Prepare to expand your horizons. After riding the Empulse extensively this winter, I think it can be properly summed up in two words: Speed and Versatility.
The Empulse takes versatility and the, "one-kite-to-rule-them-all" mentality to a new level. Why? Because traditionally closed cell kites have not been favored in the mountains, where they tend to stay inflated and act like big sails when they are landed. On flat surfaces, this isn't as big of a problem, but when you are on a slope or trying to summit a mountain it can be quite unnerving to have that big of a pillow trying to drag you up the slope and potentially over the peak.
Using adaptable inlets that can be set to either open-cell or closed-cell configuration, the Empulse breaks the curse of closed cell kites in these situations. And its not just a gimmick - I've found it really works. Having tested every size of the Empulse in the mountains, I can tell you that they make a great touring machine on the slopes. Not only does it dump air quick when you need it to, but like its Montana brother it also has a quick turn for cranking up hills, excellent depower, and is a good natured power delivery with excellent stability.
The reason all this is so significant is that it does this while still being an excellent performer on water. Very few kites, if any, can tout being so well adapted to such rugged use in the mountains, but also just as suited for twin-tipping or foilboarding. The Empulse is noticeably faster than its predecessor, the Matrixx. I've set new personal speed records on the Empulse this winter season. The speed also means that is it going to be great on a foilboard. And the lightweight fabric means its going to stay in the air during lulls when you are out on the water.
So who is the Empulse for? The ideal customer would be someone who wants a single kite that they can use for snow touring including mountain summits, but also plans on getting into or already has started foilboarding. Its not a kite made just for the mountains though. Anyone who wants to start tasting a little more speed without the added complexity or cost of a full-on race kite is going to love the Empulse. And with its easy handling, the Empulse would make an excellent 1st closed cell kite. Even the person who doesn't plan on being in the mountains, but just wants a really nimble, safe, friendly kite that inflates and packs down quickly on land will also find a faithful friend in the Empulse.
I could say more, but really you just need to try one and see for yourself how great they are. Everyone that I know that's tried them so far, loves them.
What HQ4 has to say:
With the Empulse, we developed a kite that combines the best of both worlds: whether you prefer the quick inflation and deflation of an open-cell kite on land, or the added security of a closed-cell kite on water – the choice is yours. With the Empulse’s adaptive valve system, set up the inlets however you want and enjoy peak performance on any terrain.
This is not a just a high-end machine! It was designed from the beginning to do exactly what you want it to do. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider, everyone will find the Empulse easy to use with a fast learning curve, and performance that continuously improves alongside your own riding level. You set your own limit here!
We have built a kite that will impress from the very first ride. High stability and exceptionally easy handling are at the core of this kite, allowing you to progress rapidly in foiling or any other kite sport. The Empulse is a kite that rides far forward in the wind window while generating minimal side pull, even at high speeds.
Our design philosophy has always placed great importance on creating efficient and lightweight structures that don’t sacrifice durability or performance.
Performance
Quick, agile and easy to navigate, the Empulse loves to move. The super clean wrinkle-free wing profile is strikingly evident once in the sky, and helps make upwind riding a breeze. A well-balanced relationship between aspect ratio and profile curve makes the Empulse an easy-to-control performance kite. Wide wingtips directly transfer every steering impulse. Send the kite and get ready for takeoff: the superior hangtime of the Empulse stands ready to take you high and bring you down gently again.
The strengths of this kite clearly are its foil capabilities. Once in cruise mode, the kite sits comfortably in the air where riders can fully concentrate on their board and maneuvers. Even at high speed the side pull remains minimal and the Empulse executes rapid course changes with ease. Bar pressures are light, and the kite’s depower capability remains one of the best in its class.
Material
The choice of material for the Empulse could not be any better.
All wings are made from a proven mixture of 20- and 30D-ripstop material. We’ve found this to be the perfect compromise between lightweight for calm conditions and strength for high speeds.
To guarantee immediate response to steering impulses and changes in the angle of attack, we use a stiff and durable 70D-fabric for the profile walls.
Features:
The Empulse takes versatility and the, "one-kite-to-rule-them-all" mentality to a new level. Why? Because traditionally closed cell kites have not been favored in the mountains, where they tend to stay inflated and act like big sails when they are landed. On flat surfaces, this isn't as big of a problem, but when you are on a slope or trying to summit a mountain it can be quite unnerving to have that big of a pillow trying to drag you up the slope and potentially over the peak.
Using adaptable inlets that can be set to either open-cell or closed-cell configuration, the Empulse breaks the curse of closed cell kites in these situations. And its not just a gimmick - I've found it really works. Having tested every size of the Empulse in the mountains, I can tell you that they make a great touring machine on the slopes. Not only does it dump air quick when you need it to, but like its Montana brother it also has a quick turn for cranking up hills, excellent depower, and is a good natured power delivery with excellent stability.
The reason all this is so significant is that it does this while still being an excellent performer on water. Very few kites, if any, can tout being so well adapted to such rugged use in the mountains, but also just as suited for twin-tipping or foilboarding. The Empulse is noticeably faster than its predecessor, the Matrixx. I've set new personal speed records on the Empulse this winter season. The speed also means that is it going to be great on a foilboard. And the lightweight fabric means its going to stay in the air during lulls when you are out on the water.
So who is the Empulse for? The ideal customer would be someone who wants a single kite that they can use for snow touring including mountain summits, but also plans on getting into or already has started foilboarding. Its not a kite made just for the mountains though. Anyone who wants to start tasting a little more speed without the added complexity or cost of a full-on race kite is going to love the Empulse. And with its easy handling, the Empulse would make an excellent 1st closed cell kite. Even the person who doesn't plan on being in the mountains, but just wants a really nimble, safe, friendly kite that inflates and packs down quickly on land will also find a faithful friend in the Empulse.
I could say more, but really you just need to try one and see for yourself how great they are. Everyone that I know that's tried them so far, loves them.
What HQ4 has to say:
With the Empulse, we developed a kite that combines the best of both worlds: whether you prefer the quick inflation and deflation of an open-cell kite on land, or the added security of a closed-cell kite on water – the choice is yours. With the Empulse’s adaptive valve system, set up the inlets however you want and enjoy peak performance on any terrain.
This is not a just a high-end machine! It was designed from the beginning to do exactly what you want it to do. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced rider, everyone will find the Empulse easy to use with a fast learning curve, and performance that continuously improves alongside your own riding level. You set your own limit here!
We have built a kite that will impress from the very first ride. High stability and exceptionally easy handling are at the core of this kite, allowing you to progress rapidly in foiling or any other kite sport. The Empulse is a kite that rides far forward in the wind window while generating minimal side pull, even at high speeds.
Our design philosophy has always placed great importance on creating efficient and lightweight structures that don’t sacrifice durability or performance.
Performance
Quick, agile and easy to navigate, the Empulse loves to move. The super clean wrinkle-free wing profile is strikingly evident once in the sky, and helps make upwind riding a breeze. A well-balanced relationship between aspect ratio and profile curve makes the Empulse an easy-to-control performance kite. Wide wingtips directly transfer every steering impulse. Send the kite and get ready for takeoff: the superior hangtime of the Empulse stands ready to take you high and bring you down gently again.
The strengths of this kite clearly are its foil capabilities. Once in cruise mode, the kite sits comfortably in the air where riders can fully concentrate on their board and maneuvers. Even at high speed the side pull remains minimal and the Empulse executes rapid course changes with ease. Bar pressures are light, and the kite’s depower capability remains one of the best in its class.
Material
The choice of material for the Empulse could not be any better.
All wings are made from a proven mixture of 20- and 30D-ripstop material. We’ve found this to be the perfect compromise between lightweight for calm conditions and strength for high speeds.
To guarantee immediate response to steering impulses and changes in the angle of attack, we use a stiff and durable 70D-fabric for the profile walls.
Features:
- Crease-free design
- Durable materials
- Perfect for foiling
- Suitable for light winds
- Colored Dyneema bridle
- Max. upwind performance with minimal lateral pull