HQ Kites Beamer 4.0
The short version of a long review could be simply “The perfect beginners to Intermediate kite.” HQ have made a package that for the price is hardly believable, it is built better than some kites twice its price, and offers more as a whole package then some kites three times its price.
# The Package
HQ have really included the lot once again, the package comes standard with:
HQ Beamer IV Kite
HQ Quad Line Handles
HQ Coloured Line Set
HQ Ground Stake
HQ Kite Killers
HQ Backpack
HQ Instructional DVD
HQ Setup Manual
# HQ Handles
HQ handles are colour coded and clearly marked Left and Right with a large L and R on them. They are comfy and very strong, I am yet to experience a pair breaking after using one pair for over a year on various kites. They have a good width and feel to them, not to narrow so you don’t get sore hands. I have large hands and have found some handles that are to narrow leave your hands feeling like you just carried the shopping in with the plastic bags cutting in to your fingers. You don’t get this with the HQ handles, they feel comfortable.
# HQ Lines
The lines from HQ keep stepping up and are very “Euro” style on the Beamer IV. Nice strong colour coded power lines that will last, and a slightly thinner set of brake lines to reduce the drag on the brakes of the kite at speed instead of 4 equal weighted lines.
# HQ Backpack
Still featuring their trademark over-size zipper on the front of the bag since the first version, the new bag is very similar to the Beamer III bag with a new colour scheme. Pockets on the inside and outside, enough room for the kite and a few extras comfortably.
# HQ Kite Killers
These are comfortable and don’t pinch your wrists when you tighten them up. They’re strong so in a good wind you won’t find they break when you release to them, they’re also stitched and built very well.
# HQ Ground Stake
A nice strong and sturdy ground stake made from metal with a large comfortable plastic top to make pushing it in and pulling it out easy. It’s also quite a large top surface so if the ground is hard you can use your foot to lever more weight on to it.