This year I will be using Best Kahoona+ whilst teaching in my kite school. Before I let students out on the kites, I tested one to make sure they are safe and ready to be used. This is my Kahoona Plus V5 review.
Out of the bag you can see and feel that the double layer ripstop is really beefing up the kite this year. It gives you a sense that they are bomb proof. The look of the kite this year is quite different to previous years, with solid colour patterns making it noticeable in the sky.
The general construction of the kite has been improved with better one pump attachments and better “bumpers” on the leading edge.
What Best say about the Kahoona Plus V5
The Kahoona+ delivers the perfect mix of freeride performance for every riding style and every skill level.
If you want the convenience of EZ-Pump™ inflation with easy handling, solid performance and day long comfort then the Kahoona+ v5 is the ultimate freeride kite. Automatic relaunch, reliable downwind drift and rock solid stability make the Kahoona perfect for attacking any wave or any new trick.
With a reputation for surprising hang-time and great low-end power it’s no wonder riders like you return to it season after season. With more responsive handling, reduced bar pressure and best in class stability courtesy of revised canopy design and our new Double Core RS canopy fabric, the v5 is our most advanced Kahoona yet.
(from http://www.bestkiteboarding.com/Kahoona-Plus-V5)
My Kahoona Plus V5 review
I have flown previous Kahoona’s and they have always seemed to have a great low-end. In previous years I have used a 9m whilst others have been out on 14ms. Although I could have done with an extra 5mph to really stay up wind, you could tell that the low-end was really something.
This year’s model is no different. The 9.5m has got the same ability as some 12m kites out on the market when fully powered up.The turning speed of a smaller kite will always help the low-end, as you can generate your own power by looping it into the power zone. This doesn’t mean though that you really have to work the kite to get going. Once the power is there the Kahoona will sit in the zone nicely.
In the right wind for a 9.5m, I found that there was very little back stalling in the turns and you were able to tell where the kite was at all times. Once out of the turn and put back into the power zone, the power of the kite was again evident.
A friends Kahoona Plus V5 review
A local rider also tested the kite to give me his point of view. This guy has recently moved over to the Ozone C4 from Ocean Rodeo Razors. The Razor is meant to have some good hang time and the C4 (being a C kite) is meant to have great power. The feedback that I got was that the Kahoona had both characteristics.
The main quote that I can give you is “wow, when I am jumping half way up you get the feeling that you are going to carry on going up and you really float back down. It’s great. You get a lot of time to think about your landing and positioning.” I think this proves that the kite is stable and well equipped to handle most things that are thrown at it.
Would I change anything?
The 2013 Best Redline bar has been improved as well with a better safety system. It works on a bungee style quick release and seems a lot smoother than the previous redline bars. The depower and power straps have not changed, but I have not had a problem with them for over 3 years.
The only negative I have is regarding the bar and the stopper on the power lines. If you leave it at the top of the lines, the depower strap does not fit nicely over it. So, if you need to depower the kite then you need to pull the stopper down slightly or manoeuvre the strap over the top of it first. This is something that you will probably get used to quite quickly.
Top tip from an insider….
Keep a look out for next years Best bars. Tests are being completed on a new depower system. You might be able to see some images of it on the latest PKRA pictures.
Overall, I am more than happy with the build quality and the performance of the kite. After my intensive Kahoona Plus V5 review I am confident that my students will progress quickly learning on these kites.
Find out more of buy the Kahoona Plus V5 here.
