Best Kahoona

Jul 16, 2010

Author: SBC Test Team

Style: Four line SLE Delta

The Best Kahoona returns this season as the true workhorse and the most versatile performer of the Best lineup. This quad strut, delta canopy design, with its impressively compact bridle system, has refined its grunty, big boosting performance from last year with improved wind range and quicker, more precise handling for 2010.

Control Bar and Safety Systems
The Best Bar is streamlined for simplicity with comfortable EVA, 3D molded grip, bar floats and emergency flagging handles on both bar ends. The Big Black quick release trim loop works effectively and houses the primary safety ring through its centre. This primary safety acts by pulling in the main trim line which depowers the kite by pulling both front lines. The above-the-bar pull trim straps are within reach and can trim the kite. A reliable and effective system that has stood the test of time. Look for a review of the new Best bar in the next issue of SBC Kiteboard.

On The Water
Like last season the flat canopy section of the Kahoona delivers plenty of grunt and the 11.5 m was capable of riding in very light winds. The Kahoona was the go-to kite with a surfboard in less than 12 knots, and even on the shorter 20 metre line you could have some fun. The steering pressure and speed of the Kahoona’s turning is perfect with excellent positional feedback and none of the fatiguing issues or funky turn initiation that plagued the earlier Delta shaped designs. Riding with the shorter lines might have helped with this also. The Kahoona is also a big boosting kite, with epic hangtime capability. The 9.5 and the 11.5 Kahoona put smiles on the faces of any rider that likes to boost big lofty jumps. Its glide capability was probably the best of the test. With great performance on the short line setup the Kahoona is also an ideal wave kite and has good amounts of depower, quick steering and power that can be shut off or on while looping or in transitions. The biggest improvement in the Kahoona was the stability of the kite as the wind picks up. The Kahoona held together well in the gusts with good confidence-building stability. Not to mention the styling was improved with better graphics and multi-coloured panel schemes. Kite Test Team member Chris Cram said: “All in all Best has a winner with the new Kahoona V2.I would gladly take a quiver of these kites as my main rig.”

Reality Check
Some of the direct steering is lost on the longer lines and the time-tested bar system could use some upgrades.

Bottom Line
The Best Kahoona delivers all the best attributes that a Delta shape SLE can deliver with a wide performance range that covers all disciplines and skill levels with surprising ease.

http://www.bestkiteboarding.com

http://www.bestkiteboarding.com/KahoonaV2

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