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Quadrifoil Q 2000
"The Q 2000 series Is a lifestyle complete with ultra
performance kites and high energy graphics for optical and flying action":
Action People launch their new series of power kites which are relatively low
aspect ratio, slightly elliptical designs with very high construction quality
and striking new printed graphics. The model in this test was the middle of the
range 3 metre size.
Specifications |
|
Model:
Make:
Dimensions:
Sail:
Bridles:
Opt. wind range:
Rec. Lines:
Price |
Q 2000 3 metre
Quadrifoil/Active People
255 x 120cm (2.9m2)
Skytex
Polyester
6 to 25mph
200 to 300 lbs, 35 to 75ft
Around £240.00 |
DESIGN / CONSTRUCTION
Once out of its clever bag which doubles as a windsock and has a gauze end to
let sand out - and unfolded, one is immediately struck by the relatively low
aspect ratio shape of the Q 2000. There is slight curvature on both leading and
trailing edges. There are fourteen cells in the 3-metre kite and all are open in
the front except the wing-tip cells. The risers are all cross-vented to equalize
pressure throughout the kite. The air intake is not gauzed and is well
reinforced with Dacron tape on the top and Ripstop edge tape on the bottom. The
ends of the risers are also reinforced with sticky back Dacron. The bridle is
attached to small loops of tape which are well sewn onto the kite. The bridle
itself is an uncomplicated affair with seven groups of three lines making up the
main bridles with the brake lines simply attached to the trailing edge. The
overall quality of construction was immaculate throughout we particularly
noticed the sewn, knotless bridle loops which were reminiscent of paraglider
design. The handles provided were standard issue Quadrifoil in-house design in
anodized aluminium with comfortable foam grips. They have adjustable lines at
the top and bottom.
STATIC FLIGHT TEST
The first flight test was done in relatively light winds and we were wondering
whether the 3 metre kite was going to be able to fly. But much to our surprise,
the Q 2000 leapt into the air and accelerated right up to the top of the window
where it stayed stable when at rest. In its first sweeps across the sky, the
kite would accelerate and started to give quite reasonable traction. Forward
speed was fairly quick, turn rate was very quick and the kite was generally very
maneuverable. The Q 2000 handled the edge well, remaining inflated and although
the kite would deflate slightly when the brakes were applied to it, it would
keep flying.
Again in relatively light winds (about 10mph) the Q 2000 responded well to
fine control maneuvers and was capable of full window side slides and vertical
slides. We were again impressed with the abilities of this kite given that it is
"merely" a power source. Turning the kite was easy and it would spin
quite tightly
unsurprising given its relatively square shape - and we were able to get the
kite to spin two or three times even on short (30 feet) lines before getting too
close to the ground.
BUGGY TEST
In the buggy - and with a higher wind the Q 2000 really started to come into its
element. The kite was quick and powerful and provided excellent traction with
its good maneuverability making for fast tacks.
The kite recovered quickly and power was regained when tacking making for
good skid turns. Excellent edge handling made the Q 2000 easy even for a novice
to get to grips with and the more experienced buggier would enjoy its
sure-footed performance. It is not perhaps the absolute racer's kite, but then
that is what the Competition series is for.
CONCLUSION
The Q 2000 is a very well crafted, mid-range power pack that will satisfy all
but the very top buggy racer.
We were particularly impressed with the kite's construction quality, the
details and quality of handling especially in lighter wind when it was felt to
be one 0 the best handling soft quad we had flown.
It was particularly good at fine control maneuvers like side slides and had
very good balance.
In higher winds, the Q 2000 was more than adequate for all but the most
demanding of racers.
It is immaculately made and has excellent maneuverability and a nice
controlled deliver of power. All that active people could wish for from Active
People!
GOOD POINTS |
BAD POINTS |
Well made
Excellent control
Decent Power |
Not for an out and out racer |
Verdict |
|
Ease of use
Reliability
Design
Price/Quality ratio
Performance
Packaging |
4/5
4/5
3/5
4/5
4/5
3/5 |