Bularoo V2 is the next incremental evolution of the 07->08->09 Waroo. I think the flight handling and construction versus 09 a much larger improvement (20%?) than what I saw from 08->09 (10%)

I've been flying the 9m for 6 months now. It is a lovely flyer that I can pretty much just ignore and focus on my riding. Nothing nervous or twitchy about it even when gusty. It is much better behaved in Gorge gusts (current wind + 15mph) than previous Waroos and the 2010 delta Waroo (I have one of those too). The canopy is more stable when depowered than previous versions, not as much deformation/backwinding when you sheet out in way overpowered conditions. I'm sure this is in part because I can pump it up quite hard to 10psi since it has the improved construction of the 2010 Waroo. And being sturdier it is better suited for snow than previous versions.

The canopy appears to have a slightly deeper C than my previous 07/08/09 Waroos. Doubt it matters, just an observation.

The one-pump is simple and light, works great though sometimes in my rush to get on the water I forgot to clamp the struts shut. I never realize that until I'm done with my session and am packing up.

It is the same one-pump as what I see on Slingshots so it is all external and very easy to work w if you needed to pull a bladder out (I never have). It has 2" neoprene sleeves over the strut clamps, instead of the heavier 6-8" sleeves on the 2009 Best one-pumps.

Relaunch seems same to me as previous years. Easy relaunch unless the wind gets super light and then just about nothing wants to climb back out of the water :-(

Re Best bars, they're slowly improving. I've looked at (but not ridden) the 2010 Redline which finally has the ability to flag a kite like Cabrinha and others have for years. And a nice (but trigger happy?) chickenloop QR which releases but doesn't separate into 2 halves which SHOULD make on-water re-assembly very easy.

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.

The only thing I can say about the Best Bularoo is that the build quality is very bad. The lines are very thin and the tubes are very weak. The shape is pretty good and there's enough depower, but don't buy this kite because of the very bad build quality!