Power Kite Forum

HQ Montana 3

SecondWind - 19-11-2007 at 05:53 PM

Just got in the new 7m HQ Montana 3!

The build quality looks very good :thumbup:

I hope to try it out tomorrow morning.

Here are a few pictures for now:

CIMG1834.jpg - 103kB

SecondWind - 19-11-2007 at 05:55 PM

Backpack - rear view

CIMG1835.jpg - 114kB

SecondWind - 19-11-2007 at 05:57 PM

Bar

CIMG1836.jpg - 121kB

SecondWind - 19-11-2007 at 05:58 PM

Bridle

CIMG1838.jpg - 128kB

SecondWind - 19-11-2007 at 05:59 PM

Sail graphics

CIMG1839.jpg - 169kB

SecondWind - 19-11-2007 at 06:00 PM

7m HQ MIII

CIMG1840.jpg - 127kB

tridude - 19-11-2007 at 06:20 PM

Very nice--any wind tomorrow?

SecondWind - 19-11-2007 at 06:38 PM

Maybe a lunchtime fly would be better.
-----------
Tuesday
Cooler. Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 50s. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the north 10 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph in the afternoon.

tridude - 19-11-2007 at 06:41 PM

Oh my, dont forget the lid! Did you find the sail material different than your old M1? I thought it was very nice quality. No wind here till Wednesday but Nates home for Thanksgiving break and we've surfed the last couple of days!

SecondWind - 19-11-2007 at 07:08 PM

Sounds like you are having a good time Tri!

Yes - the material does seem lighter than the M1.

Overall, the build looks great. Can't wait to get her in the air :yes:

Baluk - 19-11-2007 at 11:01 PM

Looks awesome!

leebrianh - 20-11-2007 at 09:33 AM

I've got a Montana2. Wonder if I can change it to new pulley system. Canopy looks almost same and I think they didn't change bridle system. Any thoughts, anybody?

lunchbox - 20-11-2007 at 09:48 AM

Hey DaVinch, any prices on the 3's?

acampbell - 20-11-2007 at 10:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by leebrianh
I've got a Montana2. Wonder if I can change it to new pulley system. Canopy looks almost same and I think they didn't change bridle system. Any thoughts, anybody?


I just got my M3 stock and personal 9.5m yesterday.
I don't have my M2 to compare with side-by side, but HQ tells me it is a different mixer system with the pulleys, and the bridle is definately different. Allows for greater de-power.
Other differences:
Fabric - softer, water repellant
Rib profile - improved stabiliy, lift, hang time

Canopy is otherwise same shape and approximate dimensions, size for size. A/R still at 4.2

Here is pic of new pulley system...

Montana III_bridle.jpg - 119kB

leebrianh - 20-11-2007 at 12:08 PM

So, who can convert my M2 5M to M3 version? Any takers? - Brian

DenisLaMenace - 20-11-2007 at 12:48 PM

a montana3 slideshow prepared by Stef (kiteriding) the HQ reseller here in Montreal

http://www.slide.com/r/vDtqM22Gyz-vGklTsPf7V-poChsdQkcP?prev...

SecondWind - 20-11-2007 at 03:21 PM

Thanks for the slideshow link Buzz!

I flew it today - the weather/wind was nasty. Cold 15mph winds and really gusty.

I only got to fly static for about 25 mins, but it felt like my old 6m Access 2 but with lots more lift.

I'll report in once I get to use it with the Dirtsurfer.

DenisLaMenace - 20-11-2007 at 04:34 PM

hey DaVinch

I never flown a Montana myself, but I should get that chance in few weeks from now.

I was told that Montana2 was slower than a Frenzy 2006. It would more compare to a Frenzy 2004-2005 in term of speed.

So do you think the M3 has improved there. When you compare to an access2 6m, which is a low aspect, but a fun kite to fly, so would it be fair to say that the M3 would be a good kite to have in a small size such as 5m or 7m

how do you think the 9.5 will feel. lot of lift for sure, but will speed be there ??

acampbell - 20-11-2007 at 05:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by leebrianh
So, who can convert my M2 5M to M3 version? Any takers? - Brian


Brian
HQ USA has passed on your question to HQ in Germany and we should hear back shortly. I'm guessing no, however. While the planform measurements are close, they are in fact diffrerent by several mm in every case, and in a bridle, that makes a lot of difference. Much may have to do with the new rib profile. But lets wait and see what they say.

SecondWind - 20-11-2007 at 06:16 PM

Buzz - I'll let you know when I really get to fly it more.

I tried the safety a few times and relaunching it was very easy.

Relaunching from leading edge down was also no problem.

leebrianh - 20-11-2007 at 07:27 PM

Thanks Angus. I compared canopy of M2 and M3 side by side but didn't see any significant design change. I am thinking bridle points are the same. If they indeed changed bridles, I don't see why not M3 bridles on M2. Let me know what they say about it. Thanks for relaying my question to them. - Brian

SecondWind - 20-11-2007 at 07:48 PM

Lunchbox,

The 7m HQ MIII is $799

Not bad at all when you look at some of the others:

7.5m Frenzy FX = $1085
6m Pulse 2 = $1159
7m Sabre 2 = $1049

tridude - 20-11-2007 at 10:02 PM

So this one performs on the coast and in middle America in the "gusties". This relly is a sweet kite. If you thinking depower with lift and not looking to break the bank the M3 desserves a hard look/demo.

acampbell - 21-11-2007 at 05:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by leebrianh
Thanks Angus. I compared canopy of M2 and M3 side by side but didn't see any significant design change. I am thinking bridle points are the same. If they indeed changed bridles, I don't see why not M3 bridles on M2. Let me know what they say about it. Thanks for relaying my question to them. - Brian


From Alex Hesse, HQ Product Development in Germany...

"... I think it will work in some way, but [I] guess overall adjustments to the bridlelines are needed too."
"....the Montana III is different to the shape of Montana II in every single point. The ribs are different, the canopy is different, the wing twist and so on. And at least also the fabric is different."
Alex basically goes on to say that while you might be able to get ahold of an M3 pulley system, you are on your own with regards to adapting it. They have not made the measurements necessary for the conversion.

Sounds pretty tedious to me.

Thanks to Tim Baxmeyer at HQ USA for relaying our questions and thanks to Alex for a quick response.

leebrianh - 21-11-2007 at 06:40 AM

Thanks again, Angus. I guess it's not really worth it. I will keep mine as it is. It's still a good kite. - Brian

acampbell - 21-11-2007 at 12:33 PM

BTW Tim Baxmeyer of HQ just wrote me this morning from DBBB and said he had a good session with his production 9.5 m M3 and a buggy in only 6-8 mph.

He was pleased to report that the production model came out as stable and sweet as the prototype.

bloah - 22-11-2007 at 05:56 PM

very important question guys, without all the bias, what do you think about the kite performance in gusty winds, aka inland america?
I know that MK II is completely useless in land where I live.
Also, do you think it is possible compare mk III with lets , Flysurfer Psycho II when it comes to stability in the sky in gusty winds? aka no backstall or luffing. Thanks.

P.S. I want to get either 2 Montana's III or 1 pulse 2. But am afraid of montana since mk ii is useless :(

tridude - 22-11-2007 at 06:58 PM

wait for DaV's review on the M3. First impressions were positive in gusty/inland conditions.

I flew it today - the weather/wind was nasty. Cold 15mph winds and really gusty.

I only got to fly static for about 25 mins, but it felt like my old 6m Access 2 but with lots more lift.

SecondWind - 22-11-2007 at 09:15 PM

I'm pretty inland :yes:

I'll check back in soon after I fly it more.

I never had a Psycho II, but I did have a 7m & 13m Pulse, 10m, 13m & 17m Psycho III, and 17m Speed 1 SA.

bloah - 22-11-2007 at 09:30 PM

DaVinch what would you say about flysurfers you had? better then mk3?
P.S. have destroyed by psycho II today, crushed it on the pine tree :( had to cut the briddle from the kite to take it off, sail is intact, but without briddle, dont even know if it could be fixed.

SecondWind - 23-11-2007 at 08:07 PM

Sorry to hear about your 10m PII! I would shoot Powerzone a U2U - I bet he could get her back in the sky.

Didn't get to fly the MIII today - maybe tomorrow if the winds are good.

Baluk - 23-11-2007 at 08:14 PM

Yuri - You should have cut the tree, not the other way around!

bloah - 24-11-2007 at 10:52 AM

Davinch,
Thanks
Already talked to powerzone, but I think it both of us would agree that the kite need completely new briddle and it is not worth fixing.

Baluk, I tried, I went to firefighters, they said no :D

SecondWind - 24-11-2007 at 10:56 AM

Bloah,

I would still ebay it - someone will want it.

Baluk - 24-11-2007 at 10:56 AM

BURN THE KITE!!!!!:evil:

bloah - 24-11-2007 at 11:40 AM

Great Idea davinch, I would ebay it in few days! =]]

tridude - 24-11-2007 at 07:41 PM

sorry to hear that news Bloah, any winds for tht M3 Dav?

SecondWind - 24-11-2007 at 08:02 PM

Hello Tri,

Yes, I flew it today in low winds. 10 - 12 mph with my 20" Dirtsurfer.

I really should have been on something larger, but I wanted to try it out.

The low rolling resistance of the DSer really helps.

I did 10 miles total and my top speed was 23 mph.

Just need to get it out in more wind now :evil:

Here's a pic while going toeside on the DSer:

CIMG1855.jpg - 69kB

SecondWind - 24-11-2007 at 08:02 PM

Front view

CIMG1859.jpg - 114kB

SecondWind - 24-11-2007 at 08:03 PM

MIII backside

CIMG1860.jpg - 95kB

tridude - 24-11-2007 at 08:27 PM

great pics! seems like she is performing for you!

SecondWind - 25-11-2007 at 08:46 PM

Had a great time with the 7m MIII today on the Dirtsurfer :thumbup:

Winds were 13 - 15 gusting to around 20. No stability problems and I had plenty of power.

Anyone else here on a MIII yet?

tridude - 26-11-2007 at 06:14 AM

Nice! I cant put my finger on it but something about the M3 made me realize HQ got it right with this one! I wonder how Angus is getting on with the 9.5? Care to speculate on the power of the 12.5? Thats gotta be a ballsie kite!:wow:

acampbell - 26-11-2007 at 08:15 AM

Good day with the 9.5 m M3 yesterday. North winds 6-10 mph had me doing short tacks and upwind slogs. Kite was sweet and stable. Tip would start to tuck when way off the wind but recovery was a snap by easing up on the bar. Pretty normal there. Upwind work was easy and quite remarkable.

Later in the afternoon some other kiters show up with land baords so we had a busy beach. The wind picked up after low tide to about 21-15 mph. I luffed the M3 while dodging another kite, and when it recovered and powered up, I found myself powering headlong into the surf at 20+ mph. From that I learned a few things...

Waist deep water is an effective brake

It it an effective way to clean loose sand from the buggy and seat

The M3 backpack tied to the back of the bug is not an effective dry bag.

It is very entertaining to others on the beach.

But the M3 is comfortable and stable from 6 mph winds (launch in a puff and get it moving) to over 15 mph so far with more comfortable room on the top end for sure. PArk off the shoulder and let go of the bar long enough to grab a water bottle no problem.

Turning is nice and easy, and very tight. Even turns well in light winds if you really crank on the bar.

Would have stayed more as the wind built, but those soggy pants in the cool breeze.

SecondWind - 11-12-2007 at 04:06 PM

Had a great day with the 7m MIII on snow today.

The winds were pretty low for a 7m, but the snow was covered with about an inch of ice - it was pretty fast :yes:

tridude - 12-12-2007 at 07:06 AM

Nice! The M3 is proving to be versitile it seems and you cant beat the price tag! When we flew the proto last Sept something about the M3 gives you the "oh yeah, this is the one" feeling. Def a sweet kite!