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.

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terminal said...

Easier reconnection of the C/L and more durability are things they might be able to still improve.

Compared to other brands I have ridden for 2012, assembling the C/L on Bests new bar is probably the easiest by far.

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arsa said...

terminal said...

Easier reconnection of the C/L and more durability are things they might be able to still improve.

Compared to other brands I have ridden for 2012, assembling the C/L on Bests new bar is probably the easiest by far.

I have the 2010, so maybe the 2012 is better. Its very simple to reassemble, but pushing the end of the chickenloop in could be made a bit easier.

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.

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the front lines larks heads both wore through. So did my brothers. Using them on differnt styles of kites..fixed that have you??

Yes as mentioned in the review, Best have changed the density of the sleeve used on the attachments which decreases wear.

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 :-)

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arsa said...

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.

Good to know because the 2012 uses the same system on the CL. I wanted to get myself a second bar but I'll wait for the 2012. Are the 2012 the same sizes ? I think that they are 47, 52 and 57 cm.

We should get the new bar in the beginning of November.

Thanks
Jules

Hi Jules,

if there was an issue it would have been fixed.

Yes the sizes have changed as you stated. 47,52,57.

Joe

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pumpnjump said...

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 :-)

True about travel weight. I was just making the point the weight would be the least of my concerns if the other faults have not been rectified. If so yes weight is always something to reduce. I have mentioned the faults I found and yet to get an explanation as to exactly what they did to fix them. Just the old 'have listened to customers' line.

Don't get me wrong this is a fine functional bar and I have got hours of use. But I am here just making the consumer aware of issues I have had and there are better bars out there, in my opinion.

But they work it's not like don't buoy these they are crap. Not saying that at all.

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arsa said...

Hi Jules,

if there was an issue it would have been fixed.

Yes the sizes have changed as you stated. 47,52,57.

Joe

Wow; my bar broke on Friday and I already received the replacement part :-) Talk about great service. I have to say that Brian Scall from Best warranty is a very efficient guy.

Also my Best dealer here in Quebec E51 lended me a spare bar in the meantime so I wouldn't lose any kiting sessions. I think I'll stick with you guys :-)

It is blowing 32 knots outside so I am going kiting, Taboo 8m conditions !!!
Jules

Wish we had some wind like that.

Hi,

any experience with that delrin inserts? Does it help?

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birxi86 said...

Hi,

any experience with that delrin inserts? Does it help?

So far I have been using this bar everyday for my self and as one of our school bars. The delrin inserts are working and the centre line has very little wear so far.

Sounds great! Thank you for the pics!!

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.

Who sells them? Kitepower Sydney don't have any in stock.

The new bars are due in this week. Most Best retailers will have their stock of bars.

Joe

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jumarcil said...

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.

yeh same thing happened to my bros bar last arvo...

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eppo said...
yeh same thing happened to my bros bar last arvo...

Crikey, you serious Eppo? Not good...

Checked mine and it looks that if one assembles mechanism without checking that its straight, that metal sleeve can slide under the plastic covering and slowly cut the rope???

Hey Joe, is this the same on the new bar?

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Bo said...

eppo said...
yeh same thing happened to my bros bar last arvo...

Crikey, you serious Eppo? Not good...

Checked mine and it looks that if one assembles mechanism without checking that its straight, that metal sleeve can slide under the plastic covering and slowly cut the rope???

Hey Joe, is this the same on the new bar?

The mechanism of the CL looks the same on the new bar but the round metal part with two holes that had really rough edges on my older bar look a lot smoother on the new one. I will check it carefully though.

I have to say that I really like the new bar. It works great and I think that they nailed it this time. I think that they must have done a lot of testing before they realeased it. If they use the same mechanism it is probably because they are confident.

Jules

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.

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arsa said...

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

Cheers mate will do that. Gotta check it first properly, he's bringing it around this arvo, i was too busy chasing his kite down the beach, then he had the lines all wrapped up - will have a good look - he said this is what it is, but you never know with my bro.

Funny thing, if it did break, it saved his kite. Was watching out at sea (kiting up and back to ensure he didnt end up on a massive groin), saw a 3 foot wave about to hit his kahoona 11.5m at full tension and the kite flagged out - now I thought he had been smart and released before any damage could occur....no, the line/ball busting saved his kite. Funny stuff happens hey... get back to ya and cheers for the help mate. i need to organise it or he will want to use my new rebels, and that aint happening!

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.