Zian Kites Kima 2

Just had the pleasure of riding the Zian Kima 2.
Thought I'd post up what I thought and share with those that are interested to hear how the kite performs from a wave riders perspective. Please if you've also tried feel free to make additional comments:)
First up being a delta C fan the kite already was ticking boxes.
The pitch fork bridal and rear line pulley set up works just like any other Delta C kite, with the bar and lines giving an instant feel of control for the rider.
I did shorten the rear lines slightly by adding an extra knot to the adjustable setting underneath the foam float on the bar. This allowed for instant and equal line tension on the bar (when fully sheeted in) If you don't mind the rear lines slightly slack, the standard setting is fine! This is a personal preference and something to play with when your fine tuning your kite and bar set up!
The sheeting out of the bar is great works great ditches all power allowing the kite to fly to the window edge without any power almost instantly. The relaunch off the water is also really quick and is best achieved with the bar sheeted out and pulling on one of the outside lines once the kites back in the air retake control of the kite with both hands on the bar.

The turning of the kite is smooth and fast with minimal flutter...there is a bit of bar pressure. This is something I like as you know where the kite is and it makes the kite feel like it's got some balls!!! Low end grunt!
I'm currently riding the smaller bar, 45cm with 22m lines, but the bigger bar 54cm with 24m lines would definitely take away some of this bar pressure. Again a personal preference to what you like with your bar set up...the bar also has grooves for you finger and is super grippy and comfortable!

Riding a wave and making tacks, on the wave toe side or forehand for me on a wave the kite felt awesome, it sat perfectly in the wind window and was able to fly at 45* degrees through bottom turns and top turns. The kite also fell back into the window through bigger carve or cutback like turns. Popping airs strapless was also supported with this kite and the strapped rider could easily boost sending this kite. On your backhand the kite also rides really nicely turning through bottom and top turns or sitting at 45* nicely as you ride down the line.
On a tack the kite has a nice feel and the stopper on the depower rope is also really comfortable and easy to use on long tacks when holding ground. The depower is set with a standard clamclet this is my favourite and the industries preferred depower by most leading kite manufacturers.

The chicken loop is a little small but conventional and Swivel allows for smooth turning while riding and untwisting the lines on the go. I'd like the chicken loop to have an auto lock so the chicken loop doesn't swivel when unhooking. Not a big issue to deal with though...

Finally the safety release is also functional and will easily put release when needed, it is also super quick to put back together to get you back out there faster...

If you've also tried this kite please feel free to make a comment.
If your on the Gold Coast and keen to have a go give me a shout.

Cheers
Nate

Just a review bro, sure other retailers and interested crew can be in contact themselves.
Thanks for the interest :)

I use the Kima V2 in my kiteboarding school. I do like the fast relaunch, easy handling, price level and solid construction. Next season I will add the 11m to my school quiver (5/7/9).

Nice one what size bar are you teaching with?
Love the compact feel of the 45cm but a bigger bar would probably suit newbies better...

I would have thought the Aquila was a better kite to teach with...? Have you tried this kite yet? I teach lessons myself also and had my eyes on one of these purely for lessons...

With most brands costing around $2200 to $2500 complete with kite, bar and lines it's awesome that Zian kites are priced at around $1500 rrp complete. Well done to Zian for offering a quality product at an affordable price...
Keep it up guys!

Hey Craggers, Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes video... Noice

Ive too have used the Kima VII (9m) with the 45cm bar (22m lines) and loved it!

I'm more of a wave rider so this review is purely based on putting it to use in the surf.

A few things I thought stood out:
- Simple design
- Good low end grunt
- Super easy relaunch
- Sits well in the window
- Stability batton's on trailing edge, outside of the wingtip strut.
- Simple Clam Cleat system
- Super comfy bar.
- Small chicken loop with swivel and easy to use quick release.

A few things I think could be looked at for the future (personal opinions):
- Another knot on bar for shortening the steering lines.
- Deflate valve is on wingtip, could be relocated to the center.

Overview:
- All in all a really good kite. I too prefered adjusting the lines (shorter) on the smaller bar for a more instant feel through the turn.
- Kite sat really nicely on the edge of the window, with bar sheeted out, surfing a wave. Power when needed with a simple pull.
- Wingtip did happen to clip the water and the leading edge stuck down but with a simple pull on the steering line, popped straight up, super quick, actually fastest and most responsive Ive come across!
- Flew upwind real well.
- I like the construction. Its built well. The stitching and seam work is neat and tidy.
- Flying through fast turns, there's no flutter from the stabilizing batons they have put on the training edge out near the wingtips.
- Upon folding and packing the kite away, I personally fold wingtips in to center and fold again from here. Having the deflate on the wingtip tends to trap the air in using this method. I had to change my ways, not a big deal. Just me being picky.

Nathan SKS, might need to hook up for another rip soon, Thanks!!

YEW!

i would but craggers is a bit far away any distros on the east coast?