Anyone fly with these? I am looking for good/bad info.

-weight? Too light?
-killer issues?
- anything???

The funky design scares me enough to research a good deal before taking the plunge.

They have a few fans, (including me), and maybe more detractors.

ultra handle discussion

Consensus: more comfortable for some, (esp. those like me with hand, finger or CTS issues) but pigtails are not set too well and may need replacement.

lad- thanks for the link. that was quite the eye opener- not good either. The pigtail issue is enough to keep me away from them. Yes I could replace the lines but why am I buying them if I have to replace things?? Looks like I am going back to the Flexis- pricey but got great reviews as expected.

Curiously, the version without kite killers comes with proper, robust leaders that are attached well. But there are no brake loops.
The handles by themselves are fine and comfortable. When they get the leader issues resolved, they will have a winner.

Angus- is the leader problem on the brakes or powers? I do not understand why they would beef up the powers if you did not get the killer package-?????

So lets say the leader issue is resolved- I was going to get the handles only. Which ones would you take-Flexi Pros or HQ Ultras??

The power/ top Leaders on the kite-killer version are the ones that are skimpy, strangely.

I would get the Flexis if only for the brake loops.

I've used both, and I would say Flexi every time. Quite a few reasons, comfort and ease of use to name the top two. Just my two cents...

Nice out of the box design on the HQ Ultras, less than perfect execution.

The power lines are funky loose weave line. The "pigtail" on the power lines is formed by back splicing the end length rather than a knot. This would have been slick if they stitched the backsplice, but they didn't so the loose weave means it can come undone. You can tie you own pigtail after that... no biggie, but if you are going to go down a road, you might as well follow it to the end.

The brake lines on the other hand are cored with a really tightly woven sleeving that occasional means the pigtail wants to comed undone, because the knot radius is so big and the line really wants to straighten itself out.

On the kite killers that came with it, the loop is formed by a metal clip that makes it bulkier than it needs to be.

Replacing worn leaders (especially the power lines) requires a bit more surgery than should be required. Same thing for field/home maintenance.

The strop line attachment is just plain scary.... warm and fuzzy quotient is low.

I would honestly have no qualms with a price hike (reasonable) for this item, if they just replaced the leaders with amsteel and rethought the retention method for all the attachment points.

Given the development cycle on these handles, they were a major disappointment. That's not to say they couldn't be modded to be winners, but you shouldn't have to.

Make no mistake, I really, really wanted to like these.

ATB,
Sam

So lets add killers and beef up the POWERS??!!

Sound like someone on the production line was hanging out by the dumpster if you know what I mean!

I love Flexi products but $45 for a set of handles??! Their killing me!

I love the HQ Ultras, after of course I replaced the power leaders with 1/4 inch gray amsteel. No probs since.

No one (in this thread) has mentioned the sliding brake line feature. You get more brake release leverage without using longer KK lines to attach further up the brake piggies (I could probably have stated this clearer, but it's getting late!).

I looked at those when I was getting some new handles cos of the upper loop - I'm sick of mashing my fingers on the line. I thought they'd break maybe or flex though so I went for the Flexi Pro's ... they're better, for sure but I still get finger cramps!

The early reviews at racekites concluded that the Ultra handles were sturdy - 'course, I dunno what you'd normally put your handles thru!

I read that the Flexi's are also fairly soft and contoured for the hands, tho' you still have the leads coming thru the fingers . The attachment systems sure beats out the Ultras.

Quote:

Originally posted by beachrights So lets add killers and beef up the POWERS??!! Sound like someone on the production line was hanging out by the dumpster if you know what I mean! I love Flexi products but $45 for a set of handles??! Their killing me!

I might take another stab at the Ultras as a rainy day project. Need to find a local source for amsteel or amsteel blue.

@$45 the Flexi's are about $20 cheaper than the newest Rev Pro handles (talk about sticker shock... granted the Rev handles are built by little elves).

If you are going to be at Newport the weekend after next let me know and you can take a look at the Flexi Pro Links to judge for yourself whether it is money well spent or not. They were considerably most costly before the 2009 price drop.

ATB,
Sam

Quote:

Originally posted by lad No one (in this thread) has mentioned the sliding brake line feature. You get more brake release leverage without using longer KK lines to attach further up the brake piggies (I could probably have stated this clearer, but it's getting late!).

Still trying to decipher this.... the coffee must have been diluted by the rain

ATB,
Sam

I think he is speaking about how the lines go throught the handles and do not need to increase your killer length. Theres a video out there somewhere that shows them deploying.

I have a kite shop that is willing to send me a set for a great price- I am going to order them and if I do not like them I am sure someone here will buy them. if I do like them I will let you know and give my review. Unsure if they are the good leaders or bad- its a treasure hunt!

Anyone attached parking loops? That is a must for me! Give me your ideas.

Oh and Indigo- I will be in upstate NY that weekend or I might have taken you up on the flight!

No problem.... just thought I would offer if you were in the neighborhood, as it is always nice to be able to try things first. Ooooh upstate NY.... old stomping grounds.... some fun places. Hope you have a great time.

Look forward to the review.

ATB,
Sam