HQ Beamer Review

HQ has just released the fifth generation of its projector, so I thought it was time to give it a try. I will divide the review into 3 stages. First, its content, second, any new features that have been added, and third and most important, what it’s like to fly.

Contents:

HQ has made a real effort with its kites in recent years to make sure the pilot has everything they need to start flying right away, the new Beamer 5 is no exception. HQ has ditched the “big zip” bags that were present on the HQ Beamer 4 and instead opted for a more traditional backpack, it looks really cool and has a kind of urban jungle feel to it. The Projector 5, like the 4 that preceded it, comes with some fantastic quality quad line handles that come equipped with ground stake loops. The lines are really cool too, they have also been pre-stretched which is a real bonus, this trend started a few years ago and means that stretch is eliminated when flying and avoids uneven line lengths.

New Features:

The Beamer has a completely redesigned shape that has been made solely to increase performance. It also makes the kite more stable. However, the most impressive new feature is that the brake lines can now be used to generate extra power, something that has not been seen before on a kite of this level and price. The projector also retains the features that made the fourth generation so popular, such as ground vents and stability in high winds.

How does it feel to fly?

In a word, stable. It really feels like HQ has tried to design something that even a novice traveler can pick up and feel right at home. The kite I tested was the 4m kite (the beamer also comes in 2, 3 and 5m variations). It offered a great pull that is to be expected from a kite of this size, it felt a bit slow to react, but as mentioned I think this was done on purpose to help beginners. It is a really easy kite to launch and get up and going, even throwing in reverse is child’s play.

General.

Personally, I think the HQ Beamer is a really cool kite, it is perfect for anyone who wants to dive into the world of power kite, but the best thing about the beamer is that it can also be used as a buggy kite so it has a real feeling of longevity. The quality of the product is outstanding, even down to the seams in the foil and the lines of the flanges. The kite also looks fantastic in the air and I would definitely recommend this kite to anyone looking for their first four line power kite.