The Neo has always been one of our favorites, and now it has gotten better.  Complete new bar with refined chicken loop, below-the-bar safety top-hat,  and 5th line "Total De-power Safety" (TDS)

Unlike an LEI (Leading Edge Inflatable) kite, this kite inflates completely between the upper and lower skins. Vents with one-way valves on the leading edge allow inflation during launch. This is similar to the Peter Lynn Twinskin "ARC" line of inflatables and makes the kite water relaunchable. Not only is there no pumping like an LEI, but there is very little pre-inflation required (as needed with the Peter Lynns). Just set it up and launch it like an open-cell kite and it takes care of inflation by itself.

We have the NEO 11m in our demo bag and love it with the kite buggy. Looking at the Neo product descriptions on the HQ website, you would get the impression that the kite is not recommended for the kite buggy, but this is only due to the silly European prejudice towards kites with 4-line handles for kite buggying. I find that there is plenty of adjustability and de-power range to keep my bum safely in the seat with little draft underneath. I keep the center strap trimmed in for lower lift and improved up-wind work. Did I say stable too? I can park the kite off my shoulder and use both hands to crack a water bottle or reach for a camera with only an occasional poke a the bar to keep the kite where I want it. Turning is smooth and the kite is very tolerant of sloppy jibes since it stays fully inflated if luffed and just won't bow-tie. Even if you roll the kite on the ground, the simplified short bridle stays remarkably tangle free, making relaunches easy.

The control bar is clean and neat with single power strap equipped with a cam-cleat for easy adjustment. The strap is easy to reach at all times. The "top hat" safety release is easy to reach, now located under the bar and effectively dumps the kite on the center-line bridle, folding the kite back like a taco and killing all power. Riders confirm that it's easy to re-set, too. Even when fully powered up, bar pressure is light to moderate, giving good feedback and flying with one hand is easy.

The front lines join to a single line about half way down to the bar, forming a "Y" and contributing to the clean and simple rig. In fact, from set-up to take-down and packing, everything about this kite is clean and easy . We've had several Flysurfer pilots fly the Neo and compare it favorably or superior to the Psycho and Pulse in many regards. Everybody agreed the bridle is cleaner and neater.

Oh, and did I mention that the kite comes fully rigged with lines attached to the kite and wound around the bar? Sheesh, what could be easier? Unfold the kite, unwrap the lines (hook into a harness) and fly while others are sorting their lines or pumping.

HQ lists the low end of the kite at 4 mph for the larger sizes, and I'd be very suspicious if I hadn't seen the 8m launched and flown in such winds. Buggying in 7-9 mph winds is relaxed and enjoyable and upwind performance is remarkable even in so light a breeze. The top end is limited only by your nerve, somewhere up in the 20's for the larger sizes and over 30 for the smaller ones. For more photos and commentary on the original Neo, see our coverage on the 2008 HQ Demo Day here.

It doesn't matter if you're free styling or cruising, the NEO 2 will surpass your expectations. If you are in the Southeast USA or plan on passing through , call us to arrange a test flight for the Neo 2 (or any other kite for that matter).

The NEO II is designed for riders crossing over from water to wheels and snow who require the versatility and durability of a water relaunchable foil kite. For 2010, the NEO II has evolved to provide faster, tighter turning and an increased depower range with more pop for higher jumps. Larger intake valves allow quicker ram-air inflation and our riders are confirming this. Riders will appreciate the redesigned molded chicken loop and the new TDS (Total Depower Safety) flagging line that provides an increased level of safety and simplified self-landing. The new backpack is even more technical and offers attachment points for all kinds of boards, helmets and harnesses.

Design Features:

• Double pulley speed system with Ronstan Stainless Steel Pulleys
• Y-Line design, 3x22m (6m², 8m²) or 25m (11m², 14m²), 500 kg and 300 kg 500 kg and 300 kg colored lines
• New 50 cm or 60cm composite bar and state of the art chicken loop
• Instant De-power
• Redesigned shape for more turning speed and De-powe Larger air intakes for fast and easy inflation
• Water repellent skin, highest quality materials Bomb proof construction Simple re-launch
• Easy handling Dirt-outs at wing tips Bar with lines pre-rigged and ready Technical Backpack
• Repair pack Comprehensive manual

Sizes: 6m², 8m², 11m², 14m²

Package Contents:

• Kite
• Bar with lines pre-rigged and ready
• Technical Backpack
• Repair pack
• Comprehensive manual

CWS EXCLUSIVE: With each HQ de-power order we will include a HQ Safety leash like this one FREE of charge! ($44.00 value).   A leash is required for the Neo II and we recommend them for all other HQ de-powers kites.

For specifications and more photos click here

FREE SHIPPING in the USA, discounted to Canada