Surf Store

Flexifoil Ion Three 2008 The Hybrid with Teeth

The Ion3 is the next logical step in the progression of the Ion range, delivering the highest performance hybrid kite on the market. The Ion3 retains the versatility the Ion series is recognized for, but ups the stakes with a kite that will help you push your riding to places you hadn’t even considered.The Ion3 will maximise any wind conditions, whatever the discipline, leaving you feeling in control and free to unleash your true potential. Its massive wind range delivers more de-power, an aggressively responsive performance and faster turns to take you exactly where you want to go.

The Ion3 is a kite which will give you the added confidence to ride higher and harder, simply through its level of controllable performance.Light steering with a solid driving turn and lightning quick through the window, the Ion3 takes the hybrid design and gives it more bite. Whether you like smacking waves on a strapless board or boosting through the ceiling on the latest twin-tip, the Ion3’s performance will free your riding and allow you to maximise your session.Tested and approved in a huge range of global conditions from the light winds of the US east coast to the sand-blasting winds of the Brazilian hotspots, the Ion3 is the world-traveling kitesurfer’s dream.

Increasing the number of bridles has led to a reduction in the diameter of the leading edge tube at the centre of the kite, keeping the weight down and reducing drag so you get a kite that’s faster and lighter with a more solid, direct feel.

The struts have graduated towards the tip of the kite to produce a more driving turn by keeping the first two sail panels near the wingtip stiff. This ensures the load from steering the bar is transferred into twisting the kite, rather than causing any localised deformation.

The new centre section of the kite, developed in parallel with the design work on the Hadlow Pro Kite, gives better upwind performance and ensures the kite drives all the way through the turn producing the constant pull required for predictable kite loops.

Toughened and flexible battens are sewn into the trailing edge near the wingtips. Reinforced with Dacron, they create a stiffer trailing edge and a clean release for turbulent air passing over the wingtip to reduce drag and provide an increased turn speed.

Reinforced stitching increases the stiffness and strength of the tube to help soak up a few slams and maintain the shape of the aerofoil to maximise power. Dacron® front and rear attachment points spread the load evenly through the kite but we’ve removed it from the middle of the wingtip to keep the weight to a minimum. The Dacron® cage has also been slimmed down to keep the kite light whilst still retaining strength.

We have increased the diameter of the leading edge tube at the kite wingtip to give a more rigid structure so the kites less likely to deform whilst turning. As the kite holds its shape better you get a more direct and extremely responsive feel. We have also fitted the wingtip with a small webbing strap that prevents the flying lines from getting caught around it.

As with all Flexifoil kitesurfing products, the EZ single-point inflation system increases the speed of kite setup getting you out on the water faster.» Wingtip Dump Valve Extremely quick and simple pack down as the valve dumps all the air out of the bladders as the kite is rolled up.

Attaching the front toggles to different points on the wingtips changes the performance of the kite to suit different riding styles. Use tow point ‘2.Lo’ to give the kite more grunt in low winds or for wake style riding and heaver riders. Use the front tow ‘1.Hi’ for more depower making it suitable for wave riding, general cruising and high winds.

There are two turning speed options on the Ion3. Moving the rear flying line pigtail in from the trailing edge slows the rate of turn and moving the pigtail out towards the trailing edge increases the rate of turn so you can set the kite to your preferred riding style.

We use an integrated approach to the design of the kite and bar and strive to keep the number of moving parts to a minimum whilst still retaining complete functionality.

The grip on the new bar is much softer and easier on the hands; it also features ergonomic bar ends to provide a solid connection point improving the overall feedback from the kite whilst turning. The soft over-moulding protects your hands when kite looping and enables easy line storage on the bar.

The simplest yet most effective safety release system on the market. The primary release cover is always where you would expect to find it – just above your chicken loop so it’s quick and easy to find and activate. The simple reconnection process is intuitive, possible to do under the water and - with experience - one handed!

When the outer Dyneema® line fails due to wear the inner red line becomes visible. This internal line has enough strength to enable you to comfortably make it back to the beach even if you are a long way out.

The Ion3 bar is fitted with the Flexifoil V-Core - the angled hole in the bar through which the centre line runs to vastly reduce centre line wear and help lighten the turn. The V-Core also allows you to turn and sheet-in at the same time.