If possible demo stuff. It is the absolute best way to get real information.
Demo your friend's gear, demo at "announced" demos and/or find a couple guys you trust and ask their opinion is my advice.

It is often difficult to get past hype, but it can be done.
Each rider has different likes/dislikes as well, so a great kite or board to one rider is just so-so to anotherl, reinforcing how great a demo can be.
Local forums tend to have less bias information. (altho pimping can occur) Kiteforum is over run with hype. It is often impossible to get much off of kiteforum as a consumer.
Good luck. :wink: