Power Kite Forum

Quadrifoil history

SecondWind - 6-8-2007 at 07:27 PM

Hi guys,

I got in two NOS Quadrifoil KiteSurfers today. The XXXL (9.66m) & XL (4.92m) have the Icarex Polyester Sailcloth and they are built really nice!

What's the scoop on Quadrifoil? When did they go out of business and where were these kites made?

I'll get some pics when I get to fly them. The XXXL is a funky orange :thumbup:

Joe

speleopower - 6-8-2007 at 07:42 PM

I've got first dibs on the XL!!! I'm not a big fan of the Kitesurfer version but.....I should not have sold my Kitesurfer XL way back when.

I've never gotten a straight answer on Quadrifoil history.
I've been told they are still being made in the Netherlands. I even got some possible contact information from over on racekites.com But I've not tried to contact anyone yet.

Scott

SecondWind - 6-8-2007 at 07:51 PM

No problem Scott - I just want to see how they fly first :D

I also got some old data sheets on Q-KiteBoards and Q-Powerline, some Quadrifoil stickers and a Technical Flight Manual for the KiteSurfer - good stuff.

kitemaker4 - 6-8-2007 at 08:32 PM

The funky orange is mango.

Susan

SecondWind - 6-8-2007 at 08:35 PM

Thanks Susan - I really like the color. Any scoop on what happened to Quadrifoil?

khooke - 6-8-2007 at 10:07 PM

Here's some info that I pulled together from various places, including Ted Dougherty's KiteInnovations site. Hope someone else can fill in the blanks, or maybe even Ted since he posts on the forum from time to time re his ProFoil kites:

- 1986 Ted manufactures the Sparless Stunter
- original Quadrifoil 4 line kite made from 2 Sparless stunters sewn together (not sure where I heard that from)

- Quadrifoil Classic - sold in sizes 1 though 5 (in sq m). Available up until mid to late 90s? I don't think they were called the 'Classic' until sometime later, I think after the C series was available. Interesting trivia - the Quadrifoil 4m was used in an expedition to ski across Greenland, and the Q series were used in a similar trip to the South Pole

- at some point here Ted is no longer involved in the Quadrifoil Company or the design of the kites. The company and or the brand name is sold to Active People?

- (around 1996) Quadrfoil Competition, available as C1 2.5m, C2 4m & C3 5.5m. Very sweet race kites - well worth getting hold of if you can find one.

- Quadrifoil Competition X, available as XS 2.28m, XM 3.48m, XL 4.92m, XXL 7.09m & XXL 9.66m
XXL and XXXL were Icarex, the rest were Chikara Nylon
- designed by Alain Hoffer of Active People in France

- Quadfoil Q2000 series, based on X series (?) but lower aspect ratio, intermediate traction kites. Q2002 'Qusic' 1.5m, Q2003 'Qebra' 3m, Q2004 'Qrazy' 4m, Q2005 'Qing' 5.84m, Q2007 'Qing' 7m. The 'Q' names referred to the colorful designs on the foil.

- Quadrifoil X Surfer. Water relaunchable foil kites for kite surfing.
PRO (31gr Ripstop Polyester):
XM-Surfer 3.18m
XL-Surfer 4.34m
XXL-Surfer 6.23m
XXXL-Surfer 8.52m

NYLON (42gr Ripstop Nylon):
XS-Surfer 2.08m
XM-Surfer 3.18m
XL-Surfer 4.34m
XXL-Surfer 6.23m

B-Roc - 7-8-2007 at 06:11 AM

I skiied with a guy once this past winter who was using Quadrifoil competition X series kites. I always thought those were good looking foils and they certainly held their own in the snow.

SecondWind - 7-8-2007 at 02:52 PM

I scanned some old Quadrifoil literature today – I posted the pictures here:

http://secondwindkites.com/Technical_Data.php

speleopower - 7-8-2007 at 03:08 PM

I've got some of those brochures and some stickers. Cool stuff.

Scott

SecondWind - 7-8-2007 at 03:44 PM

Do you use Power Rings on your XXXL Speleo?

speleopower - 7-8-2007 at 03:50 PM

Yes, use the "power rings" on both the XL and the XXXL.

Scott

speleopower - 7-8-2007 at 03:52 PM

Here's a pic of my using a XXL. You can see where I took off from.
Kinda cool picture.

manateepark.jpg - 12kB

speleopower - 7-8-2007 at 03:54 PM

Here's a pic of me using a Q2004 kite. I wish I still had the Q2004 and a Q2005!

I'm looking for pictures of me surfing that also show the Quadrifoil kites in the picture.

Scott

scotttitusvill1999.jpg - 41kB

SecondWind - 7-8-2007 at 08:03 PM

Great pics Scott! So what size were the Q2004 & Q2005s?

SecondWind - 7-8-2007 at 08:38 PM

Never mind - I just read khooke's post again.

- Q2004 'Qrazy' 4m, Q2005 'Qing' 5.84m

doomwheels - 8-8-2007 at 12:20 AM

I still use Quadrifoil X foils. Tons of power.

But Quadrifoil (KS4U/Active People) is long gone as Active People dropped kites to focus exclusively on toys back in 2002.

For thoses who are interested, here is the archived KS4U website (contact links invalid):
http://www.madmoosestudio.com/ks4u/

kitemaker4 - 8-8-2007 at 07:25 AM

I still have the quadrifoil xm (3.5) for sale. Asking $250.00 plus shipping. The kite is in great shape with no ripes or repairs. It comes with lines, handles and a backpack.

Susan

tedsfoils - 8-8-2007 at 10:37 AM

1. A little bit of history
2. My view of how the original Quadrifoil went out of business.

The first prototype Quadrifoil kite was 2 Sparless Stunters sewn together. Each of the Sparless Stunter panels was cut at an angle that produced a sweptback shape when sewn together. Here is a video link of that kite flying in Wildwood, NJ May 1989. http://www.kiteinnovations.com/media/Wildwood89512K_Stream.w...
About 5 months after the event I moved back to Texas from N.J. Lee Sedgwick contacted me and wanted a Sparless Stunter. Lee took the two line sparless parafoil kite and modified it to fly with four lines. Lee was so excited about the power he called me up and said he needed a larger one. I asked him if he saw the four line foil flying in Wildwood that same year... I guess he was too busy competing. I sent him a second version in alternating yellow and black stripes which he proudly named “the bee”. Lee started flying the kite everywhere he went and generated plenty of interest in the foils. In a very short time we had the production version of the original Quadrifoil 25 that was literally flying out of the door.

The original design and manufacturing of the Quadrifoil was made in 3 sizes 25sq ft, 50sq ft and 75sq ft. by Kite Innovations in Spring Texas. The Quadrifoil 25 was the only kite that had the swept back wing and tapered tips. At the time the Quadrifoil was the hottest kite on the market with orders pouring in. We were in desperate need of a faster manufacturing source with funds. We needed an investor and eventually found one here in Houston. Plans were to go abroad to manufacture new designs with complete RTF packages at a better price. The decision to bring in an investor would ultimately turn out to be the downfall of Quadrifoil. In less than four months Kite Innovations was out of business. In my opinion the new partner never had any intention on wanting the business to succeed (more on that some other time). The new investor took over the company started selling off the assets one of which was the Quadrifoil name. Rene Kung of Papagaios who was already manufacturing the Quadrifoil under license in Europe purchased the name for $20,000. Rene took the name had some new kites and graphics designed “Quadrifoil C”, “Q”, “X” and the X Surfer series. I could not tell you why Rene left or why active people left the kite market.

The Quadrifoil was my dream come true. I was sad to see it go.

coreykite - 8-8-2007 at 12:05 PM

Hey Sailors,
I happen to still have one of Ted's original Quadrifoil 75's.
It's not really that size, however.
I think Ted liked round figures: 25, 50, 75 etc.
The bottom surface on my 75 measures 82 sq/ft

If memory serves, I pushed Ted into his first cross-vented foils.
I mean that figuratively.
It must have been in the late 80's.
Something around 60 s/f with small, round holes between the cells.
Maiden flight at Wildwood that year.

Seems Wildwood and the group of flyers surrounding that event have had an enormous impact on kiting that we are only beginning to understand.

I was just going to a kite festival - A Great, Big Kite Festival, to be sure, but still just a kite festival.
I didn't think I was participating in history.


Safen Up! Buggy On!

"Often wrong... Never in doubt"

the coreylama

SecondWind - 8-8-2007 at 07:52 PM

Thanks for the info Ted & Corey! Just curious – which model/design is your favorite?

speleopower - 8-8-2007 at 08:09 PM

My all time favorite kites are the Competition XL and XXXL:thumbup:
Scott

khooke - 8-8-2007 at 10:20 PM

Wow. Thanks for the extra info Ted and Corey. It's interesting to hear the background behind what goes on behind businesses.

Ted - it's sad to hear that your company took a downturn like that, although it's great to see you are still around. Are you planning any new kite designs? I noticed you were selling off your ProFoil inventory... something new coming along maybe?

By the way I noticed at NABX this year at one point there was 2 people out bugging with what looked like new (or in very good condition) Quadrifoil Classics... are they still being made under license anywhere?

tedsfoils - 11-8-2007 at 06:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by khooke
Wow. Thanks for the extra info Ted and Corey. It's interesting to hear the background behind what goes on behind businesses.

Ted - it's sad to hear that your company took a downturn like that, although it's great to see you are still around. Are you planning any new kite designs? I noticed you were selling off your ProFoil inventory... something new coming along maybe?

By the way I noticed at NABX this year at one point there was 2 people out bugging with what looked like new (or in very good condition) Quadrifoil Classics... are they still being made under license anywhere?


Yes it is sad. They say we do learn from our mistakes and I have learned allot.

I always have new ideas in mind I just do not have the time to do it any more. I am still hoping to pass the reins to someone. I am still willing to make someone a great deal all they need to do is show some interest.

I do not think anyone is making the Quadrifoil any longer.

speleopower - 11-8-2007 at 03:31 PM

Ted-You should recreate a couple of the "Quadrifoil X kites" and sell them privately to willing motivated buyers like myself. I don't need logos or anything just the kite and bridle!
In my avator I'm flying a Competition XL offshore of Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands USA.

Scott

SecondWind - 11-8-2007 at 08:52 PM

I got to fly the Mango XXXL today.

It took a bit to get it inflated (very small inlets), but after that it flew well.

The winds were only around 10 mph and I used it on handles while on the Dirtsurfer.

I snapped a few pictures:

Quadrifoil XXXL - Front View

Inlets

Mesh at corners to get the water out

Rear View

Side View

KS4U logo

In flight

XXXL on Left - 13m PIII on Right

SecondWind - 12-8-2007 at 08:26 PM

Here are a few pictures of the XL. Really slow to fully inflate like the XXXL.

They are not snatchy like a Blade or Bego - but smoother like a Profoil or Brooza I tested out.

These Kitesurfers needed a deflation zipper like the Flysurfers. You got to squeeze the air out in order to pack up…

Front View

Small Inlets

Rear View

speleopower - 13-8-2007 at 06:20 PM

The slow deflation helped on the water. However, it was a pain to pack them away after you land. If I remember correctly mine had a couple of velcro air release tabs somewhere.

I found a picture of me flying a Kitesurfer XXL from 2001.

I'm still interested in them when your finished with them. Especially the XL.



Scott

MVC-754F.JPG - 207kB

Another of the XXL

speleopower - 13-8-2007 at 06:22 PM

Here's a pic from 2003 of me with my XXL. The slow to deflate helped in the photo below. The wind switched directions and was then blocked by the trees onshore.

Scott

MVC-834F.JPG - 94kB

SecondWind - 13-8-2007 at 07:15 PM

Great pics Scott!

1999

speleopower - 13-8-2007 at 07:29 PM

I posted this pic in another thread but it's appropriate for the Quadrifoil history thread.
It's from a 1999 newspaper blurb.

kitesurf.jpg - 139kB

tedsfoils - 22-8-2007 at 08:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DaVinch
Thanks for the info Ted & Corey! Just curious – which model/design is your favorite?


Well my favorite would have to be the Quadrifoil 25. I flew it most of the time for demos, rollerkiting and at the dry lake bed when the wind was up.

tedsfoils - 22-8-2007 at 08:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by speleopower
Ted-You should recreate a couple of the "Quadrifoil X kites" and sell them privately to willing motivated buyers like myself. I don't need logos or anything just the kite and bridle!
In my avator I'm flying a Competition XL offshore of Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands USA.

Scott


I did not actually design the Quadrifoil X kites. I flew one years ago and do not remember what size it was??

Sorry.

tedsfoils - 8-9-2007 at 06:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pdxnebula
So... Who knows the "EXACT" specs of the Pro Foils but in parictular the 1.5m²
Im curious, to know what the AR & AOA & the EXACT size, I read, some one
speaking of the 1.5m² & saying it was something like 1.92m²...
TED??? or anyone else Care to elaborate???


I think the numbers you heard maybe a little high.

1.5m² = 1.4m²
AR = 3.5
AOA = 18deg

sw1928 - 10-6-2012 at 09:08 PM

Just looking for a little info. I just found a red,white and blue Quadrifoil looks like maybe a 2m? Anyone know the mod # or name? Just trying to find a little history. I should have snapped a few shots before stuffing it back in the bag. Might have to do that later on if it helps.:dunno:

markite - 10-6-2012 at 11:01 PM

To addd a little more to the story - when Brian Smith partnered up with Rene, Brian was here in Canada and distributing Quadrifoiil under the Active People brand as well as all the toys . As I understand it Brian was in charge of the toy side of the company and Rene in charge of the kite side. At a certain point Rene didn't want to continue with the kites and development and Brian wanted to take over the kites but the two couldn't work out an agreement and Active People shut down. One of the products Brian had developed was Q-Power Line so after shutting down Active People he continued in business as Powerline Sports and Q-Power line is one of the many types of line that company produces. Brian might even chime in here if I dropped him a note but I think it's fairly well covered.
There are a few more interesting business spin off stories - Active People being the distributor for Peter Lynn here in North America, we saw the first arcs and kites like the waterfoil etc. It was fun going to the office to see what new kites were coming out.
From the original Quadrifoils that Ted designed - you can see the influence on other popular names that soon followed like the Force Ten foils from Steve Shapson and the Sky Tigers For Flexifoil / Cobra kites sewn by Dave Cook of TailSpin kites here in Ontario.

Morrie Williams - 11-6-2012 at 07:09 AM

Ted: Have you liquidated all your stock of ProFoils? I have a friend who is looking for one in the 3m range.

The Quad 25 was my favorite. It gave me my best speed of 46 mph at Ivanpah.

bugymangp - 11-6-2012 at 01:16 PM

i still have 2 sets of 2000 q foils. 2002 to the 2005
my first ones are starting to get worn out after like 12 yrs and many miles of use and i got a NEW set waiting in the wings. i love those kites. they make nice pull and not much lift and they don`t power up like a light swicth in a gust. very forgiven kites.
no i`m not selling them.LOL

ndnchief - 8-8-2017 at 09:23 AM

I have an original Quadrifoil C3 mint color. Anyone know the value?

c2.jpg - 200kB

XXL - 12-8-2017 at 06:49 PM

I used a xs foil this past weekend to buggy still not a bad little kite. I have no idea what that c3 is worth are you looking to sell it?

Randy - 13-8-2017 at 06:31 PM

I doubt the C3 is worth much. Kites of this sort aren't really a collectors item as far as I know. Kites have evolved a lot since that was new. You might look in the for sale section and see if any have sold in the past few years.

Bladerunner - 13-8-2017 at 07:59 PM

I think Randy is right. I bought my Kitesurfer XL and decided to hold on to it thinking Quadrafoil would end up with collector value. Like a few of my other kites I think I hold on to them because they are worth way more to me than the market. My signed Peel certainly fits that bill! You may find that odd person who will still pay up for an old kite but ???

Big Kid is selling Deluxe material high quality race kites in a similar size, new for $135 so ........

XXL - 14-8-2017 at 07:06 AM

how much would you let that c3 go for?