I learned to kiteboard back in 2003 but didn't pursue it because of life/cost/risk. So I'm starting to pick it up now and I'm wondering which board to go with. Everything I've read about either board has been positive.

I'm looking for a versatile board that I can ride strapless in light winds or strapped in higher conditions. Wave riding isn't really an issue for me, more just chop. I'm not exactly young and have bad knees to begin with so I want something with a nice smooth ride.

The Mako is a bit cheaper and much much much easier to get my hands on, but I could still get a Kipuna if I make the effort.

I know the Mako will be easier off the bat because I can ride it in TT mode but I can handle learning to ride directional.

Anyone have any input?

I decided to try the Mako King and liked it in mutant form. I converted the Mako 2010 board TT by putting the full decking on and used it as a directional. I think the OR straps were real loose and I put others on it. Then I bought a directional and never really used it much after that. Was it a necessary stepping stone...still not sure. I recently used it in TT mode and it was OK. Then I sold it.
I never tried it strapless. I have the Mako 140 and like it for chop, although I mostly use the North Select boards now for saving my knees. The Makos are too heavy for traveling. Also, round edges do not go up wind real well. I looked at the Kipuna...looks like a nice board. Kind of $$. Go for the Kipuna...you can always go backward and buy the King.

Interesting question and I hope for more responses as I am contemplating the same move. For a slightly cheaper option than the Kipuna, Freewave offers the same style in the DV8.

One thing I like about the Mako King is you can ride it backwards when strapless. I don't think there are many other boards that offer that option. When first learning strapless, this allowed me to ride back upwind (like a big strapless twintip) and then slowly fall downwind as I was learning to jibe. Also if you're coming up to a wave and don't think you'll make it over, you just do a twin-tip-style transition back the other way.

I learned to ride strapless, tack, and jibe on the Mako king. The first time I tried it strapless, I just got up and started riding, so it was really easy. Then I just rode it back to the beach backwards like a twin tip.

I also really like it as a big strapped twintip with regular pads and straps. Much better ride through chop than the spleene RipMax that I had with about the same low end.

I have very little time on surfboards though, so don't know if it's easier or harder on a board with more volume. I'm thinking about getting a surfboard for riding waves, but would probably keep the Mako King for riding as a lightwind twin tip.