Reviews written by IKSURFMAG

AT A GLANCE

A first look at the new 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 BAR

Best 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 for easy entry and exit when riding unhooked. The 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 kite, the Kahoona 9.5m 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 realty 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.

FOR
Not just beginners, but advanced wave riding, free riding and wake style riders alike. It is a durable kite at an affordable price.

AGAINST
Speed sailing in high winds and high attitude freestyle is not made easy by such a deep powerful canopy.

OVERALL
The kite is priced affordabty 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.

AT A GLANCE

We have been getting more and more impressed with Blade kites as the years have gone by. The build quatity and finish rivals some of the top brands and the kites themselves are always exciting designs. The last time we saw a Vertigo it was a strange 5th line with bridle affair that to be honest we weren't realty fans of. The 2010 Vertigo is a different beast altogether though. A three strut flat delta design the kite has a noticeably wider arc than last year. The bridle is short and simple and has a direct connection to the rear of the kite. Three struts make the kite really light and the wing tips have changed slightly as well. The kite is pitched at the wave and freeride market boasting great turning ability and on/off depower in an instant to enhance your wave riding.

THE BAR

The bar is a clean functional design that drew a few positive comments on the beach. The grip is 3D moulded and extremely comfy to hold. There are O-Shit handles for added safety and a stopper ball should you wish to use them. The trim strap is made up of a pull-pull webbing affair, which is situated above the bar, whilst the chicken loop is very impressive too, an update to last years swivel and ropes to ensure maximum durability. The entire system also swivels so you are able to untwist your lines if you choose to spin one way with your rotations.

IN THE AIR

The Vertigo has a very light bar pressure, and you'll notice this instantly when you launch. It isn't so light that you have no feedback but riders who are used to a heavier feet may find it takes a little getting used to. Round the window the kite flies with speed and purpose. Crank on the small bar and the kite will be pivoting round its axis on demand. The Vertigo is also very stabLe and deliberate in its steering. This isn't a kite that will go wandering off line without rider input. Instead it sits there well behaved waiting to be given feedback from the rider before it does anything untoward. In the waves this is a great characteristic when you want the kite to drift down the line and allow the rider to take on the wave using minimal kite input. The kite is also happy to drift back and not stall, another quality that lends itself to more surf orientated riding. Get it into freeride mode and it is sure to put a smile on your face. The Vertigo jumps well and delivers a solid pull off the water when you send it back through the window. Just be sure to redirect it, with the light bar pressure it is easy to get out of time and end up swinging under the kite. Once you are used to the light pressure though this ceases to become an issue. The small diameter canopy profile penetrates the window well which enables you to quickly get back upwind after smacking a few tips.

FOR
Great for wave hungry riders looking for a well-behaved kite that has good drift characteristics and will allow you to surf the wave.

AGAINST
Some riders wont enjoy the light bar pressure, others will love it.

OVERALL
More than just a wave kite the Vertigo offers simple stable flying and real plug and play kiting. Three struts means you'll be on the water faster than most too!

AT A GLANCE

The Bularoo is back, but there is a twist with this kite. For years the Waroo has been the stable diet of most Best riders. Offering excellent all-round performance and great value. This year though the Waroo has changed, it utilises a Delta wing tip shape and whilst it is still an all-round freeride kite Best felt there would be too many riders sad to see the old Waroo go. The Bularoo V2 is the next version of the Waroo in its popular SLE guise. Think of it as a 2010 Waroo and the Waroo as a totally new kite. Confused? We were a little. Out of the bag though the Bularoo V2 instantly feels familiar. The curved wide arc, the thin struts and leading edge and the simple bridle all point to the Waroo of 2009. Improvements include the EZ Pump as standard and a few tweaks here and there to enhance the performance over last years kite. The build quality is excellent with plenty of reinforcement along the leading edge for seLf landing and launching. There is also a load flex seam to ensure the kite will survive the harshest of wipeouts.

THE BAR

Best have 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 9m, 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 go, and the chicken loop line is made up 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 for easy entry and exit when riding unhooked. The 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 on to the two front lines. For complete safety and depower the new bar still has re-ride on both outside lines with grab handles.

IN THE AIR

If the Bularoo V2 Looked familiar out of the bag, it will certainly feel familiar in the hands! The Waroo had a healthy following because it did everything so well, waves, hangtime, freestyle and just out and out blasting were never a problem. You'll be pleased to hear the same can be said of the Bularoo V2. No matter what you throw at it the kite comes back eager for more. Sending the kite up through the power zone produces a serious amount of lift and hangtime. Unhook and the kite is well behaved and stable allowing you to pop and perform your tricks without worrying what the kite is going to do. Upwind the kite attacks the front of the window, helped by the small frame profile. The bar pressure feels about right, not overly heavy and not too light, giving the rider plenty of feedback as you ride and manoeuvre the kite around the window. In terms of who the Bularoo V2 is for it is certainly a jack of all trades. Wave heads might prefer the Kahoona but everyone else will get plenty out of the Bularoo V2. Easy and simple to fly it will entice beginners to progress faster and ensure expert riders never get bored at the same time. Kite loops are still impressive affairs and the kite doesn't suddenly accelerate or pull the rider, it delivers solid pull from start to finish.

FOR
If you liked the all-round ability of the Waroo then you'll love the Bularoo V2.

AGAINST
Not much realty, the kite is well made, flies exceptionally well no matter what the conditions are and is sure to put a smile on your face.

OVERALL
Another cracking incarnation of the Waroo, if you realty don't want to wander down the DeLta route and you love Best kites then this could well be the kite you have been looking for.