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How about the new 138x41 ? I just received mine (have yet to ride it though). The 132 is a sweet board but I found it a bit small at times in the marginal stuff for me at 83kg. The newer kites are more forgiving making bigger boards easier to control as well. Seems I started on a 172, then a 142, then 133, then 128 then back up ... 129, 132, 135 and now a 138 this season. I still like a short board for ripping up the flat stuff but prefer a bit longer for an all-around one board quiver. I'd say go 138 or 142. Worst case you'll want smaller down the road. If you don't want to add a second board you can sell it off. The UG boards hold their value very well. Tony

Anyone??

I am also interested in the ION2 and new boards. How would you compare the ION2 (4-line mode) to the Atom? Would you still make the same comments on the 135 compared to the 130 if they were finned with the same 4.5cm fins. Are you saying the 130 is a touch looser, faster, slightly weaker up wind than the 135? How does the low end compare ... very similar? I'm 88kg and was leaning towards the 135 but your comments are pushing me towards the 130. Tony

Anyone ridden the New Flexi boards yet? I'm looking to but a new board and looking at the Flexi and the 555. 88kg riding in all conditions. Thanks Tony

When will the ION2 be released? When will we here more information? Thanks

I did find the review by aframesurfer below over at http://www.extremekiteskiteboarding.com/viewtopic.php?t=255 That forum is all hypertype right now. no the atom is not going to replace the ion but be an adition to the flexi line up ion2 atom and fusion2 for next year the atom will be a much lighter weight but with all the stregth of the ion and more economicaly priced kite with a slightly lower aspect than the ion2 very cool colors too i just flew the atom 12 the other day and it was awsome. more power /depower faster turning and unmached stability over the ion1 the kite has a much better lower end and flys remarkable well in light wind due to the lighter and more efficient frame the atom has been put on a drastic diet to result in a ultra light durable kite barpresure has been reduced even more and turning is like a rallycar leaving a super light and responsive feel on the new bar all and all the the new lighter and much cheeper Atom is a sweet new kite that will be great for beginers learning to fly thier first kite to the pros who demand the best proformace from thir jumping and waverideing machines. looks like great year for flexi with three awsome kites coming off of the line

I had heard that although the Atom is a sibling to the ION and geared to be friendlier that people thought it was a better kite (relatively speaking). I guess it has evolved a bit more? Would still like to hear an unbiased comparison of the two kites. Also would be interested in the Rebel / Atom or ION comparison. Thanks

Hi all, I'm looking to pick up a new 12m kite. Can anyone compare the Atom and the ION? I can get a deal on the ION but is the Atom worth the extra cash? Anyone know what the ION-2 will bring and when it will be available? I am looking to demo but would still like to hear opinions. Also considering the Rebel but have the chance to pick up the ION at about 20% less than the Atom or Rebel. Thanks Tony

Shorey, Check out http://www.gokitesurf.com/articlesstory.asp?ID=25 and look at the 2005 method. This allows you to have the same bar setup for all kites by adjusting the length of the front pigtails and noseline. They even give you the lengths for all North kites. This is what I want to do on the 17m Strike2 but was hoping someone had already figured out the lengths so I could save some time. Guess it'll be trial and error ... launch, land, adjust and repeat. Thanks for responding. Tony

Is anyone running with this setup? Can you help me with a starting point to get things trimmed right? Nose-line length and front pigtail length? Thanks Tony

What's the scoop on the Strike3? I'm looking at getting a 13m Strike2. How soon is the Strike3 out? What will the changes be? Tony

I like things simple. 4 lines is enough for me. I'm not convinced there is a huge difference in range. I'm in the USA. This forum seemed like a good place to get feedback from riders who might have to pay for their kites (like me). I am talking with someone selling the kites as well. Tony

Thanks for the responses! I'd still like more details on the 15m vs 17m though. I end up riding my 16m Rhino2, which I want to replace, in the lightest winds. I find that it has a very narrow wind range and as soon as the wind picks up the slightest amount I want off of it and on the vegas 12m. I want to replace it with a faster flying, faster turning kite with more range. On one hand, it would be nice to have a bit more low end, but on the other hand, I want a kite that I enjoy flying, one with good range. I don't want this kite to be one I ride only because it's not windy enough for my 12m. I want to enjoy flying the kite. I'd be willing to give up a touch low end for a more fun kite. Maybe that low end can be made up working the kite? Riding fast (apparent wind)? Would the low end of the Rhino2 16m compares closer to the 15m or 17m Strike2? What would the relative ranges of the 15m and 17m kites be? Online charts quote: 15m : 9-17 (22 w/5th) 17m : 8-16 (20 w/5th) Does that seem reasonable? I have no interest in the 5th line. Thanks Tony

Shem, That's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. Based on your feedback I would pick the 15m ... wonder how things have changed with the Strike2's? Tony

I'm looking to replace my 16m Rhino2 and considering the Strike2 15m or 17m. Any feedback on these kites? Thinking probably the 17m since this will be my biggest kite (86 kg) but if the 15m Strike2 is a lot more fun to fly and has good low end maybe that is a good option. I may not have the chance for a test drive. My next smaller kite is a 2004 Vegas 12m. Any feedback on these kites?