The ION 3 is a large jump better than the previous ION's...it retains all the great characteristics of the old ION, low cross course effort, carries speed through the turn...but betters it with very equal on/offside turns, and it is by FAR extremely forgiving compared to the previous ION's and any of the other D3 quiver
In comparison to the NEO the ION is much better at carrying speed through the turn and bringing you further to the wakes before you 'feel' any load from the boat, the 'work' area is shortened, and as previously said the ION is more forgiving overall