2014 Best Spark Plug Kiteboard Review
2014 Best Spark Plug Kiteboard with Prime Foot Straps Review
Last year I raved about the Spark Plug being the best value in a kiteboarding for a kiteboard. This year I am inclined to repeat my assessment with the new Best Spark Plug Prime. Best Kiteboarding upgraded the fins and straps and still kept the board at less than $500 retail.
The board rides very similar to last year. The Spark Plug Prime is easy to get up on a plane, great through the chop and fairly flexible so that it is easy on the knees. Nice jumps and relatively soft landings (the board is flat, so not a ton of water displacement) make this a great free ride fun board. This is a board that is perfect for new riders and cruisers. I won't recommend this board for those who want to ride super aggressively or work on wake style riding.
The Spark Plug is made with a wood core and runs G50 fins so the construction is very comparable to boards pushing the $650 price point while the Spark Plug is coming in at $499 complete with some super great straps.
Speaking of straps, the new Best Kiteboarding Prime pads and straps are the bomb. There is a lot of adjustment with the top strap that allow you to get it correctly on your foot. The bottom pad is comfy and nice and sticky to your feet. I was super impressed at how well I could get the strap to fit my foot while riding boots. This is always a problem for me and Best has a solid setup for getting them to fit well.
If you are looking for a great board for jumping, cruising and ease of use the Spark Plug Prime fits the bill perfectly. For most riders, this will be your go-to board for years to come.
Ridden - way over powered on a 9 meter 2014 Switchblade in 29-33 knot winds. Still it locked down nice and felt comfortable to ride.
Steve Negen 200lbs - Age 51