page updated Jan 9th  '09

"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 Power (Traction) Increased wind range over standard foils.
ideal for Land Based kite sports.

Sheetable Kite models

HQ APEX - Back Country, Easy, User Friendly
     New Apex - 2
    Apex - I  (close out )

HQ Montana High Performance Kites
    New Montana - 4 
    Montana - III  (close out  ) 

HQ NEO - Amphibious closed cell foil, cross-over kite

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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 windsurfed you already experienced
"sheeting-in" and sheet-out" to adjust the power.

"Sheeting" is a sailing term which means to trim (or adjust) the "angle of attack" (AOA)
of the sail (kite) in or out.  

On a Sailboat you would pull or release the "main sheet" ( A 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 (traditional) 2, or 4 line foil kites have a pre-set "angle of attack".
None-Sheetable
All you do is 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 has the details on the Standard Foils.


"Sheetable" (Depowerable) foil kites   vs  "Standard foils" kites.

 Here's a quick basic comparison of the 2 designs.

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 not ready to purchase a harness,
fly in an area that generally has steady winds,
or a sheet-able kite feels like its a strain on the budget.
Get a standard foil now, and consider a sheetable (depowerable) kite for a later purchase.


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,
And don't mind buying a Kite Harness,
then seriously consider a  "sheetable" (de-powerable ) foil kite.



If you have decided on a sheetable foil, your next decision will be
What specific type / or model of Sheetable foil?


Sheetable foils 3 types:

1.  User friendly, Ultra stable, Low to Moderate Aspect Design:   HQ Apex, and the New Apex-II

2.  High End Performance, Higher Aspect: Design:  HQ Montana-III  or  New Montana IV

3.  Amphibious, Closed cell foil, can be used on land or water:   New HQ Neo






If you like what you like what you've heard about the frenzy, want high 
performance, and super stable kite, with a price you'll love. Take a serious 
look at the Montana-3  by HQ kites. 
 

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."
http://powerkites.de/
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*Kite Price includes Free Shipping with the USA.  
Add $30 for shipping to Canada.

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

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HQ 2008 MONTANA 3 (close out )


 

Simple...
Take all of the great things about the Montana, and make them even better, and
you'll know what to expect from the Newest "3" in the series of the HQ Montana.

Here's the Way HQ describes the Kite: 
( Note:  R2F is an  Abbreviation for  "Ready to Fly"

 

Montana - III   ( 3 )

Manufacturers Description:

Because HQ-Powerkites.de works hand in hand with a team of national and international riders,
the Montana III has been improved towards the demands of the market.  By using a much softer
and water repellent fabric, air drag has been reduced and the performance increased significantly.

A new, more efficient profile and new shape led to improved stability.  Lift and hangtime meet the
highest demands of Snowkiters and Landboarders alike.

The new speedsystem in the bridle increased the depower and reduced backstall.  Wakestyle riders will love the unhooked performance.

Whether you just want to cruise or stoke people with freestyle maneuvers, the Montana III offers the
potential to satisfy your expectations.  

-         Outstanding de-power

          New, softer fabric for more performance (water repellent)

-         Increased stability

-         Tremendous lift and hang-time

-         Great “unhooked” performance

-         Fast turning speed

-         Great upwind characteristics

-         Little bar pressure

-         Leash-less bar system

-         Easy relaunch

-         R2F incl. dirt-outs, free rotating bar, colored flying lines, backpack, compression strap,
manual, Video CD

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HQ Montana - 4  New

Manufacturers Description:

Model	Size	Color	Price USD Complete Ready to Fly
Montana IV	7m	Red / Yellow	$ 849.
Montana IV	9.5m	Orange / Yellow	$ 949.
Montana IV	12.5m	Blue / Yellow	$1039.

 

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HQ APEX 1  ( close out model )

            

Very easy handling results in quickly acquired flying skills
Excellent response and feedback on the bar
Forgiving flying behavior
Excellent turn speed
Leash-free Safety-System
New HQ-Powerkites.de-Bar with chickenloop and Safety-System
Perfect performance for beginners who want to progress
Freely rotating bar
color coded lines
Backpack

This sale item can be purchased via the "Special Item" payment
button on the Purchase gear page.

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APEX - 2   ( 2nd generation )  2009

HQ Apex 2  Manufacturers Description:

With the Apex, HQ Powerkites continues the idea of a beginner friendly depower kite with lots of performance. After two years of continuous development, an all new shape and profile offers more depower range and faster turning speed without losing its brilliant stability. The Apex is the perfect kite for snowkiting in the backcountry or for crusing with a landboard.

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Decisions Decisions...

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 size for is a 7-8 meter kite.

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.

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 4

User Friendly ultra Stable back-country cruising >> Apex 2

* Price includes Free Shipping within the USA.
   Contact Us

These are general recommendations. 
All of these kites are excellent or we wouldn't put them on this website.
Answer the questions above and then call or email 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 here to help.

We keep our priorities straight, and love kiting as much as you,
so many times we're out flying,  be sure to leave a message!  : )

Contact Us  today!  because it's way more fun to be out riding than sitting
in front of your computer!