2010 Flexifoil Ion4 8.5m

Rider: 80kg Advanced and 50kg student recent beginner.
Style: Surf on twintip
Weather: 18-22 knots Gusty sideshore with a 5 knot sweep
Build Quality: 9/10 Attention to detail is very good. All attachment points, pump, bridles, adjustments are clearly labelled.
Satisfaction: 9/10
Disclosure: I have ridden Flexi Ions for 3 years and receive a small discount from the importer because of previous business dealings at Kitethrills. However, having been previously a kite slut I ride Ions cos I like them. I do not receive any benefits from writing a review.

My Comments:

My immediate impression was "wow!". The kite, bag and bar are colourful :) 5th line conversion kit, spare fabric, one pump tubes and cable ties included. I found the bag to be a bit difficult to navigate compared to the Ion2 but, as a blond, I'm sure I will get used to it in time.

After pumping it up I noticed that the centre strut has been omitted and the leading edge has been flattened noticeably in the centre section. (Maybe to increase lift?) Attention to detail with scuff pads, bridle attachment points and seams is remarkable. No loose fibres and plenty of protection.

Bar has 20m lines and 5m extensions , softer grip than the Ion2, has floats on leader lines and the swivel beneath the bar seems to work. Safety leash also has a swivel. Let's see how long it stays functional?? (graphite powder is the secret)

Leaving it on the sand in 18 knots meant weighing it down with a substantial amount of sand as the kite just wanted to lift and disappear.

First fly was to test the bar setup and try a small beach jump. WOW! lifted far higher than normal and stayed there a while. Trim strap is pull/pull so no dangling strap when adjusted all the way.

First rider was my Finnish student who has only been kiting for a couple of weeks. She is 50kg and is just venturing into the surf. She found it very quick and lots of 'grunt'. The bar was easy to reach for her shortish arms. Depower is not 100% like other brands. Releasing the bar unloads a lot of power but not all. This meant her not having to haul on the chicken rope to get the bar back, but having to relearn her slide turns.

She couldn't test the relaunch because she didn't crash it!!

My go at 18 knots. I was a little underpowered in the surf because of the sweep and my choice of board (133 Twintip). Jumping when powered was insane compared to my Ion2 8.5m. I estimate at least double the hang time. This kite didn't seem to want to let me down. Parked the kite at the edge and had no worries getting upwind.

Turning was quick as you'd expect from a small kite and loops were fast. Bar pressure seems to be similar to the Ion2 which I like. The Ion3 went too light.

No fluttering on loops or through the power zone.

My first impression is that this kite is better than the Ion 3.

With SE winds forecast next week I will be able to compare it to my old Ion2 8.5m.
Anyone who knows me at Caloundra will know that I am very attached to my Ion2 and any kite that can make me change must be ok. Hopefully bigger jumping without the hospital visits!!

I will add more detail to this review as I fly this kite in different conditions. My first impression is satisfying and happy with my purchase.

I am happy to answer and questions or address any criticism.

If I remember rightly I also had you for a lesson or two!

you can reattach the valve with a hot iron but be careful. Ion 2's had a problem with the glue attaching the valves to the bladder. I have replaced all of my Ion2 leading edge bladders. The newer ones were warranty replacements.

The sweep was with the wind as Always at Currimundi Lake. If you wanna test fly, come and try it. There is a Ion4 8.5m demo for sale at kitethrills. Only flown once.