Kite Lab: HQ Rush III 300
Overview
The HQ Rush III 300 trainer kite is a good 2-line trainer kite that is a good entry into kite sports. Not as capable as its 3-line big brother, the Rush III still flies well, but lacks from the ease of relaunch.
Details
The HQ Rush III 300 is a foil kite that combines some of the best features in foil kites in a simple trainer kite.
Easy to setup, the Rush III 300 comes packaged in a unique carrying bag that looks like a small messenger bag. Comfortable and equipped with a large main kite storage pocket as well as an accessory storage pocket that is perfect for stashing your keys, phone, wallet or even a frosty beverage. The carrying bag provides an easy space for storing even the most hastily rolled kite and is perfect for trainer sessions after work that wrap up after dark. With your essentials stashed in the accessory pocket and secured by the largest zipper I have every seen, the Rush III 300 is just begging to be thrown over your shoulder for a walk or a bike ride to a local park or meadow for a few minutes or hours of trainer fun.
The comfortable bar is solid in the hand, but covered in a thin layer of foam that offers both grip and a little bit of cushion for when the Rush III 300 pulls hard in a stiffer wind. The bar ends feature large winding notches with elastic keeper loops to prevent line tangles. With knotted instead of sewn sleeved lines the kite is a little more prone to line tangles. The lines are rated at 385 pounds, enough to use the kite as a power kite in strong winds and should prove durable and long-lasting. At 25m in length, the Rush III 300 trainer teaches new kiters important line management skills and helps develop an inherent understanding of the space necessary to kite safely and effectively. The safety leash is comfortable and elastic with a foam cushion that will take the shock out of even the wildest situations.
The canopy of the kite is comprised of 15 open foil cells with good finish and construction. The leading edge easily catches even the lightest breeze and fills the kite. The open nature of the leading edge scooped up ground debris after too many ground passes, crashes landings, but this is to be expected with its open design. Featuring a simple, clean design and color scheme, the kite was pleasant to look at while flying, bright enough to attract a little attention, but not so gaudy that it screamed “LOOK AT ME!” The design of the kite clearly show the orientation of the kite allowing the kiter to know with just a glance the kite’s direction.
In light winds, the kite flew nicely with enough grunt to provide some fun pull, but not so much that the kiter has to fight to stay in position. The kite flies with moderate speed and turns with a nice progressive turn that is mellow with a little steering input, but quick with a more aggressive turn. At higher windspeeds, this kite becomes very powerful and certainly powerful enough to get a first taste of getting pulled by a kite.
With a little work, it is possible to fly the kite in winds as light as 3 mph and it really shines in the 8-15 mph range. With wind over 20 mph, the Rush III 300 becomes a serious kite with challenging speed and power. Having a comfortable and effective safety leash allows kiters new and old to push their skills while remaining safe.
Specs
Manufacturer: HQ Powerkites
Model: Rush III 300
Size: 2.6m2
Dimensions: 3 x 25m Dyneema Lines (385 lbs. each)
Colors: Green and White
Online Info: Rush III 300
MSRP: $189.99
Ratings
Durability Rating: 
The kite, bar and carrying bag are all well built and made from good materials that should last for many, many years.
Function Rating:
This trainer kite allows flies well with the right mix of pull and speed. Unless you are on a really tight budget, it probably makes sense to spend more and get a 3-line kite for ease of relaunch.
Quality Rating:
The unique carrying bag is an excellent example of the quality of this trainer kite. Suitable as a first step into the kite world or as a practice kite for the experienced kiter, this is an excellent investment.
Appearance Rating:
A good looking kite, it is eye catching without being gaudy and clean without being simple.
Packaging/Environmental Responsibility Rating: 
The kite comes packaged in its own bag eliminating any need for a box or packaging in a nice convergence of form and function.
Overall Rating:
The Rush III 300 is a good kite, but in a crowded field of 2-line kites, it is middle of the pack. Consider upgrading the the Rush III 300 Pro and get the 3rd line!
