Review HQ Matrixx 3 2017
« Return to search resultsRiding type: | Freeride/Allround |
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Year: | 2017 |
Brand: | HQ |
Size: | 09m, 12m, 15m, 18m |
Type: | Foil |
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Buy: | Buy Now |
Rider Profile
All terain or light wind riders
Designers goals (manufacturer text)
The new Matrixx III is a versatile all-terrain kite. Several new details in the design give the Matrixx III a performance boost without losing its easy handling. The new kite flies more direct and gives a better feedback and feeling on the bar. Releasing the enormous lift will catapult riders to new heights.
The kite has been optimized for use on foil boards. The result is a stable, yet fast flying wing with reduced drag and an increased upwind ability. The easier a kite is to handle, the faster rider progression occurs. This all is what the new Matrixx III is able to offer on any kind of traction sport on any terrain.
Performance
The Matrixx III offers a significant performance boost over its predecessor. The kite starts to pull a lot earlier and the new construction and higher AR give greater feedback to the pilot. Riders get significantly more power on demand and the increased lift is easier to unleash. Hang time continues to be a hallmark of the Matrixx III.
Shape
Matrixx III features a redesigned shape with a higher AR, more cells and newly positioned air-intakes for an increased level of performance.
The new air-intakes support faster inflation and higher inner pressure of the kite that helps to stiffen and stabilize the shape.
Bridle
The bridle setup of the Matrixx III is a mix of high quality Dyneema lines. The main bridle is made out of strong, super thin, low elongation Dyneema to reduce drag in the air to a minimum.
The mixer is built with long lasting Ronstan pulleys and pre-stretched Dyneema lines that are maintenance free. Even after hours of flying, there is no need to replace or adjust bridle lines.
Material
For the Matrixx III we only choose high end sail cloth. The combination of fabrics used creates a perfect balance. The larger sizes are light wind optimized and built with our super light and extreme durable 20D fabric.
The 18m² Matrixx III including bar and lines weights just 3.5 kg. To withstand the more explosive power delivery on the smaller sizes, these sails are produced with our well proofed 30D fabric.
Features in kite characteristics
- Extremely good low end
- Optimized for foilboards
- Increased lift and turningspeed
- Better bar feedback
- Water relaunchable
- Higher AR for increased performance
Control bar
Details:
Riding type: | Freeride/Allround |
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Year: | 2017 |
Brand: | HQ |
Size: | 09m, 12m, 15m, 18m |
Type: | Foil |
One pump: | not in place |
Bridles: | Yes |
Number of struts: | not in place |
Colours: | Various |
Bar length: | 55cm |
Line length: | 24m |
Bar: | 5 lines |
Depower: | Clamcleat |
Safety: | Push |
Swivel: | Yes |
Variable bar length: | No |
Oh shit handles: | Yes |
There are 2 reviews on this product:
Hallmarks of the Matrixx 3 are its quick turn, ability to stay airborne in very light winds, and great lift and float. Jumps are not explosive, but the hangtime is excellent with long glides and soft landings. Turn rate is some of the best in its class due to its relatively low Aspect Ratio. The lower AR also helps make a kite that is more stable. I found the 9 and 12m sizes made great touring kites in the mountains this winter because of their maneuverability and stability. The lightweight fabric construction also allows the kites to stay up in very light winds and pack up very small, which makes them good for back-country and travelling.
If you are someone willing to trade a bit of race performance for a kite that performs better in a wider range of conditions the Matrixx 3 is definitely worth looking at. I personally have really come to love the lift curve of these kites, with jumps that don’t yank you out of your boots but also offer long glides and gentle landings. They are a perfect kite for my current style of riding.
I’ve particularly come to like the speed and sportiness of the 9m. The kite is very quick but also offers exceptional float for its size – more than I was expecting. The 9m has a great usable range - moving nicely on snow in 9-10kts, becoming really fun by 15-20 kts and still maneagable in 25+kt gustier conditions. I've had one session on water, with winds around 15kts and was enjoying the jumps.
Replys to this review
Looking at the characteristics you see a lot of average. I thing that's the Matrix3 strongest point. No high performance foil and no big downers or hard skills to learn. A easy to steer, control and play all terrain foil kite. Good price for the first step into foil kites or allround/ all terrain users!
Replys to this review
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