Considering Getting off Best Kites - any idea's

Hi There

I'm hoping I can get some serious responses here...

I've been on Best kites for a few years now, firstly Waroo's and then HP's. They've been fantastic kites and the HP's really rock. The only issue's I've had with the HP's are

Kite - obviously you need to edge well if you get to the higher wind range, the depower is far from 100%
-lots of pulleys and its a real hassle to get the replaceable inserts for the bridles
-hard to get one-pump

Bag - The bags suck and zips usually break in weeks

Pump - pigmy pump, a joke

Bar - Still on the 07 bar, seems they went for a really dodgy release system for 08 and 09 which I think they've now ditched

From the limited info out so far seems the 2010 HP's are heading in the C style direction which may have its advantages but don't really fit with my lets say more conservative kiting approach, I'm not 18 years old...

So where to from here, stick with Best or perhaps a change. I'd be happy with something like the 08 HP that came with a really solid bar (50cm) that has a safety that actually works if I ever need it.

Finally my kiting style, point break, smallish waves to open beach stuff and of course who doesn't like some flat smooth water. Still I'm not a wave rider, happy on a twin tip, 138cm by about 40cm (I think).

I looking for kites that are tough, fly beautifully and are smooth particularly in gusty conditions, that are easy to maintain (replaceable insert for pulleys or perhaps no pulleys!!) and a bar system that's efficient and safe.

I'd rather not hear from dealers etc but from people who pay retail for their kites and can give the 'unbiased' viewpoint.

Thanks in advance

Amazingly enough I've done plenty of that. I was hoping for a more 'local' take on what's out there and not have to spend fore-ever wading through the pimping etc.

You've got to go out an demo.
People will tell you what they think is the perfect kite for a myriad of reasons.
You need to go to your local retailers, beg borrow or steal a demo and have a go. Do this with as many kites as you can then make a choice.
Brand loyalty for the sake of brand loyalty is pointless and probably costly

Bags......who gives a toss
Pump.....they all break
Bars.....customize how you like it

I love the waroos ,The pulleys in the bridle are what make it so good and light on the bar, I have had every model of waroo and never had an issue with pulleys unlike other well known brands which break pulleys regularly including cabs, not saying waroos are perfect, but hey lets face it what kite is.
Same advice as others.....try em all, I do and end up back on waroo cause I like them.

thanks for the advice (to all). I think two points stand out, go demo and look for the direct HP competitors. Have to say on the bar front I'd be hoping to get something that just works from day one, no fiddling or mods required.

it would be interesting to try the waroos but I found the HP's were a cut above and certainly handled gusty conditions better. Has this changed?

looking at the things you want in a kite, i'd have a crack on the 08 or 09 ozone edge as well.

Hi Guys,

I have stayed out of this as asked in the initial post, but my suspense has gotten the better.

There has been a massive difference between each new model of Nemesis HP, as well as the Waroo. These 2 kites continue to improve every year, but what has made it confusing is how they have changed the design of kite each season, to suit different styles of riders.

From my experience, and after testing the new 2010 gear in New York last month, this years line up is like this.

Kahoona

Perfect for, but not limited too, Beginner to intermediate All round riding. Including all terrain. This kite has been developed to be a simple easy and fun kite for all styles of riding. It is great for waveriding, and is priced relatively the same as the SS T3, but in my opinion better performing.



Waroo 2010

The new waroo is basically a delta shaped kite this season. This kite is completely redesigned from the bottom up and focuses on more intermediate to Advanced riders who are looking for a simplistic answer to progression. The Waroo is ideal for unhooking and wake / wave riding and being a delta relaunches real quick. There is the option to purchase EZ Pump or standard. The EZ pump system is the external valve system like SS and Cab. This kite should probably have been renamed cause it is not similar to the previous models, its better.

Nemesis NXG

The new Nemesis is basically a Yarga and a 2009 Neme put together. Based on customer feedback globally, customers felt that the Nemesis should be designed to cater for the High end Freestyle and Wakestyle riding. This kite is my choice for this year, it suits my riding and also help get my 100kg ass out of the water with power. This is not an all round kite and would be a little hectic for beginner to intermediate riders, again because of the direct punch of power it produces. Unreal for Kitelooping and tends to deliver the right amount of power at the correct rate of turn. EZ pump is standard in these kites, no option.

Control Bar

I heard of very few probs with this bar last season. The only drama that we had was the centre line wearing quicker than expected. I warranted the cases that where excessive, and have plenty of parts and accessories available for all kites in stock for dealers. The centre line prob was addressed and has been improved with a different supplier of product. The new bar is the same bar as last season because we had very few issues, and it is one of the better designed releases out there.


There is plenty of great gear from all brands this year and I have been fortunate enough to try some of them out. It would be a hard choice for you guys to make this season, so I suggest try as much as possible before you buy. Your local dealers will be able to let you know and hopefully steer you in the right directions. Dont be put off by any brands past equip, this sport is young, and design and construction methods are rapidly changing. Find the kite that suits you..

Ive fly the 08 nemi 10m and find it a fantastic kite, massive depower, if your having probs edging in higher wind times then prehaps you are using to big a board? a 138 x 40 is quite big nowdays, I am 95Kg and my biggest board is a 134, when nicely powered in good winds I use a 130 x 39 555 and have no probs edging.and using my 10m up to 30mph winds, with only a 1/4 depower. Never had probs with release on 08 bar and there is no zip on bag? and its just a bag. As for pump do what I did and buy a bigger one. mind you I am in same state in what to get to replace my 13m waroo, being on the heavy side I need something with a bit of grunt for low winds. trying new nemi next week so will be interested to see how it performs, but there is a lot of kites out there and when you are spending $1500+ you dont want to get it wrong. But try a smaller board in stronger winds.
And as wind in the UK is nearly always gusty the nemi performs fantastic in the gusts.
Ps im not 18 either i am 47.

You don't know your kahoona from your waroo, arse-monkey. ^^^
lol.

any kite that stops people running over swimmers or landing kites on families would be a good choice i reckon.