Spreading The Love: Kahoona Competition Thread.

[sq225917]

Win A Kahoona: 'Spreading The Love' competition

The only thing we love more than riding new kites at Best Kiteboarding is prize giveaways. With the new Kahoona due to land at the beginning of March, we thought we'd offer a few lucky riders the chance to win themselves a brand new Kahoona before the launch date.

To get your hands on the new Kahoona before it goes on sale, all you have to do is put pen to paper and review your current Best kite. We don't care if you ride an old Yarga, a Waroo, or even the Twister Techtm equipped Nemesis HP.All we want you to do is tell us, and everyone else, what you really think about it.

To help you get started, we've prepared a simple template you can use to create your review. Just fill in each section, telling us what you think ... good, bad or ugly ... and post your review in the competition threads on the Best Forum or on Kite-Forum.

Potential winners will be selected by Best from all the entries posted online by the 13th of February. The top-ten reviews will then go forward for a public vote on the 14th, where you get to decide the ultimate winners from the final selection.

If you want to be in with a chance of winning yourself one of the very first Kahoona kites, before they go on sale, click the link to download the review template, write your review, post it online from Thursday 22nd Jan and start 'Spreading the Love.’




Thread unlocked..[/b]


http://www.bestkiteboarding.com/site/09 ... mplate.doc

[sq225917]

First out of the box arriving by email is none other than DPurdy, setting the standard...

Kite Model: 2009 Nemesis HP
Kite size: 10M
Bar: 45” and 55” 23M lines – A-A on kite
Riding conditions: Open ocean waves and chop
Rider Weight: 170lbs
Board: Crazy Fly LE 125x39

Kite Package:

The bag is functional but not perfect. It is big (easily get two kites in it) and easy to pack backpack. I like the fact that the mesh insert zipper stops at the bag as then when it jams, you can still use the bag. I liked the removable ‘hat’ from the 08 bag. My personal suggestion is to make the sleeve completely removable. It could be used as a day bag or lightweight travel bag and those that don’t want it can just take it out without cutting the bag.

The pump is the standard smaller pump. I prefer the larger pump that came with the Bularoo. Also since the Nemesis HP takes a lot of pressure a thinner diameter pump would be nice. I prefer the slingshot gauge which has a one way valve; it gives a better pressure reading as the pump leaks too much to get a decent reading without the valve.

Build Quality and finish:

The kite is very well made with reinforcements in the right place but not so much that it weighs too much. The twister tech is very interesting you can see it does twist, even more than the Dacron. It also bends and kind of reminds me of a backbone with disks. I was concerned about the stitching that is crossing the very flexible twister tech but it seems to be holding up quite well.

I have noticed that some of the kite companies have gone to an arrangement that lines up the pulleys more directly with the load. Also, I think it would be a nice touch if the flashing on the pulleys was cleaned off. No big deal to do it yourself with a knife.

And where are the kook proof connectors? If for no other reason to give additional tuning options when the lines stretch unevenly and to protect the ends of the lines.

Fortunately, Best actually sells the best loop to loop connectors out there; their gray pulley pig tails, so it is easy to make your own kook proof connection setup.

And finally, the kite is really setup for a bar with rear lines longer than the front. I would hope that Best would standardize so that out of the box, the bar would be setup lines equal length and the kite would be setup that same way.

Handling:

The new membrane valves in the struts make pumping up the kite easy. Pump, pull out, put cap back on. The leading edge valve can be a bit fussy as the ball doesn’t like to jump into the opening. The solution is to pick up the kite with the pump still inserted, push down on the valve to seat the ball and then remove the pump. Packing down is easy, just remove all caps so they don’t deform and roll up. The membrane valves will not hold air over night which is fine, no worries about changes in temperature in your car. Or you can use the little tools on the end of the strut caps to release the membrane valves. All in all it is best multipoint inflation system I have used. The Nemesis HP with its small LE takes a bunch of pressure to work right, a bunch. It would be nice to have a smaller diameter or perhaps dual stage pump.

Water relaunch is a snap (just make sure you have enough air in the LE). All the new kites relaunch well in strong winds but the HP seems to do well in marginal winds too. The twister tech seems to help reduce the tendency to buckle that the 2008 Nemesis could exhibit when flopping around down in the chop.

I was leading edge down in the surf in 12mph winds and a wave washed over it, the death zone for relaunch. And lo and behold the thing came out, flipped on its side and relaunched. Made me a believer.

Key Product features:

There are three things that standout on this kite for me: turning, feel, and wind range.

With the twister tech in the leading edge Best did produce a fast turning responsive kite. And it turns well even depowered. So when riding waves you can control the power of the kite during an off the lip or bottom turn and still change directions quickly. The turning also helps in jumping where you send the kite back quickly. And kiteloops or downloop maneuvers are a breeze because you can dial in the amount of power you want and still have the kite come around.

I have always liked the Best feel at the bar, enough pressure to feel the kite and not so much you end up with tendinitis or have to use two hands to turn. Also, responds to sheeting well but keeps a fairly wide sweet spot. That makes it easy to ride for extended period and depower or power up quickly when needed, say pulling out of a breaking wave or powering up after a trick.

The kite has huge range, both top and bottom. That means one kite quiver and you can be pretty confident that even if the wind comes up, you can stay in control and get back.

Performance:

The kite is a very good upwind kite even in light winds. It is a very good jumping especially when really powered. Because of its speed you can get it too far behind you if you send it but it also comes back very quickly, unlike some kites. It is very easy to get soft landings and when powered and moving it forward toward the landing you get this very nice second boost that is easy on the knees.

Turning is very good. You can tune it to different settings but with A-A (one line to the rear attachment point) the kite responds quickly fast change of direction.

Depower is very good with a nice range from depower to full power and good sweet spot.

My one complaint is if you are riding at full power (tight rear lines) it can be easy to get the kite to stall, particularly in the upstroke. Basically the stall point and max power point are right on top of each other. This and the fact I didn’t buy the 2009 bar came back to haunt me in the first couple of days I had the kite. As it turns out the 2008 HP had a bit more pull on the bar at full power AND could tolerate, actually demanded, less slack in the rear lines to turn well. Hence it took me a couple of sessions to figure out how to trim the kite (two knots lower than the 2008 HP on the rear bridle at the kite).

Suitability:

This is a great all around kite. You can ride old school big air, kite loops and waves. Pretty much my style. I think anyone looking for a great all around responsive kite would like this one.

Improvements:

I would like to see less stall when it is at max power.

Conclusion:

I’ve ridden Best kites since waroo came out but I do try and sometimes buy kites from other companies but I keep sticking with Best. But I am vocal if something doesn’t work

So you gotta believe me …. Best really got it right on the 2009 Nemesis HP 10m. I would say it should be high on your list of kites to try..
Dpurdy

[baller]

Kite Model: Nemesis 2009
Kite size:12M
Bar:55
Riding conditions:waves and flat water
Rider Weight:210
Board:Lunacy 135

Kite Package: List your opinion on the overall kite package, accessories and spares etc?
The kite is perfectly packaged. Great bag, just the right size. Patch kit is included, a tall pump would be nice tho.

Build Quality and finish: How is it made, what is it made of, how does it last?
This is the most durable best kite I’ve seen. We have dozens of them on our beach and I haven’t seen a failure of any kind.

Handling: Ease of use, safety, relaunch, set up and pack-down?
Set up and pack down are easy, facilitated by the nice big bag. Kite has no battens making pack up even easier. Relaunch is easy. Self launch and land are easy.

Key Product features: What are the standout features, what do they do, why are they important to you?
This kite is a jumper and a flyer. If you like to go big, this is an awesome kite. The back line settings really make a big difference, you can set it super fast and light on the bar, or more stable with heavier bar.

Performance: How does it perform, upwind, jumping, depower, turning?
Jumping is excellent. Upwind is excellent. Jumping is excellent – hang time is OK. Turning and depower are excellent, but and power in the turns is better than last year.


Suitability: How does this kite suit your riding, what type of rider would enjoy it?
This kite is great for old school riding, and people that don’t mind actively flying their kites. It is OK for new school, but there are better kites out there.

Improvements: How would you improve the kite, what would make it perfect?
The HP 12 is soooo fast. I find it a little twitchy. It also jellyfishes in gusty winds more than some other kites. Finally, it occasionally does bad things in the air, like collapsing mid kite-loop. I think part of this may be due to my size and weight.

Conclusion: Overall thoughts on the kite
Best has really designed a nice kite. It is fun and easy to fly, but reveals a few bad habits when charging hard and in gusty winds.

[hen]

Kite Model: waroo 08
Kite size:11m
Bar:best bar 08
Riding conditions:gusty 14 – 25 knots
Rider Weight:71 kg
Board:nobile 135*41 07

Kite Package: List your opinion on the overall kite package, accessories and spares etc?
Standard tidy pack. Useful spares for unwanted rips and nicks

Build Quality and finish: How is it made, what is it made of, how does it last?
08 model great improvement in stitching and kite materials

Handling: Ease of use, safety, relaunch, set up and pack-down?
Very user friendly kite, easy re launch in right wind range, simple set up. 08 bars are a bit cluttered with to many options compared to the 07 bar

Key Product features: What are the standout features, what do they do, why are they important to you?
Ability to tune the kite to different wind conditions,

Performance: How does it perform, upwind, jumping, depower, turning?
Upwind performance is good once its 16 -18 knots upwards, easy to jump with kite. Float time is good. Easy to use depower. Turns fast when set up correctly


Suitability: How does this kite suit your riding, what type of rider would enjoy it?
Great beginner kite, it won’t spank you to hard

Improvements: How would you improve the kite, what would make it perfect?
Simplify the bar, more grunt better low end, stronger canopy materials

Conclusion: Overall thoughts on the kite
For my first kite it allowed me to progress in all areas. Had some great sessions on the roo 08
Kite give you a good sense of security when flying in gusty conditions.

[alvarez9000]

Kite Model: nemi 08
Kite size:7m
Bar:45
Riding conditions: windy
Rider Weight:75 kg
Board: custom

Kite Package: very big for a 7m kite. ok

Build Quality and finish: fantastic. all day crash into de water and de kite is lije new

Handling: easy of usa but very pontent

Key Product features: very fast and response

Performance: it's very good in all conditions. but i think is't perfect for waves.


Suitability: big wave

Improvements: nothing. i think is perfect

Conclusion: nemi hp is the best kite that best has performed

[jemstu]

Kite Model: 2008 Nemesis HP
Kite size: 10m
Bar: 2007 Best Bar
Riding conditions: Wave & Freeride
Rider Weight: 90 kg
Board: Crazyfly Raptor Pro 132x41

Kite Package:

Excellent bag, good package with repair kit, spare battens, canopy and bladder patches. Instruction CD and well thought of. My only criticism is the “removable” hood on the bag but this does work well as a beach anchor for self-launching and landing - so understand the logic with this feature. Much better than some of the other products’ cheap or flat bags.

The pump is cr*p, I have had two pop on me as they can’t handle the pressure that Best recommend you pump the kite. It is great for travelling but I have bought a large Cabrinha one that I use every day – replace it with a larger one and I’m sure everyone will be happy!


Build Quality and finish:

Very well made with a good balance between weight and strength. Cuben fiber should run to the edge of the main bladder maybe.


Handling:

Really easy to set-up, pump up and launching is a breeze compared to other kites I have previously owned. Great bag too


Key Product features:

Sensible safety features with the pull-pull de-power, below the bar safety and the rock-solid stability of the kite in the air. The rear line bridle, being able to fine-tune the turning speed and multiple line attachment points are so easy to use and make this kite so versatile. You can set it up for different feel, riding styles and conditions so simply – it is a pleasure as means you need only one style of kite no matter what you ride in!


Performance:

Awesome hang-time. Fantastic speed when you want it for surfing and good, solid predictable pull across the window, unlike a lot of other SLE kites I have flown since getting the HP.
Turning speed is great and can be changed via the multiple settings on the back bridle so the kite can be what you want it to be. I really like the predictable handling.


Suitability:

Anyone from a novice, intermediate or expert will love this kite. It has so much to offer as it a real “Chameleon”, you can go for HUGE air (and hang forever), freestyle or surf depending on the conditions or your style. If you are still on a C-kite get with the times and onto one or these – you will love it I guarantee it. It is a C-kite without the suicidal wipe-outs and mental danger….


Improvements:

The Nemesis 2009 has been improved already as the 2008 has a slight “lag” when turning under load (just a split-second). This has been sorted with the ’09. Extend the Cuben Fiber to the end of the main leading edge as I had mine fail where the cuben fiber meets the Dacron twice and maybe this is a weak spot (or I may just have had a defective kite). Best have replaced mine under warranty for an 09 – THANKS BEST!


Conclusion:

Here is a review I wrote for Waveriders in Hove shortly after I had received my Nemises HP at the end of 2007 and it still holds true today: –
I finally took the plunge and bought a Nemi HP after being a C-kite devotee since starting kiteboarding in the heady days of early 2000. My first kite (that I still own) was a Naish AR3 7m two line. I bought a two line as four seemed a bad idea as at the time two was better for line tangles - this is how niave we were.
These were the days where there were no lessons and everything was asking the other bloke on the beach "how do you self launch" etc.
It was loads of near misses, MASSIVE wipeouts, 100 yard catapults and all trial and error.
All this was in Perth, Australia which is a perfect spot to kite.

I then moved onto 4 line C-kites and have owned Gaastra, North, Cabrina and Naish kites. My quiver went from a 4 line11.5m Naish AR5 to Naish X2 12m (pretty much my all-time favourite kite). I also owned Cabrina Black Tips, Naish Aero and Gaastra Phoenix (an excellent light wind kite in its day).
I liked the lift and performance of C-kites, although it was rather hectic at times being lofted, the big stacks and the "go big or go home" nature of early kiteloops with no quick release. I knew guys who flew foils, swore by them, their superior aerodynamics, safety etc; but we weren't convinced - None of the Pro's flew foils and they never seemed to go HUGE, you never saw a guy 60 feet up doing a board off on a foil.....
Then came bows and I thought, great idea - a new, modern approach and about time someone tried something different. But we waited as the early Bows were prone to inverting - I remember seeing a guy on one of the first Crossbows with his kite inverting and that was that - a long walk home.

I had meant to upgrade a couple of years ago and decided to hang off and see which way to go as the temptation was to go for a 5 line. I had used a mate's North Vegas '07 5th Element kites and wasn't convinced - the 5th line kept catching on rotations and the kite wasn't really any different to my old Naish AR5. Sure the technology has improved, but there didn't seem to be any "real" improvements. The cleat depower system on the bar kept failing too, it seemed a bit heath-robinson…

I was quite excited to get my hands on a Best Nemesis HP 10m in early November 2007, so was one of the first to get one. I was on my way to Perth for a holiday and the kite just arrived in time. I had never flown bow kite before, so didn't know what to expect. To tell you the truth, I was a little nervous. I launched in 20 knots and as wasn't aware that you can launch these kites using other methods, did the old C-kite self-launch method.
I was blown away by the performance - the kite is so amazingly stable, it just sits there. No flutter, no jelly-fishing and the there is almost no difference in feel between it and a C-kite when you're cruising.
I was out at Brighton Beach, just south of Scarborough in Perth and the sets were a little over head-high. This is where this kite is amazing!
Going out it's just like your old faithful "C" it pulls better though and turns so fast it'll blow you away. Not too fast though and it's smooth and the power through the turn is smooth too. Coming in, fully powered, drop in and that's when it come into it's own - push back on the bar (not even past the stopper) and the power is killed. You can concentrate on the wave and carve it.
I was seriously stoked - this kite is truly amazing. It has so many different adjustments and the range is incredible. You have 5 different turning speed adjustments: AA (lightning fast), AB, AC, BC and CC (slowest) and 6 different back line lengths for more or less power.
One of the things that amazed me was how much range it has. I went out in 13-14 knots and could kite (Ok loads of sine-ing and wasn't able to stay upwind), I am 91kg and show me a 10m that will hold me in 14 knots! I had the back lines on the last knot (shortest setting) and it did over-sheet when I pulled back on the bar, so not an ideal setting for "traditional" 4-line feel.
At 25-28 knots I had it set up on the 3rd knot and was a little over-powered, but never hectic and considering this is the mid-setting seems to indicate that I'll comfortably be able to use it over 30 knots, possibly up to 35 at a push.

I also had a flat water session and got some serious jumping in - man is this thing an elevator! Simply pull on the bar as you send it back and you are 25-30 feet up in a second - not hectic though as the float down is so smooth: Awesome... I have just received my 14m so now my quiver is complete and my C-kites are moth food!

Seriously, if you are a beginner, intermediate, cruiser, surf dog or sky pirate - this is the kite for you. It is a tame, stable, flexible and versitile machine that can be as hard as you need it to be if that's your thing. BUY ONE YOU WILL BE DELIGHTED!

[edu4rd0g]

Kite Model: NemiHP TT 09
Kite size: 10m
Bar: 09 45cm
Riding conditions: gusty winds, flat water
Rider Weight: 90kg
Board: custom 131

Kite Package: Too big (idem 08), i really like 07 bags.

Build Quality and finish: Excelent.

Handling: Very fast, easy relaunch with enough wind.

Key Product features: Huge range of winds, very customizable .

Performance: Not so good low end, the kite tends to fall back with light winds. Excelent depower and top end performance. Big jumping.

Suitability: Big air jumping.

Improvements: Single point of inflation. Big pump. Avoid leaks on membranes.

Conclusion: It's a very good kite, but I still like waroos.

PS: sorry for my english

[OldSkool]

'Spreading The Love' Kahoona Competition- Kite Review Template.

Kite Model: 2006 Waroo
Kite size: 16M
Bar: 07 55 cm
Riding conditions: waves
Rider Weight: 210
Board: Fanatic 135x40

Kite Package: I loved the 2006 kite. I have an 07 and an 08, but the 06 was so simple. Two pulley’s and the pigtail adjustments on the rear lines were actual usable as opposed to the 07. When I got the kite and shelved my old C-kites I was in heaven. I felt like I was cheating. I could go full speed ahead and then just turn it off and chill for a while. Being that I am 40 what a nice thing. The kite, bag, pump, bar, and extra parts have been enough to keep me out on the water for 3 solid years. I have replaced the leading edge bladder to keep it in use.


Build Quality and finish: I have replaced the bridle lines and repaired the bar, but this was my first and only kite for a year. I replaced the leading edge bladder, but once again this was my first bow which I did abuse beyond normal use. I would never sell this kite to anyone else. It will go to the grave with me.


Handling: It was soooo easy to set up. It was ready out of the package. The website had a video of how to fold the kite which I still do exactly the same today.


Key Product features: At the time the cost factor was the selling point along with the depower capability. In Cocoa Beach 19 out of 20 kites in the air are BEST and 17 are Waroo’s. In the past I ignored my fellow kiters and did my own research using kiteboarder magazine which lead me astray. This time I listened to my friends and it paid off. Today I have 3 Waroo’s and hope to add one more to complete my collection.


Performance: I get the highest airs around. Some of the other oldschool kiters have switched to surfboards and are on the water most of the time. I have continued to use twintips and love to go big. My 16M feels very responsive and stable. I always know where it is and rarely drop it.


Suitability: I enjoy being powered up, but also like being able to turn it off and chill. I normally spend a solid 3 hours non stop in the ocean. I like the waves whether it is on the inside or outside, big or small. I enjoy surfing, slashing, and blasting airs. I totally dig it when it all comes together. I am not a technical rider, but when it comes to waves I like to get every last drop out of them.


Improvements: To make it a better kite I would change the pulley’s that are used. They really don’t work like they need to. I spit on them lube them up and still they wear the lines. I personally don’t like the one pump systems. I like the higher pump that I got with my bularoo. I haven’t used the new bar, but the new swivel looks as if it actually works which the older ones on the 06-08 bars didn’t.


Conclusion: Since I have made the switch to bows or the Waroo I have progressed beyond what I ever thought was possible. This kite is by far the easiest to set up and launching is a joke it’s so easy. I feel confident to launch and land the kite alone. I just wish they were still under a grand with the bar.

[ArielzD]

Kite Model: Waroo
Kite size: 9m
Bar:45
Riding conditions: Storms/gusty/low wind/stable wind about 20k+-
Rider Weight: 45~47 im 14 years old.
Board: Blade mecheta 126 (small board) somtimes ACID fone 2008 and for the low winds some custom old TT 170ish+-

Kite Package: Very big indeed, iused to put both my 11m and 9m waroo in it, its good although becuse idont have to fulld perfectly..

Build Quality and finish: Ido (well training) on freestyles tricks and icrash the kite pretty bad, and so far nothing happend. the kite have survived big waves too (2m~6m) and ijsut love its best build quality.

Handling: Super easy, just like the menu says

Key Product features: eh?

Performance: I really liked it, with the autorelunch which works PERFECT it gives you the 100% safty feeling and the guts to do evreything.
iaint such a wave rider so icant tell anything about that im more on freestyle and such.


Suitability: allaround BUT imust say it has the best wind range i'v ever experinced.
i am really light, im 14 and waight 45~47 killos and im surfing with my 9m waroo almost all the time, my wind range (and its cheakd 100% true!)
from 15 knots with my big TT or wave board to surf and go upwing+ jumping and some tricks (but its a little diffcult on that condition)
and my max wind range is 30~35~37 with gusts from 20k to 40k it got really dangerous iguess but iwas able to surf on water (but had to get griped by somone when iwas getting to the coast..)

Improvements: idont know, evrey year ithink the kites are perfect there is no way they can improve them. and yet evrey year im suprised to see best have out done theresalf. keep on the good work and icant wait to try the 09 ..

Conclusion: Waroo 2008 was awsome! iwill (had alredy :D) recommend it to alot of friends and now we wait to the 2009 version.

[rfalkenstein]

Kite Model: Waroo 2007
Kite size: 17m
Bar: Best 2007 bar
Riding conditions: 10 – 20 knts beachbreak
Rider Weight: 170lbs
Board: Best Aroona

Kite Package: The kite package was exactly what I expected at an unexpected price, best has made Kitting accessible to more people than anyone in the industry. Superior quality at inferior price, it doesn't get better than that.


Build Quality and finish: The waroo has everything you need and some styling, the finish of the kite resembles that of kites priced 30 to 50% above it.


Handling: The waroo is a user friendly kite that adjusts itself in the air with quick and responsive turning. It has a C-kite responsiveness with moderate bar pull, giving it safe handling.


Key Product features: The pulleys give the waroo great stability in the air and also make it turn quicker. I like how the struts are not connected so that repair if needed is a breeze.

Performance: The waroo goes upwind faster than any other kite on the water, With its in the air self adjustment its stays where it should rocketing you upwind by just a few edge corrections. My friend was going upwind on his 3rd lesson, that was impossible 3 years ago with normal kites.


Suitability: I am your average rider that like to jump and pull some of the easy tricks, this kite does that and more, I will not be outgrowing it any time soon.


Improvements: I would somehow, cause no one has been able to, increase bladder life on kite in general.
If possible I would also make it lighter, I guess this is what the new Kahoona has “lightness”.


Conclusion: The waroo is a great kite for your average kiter, beginner to advanced, it will give you everything you need have a great time on the water without burning a hole in your finances, this is very important when getting the “OK” from the wife to buy, hahahahaha.

[catspaw]

Kite Model: Guroo
Kite size: 9m
Bar: 45
Riding conditions: Florida East Coast
Rider Weight: 190#
Board: Stretch 5’11” quad

Kite Package: groovy… best bag in da bidniff !!!


Build Quality and finish: tough & light… do I need more?


Handling: 3-strut… no ‘lazy-pimp’… self-launch/land is easier than the breeze it takes to fly it…


Key Product features: Total performance in logic-challenging sooo sweetly simple kite…


Performance: bad-ass-balzy… parks w/power… won’t let ya down when you turn toward it… makes big bottom turns with really good ability to slow or speed according to what the wave is doing… & goes upwind as well as any other kite out there, no lie…


Suitability: … & did I tell you this kite is made for side-on waves? Crap to magazine-cover conditions… it not only works, it handles it… yaw turns like a scared rabbit… & yeah it skyrockets too, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise…


Improvements: … let me have a new Kahoona so I know what the difference is!!! Or at least the next step??? Prove me wrong: Kahoona = Guroo on banned substance…


Conclusion: honestly, the first time I flew this kite it put a smile on my face like… when I first started kiting 8 years ago…. Absolutely pure fun… simple & solid performance…

[drewzer]

'Spreading The Love' Kahoona Competition

Kite Model: Waroo 08
Kite size: 9
Bar: best 45
Riding conditions: 20knots
Rider Weight: 150lbs
Board: Stretch Custom Tour Bus

Kite Package: I learned to kite with this kite. It is great


Build Quality and finish: Bomber.


Handling: Easy and safe. Good for beginner/intermediate


Key Product features: bomb proof construction. Ease of use. Quality materials.


Performance: Allowed me to learn to go upwind.


Suitability: A kite for everyone


Improvements: One pump


Conclusion: The best all around kite for the money. One that you can use for everything at all skill levels.

[pingo03]

Kite Model: Bularoo 07
Kite size: 7m
Bar : bestbar 45 cm
Riding conditions: gusty
Rider Weight: 63 kg
Board: cyclone wildseries 133x 39

Kite Package: List your opinion on the overall kite package, accessories and spares etc?


I love my Bag of the Bularoo ( and every other Bestkite from 2007) because plied it’s very small not like the 2008 bag. The quality is not so good I had to repair it twice.
I also miss a strap or something to fix the Kiteboard or the Kitelandboard on it.
I really appreciate the feature that you can take out this net to pack the Kite even with pumped struts.

The Pump is perfect! Not too big not too small

What is absent?
- a second EZpump converter for the Pump.


Build Quality and finish: How is it made, what is it made of, how does it last?

Build Quality of the Bularoo is at a high level, patches on the top of the leadingedge seem to protect my Kite really well.
The design is quite good, I have got my Bularoo in blue and I like it.
The only thing I have to complain about is the Ezpump, when it works it’s the best thing I have ever seen! You don’t even see something of the Ezpump system, but when it loses air at some point you have a problem to find the lack and repair it. After some time it will lose air because of the bad quality of the valves which aren’t glued very well on the bladder itself. So you will have to replace it because at this point you can’t glue repair patches or something like this onto it. So you will have to wait quite long to get a new bladder…
I really hate those safety lines above the pulleys it’s just dangerous that the lines twist around them, I have cut them off.
Sometimes the lines even twist around the Tip of the Kite but I think in this point you can’t make an improvement.


Handling: Ease of use, safety, relaunch, set up and pack-down?

With the EZpump it doesn’t last very long to pump it up and start flying.
You only have to screw the cap, but you have to tie it very hardly ,otherwise it will lose a bit of air… and hope that the Bladders will hold.
Packing is easy: open all the valves roll it up, but not too tight for not damaging the bladders and it fits well into the bag.
I often have to launch it myself, so I hook myself in and twist the Kite around so that it catches the wind and lays Front tube to ground, with some practicing you can make a reverse launch in every condition with this method , just keep one hand on the safety if something should go wrong.
I don’t appreciate the safety, on water I don’t need a 5th line but with those gusts on land I don’t want to miss it. The 5th Line really improves the safety, but the bar isn’t really build for it, please change this with a 5th line module which must not be used so that you can chose if you want to use a 5th line or not.
Be sure to have enough air in your front tube otherwise you will get real problems in relaunching your kite. Relaunch is good but it could be better, when you are kiting in waves you are happy to relaunch as fast as possible. I prefer the reverse launchrather than waiting until it reaches one side of the wind window .


Key Product features: What are the standout features, what do they do, why are they important to you?

I love my Bularoo because of all these patches which prevent it from being destroyed( particularly while I’m landkiting.
I’m not the heaviest Kitesurfer with only 63 kg, so I can ride my 7m Bularoo when other guys are
Riding 11m and I can hold it quite long. With my 10m Bularoo I’m having fun while other guys can’t even hold their height with their 13 m.
In gusts it’s one of the best kites I have ever flown!

Performance: How does it perform, upwind, jumping, depower, turning?

Upwind performance isn’t so good ,there are other kites which are better in doing this, but it’s good enough. Turning speed and responsibility are very good, its not too quick not like other 7m kites.
Jumping is good enough for me; a nemesis plays in another league.
Depower is very good, with the 5th line I have never had problems with these strong gusts here and even without the 5th line kit depower is enough.
You just have to adjust the kite very well particularly in low wind; otherwise you will have a kite without performance. In 80% it will be the 3rd knot and pull a bit on the adjuster.


Suitability: How does this kite suit your riding, what type of rider would enjoy it?
It’s the perfect Kite for a Landboarder and I won’t change it otherwise there will be a new Tubekite with all these patches.

Improvements: How would you improve the kite, what would make it perfect?
Improve the one pump system(already done?) and bladders are too expensive!
A suitable 5th line connection point and a 5th line bar.


Conclusion: Overall thoughts on the kite

I won’t buy another Kite because I also want to Landboard with my Tubekite, and don’t want to destroy it

[Lundin]

Kite Model: Nemesis HP 2008
Kite size: 9 and 12
Bar: 45, 55
Riding conditions: Waves, Flatwater, chop
Rider Weight: 70kg
Board: Skywalker Dimitri PRO 127x37,5

Kite Package:
It’s an instant qualityfeeling you get by even looking at the bag ( compared to older one’s)
Un-wrapping the kite for the first time didn’t disappoint either, you could immediately feel that this kite is made to be a tough companion on the water.


Build Quality and finish:
Been riding both kites A LOT last year and other than light brownish stains from sand on the white cuben they still looks as good as new.
The whole construction seems to be very well manufactured and it doesn’t really have any weak spot.
Maybe minor things but nothing that makes any difference to the more important aspects.


Handling:
Getting the hang of how to manage the kite in various conditions it’s very easy to get along with.
It’s not the easiest kite to pack down due to the small bag and it feels that the wear on the fabric will most likely come from this rather than actual wearing from the various surfaces it comes to lay on.
Re-launch can be a pain if the wind is a bit in the low scale otherwise i haven’t had any thoughts of this.
Setup is very nice with onepump and all


Key Product features:
The high performance and the stability really made me fall in love with this kite.
The third feature i think make this kite stand out from the rest of the pack, is the grunt.

At first, switching from the lower aspect bularoo it did feel very edgy, two or three sessions later i was hooked.


Performance:
I can only find one word: Amazing!
If i dig really deep:
The only minor thing with the 2008 Nemesis is the “force” you have to apply on steeringimpulses.


Suitability:
It suit my ridingstyle as an exclusive glove.
Riders that push the limits will love this kite, riders that don’t push the limits will also love this kite, mostly for being that stable even in not so forgiving conditions.


Improvements:
The only thing, as steering is already improved on the 2009 Nemesis, would be even better / easier re-launch



Conclusion:
Can’t imagine riding anything else.
It’s the two very best (BEST) kites i’ve ever owned.

[oceanriderz]

Kite Model: 2008 waroo,08-13M Bularoo,07-13M Yarga
Kite size:11m,13m,17m
Bar:45,55CM
Riding conditions:windy chop or lighter winds
Rider Weight:205
Board:138 LF Mission, 139 LF custom, skimboard,
surf board un-strapped and strapped

Kite Package: List your opinion on the overall kite package, accessories and spares etc?
These kites are coming out really good, I just tried the 08’s Waroo's bought them and they are good jumping, floaty airs
Plus I like to FEEL the kite in the bar when I’m flying it
take away the feel like some bow kites and it's like you can't feel the kite

Build Quality and finish: How is it made, what is it made of, how does it last?
Good construction I crashed one of the 11m (07 waroo) in some pretty good sized whitewater and the kite not only survived but relaunched after getting tossed around and worked pretty good!

Handling: Ease of use, safety, relaunch, set up and pack-down?
All good very user friendly and safety features work well.
Bluaroo one pump is fast to set up and works well, holds it's shape good too.

Key Product features: What are the standout features, what do they do, why are they important to you?

Like the safety below the bar and the kite bar pressure
( I like to feel the kite okay not some triple pulley bs)
and also the jumps are unreal

Performance: How does it perform, upwind, jumping, depower, turning?
Upwind better than most c kites ( I have flown c kites and still have them)

I started out on 2001 Naish,Slingshot and Cabrinha kites.
They were not that great at the time, compared to today's kites at going up wind but they pulled like a tractor trailer truck and maybe can boost good.

The past couple of years have been riding C kites including the 04 Yarga11m and a EH 13M these are good kites as far as basic c kites go.

Also have been riding the Slingshot fuels and North Rihno's (05-07) and tried the slingshot link and the slingshot turbo diesel as well.
I also tried the Eh rippher and the 07 waroo 11m

I wanted to get into bow kites but there were many options, brands and shapes, styles now to choose from.
I did get to try a few out and like the Best Waroo as it still has a little c kite feel in it and allot of depower as well.

Jumping very good,high floaty jumps! lots of airtime

Depower, kite has allot of range just on the bar, have not really had to de-power that much with the strap but it’s nice to know that I have that range

Suitability: How does this kite suit your riding, what type of rider would enjoy it?
The Waroo-Anyone from a beginner to a freestyle to wakestyle.
Huge massive floaty airs! unreal hangtime okay

I also like the Best Yarga 07 kite,13M it is like a c kite but is like a hybred SLE or supported leading edge(okay it is a hybred) great kites as well.
I’m going to get the 9M too!

Improvements: How would you improve the kite, what would make it perfect?

All kites have the little things that are annoying but overall the waroo and other best kites have been refined over the years and have came along great.

Put a large fan motor say 3-5 Horsepower on the Waroo 2010 kites
OR on a backpack so that I can fly my kite when there is no wind (which seems like 40% of the time around here).

Make them nuke proof but that would make them a little too heavy giving up precious airtime they are pretty solid as they are. (keep boards reef and waves over 3ft away) They are good in that respect if you take care of them smile

Maybe offer up some q power lines as an option but the stock lines are pretty good, also maybe change the bar a little but the grip and the feel and the steel insert are great!

Like flying FOUR line kites, this is one of the things that I liked about the best kites they are simple proven and fun to use

In super gusty winds noticed that the 11M did some opening and closing, in these type of conditions most kites will do the same thing. The gusts hit and the wind is un steady. Pumping up the leading edge harder may have helped this.Wind speed fluctations are hard on the shape.(gusts)
I'm sure that the nemisi HP is better at this respect because it is harder and firmer shape but have not tried them, the rep said they are the stuff!

17M Waroo could have more low end, the jumps are amazing high and floaty but the super low end is (for me at 205#) a little underpowered.
Not the kite it's the wind here!
Thinking of maybe the 20m Waroo for our blighted wind side of the island :)

Conclusion: Overall thoughts on the kite

Great all around kites for the money and the safety and re-launch are good as well.
I have bought and sold many kites and these are pretty fun to fly! Makes big air even longer airtime.
I also want to add that Nicco in sales was really helpful in selecting my kites and answering my questions,fast shipping as well. Thanks to the sales department and have patience they get like about 100 phone calls and 100's of emails in one day!Props to the sales people thanks again.
www.kailuacam.com