RPatrick

I am interested in this answer as well. If they are not the same bar, then the next question is whether or not a stock ION bar can be used with an ATOM without modification.

When you say "Professionals" I assume you are talking about sponsored riders. This is just a guess, but I am thinking the pros may not have a choice as to what type of kite they ride. Are they not required by their sponsor to ride a certain brand and style of kite ?

Pretty sure that is because of the low cost. That does not mean they are the best kite.

If I was going to buy a kite right now I would be looking at the hybrids.

Based on what I have heard from the shop that sold me my 12 M ION and other riders, the 48 cm bar is better for the 12. The 54 cm bar does work ok though. In the end it is a matter of personal preference. If you have not yet flown the kite, take a look at some of the tuning tip threads in this forum. In stock condition, the kite may stall or go backwards on you until you get your line lengths tuned. http://community.flexifoil.com/showthread.php?t=98100

Since his power lines have stretched so much, his setting may not be optimal for a newer kite. Lengthening the pigtails on the back steering lines will accomplish the exact same thing as shortening the chicken line. For example, many say to shorten the chicken line by 2 inches, so lengthening the back lines by 2 inches on each side will have the same effect.

I found this here: http://www.kitesurfingschool.org/tuning.htm Most modern 4 line inflatables have multiple connection points (usually 2) for the the front lines and back lines. -Use the "front most" front attachment for more depowering capability -Use the "back most" front attachment for more power on the harness line (chicken loop line) -Use the "back most" back attachment for fast turning of the kite -Use the "front most" back attachment for slow turning of the kite Overall, use the connection points further apart for more control and wider wind range. Use the connection points closer together for more stability and lesser bar sensitivity.

Learning about these adjustments on your own can make for a little too much excitement ! After launching the kite I got in the water quickly. I guided the kite up and when I pulled in the bar the kite sank back down directly into the power zone. Then I pushed the bar away to depower and the kite rocketed straight up and took me on my first real ride ! It smoothly lifted me completely out of the water and then floated me back down. It felt great but was eye opening about just how powerful these kites are and how quickly things can happen. I am anxious to make the adjustments and get back out there !

Thanks for the comments guys. This is my first depowerable kite and information like this is extremely helpful. I like the idea about adding length to the rear lines. I did not notice a problem with the bar travel or strap distance, so I may just keep that setup the same and add to the back lines. Cheers !

Thank You for posting that. I was out yesterday flying my stock ION 12 and the kite kept stalling and falling back with zero depower pulled on the strap. I assume with the stock settings that the kite is oversheeted with no strap pulled and the bar all the way in. This must be why a very popular tip is to shorten the chicken line.

What about the stock bridle setting ? The kite comes on bridle setting # 1. Is this optimal or should it be on # 2 for better flying ?

These guys in Florida love their IONs and they are pleased with the new part. Here is their thread with comments : http://www.extremekiteskiteboarding.com/viewtopic.php?t=285

Flexifoil now offers a replacement part that fixes this problem. http://www.oceanextremesports.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_29

The new Samba color looks terrible.

Yes, the kite in the photos looks way better than the three production choices. Whats up with that ? VERY HAPPY I've got my ION in Acid while I could get it.