ION Kitesurf harness guide

KITEBOARDING HARNESSES

At ION, our kite harness collection offers something for every rider, with options ranging from waist harnesses to seat harnesses. The first choice is between these two styles: waist harnesses for dynamic freedom and advanced performance, or seat harnesses for added support and comfort.

Within our waist harnesses, you’ll find a variety of shell constructions, each designed to cater to different riding preferences. Explore our guide below to learn more and find the perfect harness for you.

Choose by construction

ION Kiteboarding harness guide specs hardshell

Hard shell

Fully Curv

Hardshell harnesses provide a stiff, direct riding feel, making them ideal for riders who push their limits with speed and height. All ION Curv hardshell harnesses are equipped with innovative 3D Fit Technology, offering intermediate sizing options and the exchangeable Ergo_Pad to ensure a perfectly tailored, custom fit for every rider.

ION Kiteboarding harness guide specs hybridshell

Hybrid shell

Curv spine

The hybrid construction combines the back support of the stiff Curv spine with flexible softshell elements, delivering an ideal balance of support and comfort. Additionally, all hybrid harnesses feature the exchangeable Ergo_Pad, providing extra protection for your lower back.

ION Kiteboarding harness guide specs softshell

Soft shell

Freedom of movement & comfort

Softshell harnesses are the most flexible option, offering superior comfort and maximum freedom of movement. They are perfect for both beginners and advanced riders seeking a snug yet comfortable fit.

Three-panel image showing close-ups of a black wetsuit with ION branding, featuring a back support belt in various lighting and angles.
Carbon or Curv construction

Hard shell harnesses

Choose a waist harness with rigid back support for better load distribution and enhanced control during jumps.

CONSTRUCTION

ION hard shell harness come with different back plates made from Carbon, Curv or laser-cut Curv. These different materials ensure all the benefits and strong support from a hardshell harness and combine it with their own specific perks.

WEIGHT

Lightweight construction with non-absorbend cushioning on the inside.

FIT

A perfect fit is essential for both performance and health. When your harness fits like a glove, you’ll barely notice it’s there. All hard shell harnesses feature a version of our Ergo_Pad.

How to find the right hard shell harness

We extended our hard shell kite harness range with different constructions of Curv and Carbon. Each comes with their own specific advantages. Check our our comprehensive comparison to find out more.

SPECTRERIOT CURVRIOT LIGHT
CONSTRUCTIONCarbon hard shell construction. The carbon fusion plate brings maximum rigidity offering excellent responsiveness and back support.The Riot Curv comes with a complete 3D molded Curv hard shell, which results in strong back support.The Riot Light comes with a perforated 3D molded Curv hard shell,offering back support with slightly more flex.
STIFFNESS (1-20)201413
FOAMFull EVA Hydro_Cush Liner. Elevated side parts offer a snug fit. Viscous elastic Hyper_Foam that creates an ergonomic fit without soaking up water.Full EVA Hydro_Cush Liner. Elevated side parts offer a snug fit. The integrated Ergo_Pad protects the spine from injuries and excessive impacts.
BARSpectre Bar 2Spectre Bar 2Spectre Bar 2
3D FIT TECHNOLOGYThe integrated Ergo_Pad protects the spine from injuries and excessive impacts.Two exchangeable Ergo_Pads protecting the spine from heavy impacts and injuries. Available in intermediate sizes to optimally accommodate all back lengths. The integrated Ergo_Pad protects the spine from injuries and excessive impacts.
EXTRA SAFETYKite Knife Multitool 2.0 including double bit with TX 20 and PH3Kite Knife Multitool 2.0 including double bit with TX 20 and PH3Kite Knife Multitool 2.0 including double bit with TX 20 and PH3
WEIGHT DRY (Size M with Spreader bar)1650 g1750 g1550 g
PRICE$$$$$$$$$$
ATHLETE'S FAVOURITELasse WalkerAndrea PrincipiEdgar Ulrich, Matchu Lopes
curv hardshell
HARD SHELL
ergo_pad
ERGO_PAD
spectre bar 2
SPECTRE BAR 2
ultra light
ULTRA LIGHT
ION Kiteboarding harness guide_Hybrid shell harnesses
Curv spine

Hybrid shell harnesses

The hybrid construction combines rigid back support of the Curv spine with more flexible soft shell elements. Perfect for comfort & support.

CONSTRUCTION

3D molded spine made of tried and tested Curv material for extra ergonomic back support. Softer sides ensure freedom of movement & comfort.

WEIGHT

Elastic HD_Foam for a comfortable fit without soaking up water.

FIT

To counteract the soft parts and provide as much back support as possible, all ION hybrid shell harnesses come wioth a high profile outline. They also feature the exchangeable Ergo_Pad which let's you choose between two thicknesses to support your back according to your individual spine curvuture.

hybrid shell
CURV HYBRID SHELL
ergo_pad
ERGO_PAD
spectre bar 2
SPECTRE BAR 2
ultra light
ULTRA LIGHT
ION kiteboarding harnesses softshell
3D molded

Soft shell harnesses

ION Soft shell harnesses offer a snug, flexible construction that provides ultimate comfort without any discomfort or restrictions. As the softest option, they deliver exceptional comfort and freedom of movement. Perfect for both beginners and advanced riders looking for a comfortable, unrestricted fit.

CONSTRUCTION

The Softshell harness range consists of fully molded EVA offering good back support and comfort.

WEIGHT

Light construction with a clever mix of material. Elastic HD_Foam for a comfortable fit without soaking up water.

FIT

The 3D-molded soft shell design offers a snug and flexible fit that ensures ultimate comfort, free from any discomfort or restrictions.

softshell
SOFT SHELL
inside eva
INSIDE EVA
spectre bar 2
SPECTRE BAR 2*
lightweight
ULTRA LIGHT

*Muse, Rival come with Spectre Bar 2, Axxis with Spectre Bar