Brand: ION
Retailer: Worthing Watersports – the UK’s ION specialist store.
During the Boards & More dealer meeting in Dakhla, Morocco, we sat down with Julian from ION’s product team to run through the full 2026 harness line-up. In the video it’s me, Sam Latham (owner of Worthing Watersports) talking you through what’s new, what’s changed, and which harness is right for which rider. ION has a big range this year – seat harnesses, waist harnesses, hybrid and women’s models – so this guide is here to help you pick the right one.
All the harnesses below are available to order from our website, and you can also request a free sizing device or come into the shop to get correctly fitted.
Video: Full ION Harness Walkthrough
🎥 Watch the full video overview here (with Sam & Julian): embed / link your YouTube video here.
Why the 2025 Range Is Different
Main goal: make it easier to choose the right harness for your riding style (kite / windsurf / foil), body shape, and bar preference.
Key updates: the new Spectre 2.0 bar, more hardshells using non-water-absorbing EVA foam, and more women’s-specific fits.
Important: some hardshells are available in tall versions – getting the right height means less back strain and better support.
Seat Harnesses (Beginner to Foil)
Vega & Echo: entry-level style seat harnesses, ideal if you’re progressing in kitesurfing or windsurfing and want something supportive that won’t ride up.
Radar & Octane: more supportive seat harnesses, great for riders who stay on seat harnesses long term.
Sonar: hybrid, foil-orientated seat harness – perfect if you’re into kite foiling and want low, stable pull.
B2: the bestselling “boardshort style” seat harness – B2 gives you the support of a seat harness but looks and feels more casual.
Softshell & Hybrid Waist Harnesses
Axis: entry-level kite / windsurf waist harness, softshell, comfortable, and there’s an optional leg strap setup to stop it riding up (this is mentioned in the video at around 4:35).
Rival: more premium softshell that already comes with the new Spectre 2.0 bar. Great all-rounder if you don’t need a full hardshell.
Apex (kite) & Radium (windsurf): these are the hybrid models – half softshell, half hardshell, giving you good freedom but more back support. Apex is tuned for kiting; Radium is tuned for windsurfing.
Hardshell Range (Riot, Icon, Spectre)
Riot: the go-to ION hardshell for kitesurfers. Solid back support, stable, now using the new EVA foam interior which doesn’t absorb water.
Icon: the windsurf equivalent of the Riot – same idea, tuned for windsurfing loads.
Riot Lite: brand new, lighter version of the Riot. The EVA foam grips your wetsuit so the harness doesn’t twist, and because it doesn’t take on water it stays light throughout your session.
Spectre (full carbon): the new premium ION hardshell waist harness. Ultra-stiff carbon shell, EVA foam that stays dry, built for riders who want maximum support without the harness riding up.
The New Spectre 2.0 Bar
Why it’s good: it’s easily removable and swappable, so if you switch between twin tip and surfboard setups you can change bar types quickly.
Side flaps: the bar has plastic side “wings” that stop it rotating up into your chest and keep the harness locked down.
Included on: Riot Lite, Spectre, and also appears on other 2025 premium models.
Sizing, Tall Versions & Getting It Right
I talk about this in the video because it’s important: some of the hardshell ION harnesses come in tall versions. If you’re long in the torso, a standard harness can dig in or pull in the wrong place. The tall option spreads the load properly and reduces back fatigue.
Best option: order one of the free ION measuring devices from us or pop in-store so we can size you up.
Book an in-store harness fitting
Women’s ION Harnesses
Muse: women’s softshell, similar to the men’s Rival – comfy, flexible, great for general kite use.
Nova (kite) & Jade (windsurf): women’s hybrid models, the female version of Apex / Radium – more support, better shaping at the hips.
Soul (kite) & Jewel (windsurf): premium women’s hardshells. These use the Spectre 2.0 bar and are specifically designed for the female body shape. In the video there’s a section with a pro rider talking about why the Soul works so well.
Video Chapters / Timestamps
- 0:00 – Intro
- 0:52 – Vega & Echo
- 1:32 – Radar & Octane
- 1:48 – Spectre 2.0 Bar
- 2:45 – Sonar (kite foil seat harness)
- 2:56 – B2 harness shorts
- 3:40 – Axis entry-level waist harness
- 4:35 – Optional leg straps
- 6:00 – Rival (premium softshell, with Spectre 2.0)
- 6:49 – Which harness comes with which bar
- 7:00 – Apex (kite) & Radium (windsurf)
- 8:00 – Riot & Icon hardshells
- 10:14 – Tall sizing options
- 11:32 – Extra softshell options
- 12:20 – Riot Lite (lightweight, EVA foam)
- 12:30 – Extra pads for Riot/Icon
- 14:00 – Spectre full carbon harness
- 15:20 – Women’s harnesses intro
- 15:41 – Muse
- 15:51 – Nova & Jade
- 16:15 – Soul & Jewel (premium women’s hardshell)
- 16:33 – Kite vs windsurf harness differences
- 17:27 – Pro rider on the ION Soul
- 19:00 – Recap & come into the shop
Which Harness Should I Buy?
If you’re new / want no ride-up: Vega, Echo, Radar, or B2.
If you want soft, comfy, and all-round: Axis or Rival.
If you’re riding harder or windsurfing: Apex (kite) or Radium (windsurf).
If you want maximum back support: Riot, Icon, or the full-carbon Spectre.
If you’re a female rider: start with the Muse, then look at Nova/Jade for more support, or Soul/Jewel for premium hardshell.
Order from Worthing Watersports
We stock the full ION harness range and can order in anything from Boards & More. If you’re unsure on size, bar choice, or whether a kite harness can double as a windsurf harness (short answer: yes, in most cases), just get in touch.
Shop Kitesurf Harnesses Shop Windsurf Harnesses
Phone: 01903 247742
Email: info@worthingwatersports.com
Order today from Worthing Watersports – the UK’s ION specialist store.