Star Taina
Sizes Available: 5.5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 17m
Sizes Tested: 9, 12m
Star Says:
In its 4th generation we’ve created the ultimate wind machine to satisfy all styles, all levels, in all conditions. The Taina reacts very well to bar input, can be steered one-handed, and has a very precise feel allowing riders to position the kite anywhere in an instant. The kite’s excellent depower gives riders the option to surf with or without kite power. There is no need to look at the kite to know where it is allowing riders to completely focus on the wave.
Visit for more info: https://starkites.com/product/taina-2015/
Our Testers Say:
“I immediately liked this kite; it’s good looking, has a nice shape with good power, and turns really well,” Michael Doucet.
“Easy to use all around kite that does everything pretty well with a wide wind range and good stability. Good turning speed with light to medium bar pressure, but relaunch required a lot of input,” Dray Murray.
“Decent turning speed, very good lift and hang time, with good upwind ability,” Jason Kane.
TKB Says:
The Taina is a medium aspect 3-strut kite with swept back wingtips that is quick to inflate with a high flow Boston valve that requires the bigger nozzle attachment that comes standard with all pumps. The Taina features a single setting front bridle with pulley and three steering settings on the wingtip. Testers gave the Taina solid praise for its responsive steering, snappy pivot-style turns and overall wide wind range. Testers commented on the smooth power delivery within a relatively short throw and liked the Taina’s medium to lighter bar pressure. Some testers reported the Taina required putting extra tension on an outside line to get it to relaunch in lighter wind, but overall the Taina was recommended as a user-friendly freeride kite for all level of riders.
The Taina comes with the Elite V5 control bar which is a fixed length bar (50 and 55cm and 24m lines) featuring a single center-line safety depower, a durable plastic coated sheeting/throw line with a sliding stopper, low V, and an above the bar Clam cleat tuning with an integrated bungee to keep any excess tuning line from tangling during overpowered conditions. The Elite uses a plastic push away quick release with a below the bar hand swivel that doubles as a travel guard, as well as soft foam integrated bar ends which testers found a little tight on winding space. Testers liked the comfortable texture of the bar grip along with the overall focus on durability and well thought out features.
Visit for more info on the bar: https://starkites.com/product/elitebar-2015/
