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HQ KITES Ignition
Sizes Available: 5, 7, 9, 12, 14m
Sizes Tested: 7, 9, 12m

HQ Kites Says:

The goal of the Ignition was to create a kite that focuses on ease-of-use, yet has loads of performance. Strut positioning, mixed with a Delta Hybrid shape have contributed to a very stable wing while the shape and profile of the kite allow for an impressive usable wind range.
The leading edge has multiple attachment points that can be used to change the kite’s position in the wind window. The kite also has traditional wingtip adjustments for turning speed and bar pressure.

The Ignition is truly a jack of all trades. Its 3-strut design keeps it light and nimble, while the full Dacron wingtip panels maximize bar input. It’s Delta-like shape is relatively flat in the center section allowing it to generate plenty of power. Combine all this with great relaunch and a solid safety system and you’ve got a faithful companion that will help you add to your growing bag of tricks.

Visit for more info: www.powerkites.de/Produkte/Kites/Depower-Kites/Ignition.html

Our Testers Say:

“Lots of low end with tons of hangtime, this kite is predictable but flutters a little when depowered,” Dray Murray.

“Long bar with light bar pressure, and reasonably fast turning, overall a cruisey kite,” Marko Bartscherrer.

“Turned well and had good lift, but I wish the inflation inlet was bigger for faster pumping up,” David Gordon.

Meet the 2016 TKB Test Team.

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TKB Says:

HQ has long been a manufacturer of ram-air trainer kites, but this is the first year we have had the chance to review their new Ignition inflatable. The Ignition is a 3-strut low to medium aspect C-shaped canopy with swept back wingtips. The Ignition comes with a narrow diameter 9mm inflation and 11m dump valve, two steering settings on the wingtip for turning speed, and two settings on the single pulley front bridle to adjust the amount of depower. The Ignition has very simple construction with limited trailing edge reinforcements and minimal screening which makes this kite feel fairly light in the air. Testers commented on the Ignition’s light to medium bar pressure and middle of the road turning response. The Ignition has a pivot style turning arc that winds up into a quicker turn as you apply steering input into the bar. The airframe didn’t feel as rigid as some of the other kites in the test, and as a result the sheeting and power delivery is not as progressive as some kites but overall testers recommend the HQ as an all around freeride kite that can boost well and deliver impressive hangtime to keep you in the air for extended flights.

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The Ignition comes with a fixed length bar and plastic coated sheeting/throw line, sliding stopper ball, single center-line coated safety depower, high V, above the bar depower Clamcleat with heavy rubber handle toggle to keep the depower control toggle from tangling and a magnetic push away quick release with heavy duty stainless steel integrated swivel complete with stainless steel insert. A mini fifth line runs up one of the center lines for an effective flag and incorporates a bungee to keep the safety line from flopping around while depowered. The center lines and outslide lines all end in loops and the length of sheeting/throw can be adjusted for varying arm lengths of kiters or the type of riding. The bar has a slightly thinner diameter and features foam floats with outside leader lines that allow riders to adjust the length of the outside lines for stretch or tuning. Testers commented on the comfy feeling bar humps and the overall simple but functional layout of the bar.

Visit for more info on the bar: www.powerkites.de/Products/Accessories/Bars.html