Postby robertovillate » Thu Dec 31, 2009 3:34 am
Ocean Rodeo is a good company and I always had good service from them, and have great respect for the guys running the show there.
Fair enough to also say that BEST customer service is pretty hard to beat as well.
Both get high marks from me on that level.
I have not flown the OR kite you mentioned, but their kites have been good last few years from what I have seen and heard from other riders. The Kahoonas have incredible low end, super smooth and stable. Never stalls back or forward, even when almost no apparent wind. I've been using the 7.5 and 9.5 and they have great range.
A few things that I really like about the Kahoonas: very simple, 4 struts make kite super light and packs down small, extremely well behaved and stable, especially in waves, great for beginners and also for experienced riders if they want this style of kite (delta). Luke mentioned that they are not durable, but they have withstood everything I have thrown at them without disappointment. It is obvious that they are not "over-built" which is something I like - to keep weight and expense down.
As for no one-pump...I never saw that as a disadvantage - in fact I feel the opposite...more weight, more cost, more hassle to repair and in the end no convenience for me. Maybe of you are snowkiting OK, ? If I had a choice (and often you do not) I would always go with seperate struts/LE and plugs. Have pumped thousands of kites this way...no complaints.
The 2010 Kahoonas will have line deflectors on the win tips. And you could sew some onto the 2009 if you really want to. I've had a line catch a few times during self launch,, but sorted itself and not really out of control. But that is something to be aware of and a valid point, but would not turn me away from the other desirable features of the kite.
I would say medium bar pressure on these kites, no problem flying one handed for extended periods. I have used the Kahoona with the Waroo bar primarily, and now a CORE ESP bar which I am liking better for a few reasons. I have tried the Redline bar but like the CORE better to be honest. But that may be another topic.
Have to say, for my personal riding and instruction needs the Kahoonas work great. I have lots of other kites and I'm always reaching for these. I sold my first quiver while travelling and just replaced them with the same. Probably will get an 11.5 and a 5.5 when it comes out, maybe even a 13.5 - I just love the lightness of these kites.
I wish I had more time to test all the kites out there to compare - and if you do have that chance and KNOW how to evaluate...do it for sure. I even saw somewhere some company doing a "try before you buy" thing, but it looks like it would be an expensive ordeal...nice idea though.
PS..if you are anywhere near St. Pete, FL this winter you are welcome to come check them out. Feel free to give me a shout.