Power Kite Forum

Quadrifoil kites

dhagoon - 2-5-2012 at 11:35 AM

Anyone with Quadrifoil Q2000 experience? These kites are old and not being sold anymore.

Are they good for a beginner? - If not, dont read further. What would you recommend? Future plans: landboard cruising (no jumping).

Is the 5.8mē suitable for landboard cruising (no jumping)? Is that size a good choice for a beginner?

I heard someone saying that these kites are quite durable, but I have no idea if you can compare that to modern day kites.

Considering they are old, is $130 for the 5.8mē a good price?

markite - 2-5-2012 at 12:59 PM

When some kites are an older model it doesn't mean there is a huge difference between how kites performed a number of years ago vs today. Some changes over the years are very small and things like weight of material and bridle etc become lighter and maybe changes in the profile. But there are all levels of performance kites produced and what was a higher end performance kite a few years ago - might still compete against intermediate to moderately high performance kites today. The higher the performance the more skill you need to make the best of that kite. Many people have kites that can give them higher speeds etc but only go to their comfort level and just about any kite will get you there.
This kite was out at the same time as the C series race kites so this was the intermediate shape - a stable kite and still able to produce some good speed and if you want some lift it would be there. I had a 5.8 and it was a good general workhorse kite. But when you get up to the upper end of it's speed you start to get more side pull with a big kite.
If a kite is in good shape then 130.00 for a 5.8 m kite is still a good price especially if it has line and handles. If it's feeling soft/thin fabric or has signs of wear then maybe see if you can get a little better on the price. You can buy some real crap heavy intro/trainer foils for 100-140 so the Q series in great shape is still a better kite (this was the Quebra design)

stephdip - 3-5-2012 at 05:45 AM

i still have my quadrifoil xm it's 3. something meters.i got it brand new !!!must be like 12 to 15 years ago
and it's still like new :) they are great kites and were way ahead of their time..
i don't know much about the Q2000 but if the quality is anything like my xm , you can't go wrong..

however !!! if you have never kited before a 5.8 could and will give you a spanking if not carefull.
these are very powerfull so be xtra mindfull when you go out,,start in light winds and get to know the kite.
you will know what i mean when you decide to go out in stonger winds (and you will) :) make sure you have someone with you in case you get injured..

it's a great deal and if you can find a 3m somewhere to go with that and practice with would be best..
plus the 3m will be usefull in higher winds..

steff

Bladerunner - 3-5-2012 at 06:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by stephdip


it's a great deal and if you can find a 3m somewhere to go with that and practice with would be best..
plus the 3m will be usefull in higher winds..

steff



This is exactly what I thought. Great piece of history at a good price ( RTF ) but not an ideal beginer kite. Too big.

dhagoon - 3-5-2012 at 11:21 AM

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's great to hear that you are all so positive

I bought the 3m, 4m, 5.8m all RTF for $260

a happy beginner here :smilegrin:

bugymangp - 3-5-2012 at 11:49 AM

i still have and still the q foils. i love them so much i got 2 sets from the 2002 to the 2004 and a 2005. i don`t like race kites that make lift. but these kites are very good for making pull. i`m not into the fastest kites out there. i must have over thosands of hours on these kites and they still pull nice. they don`t power up like a light switch in a gust and can handle bumpy inland winds. get the kite you will like it.

thanson2001ok - 3-5-2012 at 11:52 AM

Schweeeeet. Great score. You are good to go to cover a wide range of wind.

Start small, the 3m, with light winds. Say 5 - 10 mph. Do not underestimate the power of a 3m kite.

Pads and helmet, please.

Let us know how things come along. And don't hesitate to ask questions.

AviN - 3-5-2012 at 03:10 PM

dhagoon, bet you can't wait to hit the beach / grass area ha ??:singing:

VERY good price, this kites will take you far. I started with my 4.1 PL Twister II, bought some more kites later on and sold some too, but as you can see, I'm still keeping my 4.1, dono, I think I have too much emotional attachment to it :duh: , just can't sell this one.....nor I want to ....