Best Kiteboarding have produced a great selection of kites for 2013 and we have been really curious to find out how they work on the water.

The 2013 collection includes:
Best Kahoona
Best TS
Best GP
Best Cabo

Names don’t really tell you that much, do they? Which of those to chose? Our friends from REAL in collaboration with Best Kiteboarding had put together a quick chart comparing some basic features of each kite.

Here you can find out which kite suit you best having in mind your level and style in kiteboarding.

1. The Beginner:
The best chouce if you are a beginner is the Best Kahoona or the Best TS for riders looking to get into the sport. The Kahoona and the TS both offer a big wind range with good relaunch. As you can see from the chart, the TS will jump a little higher and go upwind better while the Kahoona has unmatched relaunch and stability. The main difference is where you would like to progress.
Best TS: Ideal for riders who will spend most of the time freeriding and getting into freestyle (hooked and unhooked).
Best Kahoona: Well suited if you would like to progress into riding waves.

2. Weekend Warrior
We know full well that a lot of you just don’t get to go kiteboarding as much as you would like. This means that when you do go out relaxing and crusing is exactly what you are after. If this is true for you you should go for the Best TS because of the upwind performance, jumping height and wind range.

3. The Surfer:
Riding waves requires a kite that feels fast and direct. It should also be reliable and predictable so you know exactly where the kite is at all times.
Best Kahoona: Actually not a bad wave kite because of the stability and relaunch. It doesn’t turn as fast as the TS or the Cabo though.
Best TS: Designed to be an all rounder with a direct feeling, it’s no surprise that the TS performs well for kitesurfing in waves.
Best Cabo: This is Best Kiteboarding’s dedicated wave kite. The Cabo a little faster than the TS and the Kahoona. The Cabo will perform well in the flats too.

4. The Cruiser:
Not everyone likes to go at a million kilometers an hour. If you prefer a less physical experience and just enjoy the feeling of the sport then you should stick with the Best Kahoona. The user friendly nature and light bar pressure will keep you feeling fresh and ready for another sessions.

5. The Freestyler/Wakestyler:
It’s a well known fact that nothing quite compares to the feeling of a true C-Kite when it comes to unhooked tricks. The Best GP will deliver the pop and drop you are looking for. If you need a kite that is a little more versatile but will still allow you to push your freestyle progression, the Best TS is a solid choice.

If you are still confused maybe this summary will clear it up a little:

Best Kahoona: Designed for Beginners, intermediates and pleasure cruisers – but will also work for riders looking to get into kitesurfing (wave riding).

Best TS: Designed to have a place in everyone’s quiver – the TS is the jack of all trade that will work in a huge range of conditions.

If you are torn between the TS and the Kahoona, REAL recommends the TS for 95% of riders.

Best Cabo: Dedicated wave kite – but of course will perform nicely in the flats too!

Best GP: Dedicated freestyle and wakestyle kite.