I purchased a Beamer II 1.8 from KHK last week - got a great deal: $109 with free shipping with a 10% off code sent to me in the mail. We all know about the bar, zipper, build quality so I will say no more.
I bought this kite for high wind conditions and got to try that and low winds all in one flying session. It was a crappy day and ten minutes there would be no wind then the next ten minutes it would blow 20-25mph. The winds almost knew I was there for a test flight! Kite went right to the zenith with limited pull. When I started flying there was low winds so propeller spins, dives, low passes were all tried. It felt like I had been flying this kite for years! Smooth as silk and very predictable moves. Then the winds picked up and so did I! easily skudded 100+ feet non stop before my new kite was about to become a weathervane on the bathhouse! I got some decent airs with out really putting much effort into it. I was really surprised at how much smooth pull the kite gave. Speed is also impressive- almost as fast as my Flexi Proteam 8. The only issues I have are the lines. All are white and this can lead to lost flying time trying to set up or untwist. Also the length is a little short and I plan on switching them out with longer to give a little more window. Handles are good with rubber coated grips and parking loops.
Overall an 8 out of 10. Put colored longer lines with this kite and no issues.