Has anyone had any experience with the HQ Apex IV 3.5m in a buggy?

I’m looking for a depower kite for higher winds (18 to 25 kts) for buggy use. My current quiver, which includes a HQ Apex III 5m takes me to around 20kts at my experience level (or lack of experience). Note that if I got the Apex IV 3.5m I’d only fly it in lower and less gusty winds until I got comfortable with it. I'm after a kite that I can grow into as I get more experience.

The Ozone Access 4m is a popular kite amongst the local buggiers for higher and gusty winds, however that is out of my budget range at the moment. I’ve contacted one local kite buggier who has good things to say about the previous model Apex III 3m in 20kt+ winds, but has no experience with the IV.

One thing I’m not sure about with the new Apex IV 3.5m is whether it has more lift compared to previous models (or the Ozone Access) which is something I’m trying to avoid. I read a few reviews of the 8m and 11m Apex IV that mentioned more lift and float, however I’m not sure whether this also applies to the 3.5m. I would have thought that more lift is not something that would be designed into the smaller sizes. It would be great to confirm this though.

I know that the Apex IV has only been out for awhile, but if anyone has any experience with the 3.5m I’d love to hear about it.

Thanks,
Iain

Seriously ?? ~18 knots and I'm still just about clinging on to my 11m frenzy ! (And I don't even fly massively overpowered. That's not me boasting).
I can't answer your specific questions I'm afraid, although I'm sure others will pitch in

How much flying / buggy experience do you have ? In my opinion you'll not get very much at all use out of a 3.5m depower at all. It's about comparable to a 1 - 1.2m FB foil.

My honest opinion, hold out on buying the 3.5m give it 4-5-6 months and you'll never use it. Stick to practising with your 5m apex. Try and push yourself a bit more; as you're flying _gradually_ sheet out the depower rope and learn how it feels to fly the kite with a bit more power coming through the lines. Learning to use the different areas of the window etc etc. You'll soon be taking your 5m out in 30-32 knots. I don't know about where you live, but round me there's not many days where the wind is higher than that, and even less where I'd actually want to fly in them. It will be storms, and rainy etc. It sounds surprising, but you'll impress yourself by how quickly you learn to control the kite in higher winds.

Remember though, don't fly outside of your ability. If you're not comfortable don't let your ego get you (or anyone else) hurt.

All that being said If you decide to buy the small apex I'm sure you will like it, it just wont get used very much.
Food for thought.

Anyone know the aspect ratio of the apex 4 vs access off hand ??

Hope this helps you.
Tim

Thanks for the advice Tim. Much appreciated.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I'd still have the 9m Montana out at 20 mph winds but would be fully powered. 7m would be a nobrainer in those winds. Back off some for experience and your 5 should be small enough for almost anything. Your learning curve is going to go up fast so just be patient and don't ride right now in winds that you can't comfortably fly your 5m in. The other thing is that the 3m is going to be more zippy in the sky which will unnerve you a bit if you are flying it in winds you need it for.

I've gone over 57 mph with a 7m Montana which is noted to be a very lifty kite. It depowers so well that the lift isn't there if you don't want it to be. Just don't swing it up through zenith really fast especially if you have some speed. Slow controlled movements make lift a non issue if you want to stay planted on the ground.

Yeah, I'm still a beginner. I'll slowly work my way up the wind ranges as I gain more experience with the 5m. By that time I'm sure I'll have a different perspective on what my next kite purchase should be.

As your skills increase, you'll realize you won't want to fly in winds your 5m can't handle.

When my skills get this good, I'll start shopping for a depower less than 5m :shocked2:

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=20985#pid203142

:shocked2: