Sheetable Depowerable Foil Kites
Designed for Snow Kiting and Kite Landboarding
Apex - Montana - Matrixx
Page Updated: Dec 19th, 2011, 6:30 pm EST
New HQ Montana VII (Version 7
) are now IN-STOCK
New Matrixx Amphibious 5 line Foils.. IN-STOCK
"Sheet-able" ( De-powerable ) Foil Kites for Snowkiting, Landboarding, and Kiteboarding 4-line foil kite design with instant ( push out the bar ) depowering ability.
Sheetable foils with the Extra Power (Traction) on tap and a wider wind range compared standard foils. Ideal for Land Based kite sports.
Hybrid Amphibious ( Water Relaunchable ) Foils that are also "Sheet-able" ( De-powerable allow you to use the same kite for on the water that use on land.
Sheet-able / Depowerable Foil Kite models
HQ APEX III (3) Easy, User Friendly, Back-Country. Moderate lift
HQ MONTANA VI (6) High Performance Kite. On-Sale, close-out: 9.5m. and 12.5m
HQ MONTANA VII (7) High Performance Kite. IN-STOCK
HQ NEO II (2) - Amphibious closed cell foil, All Terrain Cross-Over kite. Land & Water
HQ MATRIXX - Amphibious 5-line Foil.
YouTube Video
Featuring the HQ NEO II (2) and the MONTANA V (5)
Sheetable / Depowerable Foil Overview
For land based kite sports, Foil kites are the preferred option, and the sheetable "sheet-able" foil is the ultimate design for getting the maximum wind range. If you've ever adjusted the mainsail on a sailboat or the sail on a windsurfer then you already have experienced "sheeting-in" and "sheet-out" to adjust the power.
"Sheeting" is a windsurfing term which refers to trim (or adjust) the "angle of attack" (AOA)
of the sail, or in this case kite.
Sheeting-in: Pulling your kites control bar in. Increasing AOA and power.
Sheeting-out: Moving your kites control bar further out / away. Decreasing AOA & power.
On a Sailboat you would pull or release the "main sheet" ( The heavy Rope )
On a Windsurfer, you would trim the sail via your hands on the "boom"
With a Kite, you control the sheeting via the Control bar, and or Trim strap.
Standard 2, 3, or 4 line foil kites have a pre-set "angle of attack" and are not Sheetable.
With a standard foil you simply steer the kite right or left just like a 2 or 3 line kite. Sheet-able foil kites first became available in 2003, and they function much like today's "inflatable kites", allowing you to adjust the power of the kite instantaneously simply by moving the control bar closer or further from your body.
Like everything in life there are a few pro's and con's to consider to help you decide which kite is best for your needs. This page is focused on "Sheetable Kites " Our Traction Kite and Trainer Kites page have more details on the Standard Foils.
"Sheetable" (Depowerable) foil kites vs "Standard foils" kites.
| Design Type | 4 line Sheetable Foil | 4 line Standard Foil |
| Example Model | HQ Apex-III (3) 5 m | HQ Scout II 5 m |
| Power / Depower Method | Bar movement ( in and out ) and, or Adjusting center Depower strap | Position of the Kite in the sky speed of movements |
| Wind Range | Wide Range | Average Range |
| Ease of use | Requires the use of a Harness to be able to access Instant Depower. More complex: Steering right & Left plus also "in / out" bar movement. | Easy just steer right & left |
| Price | $649 Higher price, but a wider wind range. More expensive to produce. | $427. Lower cost |
Should I purchase a "Standard" or "Sheetable (depowerable) Foil Kite?
Standard Foil If you...
Have have trainer kite skills and ready for more power.
want to keep things super simple, are
are not ready to purchase a harness,
fly in an area that generally has steady winds, or a
feel a sheet-able kite would put strain on the budget. You can always get a standard foil now, and graduate up to a sheetable (depowerable) kite in the future.
Sheetable Foil If you...
Already have kite experience and...
are ready to graduate to a more powerful with a wider wind range,
sometimes ride in areas with gusty wind conditions,
want the security of quickly being able to dump excess power,
want "extra power on tap" for boosting more air (jumping).
don't like to spending time deciding which size kite to set-up.
Don't mind buying a Kite Harness.
IF you have decided on a sheetable foil...
your next decision will be What specific type / or model of Sheetable foil?
Three types:
1. User friendly, Ultra stable, Low to Moderate Aspect Design: HQ Apex-III
2. High-End Performance, Higher Aspect: Design: HQ Montana VII
3. Amphibious, Closed cell foil, can be used on land or water: HQ Matrixx
If you like what you like what you've heard about the Ozone frenzy,
and want all of the high performance, but with a price you'll love. > Montana VII
In the words of HQ:
"The Montana is our new flagship freestyle kite uniting power, agility and stability. The new shape creates massive uplift coupled with dual safety systems to make this kite the perfect choice for beginners and experienced riders alike."
All HQ Montana Kites include:
Depowerable Carbon Control Bar Colored Flying lines Integrated Safety Leash system Field Guide (card) Set-up CD High Quality backpack
Free Shipping within the USA and Canada.
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HQ Montana VI (6)
Manufacturers Description:
"Reborn in its 6th generation, the dynamic new Montana VI sets the standard for depower foils. Faster and more responsive, the Montana’s wider tips and slender profile provide more lift and stability. You’ll be amazed by the light wind performance and increased depower, making the Montana IV the freestyle kite of choice."
| Size | Color | List Price Complete | Sale Price Until they're Gone |
| 7.0m | Orange with Grey | $ 949 | Sold Out |
| 9.5m | Red with Grey | $1049 | $875. 1 left! |
| 12.5m | Blue with Grey | $1149. | $975. 3 left! |
If you have the skills are want a high performance kite for big lofty jumps. This is your kite.
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MONTANA VII (Version 7)
Manufacturers Description:
The Montana VII delivers light wind performance and easy handling in difficult conditions. With an even more predictable nature, it gives riders the confidence to push harder and go further. Reduced bridle lines, combined with technological influence from the paragliding industry, gives you a kite with more wind range than ever before. You need to fly these kites to believe them - the hang time and lift will bring the missing element to your flying. We've added a 14m Montana for the lightest of wind. To your limit and beyond!
MONTANA VII ( 7 ) Pricing |
|||||
| Size | Color Scheme | Bar | List Price | Your Price | |
| 7m |  |
Red | 50cm | $1035 | Contact Us |
| 9m |  |
Green | 50cm | $1119 | Contact Us |
| 12m |  |
Orange | 60cm | $1219 | Contact Us |
| 14m |  |
Blue | 60cm | $1279 | Contact Us |
Note: The prices above are "list price". We know you're shopping for a deal.
Contact us now, via phone or email, tell us your postal code, and find out "your price". : )
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APEX-III (3)
Manufacturers Description:
The Apex provides an outstanding level of performance and handling. Beginners will feel comfortable from the first flight while seasoned kiters will enjoy the powerful, reliable and stable flight characteristics that make the Apex 3 popular with snowkiters accessing deep powder in the backcountry. The stability, depower and turning speed have been increased to obtain more power from the bottom end when climbing slopes in the mountains. The Apex 3 is the tool of choice in strong and gusty winds for reliable and predictable handling in extreme conditions
The Apex is the ideal kite for snowkiting in the backcountry or for cruising with a landboard.
| Size | Color | Bar length | Wing span Ft. | List Price Complete | YOUR Price |
| 5m | Red | 50cm | 13.9 | $649 | Contact Us |
| 7.5m | Green | 50cm | 17 | $749. | Contact Us |
| 10m | Blue | 60cm | 19.7 | $799 | Contact Us |
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MATRIXX - A New 5-line Amphibious Foil. Sizes: 9m, 12m, 15m
HQ MATRIXX Pricing |
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| Size | Color Scheme | Bar | List Price | YOUR Price |
| 9m | Red | 50cm | $1349. | Contact Us |
| 12m | Blue | 60cm | $1424. | Contact Us |
| 15m | Green | 60cm | $1499 | .Contact Us |
You can buy a Matrixx kite for "list price" via the typical "add to shopping cart" or,
for the smart ones ... Contact Us now and save some cash.
Which Model?
Sheetable Foils: Performance vs Price
Are you more likely to be a cruiser,
a freestyler who pushes the limits,
or somewhere in-between?
Do you normally buy the "top of the line" gear for your other sports?
Do you look for high quality gear at the lowest price available?
Do you look for gear that's in the middle, high performance, but medium priced?
Is the Name brand of high importance you to?
High End Performance w/ Maximum lift >> Montana and Matrixx
User Friendly, Ultra Stable back-country cruising >> Apex III
or for Entry-Level kiters: A none-sheetable Foil: Scout II
What Size?
For most beginning snow-kiters and landboards, who already have trainer kite skills
a 5.0m is a good place to start if buying a traditional 4-line foil kite.
With depowerable (sheetable) foils, the most popular sizes are 7-8 meter kites.
Choosing the right size factors to consider are: Local wind conditions, Terrain (soft, vs hard packed), body weight, kite skills, and riding style.
If in doubt, its always safer to go smaller.
Price includes:
FREE Shipping within the US and Canada
Complete Kite:
Kite, Control Bar, lines, Safety system,
Back-pack.
Note: The above are general recommendations.
All of these kites are excellent or we wouldn't put them on this website.
Please think about the questions above and then email or call us so we can help you select the model that best fits your needs and budget.
This page does a decent job in assisting the decision but can never match talking to a real person.
Kiting and helping people is our passion and we're always happy to help.
We keep our priorities straight, and love kiting as much as you,
so if you get the voice mail... you can probably guess why. : )
Be sure to leave a message! : )
POP Quiz!
Which is more fun?
Sitting in front of your computer and dreaming about kiting, or...
being out there and actually flying a kite?
Contact Us today!
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