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Maestrale (HQ Kites)

Build/Design:
One might assume that this model was the little brother of the Tramontana. But one would be wrong!. The Maestrale possesses it's own identity.

The quality of the build and the finish are good (one could be tempted to say "in typical HQ Kites style"). The curved trailing edges double hemmed are most attractive. The connectors are blocked, the bridle is Dyneema and an anti-fouling line is included as well as a demonstration video. The said is made of twelve panels with curves that give the kite a great look.

Adjustment:
Nothing revolutionary in that department, as the Maestrale has most of the characteristics of other freestyles. The Dyneema bridle adjustment has three points that are easily adjusted for the usual freestyle tricks.

Maneuverability:
The Maestrale tracks very stablely turns tightly with slight oversteering reacting well to all movements. The angles are sharp and it stalls easily.

In strong winds (which suit this kite perfectly) stalls can be performed almost violently showing the jumpy and radical character of the Maestrale.

No problem for launching, which can be done in a variety of positions. On the other hand, side slides can't be performed on the whole width of the window.

Freestyle:
The axles are done backwards, it cascades well and shows good aptitude to ground work, (excellent at coin tosses), in falls perfectly on it's wing tips. Spikes and black holes are more difficult to achieve because it goes too easily on it's back, especially in strong winds. One has to make more ample movements.

Verdict KP:
With it's quick reactions, it's almost radically playful character, the Maestrale is a healthy freestyler, destined essentially to those who seek to improve their freestyle technique.

This review was taken from
Kite Passion Magazine - Sept / Oct 96