Frequently Asked
Questions
What is the concept of the ION FUSE
DRYSUIT ?
––– High end premium drysuit for above water sports such as
kiting, windsurfing, wakeboarding, surfing, SUP etc. This ground
breaking technology invented by ION now comes with a P_Zip
and Detachable_Hood.
The clever synergy between a conventional snug fit Neoprene
suit and the baggy style nylon fabric drysuits makes this
unique concept probably the warmest suit you have ever worn.
Suddenly your season on the water has 12 months. Try it first
before you judge – read why!
What´s so good about the new FUSE
DRYSUIT ?
––– Warm: The 4.0-3.0mm thick loose-fit neoprene shell serves
for best heat retention possible in extremely icy conditions.
Much less extra thermal underwear is needed!
––– Elastic: Flexible Neoprene construction allows awesome
wearing comfort and less bulky fit which prevents restriction of
movement especially for hardcore tricks and swimming.
––– Dry: Highly waterproof due to new premium TI ZIP ®
Master_Seal dryzipper, improved highly elastic SEA MTITE ®
bottleneck Latex cuffs and fully glued blind-stitched seams with
additional seam tapes.
––– Safe: As Neoprene supports floatation on the water, it
helps you not to drown in an emergency situation. Even if there
is a small water leakage in the suit the Neoprene shell still
provides some thermal insulation to save you. Please also read
safety instructions carefully at the end of this manual!
Why is the FUSE made of Neoprene?
––– Basically two reasons: First of all because Neoprene has
superior heat retention properties compared to Nylon fabric.
Second reason is the outstanding flexibility of Neoprene!
Nylon does not stretch and therefore restricts the freedom of
movement.
Our FUSE DRYSUIT fits less bulky than a baggy Nylon
suit, but more loose fit compared to a conventional snug-fit
Neoprene wetsuit. Therefore you feel completely unrestricted in
any way. Dressing up is super convenient and actually it feels
much more like wearing a comfortable overall rather than a
tight wetsuit!
Is the FUSE really so much warmer?
––– Yes, you bet! In combination with our new ION functional
quick-drying underwear the FUSE DRYSUIT will probably be the
warmest suit you will ever wear in your life.
We found out that wearing the FUSE , your body saves so
much extra heat for the extremities, that you will feel surprisingly
warm in your hands, feet and head. No more deep-frozen
fingers barely able to grab anything like a bar or boom and
feeling nothing but pain.
Also, compare the FUSE with a Nylon suit when you are
actually swimming in freezing cold water for a while. The thick
layer of 4.0mm Neoprene insulation always keeps the water in
a save distance to your skin to reduce heat loss by convection.
FUSE DRYSUIT FA Q
Now compare it to the thin layer of Nylon and you understand
why you instandly feel the cold creeping into your body!
Is it really dry ?
––– Yes, but you cannot expect the same as from a diving drysuit
for example, even though it is a very similar construction.
We use the same SEA MTITE ® bottleneck Latex cuffs and all
seams are glued blind-stitched and have additional 10 meters
seam tape for water sealing. The double lined Sup ra_Tex
and D_Fence Nylon jersey protects you against rips. In case of
leakage, Neoprene still provides some thermal insulation and
can be repaired easily.
––– So providing you grease and close the zipper properly,
the FUSE is dry. Only when staying in water for a longer time
for example a bit of moisture might soak through due to the
permanent movement and capillar action especially on the
ankle cuffs. This is nothing unusual and normally not a real
problem on the water. It can be improved if the latex cuffs really
are tight and by applying some Vaseline or similar onto the skin
area of the cuffs.
What do I wear under a dry suit?
––– Always wear functional first-layer underwear such as our
new ION Quickdry_Underwear tops and pants made of
quick drying antibacterial double-layer-Polyester. Even though
you will always sweat it will keep your skin feel pretty dry and
comfortable because the sweat gets drawn away from the skin
surface.
––– Additional thermal fleece garment provides extra warmth if
needed. Avoid naked skin or cotton underwear, because it only
sucks up the sweat and makes your skin freeze.
Why is the FUSE Dry suit a bit heavier
than Ny lon dry suits?
––– Yes, of course the FUSE is heavier than a Nylon suit –
that’s because it is completely made of highly insulating Neoprene,
so do not compare apples with pears. It also includes
useful pockets and a smart detachable hood. But this new
concept offers so much more warmth in comparison, which
a conventional Nylon suit never can achieve.
Remember, the thin Nylon shell basically does not provide
any heat retention – you always have to wear very thick thermo
insulation underneath (plus a hood) to keep you warm at all.
Add it all up and you find out, all the stuff is not much lighter
and you are still freezing.
Also do not judge the weight only by holding it up with your
arm! Before you judge, try it on and you´ll find out, it does not
feel heavy at all once you wear it – even on the water when it
is wet!
Why should I put grease on the dry zipper?
––– Even though the new TI ZIP® Master_Seal dryzipper
doesn´t necessarily need it anymore, lubrication improves
proper coupling of the chain when opening or closing the zipper
and keeps it tight! It makes it slide much easier all the way to
the end of the zipper-garage and prevents the zipper-chains
from snapping apart.
So invest a few seconds before using the drysuit and
take the little grease tube delivered with the drysuit (or any
other acid free grease or oil) to lubricate the zipper properly.
Just think of other situations in life, where lubrication can be
essential for success …
What can I do in case the zipper did
come apart?
––– Well, normally this can only happen, when the zipper was
not greased properly or abused in a way it shouldn´t. Always
use lubrication and do not apply too much force or pull it in
a wrong direction! Always let someone help you closing and
opening the zipper smoothly along the line, then you are fine!
If it does snap apart though, do not freak out – usually the
zipper can be fully fixed with moderate force as it is descibed
on the zipper manual or on the www.tizip.com website!
How do I use the Latex cuffs?
––– Our SEA MTITE ® bottleneck Latex cuffs on the neck, wrists
and feet are highly elastic seals to prevent any water to leak
in. They are very thin and sensitive, so treat them with care!
When sliding through the cuffs, avoid sharp fingernails and
excessive force.
First slide through the ankle cuffs, then second the wrists
before sticking your head through the neck cuff. It works surprisingly
easy when you pull open the neck cuff with both hands
when sliding through. Do not push through with brute force.
When storing the drysuit for longer time, please put some
Talcum powder on all Latex cuffs for conservation to keep them
smooth and elastic. In case of damaged Neoprene or ripped
Latex cuff please always contact a professional surf-/sailing or
divingshop specialized on Neoprene repair service.
Can I cut the Latex cuffs to adjust my
neck size?
––– Yes, very simple! The Latex cuffs come in a pretty tight
dimension to also fit slim people. To ensure perfect waterproofness
and wearing comfort please customize the Latex
cuff opening to the size especially on your neck. It must be
fairly tight to be waterproof, but should not choke breathing
or blood circulation. Note, cuffs are getting wider after a while
and it feels much less choking once on the water than trying
it at home.
First stretch apart all cuffs with both hands to make them
softer before trying out the fitting. If they are still too tight
simply fold the cuff flat and hold it without too much tension
with both hands. A second person should use sharp scissors
to trim the cuff along the small ribs. Attention: try out the fit in
small 5mm steps – otherwise it is too loose and water will leak
inside!
How do I use the hood?
––– The body loses quite a bit of heat on your head – that´s
why the FUSE has a smart hood, which you can wear on the
beach and even while riding on the water! It also works very
well in combination with an additional ION Neo Beanie or Neo
Hood.
Simply put it over your head and pull the front elastic cord
to seal your face. Then pull on the elastic drawcord on the
back of your head to adjust the tension. It will keep the hood
wrapped tightly around your head and keep your eyesight open
while turning your head to left and right!
If you don´t like wearing the hood, you can simply fold the
top part into the hood and use it as a large wind shield standup
collar on the back of your neck. There are several drain
holes cut into the hood for water release after submerging. The
FUSE 2012 got an improved hood which can be detatched by
snapbuttons when not needed.
What safety precautions are important?
––– Riding in icy conditions can easily lead to life-threatening
situations! You ride at your own risk, so know what you are
doing and never risk your life or others! Never ride alone, so
that you can help each other quickly in case of emergency.
Always let someone assist you when closing and opening the
back zipper to make sure it is securely locked at the zipper end
and definitely closed tightly. Never try to close or open the zipper
by yourself! This can lead to a seriously dangerous situation
later on the water because icy water floods into the suit in case
the zipper accidentally snaps open.
––– You can release some trapped air inside the drysuit before
riding. Submerge your body in the water half way and open the
neck cuff just slightly, till it feels comfortable, not too tight and
not too bloated. This also prevents potential of flipping over
with your legs floating up over your body!
How do I care for the suit in general?
–– Please check general care instructions on the inside of the
suit. After use always turn inside out and rinse thoroughly with
fresh water and a mild soap. Then hang it on a wide hanger for
complete drying. Once dry, you can turn it back on the right
side out to let it dry too. This will avoid smelly odor from little
botanical biotopes growing in your suit!
When storing the drysuit for longer time, please put some
Talcum powder on all Latex cuffs for conservation to keep them
smooth and elastic. Store it in a dry place without sunlight
hanging on a broad hanger. Never expose to sunlight to dry the
suit – UV radiation will damage the Neoprene and Latex cuffs
most severely!
Release of liability
––– The ION FUSE DRYSUIT is specifically made to protect
you riding in extremely cold weather conditions. Nevertheless:
this does not eliminate the potential hazards of riding in icy
temperatures. It still can be highly dangerous to your health and
life if things go wrong! You ride at your own risk, so know what
you are doing and never risk your life or others.
Bare in mind that there is always a possibility of getting
a leak in the suit by accident, impact, malfunction or misuse.
Any rupture, broken seam / Latex cuffs or rippped open zipper
might cause instant flooding of the suit with ice-cold water. The
consequences can be extremely dangerous and might result in
a life threatening situation of hypothermia and drowning.
So, always check the complete suit carefully for ruptures,
damages and potential malfunctions before you go on the water.
If there are any signs of damage or weaknesses, have it
checked by a professional surf-/sailing or divingshop specialized
on Neoprene and drysuit repair service.
The biggest danger is always personal overestimation of
your own´s capabilities and ignoring potential hazards. Always
use common sense according to the present conditions and
don´t ride too far out on the open water. Make sure you can return
safely back to shore by your own in case of an emergency
situation. NEVER RIDE ALONE! Always make sure you can call
for instant help from other riders on the water.
––– You agree that you have fully read and understood
this manual. You freely accept that ION cannot take on any
resposibility for the inherent risks, dangers and hazards involved
in using this ION product.
For further help, please contact your local dealer or visit our
website. All information subject to change without notice.
ion-products.com
