Length: 235 cmWidth: 74.5 cmTail Width: 47.8 cmWeight: 7.70 kgVolume: 110 litersThickness: 10.0 cmFin: Drake Freeride Glide 38 (Power Box)Sail range: 5.5m² - 8.5m²

For 2015, the Atom IQ range sees three new additions with the arrival of the Atom IQ 130, 140 and 160, available both in Carbon and Tufskin constructions. An Atom IQ Windsurfer is also available with 160 liters, a full EVA deck and a retractable daggerboard. Launched in 2010, the Atom IQ concept is defined by much wider and thinner boards than conventional freeride boards. Multiple footstraps options are offered; the pads are relatively thick and comfortable.

Performance:

Very wide, short and thin, the Atom IQ provides a lot of lateral stability. Its shorter length requires more precise length ways foot positioning to get planing in marginal winds, especially when the rider is on the heavier side. It responds particularly well to lighter and smaller sail sizes which don't put as much pressure on the nose; you slightly bear downwind to instantly get planing. On top of that, the Atom IQ is fitted with three rows of three different footstrap positions which are more or less centered and help boost the wind range.

A light weight sailor on 5.4m²-6.0m² will be able to experience his first planing rides while a more advanced sailor will capitalize on the light wind planing performance with a 7.5m².

The Atom IQ rides low on the water with a lot of lateral stability, which is quite enjoyable in choppy conditions: it doesn't bounce out of control! It boosts confidence and helps the rider by keeping a low nose in gusts and delivering ample speed to race with your friends. The Atom 110 glides extremely well through lulls, with an excellent reach to speed ratio. It's not too demanding physically and quite comfortable in choppy conditions, thanks to the well-designed thick pads. The wind range is incontestably one of its strength.

Only small issue is the extremely forgiving and comfortable Drake Freeride Glide fin which seems more suited to recreational and progressive freeride rather than sporty freeride. We suffered a few spin outs in light winds when paired with bigger sails (6.7m²-7.0m²) and pushing on the back foot to head upwind. No issues however on the beam or downwind reach.

In the jibe, it turns short and tight with a lot of support to stay balanced in the curve. It requires little foot pressure on the rail to turn thanks to its reduced thickness which makes the board feel smaller. A good way to progress.

Verdict:

Particularly appreciated for its accessibility and planing performances, the Atom IQ 110 is aimed at all types and styles of riders, depending on the different settings used. It is particularly well suited to the lighter riders who do not need the volume surplus or are looking for a board with an excellent accessibility to performance to comfort ratio.

"Particulièrement appréciée pour ses qualités de planing, d'agrément et même de performances, l'Atom IQ 110 présente un excellent rapport accessibilité-performances-confort. Elle se destine à différents profils de rideurs en fonction des réglages et peut donc convenir à toute la famille. Notamment les gabarits légers à moyens qui n'ont pas besoin de surplus de volume."