Power Kite Forum

HQ-Powerkites NEO

chris - 21-8-2008 at 08:16 AM



The new Neo from HQ-Powerkites was introduced to the waters of North America for the first time yesterday. Pictures below are of HQ Team Rider Craig Young at Windmill Point in Nags Head, North Carolina with an 8 meter kite. Winds were from the east and reportedly blowing a gusty 10-20 mph, although Craig thinks it was mostly on the low end.



This kite will be on the Outer Banks for the next couple weeks before making its way down the coast and ending up at Surf Expo. Give me a buzz if you would like a sneak preview on OBX. The offical demo day will be September 3rd at Wildmill Point. More to come on that.

A comprehensive review of the Neo is forthcoming. The Neo is a depowerable closed cell ram-air foil. It offers smooth power acceceration, water relaunching, reverese launches and is much easier to self launch and land than an LEI style kite (Look ma, no pump!).

Pictures from the day below.

Cheers! ~ Chris






lunchbox - 21-8-2008 at 08:32 AM

Any demo plans for the West Coast?

Is the quick release system similar/same as on the HQ Apex/Montana?

csa_deadon - 21-8-2008 at 09:19 AM

When I heard of the HQ demo day in GA on Sept 6th, I ask a local retailer if HQ was heading out west. I was informed that HQ has no plans for a west coast trip/demo.

I understand HQ has been burned by some retailers in the past. It’s unfortunate
that some unscrupulous retailers in the past have left such a bad taste in HQs mouth.

I hope HQ rethinks its decision not to hit the west coast. I for one would love to see what else HQ has to offer, with out having to make a blind purchase on a leap of faith in a product I have not seen in the air, or tested. Kind of like buying a car with out taking it out for a test drive.

lunchbox - 21-8-2008 at 10:10 AM

Thanks for the info csa!

Quote:

I for one would love to see what else HQ has to offer, with out having to make a blind purchase on a leap of faith in a product I have not seen in the air, or tested. Kind of like buying a car with out taking it out for a test drive.


Yeah, it would be nice to demo a few kites and actually get the one that flys best for you in your area....wish we had the infrastructure they have in Europe!

chris - 21-8-2008 at 10:13 AM

The Neo will be demo in California mid-September. Plans are now in the works.

Cheers,

Chris

Bladerunner - 21-8-2008 at 01:47 PM

WOW, that sounds a bit odd ?

I would be checking my facts before making such a statement ?

What you have just said puts me off of HQ as a West Coaster !

We have a very reputable dealer for HQ here in Vancouver. If HQ doesn't want him to Demo then HQ doesn't need our / my business.

If this statement is true I would like to know so Locals can be told not to expect to get a try before they buy !
:flaming:


Quote:
Originally posted by csa_deadon
When I heard of the HQ demo day in GA on Sept 6th, I ask a local retailer if HQ was heading out west. I was informed that HQ has no plans for a west coast trip/demo.

I understand HQ has been burned by some retailers in the past. It’s unfortunate
that some unscrupulous retailers in the past have left such a bad taste in HQs mouth.

I hope HQ rethinks its decision not to hit the west coast. I for one would love to see what else HQ has to offer, with out having to make a blind purchase on a leap of faith in a product I have not seen in the air, or tested. Kind of like buying a car with out taking it out for a test drive.

HQ-Powerkites - 21-8-2008 at 02:14 PM

CSA,

I don't know where you got the infos from that HQ got burned by West Coast Dealers and now banns them and also does not plan a west coast tour because of that. Please refrain from stating things that are not true at all.

Thank you
Tim

HQ-Powerkites

SecondWind - 21-8-2008 at 03:16 PM

The HQ Neo looks great! Can't wait to try one out :thumbup:

csa_deadon - 21-8-2008 at 06:34 PM

Not trying to give HQ a bad name at all. I was just sharing info that was given to me buy a reputable retailer in the area.
I have seen on this forum statements made on heresay before, and those statements being corrected.

Tim I would never nowingly put out false info. All we can do is put out the info we have been told, and if it is incorrect, or
inaccurate hope that someone in the KNOW sets us straight. I never said that HQ banns anyone, just that it left a bad taste in HQs mouth.

I'm very please to see that you defend your company. If you are planning a west coast demo, that's great!

Meant you, or HQ no harm.

Bladerunner - 21-8-2008 at 09:15 PM

Sorry about jumping on you csa !
There has just been a lot of things said about sellers that is negetive on here lately.
A lot of stuff gets said in shops, on the beach and on the internet that isn't 100 % true. It almost sounds like your dealer has something against HQ ?

I know you didn't mean any harm to anyone.

Sometimes questions are better than statements when you aren't yet sure about something .

LIKE,

Is there any chance of getting a Neo to Demo up to the N.W. ?????

I think that Bellingham and Vancouver both have good shops to offer this through ?

Being Flysurfer territory this would be a good stop :cool2:

csa_deadon - 21-8-2008 at 10:20 PM

Thanks Blade. I never thought anyone jumped me, including Tim. Good advice. I have to admit when I put up the post I wasn't exactly of clear mind. No excuss, however I did just get off a 16 hour stretch at work.

In hindsight I should have waited till later in the day to post up after a couple of cups of coffee.

That said, I would like to see a bigger HQ presence out here. I talk the company up all the time, and even allow the "kiteboarders" a go on my Montana from time to time. Then I laugh to myself when I see their jaws drop at the
lift they get from such a "small wing" compared to the LEIs they are flying.

So hopefully I didn't completly destroy what crediblity I might have had. :no:

HQ-Powerkites - 22-8-2008 at 09:19 AM

It's all good guys.
We will offer four demo days in Cali/San Fran regio in mid/late September.
But you can always ask your local shop to get a demo from us to check it out. We cannot cover the entire country with official demo days. Thus, if you like to test any HQ gear, please ask your local dealer to arrange for a demo.

Thanks
Tim
HQ-Powerkites

Bladerunner - 22-8-2008 at 10:54 AM

Will DO !

Thanks Tim :thumbup:

SamN - 22-8-2008 at 01:00 PM

Where in the OBX are you flying??

chris - 22-8-2008 at 01:28 PM

>Where in the OBX are you flying??<

Nags Head. It should be available this weekend.


>Is the quick release system similar/same as on the HQ Apex/Montana?<

Similar, but upgraded.

Chris

chris - 3-9-2008 at 06:40 AM

NEO review

http://forums.ikitesurf.com/viewtopic.php?t=11436

DenisLaMenace - 19-9-2008 at 06:07 PM

HQ has updated their web site with the Apex2 and Montana4 kite details, and the Apex/M4/Neo complete manual is online

Quick read, nice doc !

http://www.powerkites.de/images/stories/manuals/hq_depowerki...

Bridle system of M4 is well documented, double pulley mixer, for sure it will be an improved kite

Cannot see full details of bridle system of Neo, but I suppose it's the same ?

Full specs of the 4/Neo bar. Looks good.

Just hope the chicken loop quality is improved over last year M3. Kind of chicken loop finger cheap (IMO).

But the rest of the bar looks GOOD.