Has anybody worked out a way to really get a handle on the power of a kite, and its other characteristics eg turning speed, other than by "seat of the pants"?
My 2009 SB14 definately turns more sluggishly than my mates 2010. Also I would really like to work out a way to test the power of a kite. This would be handy when switching kite brands or simply updating.
The only thing that i've seen that's remotely close to what your suggesting was done to compare the Flysurfer Speed 3 standard and deluxe models. They flew them back to back with the chicken loop hooked up to a force gauge to measure the power generated, as well as photographing them in ~0.1-0.2 second intervals to show the turning speed and delay.
If your after a quantifiable number to determine kite performance - it's not going to happen. Far too many variables in effect. Also, don't forget that the simply demoing a new kite with less time in the air will give you the effect of your old kite being less powerful. Permeability of the sail cloth increases with use which means your new kite will always feel more powerful than your old one. 
the best method is to simply demo kites, do this and all your questions will be answered.
I'm with you - how good would it be to get real data.
It would be technically quite possible to fly 2 kites back to back with load cell & GPS etc, kiters weight, board etc. Then swap.
A fair bit of work though and hard to imagine your kiteboarding magazine could manage, they can't even get their spelling and gramma correct!.
- neither can I, but I'm not paid to!
Come on you manufacturers. If you want to claim "more power" prove it. Until you do, I for one won't believe any of your b.s.
You could start at bar pressure aswell because that can change the feel of the kite giving a different power feel output. Also have a set wind direction as cetain wind directions can be a little warmer or colder giving different power again.(depending on where you are)
I recall a magazine test where the kites were flown from the back of a moving pick-up truck. The kite was attached to a mechanism that recorded the pull at a variety of different speeds.
Pretty cool concept. It must have been a real pain in the rear. At least it's something to do on a no wind day.
I am very skeptical of the sizing of kites.
To make a fast 10m, put "10m" on the side of a 9m.
To make a grunty 10m, put "10m" on the side of an 11m.
Demo'ing is clearly the best. But if that isn't a possibility, I suggest buying something over a year old. Everyone gets a lot more honest about a kite model once the newer version comes out.
The problem everyone has when buying a new kite is every review u read claims theres is the best kite on the market u come on seabreeze cause u think ull get a decent review and once again everyone says they have the worlds best kite its crap we need proper reviews by independents not team riders
i think if u wanted to really get tricky ud use a load cell and work out how much pull is required to get a 75kg rider up and riding then use that as a bench mark to test kites, u could test them then for which one is going to get u up riding first in light winds, but its alot of mucking around demo is easier and more fun
how about you pick a kite and go out and enjoy yourself
... that is unless, you're looking to set a new WR or something. As Bruce Lee put it - " Don't think, FEEEEEEEL!
Peace
Can't argue with the dilithium crystals (although the trilithium crystals are going to be massive for the 2012 kites)
Isnt Kite Power a shop in Botany Bay and Geelong?
To compare the shops- I would say they are about the same.
Yeah I've compared Kitepower to everything they are just awesome, everything else is just a tool and I know my 'ken tools!!
i don't really care if my mate boosts 1 foot higher on his kite. at the end of the day, i can't feel the difference between an 11 ft jump and a 10 ft jump.
my kite must be able to boost, go upwind, relaunch, etc fairly well, but it doesn't necessarily have to be the best in every single category.
choose the right-sized kite that suits your style and performs well, and you shouldn't lose sleep at night knowing there's another kite that's slightly better.
