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FLEXIFOIL: THE ATOM STORY
Born from the success of the Ion, the Atom is the new hybrid water kite from Flexifoil. We asked our customers and retailers what they wanted from a kite that would satisfy competent kitesurfers and would also suit riders making the transition from “C†shaped kites to the bow style kites. They told us that if we could take the performance and feel of the Ion and make a kite that was even more simple and affordable, it would be a winner.
The Atom is the resulting kite and is based on the massively successful Ion planform. This is an excellent kite which is not only very easy to use but also has enough performance for experienced riders.
This is NOT a next generation Ion - it’s a sister kite that will sit at the intermediate part of our range making our sport easier and more satisfying. The Atom is manufactured from the same high-grade materials as the rest of Flexifoil’s kitesurf range and will be due for release Autumn 2006.
Jumping > You will find no other intermediate kite that jumps as well or as effortlessly as the Atom. The kites high lift design, ensures hangtime is not just for the pros but now attainable for all riders. If going big is your thing then you won’t be disappointed.
High End > The leading edge bridle pushes the Atom’s tow points further forward than traditional C shaped kites. This forward tow point allows the kite to behave in high winds like a kite up to 2-3m2 smaller, so a 9m2 has the top end of a conventional 7m2 kites. The kite’s bridled design soaks up gusts far better than traditional C shaped kites and for most riders a two kite quiver is possible (sizes depending on riders ability and weight, and style).
Low End > The Atom has a larger wingspan than traditional kites, which provides more power for a given area. Each size feels larger by up to 2m2 for light winds. So for example a 15m2 pulls like a 17m2 but turns like a 14m2 “C†shaped kite.
Turn Speed > The rear lines from the bar connect directly to the Atom’s rear tow points (no pulleys), making for a kite that is fast through turns and responds quickly to rider input. The kite is where you want it to be when you want it to be there; this direct feel to the kite makes it very easy to get on with straight out the bag.
Bar Pressure > The Atom responds to light pressure on the bar, but with enough force to give you adequate feedback. You know where the kite is at all times. Irrespective of their level, riders love to have this intuitive feel for where the kite is in the sky. It makes nailing all your landings and tricks simple.
Unhooking > Although many Atom riders will not see the need to unhook, when you fly this kite you will see how well the Atom behaves when unhooked. Give the kite some depower on the trim unhook and the kite is very stable and turns quickly, giving you masses of confidence to try new school moves, or ride unhooked down the line on your surfboard.
Upwind Ability > The Atom points very high into the window and will send you on an upwind reach as soon as there is enough wind. In fact, downwinders have never been so much fun, as making up ground on the Atom is truly effortless.
Re-launch > As with all Bow / SLE / Hybrid kites, the relaunch is very simple and user friendly, giving you more time on the water and less time swimming.
Safety > There will be two forms of safety for the Atom depending on what bar / line set you are using. A primary safety which releases the kite onto the front lines and a single line out, which releases the kite onto the rear line.
WAVES, FREERIDE AND FUN - IT ALL STARTS WITH AN ATOM
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