Who out there besides ACampbell and DaVinch is flying, has flown one of these and what sizes? Ive flown the proto 7 and it was sweet. Something tells me M3 12.5 but Im also hearing Speed 2 12..........

I have only demoed the HQ M3 9.5m this winter for about 30m. Friend of mine resells HQ in Mtl.

I was quite surprised about quality vs price. Quite powerful for a 9.5, but did not test depower. Stable kite, but wind was very steady that day.

I would not hesitate to buy one as it costs not much and seems to resell well.

OK, you said who besides me, but I'll chime in anyway since I just had a great session with my 9.5 M3 last night. Low tide was 6 pm and by then I had a clear run of a couple of miles. Wind was SE about 40 degrees off the beach about 12-15 mph so it was an upwind slog one way and a deep broad reach Nantucket Sleighride the other way.

Up wind work 45 degrees off the wind was no problem- nice and steady. Downwind the other way was great. When flying too far off the wind I would get a signal in the form of a slight tip tuck, but a turn of a degree or two or easing the bar would fix it right away. Of course building speed let me fly farther off the wind as I created my own. Often, I could let go of the bar long enough to grab and open a water bottle.

My only beef is that the pull-pull straps for the power adjust are a bit too far to reach under some points of sail, but that is an easy fix with a spare strop tied to the tightening strap and secured right below the safety release. This issue will be addressed in the Montana 4.

That far off the wind, jibes were delicate but I never blew one. The kite would sometimes luff a bit as I turned down wind, but as I spun around upwind, the kite would always re-power and inflate right where I put it and in the right direction.

Stopping for breaks, I can let go of the bar and rummage through my bag or chat with someone with only an occasional poke and nod at the bar.

Now with the Sabre 2 off the market, this makes the Monatana one of the most affordable bargains to be had in open cell de-power. The Sabre was always more expensive but now with it gone, the margin is just that much wider and the choice easier, leaving maybe Ozone for more money as well.

Anyone cruising through the Southeast is welcome to take it out for a spin.

Wexler says he is going to teach me how to fly the M3 this weekend. I hope we have enough wind to make it go on the landboard and dirtsurfer. My how things change as they get older. I think this is the first thing that Wexler has been the one teaching me how to do it. He put in about 4 hours with the 9.5 several weeks ago so he has an idea about this depower stuff.

You'll be in good hands. Flying those in light wind can actually be tricky, and Wexler did well with it. You'll want 9-10 mph for the 7m, I think.

I have been using the Montana's for a while now and they rock! Very nice kite at a great price.