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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.

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!