G3 ION - User Manual

2898-6421
G3-AT2-E002 REV-D
2610-5747
G3-AT2-E002 REV-A
Important Warnings
a. The release setting requires a specialized understanding of multiple factors. Adjustments
to release settings should only be made by an authorized dealer. Any improper adjustment
of release setting by any unauthorized person will put the skier at risk of injury and void the
warranty.
b. Any custom modifications to the binding will invalidate the warranty, and could put the skier
at risk of injury.
c. Prior to each use the binding should be checked for any broken parts, correct release
function, and contamination. If anything is defective or broken please return the binding to
an authorized dealer for service.
d. Since skiing has inherent risks, do not overestimate your ability when describing your skiing
level to the authorized dealer who will set your release setting. If in doubt, underestimate
your ability, and return to the authorized dealer to have an increase in retention made.
e. Skiing the G3 ION binding without a ski brake or a ski leash can put others at risk, as well as
risk the loss of the ski and binding. A ski brake alone is not sufficient to protect against the
loss of a ski in deep snow. The use of a ski leash is not recommended in avalanche terrain.
f. Ski touring is a demanding sport in which environmental conditions and terrain can change
quickly and be hazardous. Obtain proper training and rescue equipment before ski touring,
and don’t overestimate your abilities. Always make use of all available weather and
avalanche condition information prior to touring. Never ski tour under the influence of any
drug or mind changing substance.
g. Never ski tour alone.
h. Due to the exposure to environmental conditions that are common during ski touring (ice,
snow, water, dirt) the release setting may change. Extended or incorrect storage can also
affect release setting. At the start of each season, the release setting should be checked
using specialized equipment at an authorized dealer.
i. Specialized alpine touring boots with “TECH” inserts are required for use with G3 ION
bindings. Any non compliant boot or excessively worn “TECH” inserts can alter the release
setting. The boot is an integral part of the release system. The release setting should be
checked using specialized equipment at an authorized dealer with the intended boot(s) for
use.
j. During transport, bindings can become contaminated with salt, dirt and other contaminants
that can alter or impair the release function. Cover your bindings during transport to reduce
this risk.
k. Any unintended use of the binding will void the warranty, and could put people at risk.
l. Use only genuine G3 accessories for ION bindings to ensure that the release setting or any
other design feature is not compromised.
m. Do not use a leash when in avalanche terrain.
Boot Compatibility
a. The ION bindings are only compatible with alpine touring ski boots (ISO 9523) with Tech
compatible inserts.
b. Bellowed touring boots or NTN type boots with TECH inserts are not currently supported;
the flex creates an unpredictable release environment.
c. For the most current information, videos and instructions on mounting and using your ION
bindings go to http://www.genuineguidegear.com.
d. For full G3 product warranty details please visit:
http://www.genuineguidegear.com/service/g3-product-warranty.
5. TIPS FOR USING THE ION BINDING
clear ice and snow
a. Before every descent, make it your practice to check for and clear
any snow under the toe assembly (P) and heel assembly (Q) prior
to skiing. After stepping into the toe, and before locking the heel
down into ski mode, it’s recommended to pivot the boot on the
toe pins a couple of times, to ensure any ice in the boot inserts
gets cut away.
using your pole to clear snow
b. Your ski pole can be used to clear snow from the binding (R).
Note: Do not scratch the binding while doing this.
switching from tour mode to ski mode
using your ski pole
c. You can use the end of your pole to lever off your boot to switch
the heel from ski tour mode into ski mode (S).
d. To connect the ION leash to its connector on the toe of the bind-
ing, connect the wire loop end of the ION leash by pushing the
loop through the connector. Then pull the carabiner through the
wire loop and snug it up.
e. When using the ION leash, clip the carabiner either directly to your
boot buckle, or to the included wire loops which you can girth
hitch to larger boot buckles. When in avalanche terrain, or some-
where you do not want to be leashed-in stow the leash by clipping
it to itself by the leash clip or remove it from the binding.
P
Q
R
S
Clear ice and snow from this area.
Clear ice and snow from this area.
Girth Hitch to Buckle
Leash connected to binding connector
Clear ice and snow from this area. Rotating the heel into ski mode.
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Toe Assembly
2. Heel Assembly - ION 10 & 12
3. Brake - ION 10 & 12
4. Heel Pins
5. Toe Pin
6. Toe Tour Mode Lever
7. Heel Lift
8. Heel Assembly - ION LT12
9. Leash (ION LT12 Only)
2.
3.
4.
1.
5.
6.
7.
Models: ION 10, ION 12, ION LT12
9.
8.
PATENTS #DE10201410960 1, #AT514518, #US9242167, #US9149710, #US8439389, #DE102016014950, #DE202009019128, #DE202009019109, #US9597578, # DE202009019178 & PATENTS PENDING

Summary

Tips for Using the ION Binding

Clear Ice and Snow

Ensuring bindings are clear of ice and snow before skiing.

Using Pole for Snow Removal

Utilizing a ski pole to clear snow from the binding components.

Switching Tour to Ski Mode

Procedure for transitioning the heel binding from tour to ski mode.

Leash Usage and Storage

Connecting, using, and stowing the ION binding leash for safety.

Important Warnings

Release Setting & Customization Risks

Warnings about release settings, unauthorized modifications, and boot compatibility.

Skiing Safety & Operational Risks

Risks of ski loss, terrain hazards, solo touring, and impairment.

Boot Compatibility

Supported Boot Types & Resources

Compatibility with TECH inserts, unsupported boots, and support links.

Switching from Ski Mode to Tour Mode

Changing Heel Assembly to Tour Mode

Rotating the heel assembly to the tour position, ensuring it clicks.

Changing Toe Assembly to Tour Mode

Positioning the toe assembly and engaging the tour mode lever.

Using the Heel Lifters

Heel Lifter Positioning for Terrain

Orienting heel lifters for flat, moderately steep, or steep terrain.

Ski Mode Operations

Rotating from Tour to Ski Mode

Transitioning the heel assembly from tour mode back to ski mode.

Step In Position

Correctly positioning the toe assembly before stepping into the binding.

Stepping Out of the ION Binding

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The G3 ION binding is a specialized alpine touring ski binding designed for use with ski boots featuring "TECH" inserts. It is available in models ION 10, ION 12, and ION LT12, offering different release settings and features. The binding facilitates both ski mode for downhill skiing and tour mode for uphill climbing, with a focus on safety, performance, and user convenience.

Function Description:

The ION binding serves as the critical interface between the skier's boot and ski, enabling efficient power transfer for skiing and secure attachment for touring. It comprises a toe assembly and a heel assembly.

• Toe Assembly: This part secures the front of the boot. In ski mode, it provides lateral release in the event of a fall. In tour mode, it can be locked to prevent accidental release during uphill travel. The toe assembly features toe pins that engage with the boot's tech inserts and a "BootStop" for proper boot positioning. A toe tour mode lever allows for switching between locked and unlocked states in tour mode.
• Heel Assembly: This component secures the rear of the boot. In ski mode, it provides vertical release and is responsible for the binding's release setting. For ION 10 and 12 models, it includes a ski brake that automatically deploys when the boot is released. The heel assembly also incorporates heel lifters, which can be adjusted to three different heights (low, medium, high) to accommodate varying terrain inclines during uphill touring. The ION LT12 model features a different heel assembly design, optimized for lightweight touring and does not include an integrated brake.
• Ski Brake (ION 10 & 12 Only): This mechanism deploys automatically upon boot release to prevent the ski from sliding away. It is an essential safety feature for downhill skiing.
• Leash (ION LT12 Only): The ION LT12 model, lacking an integrated brake, includes a leash for securing the ski to the boot. This prevents ski loss, especially in deep snow. The leash connects to a dedicated connector on the toe of the binding.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Boot Compatibility: The ION bindings are exclusively compatible with alpine touring ski boots (ISO 9523) that feature Tech-compatible inserts. Bellowed touring boots or NTN type boots with TECH inserts are not supported due to the unpredictable release environment they create.
• Release Setting: The binding's release setting is a critical safety parameter that must be adjusted by an authorized dealer based on multiple factors, including skier weight, height, age, and skiing ability. Improper adjustment can lead to injury and voids the warranty.
• Materials: While not explicitly detailed, the binding's construction utilizes materials designed for durability, lightweight performance, and resistance to environmental factors like ice, snow, and dirt.

Usage Features:

• Switching from Ski Mode to Tour Mode:
  • Heel Assembly: The heel assembly is rotated so that the heel pins face to the side. For ION 10 & 12, the brake needs to be slightly depressed during rotation to avoid finger obstruction.
  • Toe Assembly: The toe assembly is placed in "step in position" with the toe tour mode lever pushed down and jaws open. The boot is then stepped into the jaws with a forward sliding motion.
  • Locking for Tour Mode: Once the boot is in the toe piece, firmly step down on the brake (ION 10 & 12) or lift the toe tour mode lever to its tightest setting (all models) to lock the toes. It's crucial to note that skiing with the toe tour lock lever engaged in "ski" mode is not recommended as it effectively removes safety release features and can put the skier at risk of injury or death, also voiding the warranty.
• Using Heel Lifters: Three levels of heel lifters (low, medium, high) are available for uphill climbing. They can be adjusted by flicking them forward with a hand or ski pole.
• Switching from Tour Mode to Ski Mode:
  • Heel Assembly: For ION 10 & 12, the brake is held down while rotating the heel assembly so the pins face forward and the brake deploys. For ION LT12, the ski is held while rotating the heel assembly so the pins face forward. Springs aid in the rotation.
  • Stepping In: The toe assembly is placed in "step in position" with the toe lever pushed down and jaws open. The boot is stepped into the jaws with a forward sliding motion, aiming for the central BootStop. Once the toe piece snaps firmly, the heel is stepped down firmly to engage the heel pins with the boot heel insert.
• Stepping Out of the Binding: Simply press down on the tour mode lever with a pole or hand and raise the boot toe. Then, pivot the boot toe left or right to release from the heel pins.
• Leash Connection (ION LT12 Only): The wire loop end of the leash is pushed through the connector on the toe of the binding, and the carabiner is pulled through the wire loop to snug it up. The carabiner can be clipped to a boot buckle or included wire loops. In avalanche terrain, the leash should be stowed by clipping it to itself or removed.

Maintenance Features:

• Clear Ice and Snow: Before every descent, it is essential to check for and clear any snow or ice from under the toe and heel assemblies. After stepping into the toe, pivoting the boot on the toe pins a couple of times helps cut away any ice in the boot inserts. A ski pole can also be used to clear snow from the binding, taking care not to scratch it.
• Pre-Use Check: Prior to each use, the binding should be checked for broken parts, correct release function, and contamination. Any defects or damage require returning the binding to an authorized dealer for service.
• Seasonal Check: Due to environmental exposure (ice, snow, water, dirt) and storage conditions, the release setting can change. At the start of each season, the release setting should be checked using specialized equipment at an authorized dealer.
• Transport: During transport, bindings can become contaminated with salt, dirt, and other contaminants that can impair release function. Covering the bindings during transport is recommended to reduce this risk.
• Authorized Service: All adjustments to release settings and any custom modifications must be performed by an authorized dealer to maintain warranty validity and ensure skier safety.
• Genuine Accessories: Only genuine G3 accessories should be used with ION bindings to ensure that release settings and other design features are not compromised.

G3 ION Specifications

General

Brand	G3
Model	ION
Category	Sports & Outdoors
Language	English