Hey....I'm getting a Hybrid next season and thought I'd sus opinions from anyone who has tried a few different brands??? I'm thinking either HyperType, North Rebel or Flexi Atom??? Anyone tried all three...?

The Ion2 changes the way the kite flies by changing from 4 to 5line modes. the 4line mode is good for waves and gusty conditions. The 5line mode is pure freestyle. you can run the 4line bridles and the extra fifth line for safety (bigwaves etc) so it becomes a very versatile kite without having to compromise. Definately worth having a go on I'm loving mine.

Hey Bradools,

Dunno about the HyperType, however I have not purchased a 14 Rebel, and have demo'd the Atom, both 14 and 12, would have to say that the Atom 14 handled like a bit of a truck, turning speed was really slow, kinda felt like I had to keep on working the kite to get some power out of it. Then the wind picked up a little and I was able to try the 12, that was a totally different riding experience, turned faster, depower was there, behaved a little strange in the gusty contitions, felt like it was going to drop out of the sky a couple of times.

Then I demo'd the 14 Rebel, really liked the turning speed, considering it's a 14, comparing size wise, the kite is only a little longer and a little wider than my Aero2 12, so I guess that's why the turning capability is pretty good. Depower is awesome I was out in gusty stuff from about 16 - 24knots and didn't have to use all the de-power, not sure what speeds I'll be able to hold the thing down! Both Atom and Rebel have the 5th line thing going on, great concept, and worked well on both kites.

Best thing to do, demo as many as you can!

Good luck!

Cheers dudes...good winds to all

My kite is the best, no mine is Notice nobody mentions the bad points

Hypertype hindemburgs bad

Rebel has some relaunch twisting issues

Larger Atoms are slow, lack bottom end and don't reverse relaunch

Of course this doesnt make them bad kites but you should at least be aware of thier possible downsides.