The New 2011 Slingshot product line is far from the normal graphics companies are using these days. Can you describe the look that slingshot went for this year and who designed all the artwork?

No doubt the graphics this year are going to blow people away! We knew that 3d was hot, so we went ahead and incorporated it into our boards! You can literally see depth in the board because the graphics are printed in layers, so when you look inside, the core is the deepest part of the graphic (wood grain), then the first layer of ink is printed, and then every other layer goes on top of that so that the last layer of ink printed is on top of the rest and looks to be jumping off the board!

As far as the designers go, we went with Zach Johnsen of Zenvironments.com for all of the line apart from the "ballistic" series which was done by team rider Mike Ennen. We are stoked to offer two completely different styles of art within the line to ensure that everyone who looks at the 2011 line finds a board that they are dying to take home and tuck into bed next to them. haha.



Is it true that slingshot will finally have boots for 2011? They look pretty R.A.D whats the deal with them?

Yes. How R.A.D. is it that the new boots are here!? We switched to an entirely new boot platform for 2011 that allows the rider to literally stand on the surface of the wakeboard. I've never felt more connected and in control of my board than I do with the R.A.D. boot because it is 100% baseless. Obviously there is a soul on the liners to provide the proper amount of cushion under your feet, but that's it. When you remove the liners from the boot you are looking at the wakeboard graphic inside the shell of the boot. It's totally R.A.D.! Plus all the winch mobbers and cable rats can cruise the shorelines in their liners protecting their feet from the sometimes brutal surfaces you don't want to face with bare feet.

We are also proud to announce the release of our "Option" boot for this year which is an open toe velcro boot for ultimate simplicity, comfort, and support all offered at an affordable price. Your feet are gonna be stoked this year! Mine are so happy they finally stopped sweating and smelling when I wear boat shoes.

What board will you be riding in 2011?

Well the Response has always been my baby because I am hooked on the continuous rocker, but you may see me dable a bit with the Newton as well (part of our ballistic line) because it's also a continuos board with a similar shape to the response but a bit more rigid. It might just come down to whichever board matches better with my vest. haha.

All the slingshot boards are built for wake riding but the new Ballistics line seems to be even more tailored for boat riding. Can you give us the scoop on that line?

Yeah the Ballistic series is all new and features 3 different models in 2 sizes each for a grand total of 6 boards all with custom artwork designed my our newest team rider, Mike Ennen. They're the most explosive wake riding boards we have ever built. They feature solid wood cores with carbon capped rails running throughout the length which make them super rigid. They're definitely the stiffest boards we've built while still falling into the "flex" category. The ballistic line is ideal for the the "weary" ones who are used to stiff cores. They're basically like the gateway drug to bring everyone into the world of Flex. haha!

The new track system that slingshot is using looks interesting what are the benefits over traditional mounting?

For 2011 All of the Slingshot boards feature our new "Fastrack" mounting system which basically allows for endless stance options when it comes to mounting the boots. It's super sleek looking and outperforms any other system I've used. We used to be hooked on the four hole pattern because it eliminated toe and heel lift, but the new RAD boots have such a rigid plate (from toe to heel) that we don't have to worry about it anymore, so endless stance options was the best choice. Plus now it's SUPER easy to mount up the boots...just 4 screws and your ready to ride!



The overall build quality of the new 2011 boards seems even higher then already high quality boards from the past. Are there any key features like sidewalls and things that potential customers might want to know about?

Yeah well first off all of our boards are made in the USA which means we have total quality control over each board we make. As far as the sidewalls go we switched to full urethane sidewalls for 2011 that are 100 % seem-less. They feel much like a skate wheel does and offer full protection for the core of your board with no worries about them ever cracking!

What do you tell someone who is afraid to take the plunge into riding a "flex" board behind the boat?

Ride a ballistic board. There's only one way to find out if it really is "the future" so stop worrying about who said what and just ride one. Then send us an email describing your first experience. At Slingshot we love hearing from the riders themselves!

Anything we can look forward to from slingshot in 2011 other then boards and boots?

Yeah check out the arcane wakesurfer. It's a REAL surfboard, not a corndog shaped skimboard for old slugs. Take some turns and feel the burn cause the thing rips! I have one in a custom 5'8" size and it's the only board I take to the beach anymore. If it rips in the surf you know it will rock on the boat too. Also look for some new accessories such as ropes and handles to hit the market in the near future.