General Kiting

I wrote to Chris Shultz who is the USA importer of HQ Kites and inquired if he had the projected area values for the Matrixx kites.

This is his reply:

Matrixx 9 = 7m²
Matrixx 12 = 8,9m²
Matrixx 15 = 10,6 m²
 
-joedy

Thanks Joedy,

so that now makes sense why the 15m^2 Matrix is similar in pull to the Speed III 12m^2, here are the Speed III projected areas:

Speed III 12m^2 PA=10.6 m^2, aspect ratio 6.0
Speed III 15m^2 PA=12.8 m^2, aspect ratio 6.0
Speed III 19m^2 PA=16.2 m^2, aspect ratio 6.0

Pulse 10m^2 PA=8.6m^2 aspect ratio 4.2
Pyscho IV 10m^2 PA=6.7 to 8.5 m^2, aspect ratio 4.8
Matrix, aspect ratio 5.0 .

Regards,
Norman.

Well this has helped me out as well. I was 80% sure of what my next kite would be to replace my 7m montana5.
Now 100%.
9m matrixx.

Norman,

Thanks for your help. It looks like the Pulse 2 keeps about the same dimensions of the Pulse 1.

I'll memorialize the Pulse2 specs here in case they ever disappear from the web:

Kite Aspect Ratio Projected Area Range (kn) Depower LEI Flatsize

Pulse 2 6m 3.85 5.2 13-42 8:1 6.0-8.5
Pulse 2 8m 4.2 6.9 10-36 8:1 8.0-11.0
Pulse 2 10m 4.2 8.6 9-33 8:1 10.0-14.0
Pulse 2 12m 4.2 10.3 8-29 8:1 12.0-17.0
Pulse 2 14m 4.2 12 8-26 8:1 14.0-19.0


It seems that the projected area is a better judge of gruntiness and the aspect ratio a better judge of turning speed. The kite model is a better indicator as to how much space the kite takes up before launching.

Would you concur?

-joedy

I think AR is more effective in determining how well a kite goes upwind...

Norman,


It seems that the projected area is a better judge of gruntiness and the aspect ratio a better judge of turning speed. The kite model is a better indicator as to how much space the kite takes up before launching.

Would you concur?

-joedy

The projected area determines what lift you get. For instance my Venom II 13m^2 has far less lift than my Speed III 12m^2 because the Speed has a bigger projected area.

The gruntiness is determined by the aspect ratio. For instance the NPW5's (NASA kites) are at the exterme end of grunty, they are like a tractor, aspect ratio hmm, let me hazard a guess 2.0!

The as Kamikasa pointed out the aspect ratio determines how well the kite will go up wind, though there are other factors that come into play. So the higher the aspect ratio, the better chance of the kite going better up wind. Naturally a poor profile, bridles as thick as sausages will make for poor upwind capability.

Kite model and room needed to launch, well sort of. Pilot skill is a big factor. The Peter Lynn Arcs for example, will need more room to launch in higher winds since they will slide out a bit (down wind). Self launch capability is a BIG factor. The Peter Lynn Arcs, HQ Matrix and FlySurfers can all be self launched -- this was one of the main reasons why Spartan sold his LEI and got a foil for the water, the HQ Matrix in this case.

The HQ Matrix and FlySurfers can be launched with little prefill, so they don't generate their full power immediately until fully inflated. Whereas the LEIs are full on from launch.

How well the kite turns, whether they generate power during the turn or not and all of that, well best of trying out the kite to determine that. But generally the lower the aspect ratio the faster turning, but there are other things the designer can do to compensate.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Norman

Thanks, Norman and Kami.

Where's George been lately? I've been looking forward to his comments in regards to his top-end experiences with the Matrixx 15m.

-joedy

Don't know where George is, have not spotted him in the paddocks flying, though the wind on the weekends has not been the best, gusty and in wrong direction, and now well hardly a bees fart.

Don't know where George is, have not spotted him in the paddocks flying, though the wind on the weekends has not been the best, gusty and in wrong direction, and now well hardly a bees fart.

I was out yesturday at Elwood with a WNW wind around 10-13knts twas fun, nothing special.

But yes as you said Norm there's been no wind and when there has been wind its been off shore northaly so I've be surfing.
Ive actually just got back from Bell's beach with some mates,
getting some awsome winter ground swell coming through around 6-8ft sets at 16-17seconds apart.. I'm knacked.
We're doing it again early tomorrow morning..

George.

New colour scheme being released for the 15m matrixx. Rasta.
Personally I'm not a big fan of the rasta colour scheme, but it's definitely better then the original dark green.

Hey guys,

Just a general comment on the 12m HQ Matrixx I rode for the very first time on Saturday at Altona Beach.
Great overall feeling even though I was a bit anxious stepping into the world of foils after 2 seasons using a LEI kite.
Wind conditions: 16-18knots sea breeze (very little gust)
136cm twin tips board
85kg bloke

Launching = Landing = piece of cake
Packing up .... need so more practice to be as neat as with the LEI
Riding = kite is fast, stable in the air and responsive, bar pressure is lighter than a LEI, I need to get used to it
Only surprise was I had to pretty much power up the kite all the way to get enough traction to go upwind ... for some reason, I did assume that I would only need 1/4 to 1/2 power to get me upwind ... But it was not the case!
But again, it was my christening session (I wish Spartan was around for some ever reliable advice) and it can only go better from here.

Cheers, Fred

Hey guys,

Just a general comment on the 12m HQ Matrixx I rode for the very first time on Saturday at Altona Beach.
Great overall feeling even though I was a bit anxious stepping into the world of foils after 2 seasons using a LEI kite.
Wind conditions: 16-18knots sea breeze (very little gust)
136cm twin tips board
85kg bloke

Launching = Landing = piece of cake
Packing up .... need so more practice to be as neat as with the LEI
Riding = kite is fast, stable in the air and responsive, bar pressure is lighter than a LEI, I need to get used to it
Only surprise was I had to pretty much power up the kite all the way to get enough traction to go upwind ... for some reason, I did assume that I would only need 1/4 to 1/2 power to get me upwind ... But it was not the case!
But again, it was my christening session (I wish Spartan was around for some ever reliable advice) and it can only go better from here.

Cheers, Fred

Sounds great

I don't know many who uses it for surfing (I uses mine for both surfing, landboarding and buggying) - however your assumption about the power is quite normal if you expect every foil to act just like a mega flysurfer. I know most of the guys i surf got the idea that due to the fact its a foil it must be able to fly in no wind with power like nothing else

To be honest I don't think it packs more power than any average LEI. The windrange you tried it in should be fine - however it aces with just those 3-4 more knots (For me weighting just a few pounds less than you).

Regarding packing down, I know there has been posted a video somewhere (Perhaps on one of the earlier pages) to show you how to pack it down easily leaving everything connected and ready for next time.

//M

Hey guys,

Just a general comment on the 12m HQ Matrixx I rode for the very first time on Saturday at Altona Beach.
Great overall feeling even though I was a bit anxious stepping into the world of foils after 2 seasons using a LEI kite.
Wind conditions: 16-18knots sea breeze (very little gust)
136cm twin tips board
85kg bloke

Launching = Landing = piece of cake
Packing up .... need so more practice to be as neat as with the LEI
Riding = kite is fast, stable in the air and responsive, bar pressure is lighter than a LEI, I need to get used to it
Only surprise was I had to pretty much power up the kite all the way to get enough traction to go upwind ... for some reason, I did assume that I would only need 1/4 to 1/2 power to get me upwind ... But it was not the case!
But again, it was my christening session (I wish Spartan was around for some ever reliable advice) and it can only go better from here.

Cheers, Fred

Hi Fred,

So how's it going with that BarnDoor kite board you were planning on building??

Any way back to topic. George is waiting on a depower line replacement for his 15m^2 Matrix, that's why you have not seen him recently. Depower setting going up wind, it's a fine balance between not enough power to go up wind and too much power that the kite stalls -- this is a general comment regarding foils that I have flown (Peter Lynn Arcs, FlySurfer Speeds/Psychos), I'm sure it's the same for the Matrix.

Nice to hear that you are enjoying your Matrix. As for the depower line (that braided line that goes through the centre hole of the bar), might be an idea to order one early so you have a spar once it wears out. My FlySurfer came with a spare, only wore it out the other day and promptly replaced it.


Regards,
Norman

Sounds great

I don't know many who uses it for surfing (I uses mine for both surfing, landboarding and buggying) - however your assumption about the power is quite normal if you expect every foil to act just like a mega flysurfer. I know most of the guys i surf got the idea that due to the fact its a foil it must be able to fly in no wind with power like nothing else

To be honest I don't think it packs more power than any average LEI. The windrange you tried it in should be fine - however it aces with just those 3-4 more knots (For me weighting just a few pounds less than you).

Regarding packing down, I know there has been posted a video somewhere (Perhaps on one of the earlier pages) to show you how to pack it down easily leaving everything connected and ready for next time.

//M

Hey M,
Thanks for taking me back to the harsh reality LOL ... I do appreciate and it will drive me to get better at riding the kite in the air in order to be out there when wind is a tiny bit lighter (13-15 knots).
Otherwise, I will really have to finish off the home-made "plywood door" board hoping it will help me gain a few knots :-)

At this stage, I only own this kite but in the future, I may very well go for the next size up as I have a preference for light over crazy conditions

Cheers, Fred

Hey Norman,
Long time, no speak ... but hey, for some un-explicable reason (for maybe yes if you remember one of my posts 6 months ago), my account disappeared and now, I have to start all over again .... what a pain :-)

Ahhhhhhhh the barn door ... well, I've got the piece of wood sitting in my garage and I am yet to find the motivation to cut, coat and put straps on it ... useless Frenchie really LOL.
Seriously, it's on my list and I will eventually get there, just need to source a pair of 'cheap' straps and the rest should follow on fairly quickly ... would love to try yours one day, just for the feeling of it (such a pro piece of equipment )

Thanks for the tip on the depower line (is that the 5th line?), I'll definitively keep it in mind and check the gear as I go along.

Have you been much out on the water in the last 6 weeks?

Cheers, Fred

Don't go too elcheapo for the foot straps other wise they will feel horrible. I used a set of Underground foot pads and straps, reasonable price, comfortable and they have not broken yet. I remember trying out other peoples home made boards, some horrible foot straps out there, really hurt my feet.

I've been out on the water every weekend, some sessions during the week as well, speaking of which, some nice Southerlies blowin' at the moment.

Sure you can have a go of my BarnDoor. Just let me know when we meet out on the water. I usually have both my BarnDoor and the Uni-directional Kipuna in my car ready to go.

Cheers,
Norman.

Hey Norman,

Totally agree with you and I won't go to the cheapest option for sure.
I've got a few questions and I was wondering whether you have a private email address you could share with me? ***

Today, well today was blowing big time, 25knots on average with gusts over 30knots .... a bit too much for my liking ... I like it a bit flatter and quieter LOL

Thanks heaps for your offer really, at this stage weekends are my preferred option (being a young daddy adds extra responsibilities and Da Boss is never too far away LOL) but closing onto Xmas, I will be able to squeeze some afternoons for sure ...
Friday + Weekend looks promising, so I may very well bump into you and your FS by week end !!!

Have a great evening,
Cheers, Fred

PS: *** Still can't send any private message as I have not been thru my 5 public posts yet

Hi Norman,
I received a notification about a private msg that you sent me; however, I can't access it due to the fact that I have not published 5 posts yet.
do you mind sending directly to 'fred.baud@gmail.com'

Cheers,
Fred

If you observe carefully the posted photo of the Rasta Matrixx, you can see what appears to be either a sewn leading edge or some sort of leading edge stringer or stiffener.

With Flysurfer's recent implementation of Gin's Leading Edge stringer technology, can can anyone confirm that HQ is doing something similar?

This device (whatever it may be) appears to help keep the leading edge profile from deforming which occurs commonly on my Speed 3 kite when the apparent wind kicks in.


Chris is reporting that shipments of the Rasta Matrixx (at least to the USA) will commence near the end of January 2013 or thereabouts.

-joedy