Flexifoil Ion Iv (4) 2009 Review 
The all new Flexifoil Ion 4 is a kite aimed at intermediate flyers to advanced pilots. It’s two different flying styles 5line ‘C’ shape or 4 line SLE setup can almost accommodate all riding styles and conditions.
Setting the Ion up first time was a doddle. Unwind lines, inflate and attach lines. It’s one-pump system really does cut down on setup time. The kite comes with the 4 line SLE setup already attached and with the ‘C’ kite attachments in the top of the Ion4 bag which is one of the best looking yet simple kite bags I have seen. The 5th line kit is optional. I fly both 8.5 and 12.5 on the 4line, SLE ‘freestyle’ setting on the kite, which offers less grunt but more lift, hangtime and a faster turn. On the ‘freeride’ setting I found there was less lift, less hangtime but an awful lot more grunt! The ‘freeride’ setup would really benefit wave riders or people not looking for massive air or hangtime. Unfortunately I don’t have the 5thline with my two, however the standard safety does the job, kills almost all the power and will leave the kite resting at the side of the wind window ready for relaunch. One thing that really stands out about the new Ions are the hot new graphics. They really are nice to look at and be seen flying.
The 12.5 is surprisingly quick for its size and loves to downloop out of big airs and tricks. It’s also got an awesome amount of unhooked pop, my first unhooked jump came as a surprise as I was dangling 8ft in the air thinking “wow, I wasn’t expecting that!”. Luckily the ion4 bar has huge amounts of grip and is comfy to hold. Hooked in as well the pop is still very impressive. It’s also a very stable kite, suitable for inland flying. The low end of the 12.5 is also very impressive. There is a ‘sweet spot’ in the sky where the kite will just sit happily in low winds and pull like a train. I feel the lack of a centre strut helps with the low end. There is plenty of hangtime making it a kite for quickly and easily progressing onto new tricks. Land windrange: 8- 25mph
Downers: Reverse launch on land whilst setup on 4lineS (SLE): The Ions reverse launch has improved from the Ion3’s, but does take some pulling on the back lines. On water I feel people may struggle a little to reverse launch it due to the leading edge sticking to the water. I haven't yet flown my Ion 4’s on the water yet to test out the reverse launch on 4lines, but I have seen it done. I would probably recommend kitesurfers investing in the 5th line in case they found the reverse launch a real issue.
The 8.5 has to be my favourite size. It starts to get real good in winds 18mph+. Again lots of unhooked and hooked in pop and shares much the same characteristics. One thing that really does surprise me is the hangtime. On most LEI’s under 10m the hangtime tends to be pretty naff but I was pleasantly surprised. Again, I think the missing centre strut really helps increase hangtime. Kiteloops. The 8.5 really does loop well in strong winds. It doesn’t want to yank you forward at silly speeds and dump you like most kites. As it loops from the zenith through the powerzone it really whips you up into the sky and catches you as you come down to land. It’s an awesome feeling. Land windrange: 12-35mph
Downers: The relaunch on 4line SLE setup is again very hard to reverse launch on land, so kitesurfers I would look at the 5th line setup. Also the bar pressure on the 8.5 seems to increase from the 12.5 which can be a little off putting when u are flying both kites back to back.
I have slammed the Ions a few times on land and they seem very strong and durable and will last you a good few seasons.
A problem I have noticed now on the Ion 4’s is that due to the missing centre strut the inflate and deflate valves rub against the centre panel material when the kite is on the ground. This could reduce the lifetime of the kite because of the valves rubbing. I have used the ripstop repair kit that comes with the Ions to create a patch where only the ripstop will get rubbed, rather than the kites center panel. As you can see from the picture it’s relatively easy to do. I would highly recommend owners do this.
All in all I rate this kite very highly. Lots of pop, lift and hangtime which can be tuned out depending on your style. What more could you want? Perfect for all intermediate to pro riders!
Greg Chilton - ATBshop / Kitesurfing Store Team Rider.