Hybrid Excellence
The pedigree of the ION range has been kept pure in this year’s ION range. The R&D Team have kept the strong blend of C-Kite feel and Hybrid performance of the ION and focussed on improving the accuracy and construction techniques of the Leading edge, struts and canopy. We don’t believe in change for change’s sake, but in continual improvement on what we know works.
Excellent build quality is at the heart of Flexifoil’s core values. We want our customers to be confident that whether they change kites every year or ride them into the ground, a Flexifoil kite is going to give them the best value for money with performance that won’t hold them back.
April / May 2010
Ion Kite // Pump // Repair kit Instructions // Registration Pack // Kite Storage Bag
OVERVIEW
The ION has had every panel scrutinised to produce a shape as close as possible to the 3D CAD model and the design process has enveloped the manufacturing technologies to ensure capable, reliable production processes to guarantee quality you can trust.
With new reinforcement patch materials, a Leading Edge construction that has surpassed previous inflation test results by 40%, new Strut to Leading Edge joining techniques and new Canopy Construction giving this year’s ION a more fluid, curved panel cut, we are confident that the ION will deliver satisfaction to any level of rider.
The Ion comes once again configurable in 4 or 5 Line mode to suit your preferred riding style.
6 STRUT LAYOUT
The stiffer canopy and cleaner centre aerofoil combined with improved panel accuracy mean the ION retains its excellent low end performance. The extra support between Leading Edge and Trailing Edge keep the feedback from this kite alive and direct through the lines and to the bar. Flying an ION becomes second nature faster than ever letting you direct more attention to your next move.
OPTIMISED LEADING EDGE TUBE
Fine tuning the Leading Edge proportions from the centre to the tips is a fine balance between rigidity, stability, relaunch, agility, upwind ability and weight. This year’s ION is honed to perfection.
REFINED AEROFOIL SHAPE
A big part of the skill in designing a kite is knowing that when the 3D model has been translated into material patterns, cut using CNC fabric cutters, printed and assembled by skilled seamstresses, the kite is as close to the original 3D model as possible. This expertise only comes with experience!
SIMPLIFIED BRIDLE SYSTEM
Minimal pulleys and bridles help maximise the direct feel of the ION and minimise the maintenance. A perfectly balanced bridle means the pulley hardly needs to move at all and multiple front and rear line connection points let you tune the kite to your particular style or simply learn about how these settings effect the characteristics of your kite!
ANTI FLUTTER TRAILING EDGE BATTENS
The batten material is very flexible and very tough and combined with Dacron® they eliminate resonant frequency vibrations that can occur as the trailing edge changes shape during a driving turn and avoid any unnecessary drag or turbulence.
TEIJIN T9600 TECHNOLOGY
Premium Quality Japanese and European Materials: We just won’t compromise on materials and use what we believe to be the best. Teijin T9600 still proves to have the best coating and longevity with excellent UV resistance. Dimensions Polyant Dacron® provides the best combination of fabric stability and stiffness for our Leading Edges whilst a new Kevlar-neoprene reinforcement patch material over every Leading Edge circumferential seam will protect against the harshest beach environments.
110 MICRON TPU BLADDERS
Flexifoil is proud to use 110micron TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) bladders (as opposed to the standard 90 micron) giving you the peace of mind of having a more puncture resistant and durable bladder
in your Ion.
MOLTEN BLADDER TECHNOLOGY
Our uncompromising Molten Bladders still require frequent production tests to prove endurance of 120degC of heat without failing. We won’t accept less!
SOLID & STIFF WINGTIP CONSTRUCTION
Whether you are riding a storm on the 7m or battling gusts on a 10.5m or squeezing every last breath out of a lightwind session on the 14.5, every ION is rock solid and dependable.
RIGID STRUT JUNCTIONS
We have developed a new strut to leading edge junction which is stronger and stiffer than ever before. We have also improved the manufacturing controls to ensure improved accuracy.
REINFORCED DACRON 175 LEADING EDGE TUBE
We have taken the Dacron® Leading Edge construction to new levels of strength and durability. The inflation test results have shown a 40% increase in the air pressure required to destroy the test samples and the endurance tests in the Sahara were passed with flying colours.
DACRON REINFORCEMENTS
The ION can generate a solid pull that is spread through carefully positioned reinforcements to the wingtips and down the lines to your bar, optimising strength and weight.
The much copied Dacron cage keeps a strong frame that means if you are unlucky enough to damage your canopy, the repair should be simple and cost effective.
EZ SINGLE-POINT INFLATION
Still simple and reliable and easy to change should you ever get a puncture. The Single Point Inflation System minimises your setup time, the need to weigh your kite down with sand and the time spent flapping on the beach during inflation. Accept nothing less!
WINGTIP DUMP VALVE
Now there is a dump valve on each wingtip and on the centre of the kite so you can roll either way or open all 3 for faster deflation!
CONSTRUCTION FEATURES
5
ION PRESS RELEASE
OVERVIEW