How has the Kahoona V4 changed from the V3? The first time you twist the bar to turn your Kahoona V4 you’ll feel where the differences are. The V4 is faster and tighter turning than the V3. The wingtip area below the last strut has been widened on the V4, giving you more control surface for faster tighter turns. The bridle attachment points have been optimized to enhance the low end stability and give as much low end power as possible. Added to that there is the Kahoona+ model with the EZ-Pump. Of course for anyone who prefers the standard inflation, the entire range is available with that option. What about the Nemesis HP V3? Will an updated version be offered for 2012? The Nemesis is a hard kite to improve. It is so far towards the limit of what you can do aerodynamically and from a materials tech point of view that it’s hard to make it better rather than just different. We’ve managed to draw out a few more percentage points for this season though. The leading edge barrel seams are made to closer tolerances. The acceptable seam deviation has been halved resulting in a more accurately cut and stitched leading edge which transfers steering input more efficiently. The tip-to-tip LE seam received a new internal tape reinforcement making the kite more resistant to wind shifts and gusts and enhancing stability. Canopy shaping has been similarly improved, reducing parasitic drag on the trailing edge and making the HP accelerate across the window faster than any other kite we have flown. With improvements to construction and performance, the Nemesis HP is closer to theoretical perfection than ever before. It’s still the highest jumping and most exciting kite we have ever made.
CLICK HERE FOR THE 2012 BEST PRODUCT CATALOG
How has the Redline Performance bar changed for 2012? Do all Best kites still use the same bar? The basic functions of the RP-bar remain the same including the push to release cuff, dual depower line, stopper ball, bypass leash, and Redline safety. However the exterior QR cuff is an all-new part made to tighter tolerances from a more durable reinforced thermoplastic. The swivel in the cuff now has drainage vents and small twist-tabs to make cleaning and turning it easier. The bar ends are all new, co-molded in structural plastic, and covered in large, soft EVA outers. They offer a real improvement in safety and comfort. Lastly, we have completely replaced the bar center. The new design offers replaceable center bushings made from low friction plastic. These should eliminate depower line wear. So lot’s of changes, but the same core reliable functionality and of course all spare parts are available as kits. We’ve introduced a version of this bar for the GP kite. It gains an additional 5th line, the depower line is a single 8mm braided line, and we’ve removed the stopper ball. Other than these modifications, the two bars are the same. How have the 2012 model twin tip boards changed from 2011? Are any new products being added to the 2012 lineup? The 2012 boards are all available in different sizes to last year’s boards and their outline, flex patterns, and board hhardware have all been updated for 2012. The 2012 Armada boards are a little stiffer uunderfoot and come with a little more flex in the tips. We are looking at adding a ccouple of pro models late in the season for those riders who want something a little more hardcore than the Armada, but we’ll see how these work out. m
BEST 2012 KITES B Kite Name GP TS Nemesis HP 12 Kahoona
Sizes 6, 7, 9, 11, 13m 4.5, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17m 8, 10, 12, 14m 3.5, 5.5, 7.5, 9.5, 11.5, 13.5m
Number of Struts 5 3 or 5 5 4
Target Freestyle Freestyle/freeride Big air/old school Progression/waves
Date Available Now Now Now Now