2014 HQ Ignition Kitesurfing Kite
2014 HQ Ignition Kitesurfing Kite
Sizes: 5m, 7m, 9m, 12m, and 14m
The Ignition is HQ Kites' first foray into the realm of leading edge inflatable kites, and do they ever do it right! The HQ Ignition is a kite for the average rider, integrating loads of performance with basic, important features like easy relaunch, stability in gusts, and dependable depower. The Ignition is built around a 3 strut platform and hybrid shape, resulting in a light kite with responsive turning. With a very reasonable price-point to boot, HQ positions the Ignition as the perfect kite for 80 percent of riders out there.
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What HQ Has to Say:
The HQ Ignition: A True Progression Machine!
The goal of the Ignition was to create a kite that focused on ease of use, yet had loads of performance. You can have the highest performing kite in the world, but if it isn't forgiving in gusts, easy to relaunch, and doesn't have useable depower, the performance amounts to nothing. Let's face it, most of us don't live in a place that blows consistently the same speed every day, with perfectly flat water and no current.
Bar/Safety System:
The bar has all of the safety systems that you need, and none of the gimmicks you don't. An above the bar cleat makes it easy to trim the kite on the fly. A static stopper ball allows you to customize the throw setting for different sized riders. The kite has a coated center line to minimize wear while making it more comfortable to unhook. A heavy duty stainless steel swivel will keep the twists out of your center lines. The mini fifth line gives ultimate safety while reducing clutter. This line also has a bungee integrated in it to keep it from flopping around while depowered. The Chicken loop is streamlined and rigid so it behaves well while unhooked, as it fits securely into the bar. There is a magnetic quick release that is very easy to engage under load, but also very easy to reassemble in the water. The bar stick is slightly thinner than the traditional HQ bar, in order to reduce hand fatigue during those long sessions.
Stability:
Progression is 90 percent confidence. Without forgiving gear, it's much harder to build up the confidence needed to try new things.
The kite is positioned relatively central in the wind window. This allows for plenty of room for error. The kite does not want to overfly when conditions are gusty, and is not prone to stalling. Strut positioning, mixed with a Delta Hybrid shape, have contributed to a very stable wing. The stability in the kite also contributes to its solid pull, which helps with everything from getting up on a board, to powered kiteloops!
Wind Range:
While stability is essential, wind range isn't far behind in terms of importance. The Ignition doesn't disappoint in this category either. While many kites depower well, a lot of them lose turning capability when depowered. The shape and profile of the kite allow for an impressive usable wind range.
Relaunch:
As close to automatic as it gets. Next question.
Versatility:
The Ignition is not only usable in a wide range of conditions, the kite has various settings that are geared for specific uses. The leading edge has multiple attatchment points that can be used to change the kite's position in the wind window. While some may prefer the higher depower setting for its added upwind ability, decreased bar pressure, and better boosting, others may prefer the other setting for added grunt, increased slack when unhooking, and stiffer feel. The kite also has traditional wingtip adjustments for turning speed and bar pressure.
A unique feature that adds to versatility is the pulleyless option. While the kite comes set up with pulleys for all around use, some may prefer the more direct feeling of a kite without pulleys. The Ignition can easily be converted to a pulleyless bridle. The switch can be made in less than 2 minutes, and can easily be done before a session.
The Ignition is truly a jack of all trades. It's a kite that is dependable, and very easy to use. But don't think for one second that it should be written off as merely a 'Beginner Kite'. Each size has been individually tuned to optimize performance. This kite has plenty of performance to keep you stoked at any level.
Turning speed:
The Ignition is a quick turning kite. Its 3 strut design keeps it light and nimble, while the full Dacron wingtip panels maximize bar input. Just tell the Ignition where you want it and it's there on a dime! Wave kiters will be able to charge onshore conditions, knowing that the kite has the speed to keep the pace.
Power:
Though the Ignition is a fast kite, it doesn't lack in the power department. It has a Delta-like shape that is relatively flat in the center section. This allows it to generate plenty of power per size. The power is easily controlled through sheeting, making it easy to make it around those large sections of white water in the surf, or power past the competition while racing.
Hang time:
The Ignition has the power to blast off, and the hangtime to stay up there. When you have a highly skilled designer with a background in paragliding, there is no questioning whether he knows how to make something that will fly. The unique curve in the leading edge of the kite, combined with a simple and efficient bridle, allows you to sheet in for increased hangtime and/or softer landings. Throw that extra rotation without the fear of coming down too soon!
Pop and Slack:
In order to progress in Freestyle riding, you need a kite that will help you pop off of the water with ease, and behave while you're completing your trick. The Ignition stays put, and is well-behaved while unhooked. The lines slack similar to a C kite when loaded properly, and won't jerk your arms out of the socket. Combine this with great relaunch and a solid safety system, and you've got a faithful companion that will help you add to that bag of tricks.
In summary, the Ignition was built to aid in progression. It is a kite that will grow with you, whose settings that are easily changed with conditions. Many people want a high-performing kite. What they often don't realize is that the kite that is easy to use will be the one that aids the kiter in performing at the highest level that they can.
Grab an Ignition and ignite your progression!
HQ Ignition Tech & Specs
