the best beginner kite

[Dimitri M]

Thank you "C Johnson",
Working on your advice about the modestly priced maintenance items for servicing kites/bars/lines.

[robertovillate]

+1 for Best Kahoona.

its the only Delta I've really tried. Actually owned V1 and V2 kahoonas for awhile.

my favorite things about the kite are:

Short simple bridles
Easiest relaunch i've ever experienced
Almost impossible to get it to overfly
Almost impossible to backstall

my least favorite things:

upwind performance is average
bar pressure was a little high
not the highest jumper
do not like the best flying fish logo.

lots of other delta's on the market. some of them might be better for beginners. The North EVO and Epic Renegade look like good contenders.

I'll second these comments and add that, great low end grunt, I love the light construction, both for handling and performance but also for packing and traveling...not to mention the great price on these kites.

While the Kahoona is not going to win any upwind races it performs fine for most riding styles...and great for directional board/wave riding.

Logo - I like the 2009 graphics best, but this sort of thing never bothered me...I was a big fan of the 2007 RRD Hypertypes...super simple graphics, light construction, simple bridles, etc...although that kite was a bit tricky to fly...as opposed to the Kahoona which is stupid easy to fly...but FUN.

[dennisdeslager]

Hi guys,

i noticed that many people have good experiences with the Best Kahoona, but i am not going to buy the Best Kahoona V2 because the Kahoona V3 will be releasing in March this year.
I will try to test all the kites that you guys have mentioned and also the F-one Bandit.


And now... the board, please help me find a really good board for me (beginner)
keep in mind : i weigh 105 pounds and i am 5'7" tall.

[Windrider]

The EH Beast is another one to consider. I t is popular with some of the training schools because of it stability, durability and ease of re-launch. It's a delta-like kite, but with a bit of "ultra flat" thrown in for better power. Also priced very well, lower than the Kahoona in many cases.

http://www.ehkiteboarding.com/beast.html

Even though I've been riding for about 6 years, the Beast is still my primary kite because it fits the wind conditions here so well. I use it on the waves with my directional as well as with my twin tip. I like the kite a lot and just got a new one for Christmas. Super solid build on the kite, and relaunches with ease.

[ryanroberts1983]

Hi, i'm looking for a new kite for a beginner
i'm 5'7" and about 105 pounds
I am looking for the BEST allround beginner kite, doesn't matter what brand.
I want something with a wide range what would be the best size of kite for me.

12m liquid force envy package, hands down.

http://liquidforcekites.com/product/kites/envy/




Rock solid stability, directional float, pivotal turning and effortless re-launch highlight the Envy’s “beyond delta” design for all around performance.This ultra lightweight three- strut platform gives light, responsive bar feel with impulse pivotal turning.

The Envy’s flight characteristics blend to produce a distinct “set it and forget it” feel.This makes it the perfect kite for everything from progressive wave riding to kite low freestyle domination.

Land a jump a bit too hot, under run the kite in a bottom turn… forget about it! The Envy’s lightweight design allows the kite to float directionally, enabling you to forget about the kite and concentrate on the important issues: making grabs, spotting landings and reading waves straight into the pi

[balugh]

Look at an Ozone Light...

Stable, simple, huge wind range, easy re-launch and you can progress with them too...and the Ozone build quality is excellent...imho....

[dennisdeslager]

Hi, i'm looking for a new kite for a beginner
i'm 5'7" and about 105 pounds
I am looking for the BEST allround beginner kite, doesn't matter what brand.
I want something with a wide range what would be the best size of kite for me.

12m liquid force envy package, hands down.

12 m ?! I weigh 105 pounds ! ;p
don't you think i will be overpowered?

[sisky]

Liquid Force Envy is great kite to learn on. There are a ton of instructors and schools that are switching from other kites they are currently teaching on to the Envy. For many reasons from being really easy to fly to how well built they are.

The bar is great. simple push away release with no metal, moving parts or bungies. Nothing to corrode, get jammed or ware out. Nice chicken loop..

The kite is also great to progress with. Not a kite that is purely to learn on. Once you get proficient you will be very happy with the kite!

As for a board. LF make a board called the EDGE. it is specifically designed to help beginners progress with board skills. it has an asymetrical bottom contour and edge configuration. The bottom has a deep concave pushed to the heel side. giving the board great hold and projection. The heel edge is shaper than the toe edge along with the heel side is a touch straighter than the toe. This again allows great edge control, up wind ease and on the toe side is more forgiving. The board wont catch the toe edge as easy and the softer edge and more curve makes learning toe side turn easy...

hope that helps....you are getting into a sport that will take over your life!!!!!

[plummet]

12 m ?! I weigh 105 pounds ! ;p
don't you think i will be overpowered?

yep you will be. you need to look at 8m kites for your primary kite.

[dennisdeslager]

And what do you all think of the Wainman?