Location: Leighton Beach, Perth
Conditions: Gusty 18 - 25+ knots. Choppy 1.5m swell
Riders: Matt - IKO2 Instructor kiting for 6 years.
(5”10 and 82kg’s)
Craig - Kiting for 3 months (upwind, jumping, back and forward rotations)
(6”3 and 105kg’s)
Atom 2008
Responsiveness
Matt: The kite has a very quick feel to it, as is to be expected with smaller kites. However, what I really liked was the power the kite carried through the lulls. Felt a little jerky in the gusts, but simply sheet out and you cruised through them, easy!
Craig: The kite was fast and easy to manoeuvre. It didn’t have as much feedback as I was expecting. Its speed would punish me for any mistakes I made, but at the same time it was quick to help me get out of trouble.
Jumping
Matt: Lots of hang time here! Felt like I was on a 12m it boosted so well. Once at the apex of your jump and you start droping, sheet the bar in and you literally float down to the water, plenty of time for board off’s, transitions, grabs or simply take in the surroundings!!
Craig: Lots of power, due to the speed of the kite it helps you direct the kite for a jump without too much preparation. The power means you can get nice big jumps.
Unhooked
Matt: Lots of de-power so really easy to hold onto once unhooked. Lots of pop which gives lots of time to throw yourself round the latest handle pass combination, or big railys. This is where the de-power leash comes in handy. Miss the bar let go of the kite and it will slowly float down to the water, land on its back ready to be relaunched.
Bar
Matt: A vast improvement in feel to last years bars, lighter and the grip is softer, made of foam and not rubber. The pull/pull system is very easy to use. Quite light on the feel, but with a bit of practice you get dialled into it and it’s a pleasure to use, especially in the stronger winds. Easy, straight forward quick release system.
Craig: Felt really light, nice and comfortable. A nice length, shorter than what I have used in the past. Very user friendly power/de-power system. Simple, easy to use!
Summary
Matt: Easy to use. Lots of controllable power available. Good de-power making it perfect for the beginner and intermediate, the wave rider or the freestyler! An exciting kite to use, with 3-4 different power set ups, which where very handy in the gusty conditions we had that day.
Craig: Fast, powerful and livelyl! An exciting kite to use. I could see myself progressing with this kite.
Rebel 2008
Responsiveness
Matt: I was quite surprised by the slowness of this kite. To turn the kite quickly you had to hold the end of the bars, much the same as using light wind technique. Very, very stable especially through the gusts. Felt heavy when it was loaded up, but you always knew where the kite was.
Craig: Smooth and consistent feel in the kite. Fairly quick with good feedback
Jumping
Matt: Offered good hang time and nice float. Needed more preparation when going for a jump due to the slow speed of the kite, also needed to be redirected early on for the landings.
Craig: A reasonable amount of power, easy and manageable for jumping.
Unhooked
Matt: A bit too much grunt when unhooked for my liking, which meant I had to put on more de-power which slowed the turning speed of the kite. Wouldn’t be too much of a problem on flat water.
Bar
Matt: A nice soft feel and a bit on the heavy side, as is usual with North bars. Quite long, I guess this helps speed up the turning of the kite. De-power system was a long reach (not a problem for Craig!). Also the de-power strap would get stuck in the cleat often when trying to power the kite up. Safety release system is very straight forward and one of the best out there. Don’t know why North keep putting the small fixed loops on the bar, can be a real hindrance to lesser experienced kiters and in very windy conditions.
Craig: A comfortable bar with a good safety system. Not a very user friendly power/de-power system.
Summary
Matt: A good consistent entry level kite. Good for beginners to early intermediates but after that you will be held back by this kite. It’s a good ‘cruising’ kite with no surprises.
Craig: An easy kite to use with a smooth feel. Nice and forgiving.
08 Atoms 
Rider 4 years/80kgs IKO Instructor
Have been riding/teaching on the 08 Atoms 7/9/12m for a few months now and IMO is one of the better kites I have ridden to date.
I wonder why such a good kite is not more popular, maybe the price is just a little to steep, IMO you get what you pay for and these kites come up trumps.
I ride mostly surf/surfboards and in various locations and conditions, with the occasional flat water/TT session for variety.
The kites construction and durability is of the highest quality, I have thoroughly put these kites and myself through the ringer these last few months and they keep impressing me.
These kites come with 20m lines with 5m extensions, I have set up on 20m lines. Have found this better for teaching and riding in the surf.
I love these kites, hooked/unhooked, easy controllable power, responsive, easy relaunch, simple effective safety systems and adjustments at the kite
.
Four lines, minimum bridle and pulleys is better IMO.
When it all goes wrong and you and your kite end up in the drink, IF the kite rolls over, there is no fifth line to worry about, usual relaunch and away you go.
I have ridden as many 08 kites as possible this summer, Cult, Rev, Cabs (Switch and Revolver), Best Nemisis/Waroo, Rebel and Ozones. All good kites.
Ride everything you can and then take your pick.
The 08Atoms have been my pick and I cannot be happier.
Whatever puts that smile on your dial, go with. . . . . . . .
Now if only I could ride as well as these kites fly
Richard T
