FAQ
If you are looking here, you have more questions than those I answered on eBay. This FAQ will answer the questions that I have been asked the most. If your question is not answered here, drop me an email at mike@thekiteline.com
What size of kite should I buy?
This is not an easy question to answer. The simplest answer to this question involves your weight, your fitness level, the winds you plan to fly in, what you want to do with your kite, and what surface you are going to do it on. Check out this page for a more detailed sizing guide.
Why do I need a trainer kite?
A trainer kite will allow you to learn the skills that you need to control a larger kite. Kites have the ability to generate tremendous amounts of power. A trainer kite will let you learn how to fly in different conditions. You will learn how the kite handles in gusts, what happens when you fly the kite directly across the wind window, and how to know when the conditions are not right to fly in. Trying to learn this with a larger kite could have disastrous results.
What is the difference between the Rush and the Rush Pro?
The HQ Rush (in sizes 200, 250, and 300) is a two line kite controlled with a bar. The safety on a HQ Rush is a “kite killer.” The HQ Rush Pro is a three line kite controlled with a bar. The two lines on the outside control the direction the kite flies in the sky. The third line serves two purposes.
1) The center line is a safety. When you lose control of the kite, you let go of the bar. The third line goes tight and the kite folds in on itself. The kite then falls to the ground.
2) The center line also aids in the relaunch of the kite when it crashes upside down. Pulling on the center line will cause the kite to “back up.” You will then be able to turn the kite so that it will again fly.
So what are “kite killers?”
In the most simple terms, a kite killer is a strap that goes around one wrist. The strap is attached to a short line that attaches to one of the control lines of the kite. When you drop the bar, the kite killer causes one line to go tight. This causes the kite to spin to the ground and crash. The disadvantage of this method is that when the kite is spinning to the ground, a great deal of power can be generated and depending on the size of the kite, lots of pull can be transferred to the person flying the kite.
Do I really need lessons?
Short answer: Yes!. Long answer: A trainer kite is not a substitute for a qualified instructor. A qualified instructor will help you to avoid the common pitfalls made by new kite pilots. You will also be able to try different types and different sizes of kites so that you can see what kite fits your style best. Safety is also a huge issue. A qualified instructor will help you learn the safety tips that will help keep you flying for a long time.
Can I fly these kites in the water?
If you can avoid crashing the kite in the water you will be fine. If you crash the kite in the water, it will lose its shape and sink. There is an exception to this. The HQ Hydra 300 and Hydra 350 are both closed cell foils. These kites will float when they land on the water.
Um right. So what’s a closed cell foil?
Most trainer kites are open cell foils. These are kites that have openings in the top of the kite. These openings allow the kite to fill with air and take its shape. When the kite stops moving or when the wind stops the kite will no longer hold its shape.
A closed cell foil has the same basic design. Instead of the cells being open at the top, they are closed. Air is allowed into the kite through one way “valves.” These valves allow the kite to keep its shape when it stops moving or when the wind stops.
How long does it take for my kite to get to (insert your place here)?
If you are in the US, delivery will take between 2 and 5 business days. If you are outside of the US, the US Postal Service will usually get your kite to the customs office in your county in 2 to 4 days. From that point, it is up to your customs office and postal service. If you are in Canada, you can count on around 10 business days. Just about anywhere else in the world usually takes between 2 and 3 weeks. This is just an estimate. It could be a little faster or a little slower. All I can promise is that I will have your package on its way within two business days of you making payment.
I’ve heard about a kite called the HQ Scout. What’s that all about?
The HQ Scout II is a cross between a trainer kite and a traction kite. The HQ Scout II is an open cell foil kite that uses a x-over system to allow the kite to fly on four lines and be controlled by a bar. What makes this kite so great is that the x-over system helps the kite fly with amazing speed. This speed generates more power in a smaller package. Don’t get me wrong. The HQ Rush and HQ Rush Pro are amazing kites. The HQ Scout II is just the next step up. Think of the Scout II as the weekend warrior kite while the Rush and Rush Pros are beginner kites.
I am a scammer and I want to rip you off. What is the best way to take advantage of you?
I’ve seen a lot of scams and I doubt you will wow me with a new one. You can try though. My personal favorite is “I want to do business with you. Please send me your website so I can tell you what I want to buy…”
I still have other questions. How can I contact you?
You can contact me through eBay, you can email me directly at mike@thekiteline.com, or you can call me at 436-709-8642.