A first look at the new Best Kahoona and it is very impressive; the design of the kite has a high-end finish with black and white graphics and a choice of five different centre primary colours. The Kahoona still has a four strut set up leaving the very centre of the canopy completely open to aid catching and keeping a clear air flow in the centre of the kite where it counts most. The struts this year have been given a Kevlar wrap around the connection point to the leading edge, giving the kite a nice strong rigid frame.
The inflation valves have been given a new housing to ensure they stay put and all bridal attachment points are now attached on the inside to avoid snagging and wear, as opposed to being stitched on top.
A new Mini VP2 Bridle has been fitted to give maximum depower for a small amount of bar travel, the bridal also helps with stabilization, whilst the leading edge has plenty of bumper pads for all terrain use as this kite has proven to be a popular choice of kite for ATB and Snow Kiters.
To finish off, the new revamped, stronger, better looking Kahoona V2, there is a new leading edge seaming system for added stiffness and lighter construction called Flat Pack LE barrel seams.
The BarBest have finally finished their new kite bar that can work across the whole kite range. The new bar comes as standard on 20m lines which works perfectly on the 9.5m, however on the larger kites Best are producing an upgrade extension line set if the rider wishes to use longer lines. The bar still features a double pull down depower strap for adjusting kite trim on the move, and the chicken-loop line comprises of two centre lines with a slide down stopper to adjust and set bar travel on the fly.
Best have scrapped the line swivel on top of the depower strap and stuck a swivel within their all-new chicken loop. The new loop has a locking pin situated on top to lock the loop out straight from easy entry and exit when riding unhooked. Quick release is very sensitive and can release with ease under any amount of pressure. The leash system works on a false fifth line that travels through the middle of the chicken loop and up onto the two front lines. For complete safety and depower the new bar still has reride on both outside lines with grab handles.
In The Air
The new Kahoona is a pleasure to ride, as it sits solid as a rock in the air and shows no signs of the canopy wanting to ripple or flutter. For a small kitesurfing kite, the Kahoona has plenty of low end power which means you can stay at a pleasant riding speed without the kite getting carried away and wanting to out fly itself at any stage, You can stick the kite at 12 and leave it when fumbling about for your board like a beginner would, without much chance of the kite falling. The new bridal gives a well connected positive bar feedback, and the kite responds really well to rider input. Re-launching is automatic and really impressive, you will struggle to keep this thing in the water!
For 2010, this new Kahoona has really been made for pretty much anyone to use regardless of discipline. Wake style riders will benefit from the ability to park the kite and have the confidence it will behave itself and won’t become too active without bar input. The Kahoona does not send you to the moon when jumping, but there is plenty of float and glide and learning to kiteloop or performing complex kiteloop tricks is made easy with the ability for the kite to loop at the riders chosen arc.
The Kahoona is a brilliant wave riding machine as well, having great low end enabling you to put up a small kite early. The fast re-launch and the all-new stronger kite construction give you plenty of confidence when things do go wrong in the waves. The responsive well-behaved nature also helps make wave riding simple and easy. However, one area the kite does not excel is its forwards flying speed, which is typical on a kite of this aspect ratio. Big air junkies would definitely prefer the Nemesis.
Pros
Not just beginners, but advanced wave riding, free riding and wake style riders alike. It is a durable kite at an affordable price.
Cons
Speed sailing in high winds and high attitude freestyle is not made easy by such a deep powerful canopy.
Overall
The kite is priced affordably and designed to be easy enough for the beginner entry level kitesurfer, however is it also built strong enough for the toughest of kitesurfers to learn high end wake style tricks and wave riders to give it a hard time in the biggest of surf.
For more information please visit your local dealer or go to www.bestkiteboarding.com
Original review from our friends at IKSurfmag