2017 HQ Topaz - 7m

Description

I bought this kite to compare it to the 7m Ignition, but don't get a lot of chances to use it.  Used it twice this year - once in a super-challenging wind day in the Bighorns on snow, and once on water.  It rocked both days.
The Topaz has quickly become my favorite tube kite.  It has a relatively high aspect ratio and smaller front tube that make it very fast and efficient, but the hybrid-C shape also means it is very quick turning.  The result is a kite that is known for its kitelooping prowess as well as getting some HQ4 team riders their top speed records.
But it is also a very well-mannered kite.  In fact, I've given the Topaz to complete beginners for their 1st sessions on water - and they rocked with it.  Excellent wind range, little to no backstalling tendencies, and very easy relaunch.  It also has several bridle hook points so you can customize the turning speed and bar pressure feel of the kite.
Bar/pump/leash sold separately.  contact me for a package deal.
What HQ has to say:
You are looking for a classy freeride kite, with not only good freeriding, but also good freestyle capability? Then the Topaz is the optimal kite for you.
The Topaz masters high loops and hooked moves in perfection without sacrificing a large wind range or comfort. Especially the small sizes show their full potential with active flying and convince by massive lift and high acceleration. To give you these characteristics, we have deliberately chosen a C-like design with 3 struts in the Topaz, which is robustly built to survive your hardest moves without damage.
The effective working profile forms the perfect symbiosis with the shape for a direct steering response and very good feedback. Robust reinforcements on the leading edge and the wingtips guarantee a long service life even under harsh operating conditions.
PERFORMANCE
The Topaz is a fun machine that can be flown from gentle to radical without overtaxing the pilot. The performance of the Topaz can be called up at any time and can be continuously increased by active flying. Due to its powerful profile, the Topaz performs very well for a kite of its class even in light wind conditions.
SHAPE
The 3-strut design of the Topaz is based on an Open-C concept. The Leading Edge, which is pulled slightly over the wingtips, helps to start the water and guarantees high depower performance as well as maximum driving comfort.
BRIDLE
For direct feedback and short steering distances, the Topaz scales were kept extremely short. This eliminates the possibility of tangles around the wingtip, and ambitious riders always receive optimal feedback at the bar.
MATERIAL
The material mix of the Topaz is designed for the toughest loads. For the kite’s frame, extremely stiff Dacron was chosen to get an optimal feedback of the kite. Kevlar patches as reinforcements on the leading edge protect against chafing, Tejin’s cloth guarantees colourfastness and durability.
PROPERTIES:
Very good loop and jump properties
Direct steering and rotation
Stable 3-strut design
Good Unhooked properties
Easy to fly
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS