP 1
Make sure the end of the Quick
Release Surefire Bungee Leash,
with the red handle closest to the
rider, is attached to a metal ring
or secure place on your harness
using the stainless steel wire gate
carabiner.
STEP 2
The other stainless steel carabiner
attaches to the Auto Park Brake/
Relaunch Webbing.
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SAFETY
QUICK RELEASE BUNGEE
IMPORTANT: Completely releasing
your kite is the last resort for safety.
Your kite can fly downwind into
objects and people causing harm.
In the event that your lines get tangled
in such a way that your safety system
does not effectively depower your kite,
you can completely release the kite by
pulling the red handle towards you on
your quick release bungee.
REBOOTING BUNGEE LEASH
STEP 1
Insert the front half of stainless steel
oval ring in the Amsteel loop.
STEP 2
Fold the oval stainless steel ring over
the Amsteel loop and secure the end
of the stainless steel oval ring into the
plastic tubing of the red safety handle.
STEP 3
Grasp the red safety handle and pull
it over the stainless steel oval ring
and continue to pull down until it rest
securely against the round plastic
ball. Double check that your surefire
bungee leash is seated properly by
pulling to the outside of the red handle
on both sides.
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
KITE SETUP:
Choose a safe location to fly your Ranger foil.
Connect your pigtail kit to Ranger the bridle ends. Connect gray loop-
loop pig tails to leading edge. Connect White pigtail on right side trailing
edge and Red pigtail to left side trailing edge.
When flying your Ranger on land, look for wide open areas such as
valleys, beaches, fields, and parks that are void of power lines, trees, fences
and bridges.
STRONG WINDS:
Unroll your Ranger and position
the Ranger at the edge of the wind
window, with the trailing edge of
the foil facing into the wind. Lay
the Ranger on its back with bridle
lines facing upward, and put some
snow, kite sandbag or weight on
the trailing edge of the foil so that it
won’t flutter away when you secure
your lines.
LIGHT WINDS:
Unroll your Ranger and position
the Ranger at the front of the wind
window, with the trailing edge of
the foil facing in to the wind. Lay
the Ranger on its back with bridle
lines facing upward, and put some
snow, kite sandbag or weight on
the trailing edge of the foil so that it
won’t flutter away when you secure
your lines.
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
4. Place your bar on the ground
upwind of your Ranger foil. Walk
out and separated your lines
to make sure that they are not
crossed. Lay out your tailing edge
lines to the outside and then lay
out your leading edge lines in the
middle.
5. With your lines separated and your kite in place you are now ready to
attach your lines to your Ranger.
6. Locate leading and trailing bridle ends found in the Ranger WingTip
Pocket. IMPORTANT: Before attaching flying lines to Ranger make sure lead-
ing edge and trailing edge bridles are not tangled. If there are tangles then
untangle bridle by unlooping bridle lines.
7. Attach leading edge lines first
to ensure there are no crossed lines
then you can attach trailing edge
lines. Use Larks head connections
to secure Ranger to control bar.

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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
LAUNCHING AND LANDING
Check to make sure the flying
area is clear and safe. Make sure
there are no cars, trees, power lines,
fences or people downwind of you
or in your wind window. TIP: When
launching place your active stopper
ball as far as it can go away from
you for full depower range. Step
back and tension the lines. Once
you have tension in your lines, do
a safety check to make sure you
have attached your Quick Release
Surefire Bungee to your Auto Park
Brake/Relaunch Webbing. Gently
pull the Ranger off the ground. It
might take a couple tugs to open
up the foil cells to enable flight. Get
ready! Each cell in the Ranger will
fill with air. Once you see each cell
inflated, tension the lines until the
Ranger takes off. Fly your kite to the
12 o’ clock position keeping it at the
edge of the wind window and of the
power zone.
Use the control bar to steer the kite either left or right. Tip: Do not steer
the control bar like a steering wheel on a car. It won’t work! This is the
number one mistake made by novice kiters. To avoid this, think like a boxer.
To go right: pull right punch left. To go left: pull left and punch right. Make
all movements smoothly and try to time the control bar movements in the
directions you want the Ranger to fly. Continuing to pull on one side will
cause the kite to loop and go right into the power zone. Foils need tension
from the lines to fly. In light wind keep the foil moving.
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
LAUNCHING AND LANDING
REvERSE RE-LAUNCH
Ranger facing Leading Edge
Down
Unhook from the chicken loop
and grab the Auto Park Brake/
Relaunch Webbing.
The Ranger will begin to
reverse launch
Once the Ranger is air born,
grab one of the trailing edge leader
lines and pull before landing again.
This will enable the Ranger to turn
over to its correct side Leading
Edge Up and enable you to cor-
rectly relaunch it.
LANDING YOUR RANGER
Before you start landing your Ranger, make sure your landing area
is clear and safe to land. This includes the space between you and your
Ranger. Make sure there are no obstructions, people or pets in the landing
area. TIP: When landing place your Active Stopper Ball as far as it can go
away from you for full depower range.
HIGH WINDS: Starting from the 12:00 neutral position, fly your kite
to the edge of the wind window, steering it to the level of 5 feet from the
ground. If you’re landing site is not adequate or your situation changes
slowly bring the kite back to 12:00 neutral position. If it is all clear, con-
tinue down until one edge slightly touches the ground. At this point, walk
forward to put slack in the lines. The Ranger will now lay on its back. After
landing walk up your lines and keep tension on trailing edge brake lines to
prevent the Ranger from being blown away.
MEDIUM TO LIGHT WINDS: Starting from the 12:00 neutral position pull
the Auto Park Brake/Relaunch Webbing. This will stall the foil and reverse
the kite to fall gently to the ground. Keep control bar horizontal to ensure
that the Ranger descends correctly.
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2007 RANGER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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MAINTENANCE
One of the best ways to preserve your Ranger is packing it away “right and tight”
after each use or later on that day.
PACKING YOUR RANGER: Lay the Ranger on its back, at a 90 degree angle to the
wind. It is helpful to secure it with a little snow or weight. Undo your flying lines, and
secure your leading and trailing edge bridle knots. Then place them into your Ranger
wing tip pockets. This will prevent your bridle knots from looping into the bridle and
creating tangles. Fold the windward tip towards the center keeping all bridle lines to
the inside. Fold the other tip all the way over. Repeat this process for the opposite
side. Fold the Ranger in half again and place in your Ranger’s Backcountry Backpack.
TIP: Always flat folds for longer “Like new look”. Do not store your kite wet.
OR
Wind your control lines on your bar in a figure 8. Once you have the lines wound up
to the bridle on the kite. Fold each wing tip to the center of the foil until it is about the
length of the bar and begin to fold bar inside Ranger.
If your Ranger is wet follow the same procedures previously explained; however
when you get home simply unpack the Ranger and let it fully dry before storage.
Store your Ranger in a dry place.
Always check your equipment for wear and tear before using it and repair or replace
accordingly.