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North’s Pro range of products have earned a formidable reputation over the last year and the Atmos Pro is no exception. Utilizing top construction methods and materials, North have engineered a silky smooth ride designed to facilitate tricks at the forefront of Big Air progression.
The construction consists of a cutting-edge cocktail of carbon cloths wrapped around a Paulownia wood core to produce the specific flex characteristic formulated for the needs of the professional rider. 12K carbon cloth is placed in spread tow arrangement which reduces gaps between fibers allowing maximum strength to weight ratio, a layup not out of place in the aerospace industry. Triaxial cloth is also implemented to enhance stiffness on multiple axes when bearing load within takeoffs. To top it off, strategically placed North exclusive 3DY-unidirectional carbon tape allows stiffness to be further fine-tuned.
This material wizardry has refined the Dynamic Flex characteristics with a focus on exceptional reflex. Fast response and spring back when loaded due to greater torsional and longitudinal stiffness helps to rocket the rider vertically into the air and absorb chop on take-offs and landings. This translates to a particularly buttery ride which effectively dampens even the most aggressive chop. The medium rocker and subtly swept-up tips do an admirable job minimizing residual spray in such conditions and preventing nosedives. Takeoffs feel reliably vertical no matter the conditions, in part thanks to impressive hold due to relatively deep 40mm fins that come as standard. This is complemented by the Quad Channel Tips which direct water flow over these fins, increasing hold further when ridden hard and fast.
The most striking difference from last year is the double concave bottom contour which flaunts a relatively aggressive deep-v center spine. This facilitates smooth landings which inspires confidence, especially in the furious seas synonymous with Big Air storm chasing. In the air, the light construction is a blessing for any acrobatic maneuvers and the ergonomic TPE handle has the option of North’s very own handle extension spacers to facilitate the next level of board-off tricks.
As usual, North have thought of all eventualities and preferences to provide a complete product experience. In addition to the included 40mm fins, one can buy 30 or 50mm fins to customize their ride. The Flip Tech mounting system remains from last year and it is encouraging to see North investing in product longevity. Symmetrical inserts down the center of the board enable foot straps to be flipped once one rail has been suitably destroyed, a process which likely takes a while anyway due to highly durable ABS rails.
Above all else, the Atmos Pro is fun and playful to ride and carve. It boosts with supercar-like performance whilst providing the smoothly predictable ride of a grand tourer. It is easy to see that the designers have worked closely with some of the world’s best Big Air riders to provide a no-compromises vehicle to boost to the moon.
