Well I just finished trying out 6 new kites after the Pismo Beach Kite Expo. For the sake of time, I am only going to review the aspects that stood out to me on each kite. I am going to review the 2010 Liquid Force Envy, 210 Liquid Force Havoc, 2010 Best Kahoona, and 2010 Caution Zombie.
Kiter Background:
Well I currently own two 2009 Liquid Force Sessions; 12m and 9m. I am only 20 and have been kiting for 3ish years. But I really started riding this last season. I weigh 175lbs and ride a Liquid Force 133 Recoil mostly but have a 145 WLF too. I am really working on progressive riding right now; working on my airs and technical skills such as riding toeside and waveriding. Every day I am landing a new trick or catching a bigger wave.
Conditions tested in:
The wind I tested the 2010 9.5 Kahoona in was about 20mph onshore. The water was a little rough. Swells up to head high and ocassionally, what I call cross waves (waves going perpendicular to the beach). But of course we also could ride in the little whitewash close to shore. I spent about 45mins on the Kahoona.
Performance:
-Stability. This is the most stable kite I have flown. It was happy anywhere in the wind window.
-Handling. No surprises here. The kite ended up where you wanted it too and was very predictable.
-Bar Pressure. The bar pressure felt good for a lighter bar pressure. It still had enough for you to know where it was in the air.
-Bar quality. I really liked the thinness of the center line(s) on the bar. I really like the finger bumps/grip. I really liked the materials used.
Complaints:
-The Redline bar. I know Best makes their regular Best bar so in fairness that is the typical bar. But I just could not understand what was going on with that strap depower thingy on the redline bar. Maybe I was doing something wrong.
This is a small complaint that I noticed. I am sure if I spent more time on the kite I might find this complaint false/unfair.
Who is this kite for:
This kite is for any rider that wants an good kite all around. No complaints on this kite. There are no sacrifices on this kite. This kite performs fine in all areas. This kite would be great for beginners, riders looking to progress, and intermediate riders that want a kite that is consistent performs good in all areas.
Thanks to Kinsley from http://xtremebigair.com/ for the demo. If you are around the central coast come check out the kite for yourself and see what the new Kahoona V2 can do for you!