I have been riding the 2012 Redline performance bar from Best now for about 5 weeks. Here is an insight as to what has been improved. The issues customers found on the 2011 bar like depower line wear, unwanted release of the cloop and hard bar ends have all been addressed in this new bar. The new bar is completely redesigned based purely on customer feedback.
-Available in 47mm, 52mm and 57mm.
-RRP $499
-Comes complete with 20mtr + 3mtr extension flying lines.
##New overall look and feel for 2012 (new manufacturer) This bar suites all the 4-line kites from Best (Kahoona, TS, Nemesis HP) and will also fit earlier model kites aswell.
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##Best have added a replaceable, low friction Delrin bar inserts. (Delrin is a self lubricating plastic) This bar insert can be changed in minutes and will be available as a spare part at your local Best shop. The insert reduces center line wear, as the Delrin insert wears faster than the depower line.
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##The newly molded 'Pro QR' is a one piece, injection molded quick release with a push to release outer cuff. Makes it very easy to release in any situation and has been tweaked to minimise false release.
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##This is a very simple QR system but very efficient. There are no mechanical parts that can be affected by sand or bad maintenance. Very easy to put back together in a flash. There is a built in swivel similar to last years so that you can manually untwist the front lines.
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##New Big Ass Bar Ends or BABEs for short. Similar to the Cabrinha ones these soft bar ends help to protect your surfboard or your face if it comes in contact with. Also helps the bar float and are stiffened so that there is no bar end bend when rolling your lines up. Comes with some little bungy's to hold all your lines in place.
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##Same trim strap above the bar as previous years. Easy to power and depower in all wind conditions.
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## Comes with the same stopper ball!!
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##Lines this year have new loop ends. These loop ends are somewhat softer than last year and last a lot longer than the harder ones we have had previously
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How do you find the trim straps, they are the one thing that has put me off a bit the best bar do you notice them flapping around much? I like the chicken loop safety release how easy is it to replace flaging line etc?
When the kite is fully depowered you have a fair bit of dangle. There is a valcro ring that holds it against the center line though. When the kite is trimmed correctly then the entire assembly is tidy and isn't a bother at all.
Nice photos joe.
Looking good and with a touch of futuristic styling.
Definitely can see a lot changes there, notably QR cuff, bar ends and bar insert.
How is the total weight combo compared to last years bar.
The overall weight of the bar is lighter, noticeably lighter. Super easy bar to use.
The basic design is good and just needs refinements like these. It looks cheaper to make than some other bars, but it still works well. Easier reconnection of the C/L and more durability are things they might be able to still improve.
Yeh I will give it to the redline bar it is very easy to reassemble, but I'm afraid overall it's not big bees dick close the bar i now use, but for politeness I won't mention the brand.
But hopefully as you have said the overall bar may have improved. I had the 2011, was suitable, worked well except for depower wear and the swivel housing ceasing up within a week - not totally but you wouldn't want to try and turn it when flying.
If they have fixed these issues great. best was good enough to send me two new depower lines, which was greatly appreciated but they have worn to. Its where the toggle that you set for reach and power, where it happens. Just tears it to shreds after a while. I stopped using the toggle (and the swivel - he he ) and it did last longer.
Also asked my wife, it took me hours to get the depower rope through the damn swivel housing when replacing, I went actually nuts! Tried tape, the thin thread they give you, oil, spit use and eventually unadultered anger!
Hopefully you have fixed these. Now i changed three, and talked to best a few times when it was not going through...
Eventualy the best method is... 20 pound fishing line, not 15, not 30, but 20. Use thread and needle, put through end a little way down, then thread it back either side (crossed over) near the top. This way it pulls from the bottom of the taping on the ends not the top where it rips.
So damn tight! it is necessary!
There are solutions, and it is a functional well working bar, but shyte better bars out there.
Also, the front lines larks heads both wore through. So did my brothers. Using them on differnt styles of kites..fixed that have you??
Don't get me wrong, I'm not bagging the bar outright, served me well, but get ya engineers on to these things - so what if you made it lighter, whoopy doo.
But a decent concept having the swivel and release in same unit.
Each year, every brand reflects on the problems of the year before and works to fix them. The minor issues that were noticed by some in 2011 have been addressed and we now have a solid bar to accompany a solid line up.
I hope they have totally fixed the issues that affected a minority of last years bar. The line that hold the end of the CL frayed then the CL would release.
As far as I know, we did not have this problem here in Australia. If there was, it would have been replaced under warranty anyhow.
Gotta disagree eppo, making the bar lighter is a great improvement on any gear, also travelling(flights) with 4 bars the weight makes a big difference, some of the bars out there (and I won't mention any brands) are heavy enough to double up as my hammer to knock tent pegs in at Gnaraloo :-)
Hi Jules,
if there was an issue it would have been fixed.
Yes the sizes have changed as you stated. 47,52,57.
Joe
Those are excellent improvements. I was one of the guys who had an accidental release and got a replacement cuff, which I further strengthened with a couple of small cable ties. Never had problems with cloop wear, I think that happens with a certain rider stance i.e. sheeting in and out concertina-like, leaning on the depower line, instead of edging and weight shifting.
I won't be upgrading my two V2 Kahoonas (which I love and are in great shape after a season of heavy use) but I'll be getting this new bar.
The new bars are due in this week. Most Best retailers will have their stock of bars.
Joe
The idea of releasing a new bar is to correct any faults experienced previously. The 2 holes in the cloop feral are rounded this year so the problem won't exist. As I mentioned I heard of no failures in Australia, and Eppo if your bro PM's me ill make sure he is sorted with a new piece.
Joe
Loving the new bar, personally I hate plastic covered depower lines as on some other brands, the delron insert will no doubt be taken up by other brands in time, it works exceptionally well, Best are doing demo's in Perth 24th 25th 26th November so come and see for yourself, details available from Woodies.
Hi eppo, down in perth next week doing demos, never seen this before, bring your bro and his bar along and I will ensure it gets sorted.
