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F-ONE BANDIT 18: what is new, and the ATOM bar
The BANDIT has been F-ONE's freeride kite for almost twenty years, and it is one of the most common kites on Swiss lakes. The BANDIT 18 keeps the same philosophy, but F-ONE has moved the cursor: a little less speed, a lot more control. Here is what is new, who it is for, and why we pair it with the ATOM bar.
What is new on the BANDIT 18
F-ONE set out to make every action easier, for every level. The work focused on power delivery and depower. As a result, the riding speed has been slightly reduced in favour of comfort.
- Controlled speed: the kite pulls evenly and does not surge in the gusts.
- A more comfortable top end: it depowers easily when the wind picks up, so you can ride for a long time without tired arms.
- Chop and edging: it rides more smoothly through chop and edges well to load up before a jump.
- A stronger leading edge: new 160 g Dacron for more stiffness and durability.
It keeps what made the previous version a success: the Delta C-Shape, the Staggered Seams that smooth the profile and keep the kite stable in the air, and a material layout that balances performance and comfort.
Who is it for?
The BANDIT 18 suits a very wide range of riders. As a first kite, it gets you planing straight away, the bar feel is precise without being harsh, and it stays stable when conditions get rough. Experienced riders get a versatile kite that goes from twintip to strapless surf and handles their first kiteloops.
On our lakes, where the wind is often gusty (bise, foehn, thermals), that stability matters more than top speed. For sizing, see our guide How to choose your first kite.
Sizes and colours
| Sizes | Colours |
|---|---|
| 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14 m² | A – Lilac, B – Flame |
The ATOM bar: what it brings
The ATOM is F-ONE's kite bar. Its strengths, according to the brand:
- Tool-free length adjustment: the Quick Adjust System sets the bar between 45 and 52 cm in one move.
- ISO-certified Click-In Safety System: it releases under load and resets in one click.
- Interchangeable chicken loops: the standard size is included, with a stiffer finger to prevent accidental unhooking.
- Adjustable V-split (low V, high V, high V+) and a new V-Splitter to adjust or remove lines without taking everything apart.
- Built to last: modular replaceable parts, removable floats to check line lengths, and a hatch to rinse the inside of the bar.
- EVA grip, one-piece construction, bag and tools included.
Standard or SK99 lines?
The ATOM comes with two line sets. The standard Dyneema lines are more affordable and more forgiving: the right choice for most riders. The SK99 version has lighter lines that resist abrasion better and stretch less, for a more direct bar feel, which riders who jump or ride a lot will appreciate.
In short
The BANDIT 18 is still the kite we can recommend without hesitation, from a first kite to committed freeride, now with a real gain in comfort when it blows. Paired with the ATOM, you get a consistent F-ONE setup that is simple to adjust and safe. See the whole range on our F-ONE kites page. Delivery across Switzerland or pick-up in Neuchâtel. A question about sizing? Write to us and we will advise you before you buy.
