Power Kite Forum

HQ Hydra 3m closed cell

DenisLaMenace - 11-2-2009 at 05:03 PM

Anyone tried it


powerzone - 11-2-2009 at 08:10 PM

several people / shops have em now... we got in afew so we could MOD em to sheetable depower trainers.

we want our students to learn with sheeting, so the modded Hydras will be the best.

acampbell - 12-2-2009 at 06:40 AM

We flew a prototype in September and everybody liked it....
http://www.coastalwindsports.com/HQDemoDayJekyll08.html ...scroll to bottom.

We just got the production models in and will fly one this weekend at Amelia Island. We will have an off-shore breeze, so it will be fun to play with in the surf.

We got one for the local Kiteboardiong school too. They like the idea of using one kite for basic land training and body dragging in the surf...

Bladerunner - 12-2-2009 at 09:38 AM

I have a hope that people who start out with this kite will get over that popular opinion among kiteboarders that foils don't float or relaunch .
Maybe then we will start to get more foil fliers on the water ! :yes:

kiteNH - 12-2-2009 at 11:06 AM

What does one of the Hydras cost compared to a comparable open cell trainer? They look like fun. They look good for landboarding in offshore breezes so you don't have to worry about dunking your open cell foil (which sucks by the way).

acampbell - 12-2-2009 at 11:26 AM

These are MSRP's for comparison

Rush III 300 2-line $189.99
Rush III 300 Pro open cell 3-Line $229.99
Hydra 300 closed cell 3-line $279.99

Rush III 350 Pro open-cell 3-Line $259.99
Hydra 350 closed cell 3-line $339.99

model #'s indicate approx. span in cm. Area is a bit less.

powerzone - 12-2-2009 at 12:50 PM

Ken... you captured our vision as well... yes, these trainers should break the "MYTHS" about foils...

johnnylaing - 12-2-2009 at 12:57 PM

That looks like it would be fun here in St Simons where we have a large body of water protected by sandbars at low tide...dragging, SUP,kayaks...I can think of a few things...I'll end up kiteboarding for sure, but one of these could do a lot...

ivioksha - 15-3-2009 at 06:09 AM

Any more updates about this kite? :puzzled:

acampbell - 15-3-2009 at 06:36 AM

They are available, are in the field deployed in kite schools and for recreation. They fly well and work as advertised. We had one out on the beach the other day. Great in light winds since they stay inflated and can keep their speed up in a lull. As the water gets warmer, we will see them more in the surf.

Two years ago I had a customer wanting a kite to fly off the back of his boat. I did not have much to recommend him then but now the Hydra is just the ticket and I'm about to hook him up.

Bladerunner - 15-3-2009 at 11:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell


Two years ago I had a customer wanting a kite to fly off the back of his boat. I did not have much to recommend him then but now the Hydra is just the ticket and I'm about to hook him up.


I have had a few people approach me with the idea of flying off a boat as well.

I have suggested that an NPW on very short lines or straight off the bridle should do the job ?

I got to see but not fly this kite. It is a baby Neo and I expect this kite will boost the Neo sales ? I'm still stuck wondering why a closed cell trainer didn't come out years ago. :puzzled: Flysurfer missed a big market there .

markite - 15-3-2009 at 11:49 AM

don't want to hi-jack the thread but be careful about flying off the back of a boat - any kind of decent wind and you'll get pulled off the back of the boat. On a small boat (like a row boat , if you brace yourself you can swamp the back end of the boat dragging it backwards or sideways.
And if you seatbelt into a chair and use the boat slowly moving to fly the kites, you can really do a lot of damage straining against the seatbelt through the power zone and actually lift the back end of the boat (lesson learned with friends back in the late 80's with a stack of flexi's).
Just be prepared - watch out for props, warm weather and water and have fun!

sid-the-sloth - 15-3-2009 at 02:43 PM

^^^^ sound advice

@ Den la Menace

I had a 3.6m Peter Lynn Waterfoil ( similar vented close cell kite) once, and it was a nice strong puller and lifter, but when the wind picked up it would become a bit of a handfull not wanting to stay on the ground, even with lots of break, just bouncing up and down as it was still fully inflated. Somtimes on land its not a bad idea to have an open cell kite to deflate when you need it to, but for water its a good kite. Just a bit small even tho its stronger than the equivlant size open cell kite. Might as well go for a small LEI

acampbell - 16-3-2009 at 05:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by markite
don't want to hi-jack the thread but be careful about flying off the back of a boat - any kind of decent wind and you'll get pulled off the back of the boat.


Fair point. Luckily the largest Hydra is about 3 sq. meters and yeah that can tea-bag someone in a gust, but this guy would probably enjoy that.

DenisLaMenace - 16-3-2009 at 06:35 AM

Thanks for all comments

No problem handling a closed cell kite, my largest one is the 19m :yes:

My HQ buddy here has just received 4 of them, and one is for me. Will get it this week.

Will post some pics/review when I get it. If I dont like, there will be a good deal on it for PKF members.

kiteNH - 16-3-2009 at 08:01 AM

Denis, do you mind if I ask what you are getting the Hydra for? Just to play around with? I'm asking just because you obviously don't need a trainer kite.

DenisLaMenace - 16-3-2009 at 10:10 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by kiteNH
Denis, do you mind if I ask what you are getting the Hydra for? Just to play around with? I'm asking just because you obviously don't need a trainer kite.


well good question I am not sure either

may be to share with friends, or introduce friends to kite flying, to full around in the water, for the wife, for the kid.

not sure ??? I might sell it soon. !!!:wink2:


My HQ buddy flown the Hydra 350 this weekend, and he was able to get going on skis in strong winds. He says the 350 has a lot of pull. I am getting the 300 a bit smaller.

some review from him

Pros: easy, stable, easy relaunch, nice quality for price, nice bar

cons: bag small, does not inflate fast because intakes are small and net protected, bit difficult to land the kite on the brakes

powerzone - 16-3-2009 at 11:58 AM

Mod the intakes for faster inflation: technique/method carried over from old FS kites: Mastair, Speedair, Warrior.....

reach thru the zipper and grab the intake valve, make a vertical slit halfway up the valve (in effect making the valve "shorter"

this can always be taped back if need be.....

depower hydra

stetson05 - 19-5-2009 at 11:23 AM

Powerzone,
How is that mod going to make the hydra a depower? I am thinking about it for my next kite. I am hoping my son would eventually be able to use it and I would love to try some water stuff. I would be interested in a U2U about prices so I can plan too.

A review from anyone about it would be awesome.

Hardrock - 19-5-2009 at 03:53 PM

I bought the Hydra 350 about three weeks ago. Been flying it on land mostly. A couple times in the lake and got some fair body drags.

This kite will fly in the smallest breeze after you get it inflated.

My girlfriend loves it, because she can handle it. At 147lbs, she can keep her ground, well most of the time but she does have some experience on the beamer.

I wish I could tell you more about using it on water. Can't wait to be on the lake in some good wind and try it.

With light winds, very light, I had to put on fins to keep the lines tight. I did notice if you mess around too much trying to water launch, it will get water in it, then the light wind won't launch it. But that figures.

I also tried to launch it from a kayak. Failed. Too much line to get tangled on everything and by the time you get it let out, water gets in. So I launched it from shore, got into the kayak and took off pretty quick. GF held onto the side of my boat with hers to keep me from turning over.

The problem here was again keeping tight lines. Long kayaks don't turn very fast and two boats together do what they want. A short whitewater kayak and you might be able to turn with your hips and get something going. Anyway we went straight down wind so the kite lost wind and fell. A sea anchor would have helped.

I’m learning and will probably get better with a few more tries. The body drags with fins was a blast even got some drags upwind. But trying to use your arm extended like a rudder in the water for upwind, doesn’t work. The safety line isn’t long enough for that when your moving to the left, well maybe I was doing something wrong but by turning my left shoulder into the water and some help with the fins it was great. BTW the handle will sink but not far with the leash on.

As for flying it off a larger boat, I will be trying. I’m not sure about launching from a boat. Again it has to inflate and you gota play out the lines. It might launch after taking on a small amount of water in good wind.

Don’t leave it packed up even slightly damp. It will stick together and is a pain to inflate a day later. Thought I would just wait a day then fly it dry, not again.

I would say it has potential from a boat. From shore it is a blast. Out over your head with a PFD on will take some practice. In a field, fun for everybody.

If there's wind this weekend, I'll know more about useing it in deep water. Maybe get a video.

Laters

Power Kite Guy - 8-8-2009 at 10:29 AM

Just wanted to update you guys - we have been using this kite with students alot over the last few months.

Really easy to get them comfortable on land and then transition to water with it. Also cool that they don't have to get into the the more complex 4 line setup and harness at that stage - they really just want to get in the water and start having some fun body dragging and learning how to use the kites pull in the power zone.

Just for fun I tried this with a kayak last weekend. Was really a blast. Have to use it some more to get it down but got some serious speed with it. :singing:

http://www.powerkitesdirect.com/hq-hydra-trainer-kite/

snobdr - 8-8-2009 at 08:26 PM

Its a trainer. Works for learning to fly. I flew one (350) in 12 to 15 gusty. Typical fixed bridle. Lot of yanking around. Kept its shape well though. Good relaunch most of the time. As someone else it will take on water. Still to small to get good body drags. Pretty much downwind. Maybe if your small. Good to learn to fly. Personally i would go with the cheaper open cell kite and us the extra cash for lessons. Once you learn to fly your going to get a bigger kite anyway and the small kite becomes a novelty piece.

acampbell - 9-8-2009 at 05:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Power Kite Guy

Just for fun I tried this with a kayak last weekend. Was really a blast. Have to use it some more to get it down but got some serious speed with it. :singing:

http://www.powerkitesdirect.com/hq-hydra-trainer-kite/


Anybody know these guys?
I checked out their website and found them using copyrighted original artwork from my website (without permission)

They are hiding their location and identity behind a "private registration" at 1and1.com, their internet host. The phone number is an unpublished number in Plano, TX

By displaying the "Verisign Secured" logo, they are claiming to have an SSL Certificate, but it is just a cut and paste of the logo and not and active link as it would be if legit.

Same thing with he Better Business Bureau logo. They do not show up in a search on the BBB website as a member.

They have been reported to both organizations.

Just hate to see someone acting as a member of this community and pulling a scam. My "competitors" are my friends but this just sucks.

powerzone - 23-8-2009 at 10:40 PM

fully Sheetable MODDED hydras now available...

kiter97 - 12-9-2009 at 08:53 AM

can you post some pictures?

kiteNH - 18-9-2009 at 08:23 AM

I was out trying to fly my new Hydra in relatively low winds, flying in an inland field. Probably a decent 10-12 mph. I know that I had enough wind to fly it but I couldn't really get it to inflate. Perhaps because the winds were lower down near the ground. It seemed like the wind kind of blew right over the kite and didn't fill the cells.

Is there any special technique to getting the Hydra inflated?

HQ-Powerkites - 18-9-2009 at 08:55 AM

Pull on the bar until the kite reaches about 45 degrees. Then turn and fly a figure 8. After a few turns, the kite should inflate properly, unless you got the zipper on back open.
I have flown the Hydra 300 in less than 6 mph with no problems to inflate. In 10 mph, it should only take a short moment.

Tim

kiteNH - 18-9-2009 at 09:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by HQ-Powerkites
Pull on the bar until the kite reaches about 45 degrees. Then turn and fly a figure 8. After a few turns, the kite should inflate properly, unless you got the zipper on back open.
I have flown the Hydra 300 in less than 6 mph with no problems to inflate. In 10 mph, it should only take a short moment.

Tim


Wow an answer from HQ themselves in less than 30 minutes!

I'll have to give that a try. I had trouble keeping the kite from collapsing right after the launch. Could have just been that the winds were light and a little shifty.

furbowski - 18-9-2009 at 09:16 AM

most foil kites inflate best in low winds if you turn them to fly them across the wind window as soon as possible after getting enough air in the kite to have turning control on liftoff -- which may be a whole other process in itself.

I don't know the hydra though -- but on the ground propping the valves open with some thing could help, especially if you can get some kind of funnel effect going...

IDK :dunno: but from your description actually sounds like you couldn't get the kite up off the ground and the tip from HQ only works if you can get it off the ground???

fantastic response time yes!:thumbup:

stetson05 - 18-9-2009 at 09:33 AM

I flew my hydra in about 5-8mph and it flew really well. To get it inflated I had to run into the wind about 20-30 yards. Once it was inflated it flew really well. I had to keep it moving but because it stayed inflated it didn't collapse. My son could keep it up for a while as well.

In low winds I have used the running trick with my Neo too. Like they said before, one I got it airborne a couple of figure eights filled it up really well.

Sometimes I think the valves do kinda stick and it is difficult to get the initial inflate. Hope this helps.

acampbell - 18-9-2009 at 09:54 AM

Like the Neo, as I pull the kite off its back, I pause for a bit before launch to let the kite pre-inflate some.

Hydra MOD

jase007dr - 20-10-2009 at 05:13 AM

Anyone used the modded Hydra 350? Any pictures or video links?
I really like the idea. Seems that it would give a true kite feeling, but I'd sure love to hear from some of you that have used them. Thanks

stetson05 - 21-10-2009 at 03:21 PM

I have a depower hydra mod. Mine is the 300 but it is not much smaller than the 350. I mainly got it for a depower for my son. I wanted something he could start to fly that was a depower and give him a larger wind range. It flies well in low wind because it stays inflated. The kite does slow down with the turns because of the brakes. It has offered him a larger range of flying. He says it pulls a lot harder powered up. It is difficult for me to tell because I weigh 195 lbs and he weighs 48lbs. It does work well as a depower trainer and once he flies it more I hope to get him rolling on a board. As wind speeds increase to about 20mph it does pull even depowered. I look forward to trying it on the beach in higher winds this spring. I got my kite from Powerzone. I contacted him directly.

http://www.powerzonekitesports.com/pztrainer.html

domdino - 21-10-2009 at 03:58 PM

I have the 350 thought i'd just add to the conversation... it takes a little bit to inflate but it's not too bad, flies nicely, nice and stable. I was teaching people to use it in about 20mph of wind, not much verticle lift but decent traction.
The safety release around the arm thingy works but it doesn't go down quite like a open celled trainer, a bit more fidgety and bouncy on the ground but it does work fine.

I'd recommend it, good trainer kite to keep my friends occupied while i'm out having fun :D

bigkahuna - 26-10-2009 at 07:16 AM

Has anyone flown the 300 and 350 side by side? The specs say that the 350 is only 0.2 meters bigger, but can you even tell the difference when flying?

tobytobsen - 14-4-2010 at 02:07 PM

I wonder how the Hydra compared to the PL Waterfoils - anyone who used both?

flash - 14-4-2010 at 04:50 PM

I agree with the positive feedback on the Hydra. After 5 minutes of flying it at NABX (in a buggy ha!) I came back and the first things out of my mouth... "It's like flying a pillow case". I don't mean that negatively, but that is the best thing I could think of for flying it.

As far as launching, yes... do a 45 degree launch to the edge of the window or borrow from stunt kiters. (btw this takes more practice and skill and soft ground) Do essentially a leading edge launch where one side of the kite comes into the air and you bring it across the window to the edge along the ground before bringing it up. This allows for the kite to properly inflate while moving. I found this solved all of my inflation problems even in 5mph wind.

if you have never done that maneuver tho... I suggest trying it on a kite with handles first.......it is a different beast on a bar.

Back to the kite, this has by far been one of the best 'trainer' (god i hate that word) kites that I have used for people that actually want to start moving over to depowers.

highazakite - 14-4-2010 at 06:39 PM

I play with my hydra 350 at least 2-5 times a week its just plain fun. My kid loves it as well. We slide around the high school soccer field or the dunes at the beach. Ive found if you grab the 2 bridle points on either side of the filler holes and let it flag it pumps up close to full in very little time. I almost always launch straight down wind as it doesn't build much power till its full, like a pillow (lol flash) Just make sure when your zipping it closed you reach in and uncrumple the filler tubes so the air can get in other wise it can take a couple of passes to get it full.

It seems to do well in most winds from almost none to to mid to to upper 20's. A word of caution in those upper 20's if its gusty it can and will go from just hovering around 11 to 1 to yarding you into the air with little notice. and since it has very little float you had better be good at landing.

Gusty mean winter winds aside this kite is just down right fun. its what i hand over to any friend i can drag out to fly kites, every singe one of them end up smiling ( after they learn how to steer) and since it has a 3rd line safety its nice to be able to say say just let go if your scared. Just have to make sure and tell them to steer it up before letting go. If you let go while powering down the center of the window it speeds up and pulls harder. My kid was the one who figured out that nifty trick, that was my first lesson in kite repair but id have to say i did good.

Hope to get it out for some body dragging on our local lake some time soon. Also plan to try it out in the kayak but im not so sure how good it would be for that, haven't seen any good kite kayaking footage and all stories Ive read about it did not inspire.

Well that's about as good of a review as i can do on my limited knowledge, id have to say if you are thinking about it you would more than likely enjoy owning one, + Green is cool.


dont have any input on your other kite sorry haven't flown one.

sylvo - 26-5-2010 at 10:20 AM

hi as a fairly new kiter how much power from the HQ 350 will I experance if I weigh 9 stone. is it possable to tell me???? thanks.:singing:

pigryder - 26-5-2010 at 12:23 PM

what the hell is 9 stone? Im a light weight and my Hydra 350 will pull like a train! Had that badboy out in like 30+ gusts and woo hoo :wow: pulled me on the mtn board

acampbell - 26-5-2010 at 06:14 PM

9 stone is 9 x 14 pounds= 126 lbs (pounds)

Great kite and good for dragging about in the water. Just not the best upwind engine. Great choice for kiteboarding schools and for recreational flying, especially in the surf. My customers love them.

sylvo - 26-5-2010 at 11:33 PM

Do you use the 300 or 350 for your customers?? is there much differance??? :puzzled:

acampbell - 27-5-2010 at 05:18 AM

In the water with an adult you can enjoy the slightly added grunt of the 350. My customers choose the 300 for their kids playing on land and water. It's a small difference in size. 300 = 2.6 sq meter; 350 = 3.5 sq. meter
...or you can let the budget choose...

stetson05 - 27-5-2010 at 08:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
In the water with an adult you can enjoy the slightly added grunt of the 350. My customers choose the 300 for their kids playing on land and water. It's a small difference in size. 300 = 2.6 sq meter; 350 = 3.5 sq. meter
...or you can let the budget choose...


I thought they were a 2.6 and 2.8 but if you are looking for one for yourself sylvo I would recommend the larger one. I got mine for my son.

sylvo - 27-5-2010 at 11:07 AM

Ok great thanks. :yes: could you suggest a website to get the 350 from??

cheezycheese - 27-5-2010 at 11:26 AM

would this be a decent depower for an 90lb. boy to learn to ride atb with...?

Maven454 - 27-5-2010 at 11:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by sylvo
Ok great thanks. :yes: could you suggest a website to get the 350 from??


Did you want it modded for depower? Or just the normal Hydra 350?

If you want one modded for depower, try Power Zone

If you want a regular one, you can buy it from A Wind of Change

erratic winds - 27-5-2010 at 11:39 AM

cheezy - the standard hydra is not depowerable, only the modded versions from PZ are. That said, it looks to be an excellent kite to get a 90 lb lad into kiteATB!

http://www.powerzonekitesports.com/pztrainer.html

stetson05 - 27-5-2010 at 11:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by sylvo
Ok great thanks. :yes: could you suggest a website to get the 350 from??


I am guessing you are from England but if you want to buy from the states I would suggest.

http://www.dakitez.com/servlet/StoreFront
http://www.coastalwindsports.com/servlet/StoreFront
www.powerzonekitesports.com especially if you want a depower hydra
www.awindofchange.com
www.bigkidkites.com


I am sorry if I left someone out. You can always check the good trader thread

cheezycheese - 27-5-2010 at 11:55 AM

i meant the modded one, i am aware the standard is not depowerable. thanks guys...

stetson05 - 27-5-2010 at 01:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by cheezycheese
i meant the modded one, i am aware the standard is not depowerable. thanks guys...


My nephew is 85-90lbs and he was able to do downwinders on a core 90 with the hydra 300 depower mod. I would guess the winds were between 15-20 and we were on soft deep grass. On a better surface he could have done great. I would try for the 350 to get the slightly larger size for a larger kid. I don't know if powerzone has those but call him and I am sure he will work something out. It might take some time though because development and testing for a different size.

powerzone - 27-5-2010 at 01:43 PM

Yes, we can do the 350 size, but it will take a bit longer to develop a new size....

i think the overall size difference between the 300 and 350 is something small like 0.2m

acampbell - 27-5-2010 at 04:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by powerzone
i think the overall size difference between the 300 and 350 is something small like 0.2m


.9 m (2.6 vs 3.5) if the HQ specs are right, FWIW

stetson05 - 27-5-2010 at 04:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
Quote:
Originally posted by powerzone
i think the overall size difference between the 300 and 350 is something small like 0.2m


.9 m (2.6 vs 3.5) if the HQ specs are right, FWIW


You are correct. I remember it differently but
http://www.powerkites.de/index.php?option=com_content&vi...
verifies you are correct

stetson05 - 29-5-2010 at 08:41 PM

My son with the hydra in thick soft grass. Wind was about 15mph. He has gotten several down wind rides but he hasn't progressed any further yet. Sorry about the quality, it was shot on my phone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c_Py8jV4tk

sylvo - 19-6-2010 at 10:07 AM

Just flew my new hydra 350!! Its the best ever:thumbup: exactly what I wanted. :roll: all I've got to do now it workout the reverse launch, any tips??

Hardrock - 19-6-2010 at 10:15 AM

Just pull in on the center line if I remember correctly. When the kite lifts high enough, let the center line go and crank it into a turn at the same time.

Been so long sense I flew the hydra but I think that should do it.

You'll get you preference figured out with in a short time.

sylvo - 19-6-2010 at 10:24 AM

ok great thanks very much. really quick response time :yes:

highazakite - 19-6-2010 at 11:57 PM

to reverse launch can send it slamming back into the ground if it does not turn fast enough after releasing the center line.

so i usually pull the center line while pulling the side i want to flip the kite to.

this way the kite just flops over to one side landing nose up ready to launch.

hope it helps