I know there is another review of Neo but thought maybe I should start a fresh one. This is not really a review at this point as I only flown once on land. Just would like to share what I think about Neo.

First when I opened the kite, I was impressed with built quality and bridle system. Bridle is simple and lines are sleeved, makes it anti-tangle. I like that.

First launch, it felt like taking a little longer time to fill up than Pulse2 even with 6 air intakes (vs 2 air intakes Pulse2). Next time, I will pre-inflate it as much as I can.

Up in the air, I didn't find anything that I don't like except turning speed. It's slower than I am used to but it's something I can get used to. Could be good for "park n ride" style.

Safety system kind of sucks. In 30 min, safety system activated 3 times on me. I was thinking "there is no way I go in the water with this safety system" It's basically last year Ozone Frenzy safety system - should be good enough for land or snow use though. So, next day, I changed it to my own - I took some pictures and I will add them later here.

Another thing, kite bag. It has no pockets!!! They could have add at least one pocket...

It has potential and I will keep flying it, even in water later. I should provide better idea of water relaunch later. Also, I will add some pictures of my safety system modification here.

Special thanks to Don @ powerkiteplace.com for this demo kite. He is nice enough to let me fly it for a while. So, if anybody wants to demo near me (Newark, DE), just let me know. - Brian

Take the lower leader off the safety top-hat and it will not release accidentally as much. Beyond that, it's just a matter of getting used to it.

I can't compare turning to FS, but Tirdude thought the Neo turned faster. but you are right in that it is well suited to park and ride- had a lot of that this weekend.

I launched my 11m in 4-6 mph with no pre-inflation. Just kept it moving right away and pumped the center line a few times no problem.

Hi Brian

Good stuff.

I will have the chance to try the Neo 8m and 11m when my friend who resells HQ here comes back from Hatteras mid October.

When you talk about turning speed, what would you compare it to: Pulse1, Psycho3, Speed2 ??

Can't be turning slower than a Speed 1... What would you say.

Could you say something about flying speed, upwind ability, backstall, etc.. Or you need more flying time.

Security: you said you change to your own. What did you do ? Do you think the kite safety can be modified and improved easy enough in a permanent way, so it would make a good kite to add to your quiver.

Show us some pics from wildwood if you have...

cheers

Curious to know what you think about Neo, Buzz. Let us know when you have a chance.

Turning speed, I would say same as Speed2. But again, I came from P4 10M (fast) and Speed2 19M (slooooow) so, it's necessarily a bad thing but something I will need to get used to.

Other flying characteristics you asked, I didn't find anything unusual. I had a great time buggying with it.

More comment on safety coming later today along with some pictures.

I will be testing them out this weekend too................aj

I am gathering info on the Neo- I like that it can be used in water and land- The HQ website looks like it does NOT recommend it for buggying. True? Why?

How does the 11m compare in size to a true land kite? same power as a what size meter? I would love to have a land kite that I could fly static on then jump on a board in and go in the water without landing or changing kites. I want to get on the water next summer so is this the way to go or stick with water/land kites?

Just thinking that the slow inflation could be a nice feature when self launching in medium high winds.

How much does the kite pull when not totally inflated.

Other question: does the kite have bow out valves like Flysurfer to prevent internal over pressure during a kite crash

The safety thing up by the trim got me to when i gave it a go. I think it 's a landing system or something, i don't use a spike thing so it is a guess. good flying kite. def put on the water maybe remove the top release thing. solid rig with what i know. very similar the titan 9.5 in flight, the neo just had a better stability at the edge of the window. good for the money and range

Quote:

Originally posted by beachrights I am gathering info on the Neo- I like that it can be used in water and land- The HQ website looks like it does NOT recommend it for buggying. True? Why?

Only because it can be lifty with lots of pop that could lead to an OBE. But I found the 11 m to be a great buggy engine in 12mph winds and could goa bit higher I'm sure with good control and de-power.

Quote:

How does the 11m compare in size to a true land kite? same power as a what size meter? I would love to have a land kite that I could fly static on then jump on a board in and go in the water without landing or changing kites. I want to get on the water next summer so is this the way to go or stick with water/land kites?

I think near parity with maybe the power of a slightly smaller fixed-bridle foil, what with the slight added weight of the rig.
I have not yet had the local kiteboarders take it out on the water, but I think the 11m ill turn out to be a good all-around cross-over kite.

Quote:

Originally posted by beachrights The HQ website looks like it does NOT recommend it for buggying. True? Why?

It's a European thing. Most don't like to buggy with bars. If you like to roll with a Peter Lynn Venom or Synergy, you'll feel at home with the NEO.

One advantage to the slow inflation is the ability to 'hot launch' straight downwind without getting pulled off your feet, as it has little pull when not inflated. This comes in real handy if you are launching for water in a tight space. The NEO flags out and looks kinda ugly until it get closer to zenith when all the cells take form.

Pictures from my recent California tour ~
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chris-topher/sets/7215760735092...

Cheers,

Chris

Ok, as I promised, here are some pictures.

Before modification: Just like previous Montana or Frenzy


Actually, there was one yellow line that goes from red safety thingy all the way to bottom chicken loop ring, with a red ball at the end:


Right above that red ball, there is a little bump where two lines are connected. It kept being caught by a bar, activating safety system.

Here is after picture:


Basically. I disabled safety system and tied all lines. Now red safety system thingy is just a hadle grip so I can pull front lines better. Also, I added another line that extends front "Y" line all the way to chicken loop. Once activated, bar will be depowered all the way up, creating "super depower" mode. I haven't tested it yet but I imagine it will lose some power and falls off either side.

One thing I didn't like about factory safety system is this:


This red safety system has two holes unlike one big hole used in previous HQ and Ozone model. That flat hole in the picture is for a safety pin. I am thinking "how in the world am I supposed to put that little pin in this little hole when big waves keep hitting me???"

Factory safety system is a good idea for land and snow use but personally, I wouldn't take it to water as it is.

My mod could be a piece of crap as I haven't tested yet. If it works, I am taking this baby to water. Fingers crossed.

Oh, I finally found a pocket on the side of bag

Quote:

Originally posted by beachrights I like that it can be used in water and land- The HQ website looks like it does NOT recommend it for buggying. True? Why?

I buggied with it and it was fun. HQ "should" recommend buggy as well in their website.

I buggied with it and I was fine. I flew it static for about 15 minutes and then Angus coaxed me past my fear and into the buggy with it. When I was using it the beach was getting covered up by the tide so I was doing short throws which isn't really it's element. If you are careful about how fast you send it up high, you would be fine in the buggy. I bet you could really send it down the beach with the high end they are publishing on this kite. The two smaller sizes are good over 30 mph. That's just amazing for kites that you could fly at 6-7, and no big deal to fly it with a small beach and an offshore wind with the kite out over the water. That opens up doors of opportunity that you might not buggy through with your open cell foil.

Thanks for the update Brian,

My first Neo (8m) is due to arrive here tomorrow

I'll let you know how it goes,

Joe

Quote:

Originally posted by leebrianh Right above that red ball, there is a little bump where two lines are connected. It kept being caught by a bar, activating safety system.

I'd remove the extention of the safety release for use on water. It is too sensitive and intented for use with riders with short arms. The red 'trumpet' safety release works fine without the extention.

Quote:

Originally posted by leebrianh This red safety system has two holes unlike one big hole used in previous HQ and Ozone model. That flat hole in the picture is for a safety pin. I am thinking "how in the world am I supposed to put that little pin in this little hole when big waves keep hitting me???"

First - you must pull in the bottom lines a bit and secure the loops at the end of the bar extention onto the horns of the bar ends. If you don't do that first, you will have a real hard time resetting the safety without the kite wanting to power up and relaunch.

I don't find it that difficult to reinsert the pin into the hole on the trumpet.

Chris

Quote:

Originally posted by chris First - you must pull in the bottom lines a bit and secure the loops at the end of the bar extention onto the horns of the bar ends. If you don't do that first, you will have a real hard time resetting the safety without the kite wanting to power up and relaunch. Chris

Good point. I have had HQ Montana and Ozone Frenzy but always forget that there are loops at the end of control line to secure.

I might put everything back together if my mod doesn't work. Where is wind when I need it???

Got to try out my 8m Neo for the first time today in light winds with the Dirtsurfer

I agree with you Chris - I removed the safety extension also. I can still easily reach the safety and there is now very little chance of it activating accidently.

Can't wait to use it in better winds

Here's a pic of the bag:

Quote:

Originally posted by chris Quote: Originally posted by leebrianh Right above that red ball, there is a little bump where two lines are connected. It kept being caught by a bar, activating safety system. I'd remove the extention of the safety release for use on water. It is too sensitive and intented for use with riders with short arms. The red 'trumpet' safety release works fine without the extention. Quote: Originally posted by leebrianh This red safety system has two holes unlike one big hole used in previous HQ and Ozone model. That flat hole in the picture is for a safety pin. I am thinking "how in the world am I supposed to put that little pin in this little hole when big waves keep hitting me???" First - you must pull in the bottom lines a bit and secure the loops at the end of the bar extention onto the horns of the bar ends. If you don't do that first, you will have a real hard time resetting the safety without the kite wanting to power up and relaunch. I don't find it that difficult to reinsert the pin into the hole on the trumpet. Chris

And the back side:

What is included:

What do you guys think of the cleat style trimmer strap ? I didn't care for it on the frenzy and was really sad to see it on the Neo. It's not that it doesn't work its just harder to use than the strap.

I really liked the strap a lot better. I will most likely be switching my Neo's over to the straps when I order them in.

Pro's and Con's ??

I much prefer the cam-cleat over the double pull-pull trim straps that were often difficult to reach. It keeps the bar so clean and neat and is easy to reach at all times. The kiteboarders on our beach that have tried it prefer it too.

According to Jan Hendrik, Invento-HQ product manager, the factory should have put the safety extension as an extra item into the bag along with the manual and not have attached it to the bar ready-to-fly.

Here is a link to the instruction he refered to when I shared this issue:

http://image71.webshots.com/71/0/11/76/2591011760099195277oU...

Please note - the extention is only recommended for use on land, mostly for training. It was never built for jumping or for the use on the water.

Chris

Quote:

Originally posted by chris According to Jan Hendrik, Invento-HQ product manager, the factory should have put the safety extension as an extra item into the bag along with the manual and not have attached it to the bar ready-to-fly.

It's good to see that HQ listens to end users

Regarding cleat vs strap, I prefer strap but it's just because that's what I am used to. acampbell has a good point on "double pull-pull trim straps that were often difficult to reach" as I sometimes experience that.

This is what Chris was talking about - removing safety release extension line. Please see the attachment

Attachment: NEO_Remove_Extension.pdf (147kB)
This file has been downloaded 641 times

ok, my safety system turned out to be a piece of crap :singing: It just depowers but that's all. Same effect as suicide leash so why bother.

So, I put everything back to factory except that safety release extension.

Today test wasn't a total loss actually. I had a chance to see how Neo reacts to in-land gusty wind and I like the way it does. In null, when it falls from the sky, it still keeps its shape well, I was able to recover 100% of time without tangle or bow tie.

Also, I took my time to fill up the kite on the ground before launch and it was nice and easy launch. No problem there.

I like the way it flies. Can't wait to go out to water. Next water relaunch test!

Quote:

Originally posted by leebrianh ok, my safety system turned out to be a piece of crap :singing: It just depowers but that's all. Same effect as suicide leash so why bother. So, I put everything back to factory except that safety release extension. Today test wasn't a total loss actually. I had a chance to see how Neo reacts to in-land gusty wind and I like the way it does. In null, when it falls from the sky, it still keeps its shape well, I was able to recover 100% of time without tangle or bow tie. Also, I took my time to fill up the kite on the ground before launch and it was nice and easy launch. No problem there. I like the way it flies. Can't wait to go out to water. Next water relaunch test!

Sounds good...

Yeah - I think the 8m will be sweet also! I just need to get it out in more wind.

Quote:

Originally posted by buzz Quote: Originally posted by leebrianh ok, my safety system turned out to be a piece of crap :singing: It just depowers but that's all. Same effect as suicide leash so why bother. So, I put everything back to factory except that safety release extension. Today test wasn't a total loss actually. I had a chance to see how Neo reacts to in-land gusty wind and I like the way it does. In null, when it falls from the sky, it still keeps its shape well, I was able to recover 100% of time without tangle or bow tie. Also, I took my time to fill up the kite on the ground before launch and it was nice and easy launch. No problem there. I like the way it flies. Can't wait to go out to water. Next water relaunch test! Sounds good...

Davinch,

I'm in no hurry to replace my 7m Pulse but wonder if you could compare the 8m Neo with it ? I think you owned a 7m Pulse at one time ???

I expect I'll be going for the 11m if and when I make the leap. Simply because it will fit between the 7 and 13.

Bladerunner - I had a 7m Pulse 1 and a 8m Pulse 2 before.

Still need to fly the 8m Neo more to give a comparison. But so far I think it is going to be perfect for me.

Thanks Davinch.
I realized it was early to ask but wanted you to be thinking about how they compare as you get used to your new toy !

Of the Pulse and Pulse II what one would you go back to and why ? I haven't had hands on a Pulse II yet but have a feeling the 7m Pulse may be a bit more user / beginner friendly ?