12m Atom or ION (or ION-2?)

[tgaunce]

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

[si-fly]

I have read that the Atom is a detuned Ion and more for beginers. If you want a higher performing kite go the Ion. As to the Ion 2 not heard much apart from it proberly wont be out untill next year.

 

Si

[tgaunce]

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

[BeachBeat]

Atom is not yet released here in the UK so we're unlikely to hear much comparison yet - any team riders out there who can compare ?

 

Between the rebel and either of the flexi kites I would say the choice is likely to be decided by your views on 5 lines (rebel) v 4 (flexi) and whether or not you want one pump (flexi).

[col]

Atom not released yet how come then i have a 7 and 12..came out last thursday

[Bob Monkhouse]

Atom not released yet how come then i have a 7 and 12..came out last thursday

 

So spill the beans then Col !

[Howard Marks]

Ali who flew it for a full day said its an Ion in diff colours with a cheaper bag. Predicatable, stable, fun!

[andy_pilley]

The Atom kites are avaloiable from powerkiteshop. Go into the kitesurf section and they can be found in there.

[tgaunce]

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

[ANGELZ]

I have been out on the 9m Atom the past two days and I think its a great kite, real nice to fly! I usually fly Fusions but with the wind at Newbrough gustin upto 30knts yesterday there was no way I cud go out on my Fusion 9 or 7 so, I went out on the Atom, not only have I never been out in wind that strong B4 but I was doin some wkd jumps n really buzzin off floatin through the air, which Ive also never done B4! went out on it again today n was ridin toe side, so in the past two days because of the extra confidence I have ridein the Atom I have done all these new things-so Im pretty buzzin right about now! Achein but buzzin! Oh an another thing U can just let go of the kite n it really does just sit at the edge of the window without any power in it, even when its gusty as hell n blowin 30knts-which I liked. BUT....I dont like the bag as much!

[kiteingcolin]

i used to own a set of ions and now own only one atom,the 7mtr.

i intend to use this kite in winds over 35 mph and up to 57 mph, i tried my 7 mtr north rhino in 55 mph 2 weeks ago and it was very scary, the atom should be a much more stable and user friendly kite with saftey in spades, flew it on the beach today and its lower aspect compared to the ion, lighter build ?? not on the 7 mtr, the wing tips are thicker, and the bridle lines on the front are made from 4mm dynema,(very beefy) the bar is the standard ion bar, the bag is the same as the ion bag without the board carry straps, and the colour is the same as the rasta ion, the ist thing i noticed was that in flight the kite was not as easy to get to fall back in the window when you pulled the bar right in, (this was one of reasons i fell out with the ion)

everything else is basicly ion kite,

but the 40-55mph winds for tomorrow should realy give this 7 mtr a true test,

its been sent to me as a demo kite so i dont have to keep it if it fails to impress, thanks flexi and whitstable windsurfing