Spreading The Love: Kahoona Competition Thread.

[MickH]

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

Kite Model: Waroo 2005
Kite size:9m
Bar:42cm
Riding conditions: Flat/Waves/chop/bump and jump
Rider Weight:90kg
Board: Twin in Flat, Thruster in Waves

Kite Package: I have been riding my kite for 3 years now in all conditions. It has held up very with only the bridle needing replacement. I have just upgraded my 04 Best bar with a new one on my recent trip to WA. No problem with back. The boys at the kite shop in Geraldton were first class.


Build Quality and finish: My kite durability has been the best I have ever had. I have owned other top brand kites before but Best is BEST!


Handling: I feel safe on my kite. The features help you relax and ride hard.


Key Product features: The kite bounces off the water, depowers when needed and hangs when in the waves.


Performance: This kite has done every thing I have asked of it and still doing it.


Suitability: My Waroo 9 loves the waves, makes me comfortable to boost, and pulls me upwind as good as any body else on the water.


Improvements: Kites improve with the years of R & D. Just wish I had a newer toy.


Conclusion: Loved the kite and would definitely by BEST again.

[loader]

Kite Model: 2007 Best Yarga (lovely pink one!)
Kite size: 13m
Bar:55cm & 23m lines
Riding conditions: 16-28 knots, surf, swell & flat water & whatever I can get
Rider Weight: 82kgs
Board: 2007 132cm North Cesar Pro

Kite Package:
Apart from being crazy pink the kite package was exceptional value, bar, lines, pump, one-pump system & 13m kite brand new for real cheap!!!!! As the 4th kite I’ve bought it is by far the best performing kite I’ve had for the money. And I still prefer it over many newer kites I’ve tried



Build Quality and finish:
2 Years of use and abuse and she’s still unmarked, not a single problem, ever! 2 years of hassle free kiting is brilliant, especially riding up to 4 or 5 times a week. My Yarga really is bulletproof despite being bright pink!


Handling:
Relaunch is great with the 5th line kit, the bar allows plenty of depower flying the Yarga as a C-shape. Setup is quick and easy with the onepump system. What I’d love is OSR handles on the centre lines to help with unassisted landings in higher winds, so will probably go for the new bar.


Key Product features:
SLE Bridal- Makes my 13m pull like a 10 or 11m in higher winds. I’ve been out in 28knots without feeling overpowered, which is insane on a 13m! Never met a kite like it!
C-shape rigging- Face it nothing beats riding a powerful C-Shape, especially in the surf. I prefer C-shape rigging whenever the wind permits.
One-pump- I love it, gets me out where I want to be quick!


Performance:
To be honest I didn’t like the kite to begin with, but this was only cause I hadn’t figured out how to rig it properly for the conditions, so I was always riding under-powered. Since I put an afternoon in with a mate down at the beach trying different depower settings between the c-shape mode & the bridal mode it’s been a different kite. Now I know how to rig it I can ride better than my mates on Waroos & Nemisis HP’s! They’re hating me and my pink kite! In C-shape mode the Yarga jumps big, and gives me more than enough pull to haul up-wind, but my board takes a lot of credit for that too. Depower is excellent for a C-shape thanks largely to the bar design & multiple rigging knots on the kite. Turning can be slow at lower wind ranges but the same can be said for almost any kite. In good wind the Yarga has never let me down and always responds well when in the surf.
With my Yarga I have got enough air to scare the sh*t out of me, no complaints there, if you want to jump this kite will JUMP!



Suitability:
I don’t have the money to have multiple kites and I ride a huge range of water and wind conditions. The Yarga can get me from 16-28knots on one kite. I can’t believe you guys stopped production! I fly it 80% as a C-shape but the extra depower available as an SLE give it the added wind range. If you like a powerful kite that will let you ride anything in almost any wind then get a Yarga & learn how to rig it, you won’t be disappointed. The 5th line option is excellent for kiting by yourself as adds a great degree of safety and has saved my butt several times.


Improvements:
Start making it again! I like some of the new bar features so will probably upgrade to a new bar with OSR's on the centre lines.
The only thing lacking with this kite was detailed rigging instructions, as it’s a hybrid it took me a while to work out it’s true potential. I can see how some riders wouldn’t’ have liked it, but I can say that’s probably all down to how it was rigged. I can kite better on the Yarga than my mate’s 2008 Waroo and the Nemisis HP. Maybe it just suits my style but I love it as is. Apart from the pink color,which is causing my mates to question my sexuality!
Give me a Blue one!!!


Conclusion:
If you havn’t guessed already I love this kite, it will be a sad day when I have to give it up. It has the power and versatility to take on any conditions in almost any wind. In fact I’d love to get my hands on a 9m Yarga for really high winds. Can you send me a 9m Yarga in stead of a Kahoona??? Pretty Please!!!!

Apologies to anyone who likes pink, you're obviously an extremely attractive girl or a complete poof. Either way you probably wouldn't want to know me so don't get too offended!

PS-who needs a boardbag when you have bubblewrap & duct tape!

[FlameboyDK]

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

Kite Model: Best Waroo 07
Kite size: 9m2
Bar: 45cm Waroo bar
Riding conditions: Choppy
Rider Weight: 73kg
Board: North Jamiee Pro 06 Small

Kite Package: Nice to finally see a useable kitebag. Like the fact that’s its really compact (i.e. compared to my Takoon bags), simple strap on system for bar and kitepump. Its not more, nor less than I would expect. Same story when it came to the repair kit. Easy guide, simple function – great result. Still holds air.


Build Quality and finish: Honestly my 07 is now beginning to need a bit of maintenance (time for a new kite i guess), but material and quality is up to date. I have seen better, but again - quality sticthing, has taken so many crashes, and still no problems. Again when it comes to the material you get what you pay for. No promise of more than that please!


Handling: Gotta love your 9m2 ! Its the most fun kite ever. My first bow/sle kite, fanatic C-kiter before, but with my 9m2 Waroo I feel secure enough to ride 9m2 when others are on 7m2 – and the amazing feat is that I often keep the 9m2 when my friends shift to 12m2. It’s the easy handling, easy depower and gentle nature at high end that secure its place among my favorite kites

Key Product features: Nice to see for the 07´that the inflate stopper balls now work. On the 06´that was a no go. Also have Onepump kites, but actually prefer the stopper ball for harder pumped struts and le and easy deflate (in denmark its often really cold, so you wanna get your gear packed up and leave for the warmth of your car in a hurry, not good with onepump deflate).

Performance: I recommend the 9m2 for the high end of the wind range when it comes to new-school, but actually it’s a great thing to see everyone, young to old, old – to – new-school, riding waroo´s.
For the low end I would recommend riding a wider and bigger board than I normally use (Jamie pro S), its simply a matter of style and mood. Again you can read 1000 reviews and all kites seem to score 100% on all performance measures. For the Waroo its just 200% on fun, 200% ease of use and combined the best all round kite out there.

Suitability: All beginners should have a 9m2 Waroo. Period. Would have saved me from several frustrations back in the Wipika Airblast 4 liner times. Almost made me quit kiting as there was simply no feeling of control. With my Best kite I feel that I control the kite, and not the other way around. Im sure that for competition and pro style the mid aspect is a no go, but for weekend riders who still dream about kiting, check weather reports and swell Monday to Friday it’s the “Best” fit out there.

Improvements: Keep it simple, easy to use, durable and above all keep the feeling from hundreds of hours of fun. Then I´m sure the next generation will hit the spot


Conclusion: Its no secret, im a fan. Keeping it real and honest its about finding the kite that gives you those great experiences. The fact that the 9m2 Waroo is so easy to setup, with less hassle on the bar, no intricate systems or pulleys, secures time on water and less hassle afterwards = good times. Any pro rider will now this is not their pick, they need the high aspect, but being honest - we all dream of it, and the Waroo facilitates this dream every time you are on the water.

[picketts]

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

Kite Model: ’06 Waroo
Kite size:12 m
Bar: 55cm
Riding conditions: 15 – 30 knot
Rider Weight: 190-200
Board: 136 or 5’11 Strapless Surf

Kite Package: List your opinion on the overall kite package, accessories and spares etc?
Been a great kite for me. Sailed in Canada, San Francisco, North Coast DR, South Coast DR, PR, a non-stop blast. Bag is compact, simple and great. Pump has never let me down. I have only had to patch one bladder and the small canopy repairs it has needed of kept me sailing.

Build Quality and finish: How is it made, what is it made of, how does it last?
Its an 06 and i still ride it...a lot. Been put down in some gigantic swell and at good speeds and has never let me down.


Handling: Ease of use, safety, relaunch, set up and pack-down?
I will never forget riding at an inland reservoir in California (east of Santa Cruz). I was riding with a friend of mine who lived in Brazil and was still learning on C kites and struggling with the water relaunch. I put it down pretty solidly and just relaxed and enjoyed the water while it sorted itself out and popped back up. He immediately went and purchased one for his return to Brazil.


Key Product features: What are the standout features, what do they do, why are they important to you?
“Surf Tough”: I use and abuse it a lot and i know it won’t let me down.
Huge Depower: The spot i kite regularly in southern DR is incredibly gusty and the range of this kite lets me pump it up and not worry about changing kites two or three times a day.


Performance: How does it perform, upwind, jumping, depower, turning?
Hands down the best kite i have ever ridden. The depower and relaunch make it easy to muster the confidence to try new things. The floaty jumps are amazing and it is quick for a 12m

Suitability: How does this kite suit your riding, what type of rider would enjoy it?
All riders. I think this is perfect for riders who are learning through moderate it gives you enough versatility that you can try the different things that you might find interesting: waves, freestyle, wake, skim, strapless...

Improvements: How would you improve the kite, what would make it perfect?
I sometimes wish for it to be faster in the waves.


Conclusion: Overall thoughts on the kite
I have loved this kite and will be sad when it is replaced. I am anxious to try the kahoona as i liked what i have read on the Delta kites. I also want to test out the nemesis and waroo which i have scheduled with Laurel E. over Semana Santa.

[morne2000]

Kite Model: waroo 08
Kite size:9
Bar:07 standard
Riding conditions: ocean 15-20 knots
Rider Weight:80 kg
Board: underground flx 32

Kite Package: Great price, included bar & pump, and some spares


Build Quality and finish: great build quality and design, graphics look great, stands out on the beach!


Handling: had 04 yarga’s before this kite, can not even compare the two. Very easy flying kite, great depower awesome handling, the best hang time! Relaunching very easy depending on wind strength of course. This kite really catapulted my performance, can recommend it for anyone starting out, makes kiting so much easier. This kite is for anyone & everyone, beginner to pro!


Key Product features: The depower is great, really helps in tight situations, don’t feel unsafe at all even in overpowered conditions.


Performance: has great upwind capability, don’t need to work to hard. Takes jumping and hang time to a different level, turning is spot on, not to fast not to slow.


Suitability: freestyle kite, but does the wave riding just as well. Don’t blame the “tools” blame the “technician”


Improvements: Don’t know about any improvements, it’s just a great kite. Would like to see something done to the bar though, where the rope go’s through the bar, I ride mostly with one hand in the middle, so the rope takes some skin of my fingers after a few hours, maybe have a plastic sleeve through the bar or something.


Conclusion: I will never ever fly anything else……. Apart from the newer models, things can just get better!

[rabalder]

Kite Model: 08 Nemesis HP
Kite size: 12
Bar: 08 Best 55 (cut to 45)
Riding conditions: Flatwater & Snow
Rider Weight: 90 kg
Board: 09 Best Spark

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

I'm very satisfied with the Kite package, Good package for a reasonable price. Got everything you need.

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

The Kite & bar feels like good quality, but I don't like the bag. It's fine when I'm constantly using my kite and leave my kite in the bag with the struts pumped. But when I'm traveling with the kite a bag that fits the kite better would be nice. As the bag is so big the kite tends to take up a lot more space than needed.
Also I felt the bar was to wide, so I had it cut be be about 45 cm

All in all I think the quality is very good, I still haven't have any problems with the actual kite.


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

Very easy to use, as it is my first kite I don't have that much to compare it with but I have no problems with the kite. Only thing I would say is that the safety release on the chicken loop is a bit to small and hard to pull with adrenalin pumping trough your veins while being dragged upside down by the kite.

I had some problems with the lines tough, one of my lines snapped as a windsurfer cruised over them after I had crashed my kite. I tried to shorten the lines and reattach them but this didn't work out very well, The kite kept turning to the left. So I changed the lines, and everything where back to normal again.

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

My favourite feature of the kite would be all the de-power it gives me, It's always nice to have the ability to stop whenever I want.

Performance: How does it perform, upwind, jumping, de-power, turning?

Great performance, Once I started out It was perfect kite for me. But for now I tend to rather want to use my sisters 08 Nemesis HP 9m2 instead of my 12m2 as the speed of the 12m2 in trough the air feels a little bit slow when you get used to the 9m2. But when learning new stuff it's great doing it in Slow motion with the 12m2 tough

Suitability: How does this kite suit your riding, what type of rider would enjoy it?

It's perfect for my use as I need a kite that I can us from light to medium wind. I normally use it from 15-20 knots on water and 8-15 knots on snow

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

My only improvements would be changing the safety release on the chiken loop and make a better bag that fits the bag better!

Conclusion: Overall thoughts on the kite

All in all I'm super stoked about the kite and I have fun EVERY time I use it, great product. I would recommend it to kiters from beginners to at Intermediate (I guess that is my level)

[mikerooka]

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

Kite Model: 2008 Nemesis HP
Kite size:12 M
Bar: 55cm
Riding conditions: Ocean / Chop, Bay / flats
Rider Weight:150 lbs
Board: 2008 North Sky Solbach
List
Kite Package: Bag is Large & has good storage, but I do not like the top velcros off. Pump has gauge but its cheap & breaks easily.

Build Quality and finish: Built tough! I abuse my kites bad & have yet to destroy this kite. Cuben fiber edge needs to be pumped rock solid.


Handling: I teach with this kite, it has multiple setting which I like. AA for quick C kite turning AB to slow it down a lil for beginners. Light bar pressure. Depower is very good by just pushing bar away. Relaunch is very easy too even upside down. Packs nice & small.


Key Product features: Multiple back line setup is a nice feature bc you can tune the kite for different riding styles. Sometimes I want quick kiteloops or slow it down for surf more grunt. Thin light LE makes a faster lighter kite.


Performance:? Upwind performance is decent , its quick so you gotta keep moving the kite. Jumps are nice big lofty jumps almost parachute effect. Depower is very good by just pushing bar away. This is a super quick kite! Kiteloop master for sure.


Suitability: I enjoy riding this kite, it is a well rounded kite,leaning more intermediate to advanced, but can be tuned for a beginner. Intermediate to advanced kitelooping maniacs who like big\, lofty jumps will love this kite.


Improvements: A better bigger chicken loop for unhooking & lower aspect ratio for grunt.


Conclusion: This is 1 of my favorite kites in my quiver bc of its turning speed & big jump ability. Once you find the right tuning for your style you will Fall in love & never get off the water.











Please copy and paste your review directly into a forum post you will find the competition thread on the Best forum at Spreading The Love: Kahoona Competition Thread and on Kite-Forum.com.



Dealer Demo Locations list is on page following in case you want to try and review a Kahoona to win one...






New Wind Kiteboarding
541-387-2440
www.newwindkiteboarding.com
newwindkiteboarding@gmail.com

XtremeBigAir
805-773-9200
www.xtremebigair.com
xtremebigair@gmail.com

Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport
808-871-4981
www.hawaiianisland.com
info@hawaiianisland.com

Air Padre
956-299-9463
www.AirPadreKiteboarding.com
airpadrekiteboarding.com

Emerald Coast Kiteboarding
866-939-5483
www.pcbkitesurf.com
info@emeraldcoastkiteboarding.com

Ocean Extreme Sports
866-790-SURF
www.oceanextremesports.com
info@oceanextremesports.com

Aerosport
866-986-6677
www.aerosport.ca
info@aerosport.ca

Green Hat Kiteboarding
646-388-1481
www.greenhatkiteboarding.com
gh@greenhatkiteboarding.com

Real Watersports
866-REAL-KITE
www.realwatersports.com
info@realwatersports.com

Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding
809-571-0564
www.laureleastman.com
laurel@laureleastman.com

Kitexcite
809-571-9509
www.kitexcite.com
info@kitexcite.com

KTS
+34 956684147
www.ktstarifa.com
kts@ktstarifa.com

RedSeaZone Watersports Academy
+20102955209
www.redseazone.com
info@redseazone.com

Adrenalin Rush Sports Austrailia
(07) 49533103
www.kiterush.net
arsa@tpg.com.au

[mika]

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

Kite Model: Kahoona 2009
Kite size:9,5 and 11,5
Bar: the 2009 redline bar
Riding conditions: Cabarete bay. 1 day with 12 knots of wind,1 day with 20 knots of wind
Rider: Weight: 65, Level: intermediated.
Board: Twintip 128 cm, North Jamie Pro and a directional, Surfboard Thruster strapless Best 5,7

Reasons to test the Kahoona:
I’m opening my own kitesurf school in April and want to know of the Kahoona a good kite for beginners is. I want to know if I want to sell my own Cabrinha kites and start riding these.


Kite Package: All Ok.
Nice that you can ride all the Kahoona’s on the same bar. This is a plus but in the same time a min. I’m not sure I would want to ride the smaller Kahoona’s on this bar. It starts to reacted very quick. A smaller bar would be nicer. Specially for beginners.


Build Quality and finish: the come in nice colours. Bright yellow, red and white. The white 11,5 is a beautiful kite. Specially when lying on the beach. Nice design, nice details on the struts. In the air you do not see much of that (silver on white) and in the air is is the Delta shape that is a real eye catcher. Needs some time to get used to.
It has only to options to connect the backlines on. I think that is good. Not to many options for beginners. And still you have the options for more/ less power.
I’m not sure if the kite is that strong when it gets washed. This because it has no strut in the middle and the big panel looks really big. I wonder what happens if a wave hits it full.



Handling:
Steering and stability:
The kite steers quickly. It is easy to position it in the windwindow. It sits a little deeper in the windwindow than the Warroo. It is easy to keep it at one positition. So a beginner would easy control the kite, keeping it whitout moving at 12 o’clock and have the time to put the board on.
An intermediated would easy do a backroll whitout the kite flying every where.
When you are kiting you are sheeting in and out all the time a big distance (20 cm) I’m used to a switchblade where I sheet in and out 5 cm during riding. This feeling I recognized from other Delta kites like the Bandit. I do not like this because I start to feel that in my shoulders.
So the kite is stable to keep it in one position. But it is not stable if you ride a wave fast. It just looses the airflow and falls out the air.

Depower:The depowerstraps (of the redline bar) is not so perfect. Becauser you want to depower your kite when you get overpowered. In that situation you are already kiting sheeted out. If you want to pull the depower strap you have to sheet in to be able to pull it a bit or completely. This because the end of the strap is connect on the centerline. So you can not pull the strap because it will stop as soon as it touches the bar.
There is the option of not connecting it on the center bar but then it flies easly away. Nicer would be a flexble connection to the centerline. (like ring where it moves throw). But the kites depowers enough. It has quit a high end. And also the low end is good. The kite will be a lot slower and falls out the air whit steering mistakes easily. So for teaching beginners in light wind this kite might not be the best choose. But to ride it in light conditions as intermediated kite surfer is ok. You have to work it a lot. (steer it up and down) This is not a big problem because the bar pressure is medium.
During the riding it is easy to control your speed. Riding a strapless surf board you do not want to go to fast over a steep wave. Slowing down is no problem. You have I think 80% depower.

Relaunch: it relaunches easily in light wind conditions. You pull a steering line, it turns and goes up.

Safety: The 9,5 I was riding in the surf. Everything was fine and fun. But that I surfed a big wave and went fast downwind. Than the kite felt out of the air. (just like the 11,5 did whit light wind conditions) The kite inverted and was not possible to get it right again.
I got dragged into the big breaking waves whit the kite half in the water. So I decided to pull my safety and protect the kite from getting damaged. Than I discovered that the red line (safety line) is connect on both the powerlines. The red line is 2 meters long so there is no more pressure on the backlines. But still full pressure in the kite. This sucked for me since I was in the big breaking waves and I wanted my kite whit out pressure so that it would not break.
It would also suck for a beginner because the kite has still power. And when a student/ beginner crashes the kite in the shorebreak the first thing he always should do is pull the safety so that the kite does not break and the student does not get dragged.

That will not work.

Than If the kite is like this, how do you do a self rescue? I try to pull one power line but the kite would just start looping. I could not reach the kite and I got dragged so much that I decided to pull the second safety and let go of my kite.

I can tell you, that is not a nice feeling to have to let go of a brand new kite.

Why does best makes safety systems like this? For unhooked riding you but the lease on the chickenloop and for total safety on one line. Why this system in between the 2 systems? I do not see any benefits.

Than the push a way safety system is a big improvement. only with just a little bit of sand in between you do not get it back together.

Turning and jumping:
Lift: This kite is really easy and good for jumping high and long. It takes you of very gentile and for going down the same. I think this is the easiest kite I have used so far, that is perfect for beginners first jumps.

Kiteloop:
The kite turns quickly (around it’s wingtip) and does not generated a lot of power. This makes it a easy kite to do downloops and kiteloops whit when you are a beginner. I’m not a good kiteboarder. I think 8 out of my 10 kiteloops I crash/ land in waterstart position. This kite gave me confident and made it easy for me. 2 kiteloops, no crashes. Easy downlooping in the waves.




Key Product features:

- Easy relaunch
- Easy jumping
- Pretty stabile

Suitabilety:
These point make it a very good kite for an intermediated kiteboarder.
Also for a beginner it is a nice kite. Because of the depower and the stability.

Improvements: The kite is good only the bar is not user friendly for depowering and the safety is not safe. It should not fall out the air so quickly and invert so quickly.


Conclusion:
Nice kite. Good for beginners and intermediated. Suitable for lessons. Still I think the Guru is better. But for a student whit good kitecontrol this kite would befine. Just like a Warroo is fine for a student with good kitecontrol. So far I’m not selling my own kite. But will give this kite more changes to prove itself.

almost forgotten:

the kite is easy to control unhooked. jumping a railey has never been so easy. But to hooked in it is a fight whit the portable chickenloop locker. It moves open to easily.

[vp]

http://forum.bestkiteboarding.com/viewtopic.php?t=8652

[troubleshooter]

I humbly submit my evaluation of the 2009 Best Waroo. Academy award material it is not, especially for editing, but I hope you guys enjoy.


http://www.vimeo.com/3184725

[Waroo NL]

I humbly submit my evaluation of the 2009 Best Waroo. Academy award material it is not, especially for editing, but I hope you guys enjoy.


http://www.vimeo.com/3184725

Nice one!

[glebing]

Kite Model: 2007 Wahroo
Kite size: 13M
Bar: Best Bar
Riding conditions: 16 to 22 mph on Pamlico Sound (flat water)
Rider Weight: 215 lbs.
Board: Liquid Force Proof 161 cm

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

I bought my Wahroo after my third set of lessons. It was the fourth kite I experienced (in one lesson we used two different sizes and brands) and superior to the other for many reasons including its price, handling, and quality. I used this kite all last year in a variety of conditions and overall I’m still very pleased with the selection.


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

This kite is extremely well made and durable. My son and I have crashed it numerous times and the only problems we’ve experienced are a couple of broken battens and a broken valve on one bladder. These repairs were easy to make and the kite is still as good as new.

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

During my initial lessons I used kites from Cabrina, North, and Best. When I finally got to a level where I felt I could practise on my own I decided that the BEST Wahroo was the easiest of the group to set-up self-launch, self-launch and was safer for a beginner then the 5 –line kites I had tried. It is pretty easy to fold up but you have to be careful or it won’t be compact enough to go back in the pack (I noticed that Best came out with bigger bags in ’08 – KUDOS to them for correcting this minor irritation.)


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

Two featured really influence my selecting the Wahroo.

1. Safety. As a beginner in a class I had a very bad experience being dragged downwind by a 5-line kite (despite the fact I had released the bar.) Typically, this is not the case with the Wahroo, when you release the bar the kite depowers. Also, I found the depower straps on the Best Bar are much more intuitive to use (then the clamshell style) and extremely effective.
2. I found that the Wahroo offers very smooth power for getting up on the board. The 5-line kites I tried seemed to require a more aggressive dive then the Wahroo and that’s not real desirable for a beginner.


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

As I mentioned above, I find the Wahroo extremely smooth for water starting. Similarly, the kite is easy to take upwind. It feels very responsive and controllable. The depower is (IMHO) superior to any other kite I’ve used. I can’t comment on jumping and turning yet.


Suitability: How does this kite suit your riding, what type of rider would enjoy it?
I think the Wahroo is a great choice for beginners. It’s inexpensive, extremely durable, and offers a lot of good safety features. I can’t help but notice a lot of the advanced riders use them in the surf so I suspect that it is probably a kite that I’ll be using for a long time to come.


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

I have two major and one minor improvement for this kite:

1. In light, gusty wind conditions (maybe 15 mph) I had the kite fall out of the sky and invert on itself. This resulted in twisted lines that are impossible to correct on the water and if the kite re-launches it is uncontrollable.
2. The deflate-valve on the leading edge has a tendency to blow-out when the kite is crashed (yes, the Velcro tab was covering the valve.) This is a real pain since you have to swim the kite in to shore and then drain water from the bladder before using the kite again. I suspect it could be remedied by a better valve (maybe a screw in?) or the addition of a section Velcro tab that crossed the first.
3. I think the battens could be a little stronger.


Conclusion: Overall thoughts on the kite

Overall I really like my Wahroo. I feel very confident setting it up, doing a self-launch (if necessary), flying it, and doing a self-landing. It is very durable and suits me in most of the conditions I’m willing to kitesurf.

[50knots]

Kite Model: Waroo 06vs07vs08vs09
Kite size: 5
Bar: BEST Bar 2006/07/08
Riding conditions: Big Wave, strong sea, megawind sessions…on/sideshore conditions
Rider Weight: 98kg
Board: BEST Thruster 5,7 (always direcional boards)
Spot: The most ocidental spot of Europe: Guincho – Portugal !

Since 2005 riding with BESTKITEBOARDING, and 8 years of kiting, I had the chance to test a lot of BEST kites… a choosed to review the Waroo 5 because I found my experience with this model and size most peculiar.
Since earlier times that I started pushing the limits of my kites to strong and very gusty winds. My first 5er was a yarga pro… then I bought:

- a Waroo 5 06 - the kite was nice for low weight guys until 35-40knots.. however, pushing the kite to the limits the kite colapsed… even pressurized like a rock and with smoothness at the bar… clapping the tips or even losing pressure due to this colapse was regular… the relaunch with strong or winds was impossible… the kite always colapsed at mide high… even at the corner of the wind window. The construction was a bit weak in the stitches… not enought reliable for me!
But it was very good and safe for the children learning… good depower.. low bar pressure… easy relaunch and predictable (at the time)

- a Waroo 5 07 – pretty much like the 06 model however with a better struts... battens to avoid colapsing and improved performance… I managed to ride long sessions easily with 35-40 knots and achieved first time near 50knots before the kite started to colapse.
The bar was better than the earlier year… 2 cable depower with stopper was the principal modificance… nice and very easy bar!... However I had to make an Upgrade with a stop ball at my Quick Realese.. the original was very dificult to active in stress conditions.
Even better than the 06 model for children to learn Kitesurf (a lot of depower with a bit more stable kite), and for the first time with enough reliability to ride extreme conditions… With re-enforced points, more stable, however we still have to be very gentle and smooth with the bar movements to avoid colapsing the kite. The relaunch with extreme conditions was still almost impossible.

- a Waroo 5 08 - The madness begins ; …this time I really felt confidance on my kite entering the water… the kite was diferent.. diferent shape…better quality, more power, no front batens, stronger construction, low bar pressure (very important with this conditions) more stable and rigid struts, reliability at last… with tunning on the tips (A-B-C) (A-C or B-C in my choice).. the kite seems the perfect one for me (even comparing with all the 5ers in the market) … Megawinds sessions (45-55knots) become almost normal days at wave riding kiting.
The bar 08, became (to me) less practical… much better look and better construction finish (INOX, insertions) but with many angles, not round corners like the 06 and 07 models. The point to atatch the elastic to grab the lines is very dangerous when landing the kite because many times we have one line stuck inside and the kite will go kitelooping. The grip is very nice, the un-twister works better than 07 model however the stopper is made on a rigid plastic and my fingers sufferer a lot (sometimes at the end of the session are droping blood to the sand This happens only when riding more than 45knots.
Well... I had to take the kite to the limits… I had to know how much wind it can handle… Did I found finally one kite that superated my limits?? It was going to be me or the kite…
There’s not many days of winds superior to 50knots to test this… I had to be there in the water at precise time.
The kite loosed… I manage to achieved first time more 50-55knots !!!and the kite colapsed only 2 times jumping the waves. But I still felt confidance on it… This 2008 model was finally the first Waroo 5 that was possible to relaunch quick and without colapsing at 50knots winds (if relaunched smoothly and if possible by the corner of the wind window).
Trying to study and solve this problem of colapsing in the air, I asked a friend to film me flying the kite…I tried to understand the reason why the kite was Gelly-fishing and consequently more easilly colapsing passing the waves (mostly when depowering the bar). Well… I found the VP2 system not good for the Waroo 5… I simplyfied the system taking out the 3th pulley and tuning just a litle bit the bridles... the kite become more easy to handle, still quick enought , some power, and the Gelly fish efect was a lot atenuated.
Latter, I managed to pass the 60-70knots barrier (73knots at the pic of wind)… this are infernal conditions! Even without a kite you are being dragged by the wind… I may take 15/20min to walk 200mts with the kite, board and bar in my hands… I have to launch the kite alone… there’s nobody at the sand.
The kite seems that it’s going to rip in two… or break a bridle… but it didn’t ! The Waroo 5 08 is a awnsome kite… far the best I tested for my Megawind sessions… I can say to all of you guys… never question the quality and resistence of a Waroo 5 2008… the kite is a lot strong!

For children... i found the ealier models a bit better for learning... with less power and lots of depower… more easy relaunch… but my 8 years old son is already riding with the Waroo 5 08 and 09 (but he started with Yarga at 6 years old )

- Waroo 5 2009 – my brand new 5er is still to be tested in this extreme conditions… probablly only on our Summer very strong winds… however in first impression I found the kite much more stable… a bigger kite… bigger struts… a bit more power… a bit slower ( still enought fast ) … no gelly-fish efect… even with VP-2 and gives you a lot of confidance however with a bit less depower capability. No EZ pump option in this case (like 2008 model) because I need to get my bladders very pressurized and EZ-pump doesn’t help this… No valve balls, they really get you a bit delayed to pump this size of kite (all models except latter 2008 and all 2009 are with membrane valve)
Will I have to buy a 3er this year? The shape and stability of this model indicates that is a good choise for riders who wants to have a kite to pass 75knots… ; Let’s see…

Resuming:
Kite Package: good bag since 2008… strange top covers!
Build Quality and finish: Improving every year… 2008 and 2009 are far the best models.. didn’t found weak points… and the 70knots that it flow didn’t found also weak points at the kite ;
Handling: very good and improving every year… 2009 model is probablly the best!
Key Product features: fast, strong, reliable and powerfull kites since 08… few limits with 2008 baby... probably no limits to most guys!
Performance: The principal caracteristic of the Waroo is it’s so friendly to use on any skill you ride… and in all sizes. Powerfull, quick, good jumper, good freestyle and waveriding capablity, safe, easy relaunch, good spin, low bar pressure ( however still enought to feel the kite without have to look up) and excelent upwind capabillity.
Suitability: Well if it’s fine to me with +- 100kg in extreme conditions, I may say that it’s good for every one who is looking for a good small kite for winds 35-45 knots.. or for safe learning of childs.
Improvements: Improving every year: Construction, stability, performance and more reliability… Best is offering a very solid kite in 2009 but still to test if it’s so good like the 2008 model in my Megawind Sessions.
Conclusion: Sincerelly, the only 5er in the market that i trust to entering the sea on that extreme conditions of sea and wind.

More and larger photos at: http://picasaweb.google.pt/pf.diogo
Best wishes for all Waroo’ers!!!

[50knots]

Photos cont.

[pedrolopes]

'Spreading The Love' Kahoona Competition- Kite Review

Kite Model: Waroo 08
Kite size: 11m
Bar: 55cm with 25 lines
Riding conditions: 12 to 18 knots
Rider Weight: 70kg
Board: 2009 QUIJA 134CM X 41.5CM

Kite Package:
The bag is nice, but not the perfect bag,
especially on the top. The Velcro is not very practical, so,
my opinion is to sew the suitcase (see image1)


The pump is the standard smaller pump;
the larger pump would be more perfect.
The both sides of the bag would be better with a pocket,
one for the bar and for the pump, the straps are n
ot very practical (see images 4 and 5).



As for the rest, its al ok for the little bags with zippers, nice.

Build Quality and finish:
The material of the kite, is quite good,
compared with other kites the construction is
nice however, not the long time, in this kite I
noticed that the junctions of the L.E are not the
best, the junctions with not a protection on lines
are great exposed and it obliges some parts of
the LE to stand up (to see image 2).


The leash of the bomb in the form of hook
is not very practical in days of great wind.

Handling:
The setup is very easy, the safety is not
the perfect with the leash on the ring of the
depower rope, if for example the kite start
looping for any reason and pull the quick
release, the kite will continue looping with
the difference that the bar is far away from me.
The relaunch is super easy and nice, even if
in high end of the kite, if I try to put the on
the alone I can do it, with strap (-) full pull
and the bar in the top end is, no problem,
a sweat thing…
When pack the kite it’s easy and stays
very well packed, I had some kites, because
of their construction I couldn’t pack them on
the more correct way.

Key Product features:

The rear line bridle, being able to
fine-tune the turning speed and multiple
line attachment points are so easy which
make this kite so versatile. We can set it
up for different feel, riding styles and
conditions so simply – it is a pleasure as
means we need only one style of kite no
matter what we ride in.
The many parts of the lines, in the kite and in
the bar, if some of them broken, its super easy to
replace them with no problem.

Performance:

The performances are the best, in upwind,
even if gusty wind I can upwind very good,
in compare with others kites. For jumping is
superb it goes were we want it to go, so high.
The depower, even with the VP2 bridles on
the kite some times I would prefer a little bite
more like the Waroo 07.
I don't like the feeling of the kite fluffing when
the kite crosses fast the wind window, it tends
do close up and consequently falls down in the water.
The turning speed is the best which I ever ride.
So for the waves it’s amazing, with this kite
I learned surfing the waves, the speed of
the kite help me a lot.

Suitability:

For my riding is the best kite that I
have found to me.
If do some freeride, waves, freestyle
or long distance, everything suits this
kite with no problem that I have found yet.

Improvements:

If was me try to improve this kite, I
would put only one attachment for the rear lines
(A-A) is the perfect combination, with speed,
hangtime and depower. (see image 3).

The attachment for the pump instead of the
original, I would put a knot on the kite to
install de pump on it, in high winds its more safety.
The zip to reach the LE tube has got a
very small entry to put the hand to work properly (see image11)

The original leash security in the kite attached
to one of the power lines (handle QSR) its not
the perfect, especially when looping the kite if
we want to rotate the bar, the leash is wrapped
up on the bar. I would put a five line security
system, that’s my actual system (see image 9)

wich the 5th line would pass inside the
hole of the bar (see images 6 / 7)
or doing a system that when the kite falls
down on the waves, and when activated
the security 5th line, this line is 95% to
stay wrapped up to the kite that will damage
it, so the other system that I would like to put is:
no 5th line directly on the kite, but near the bar (see image 10).







Conclusion:

For me the best kite ever and with friends I talk them try it… Is the BEST