Your Favourite Harness

[thankgodiatepastafobreaky]

I want to hear from people about their favourite harness. It is time for me to buy another one and not sure what to buy. I have had cheap waist harnesses that ride up to my chest, gone through 3 Nitrous seats and had 3 OR Sessions (years ago) and rode the Mystic Star hybrid waste/seat style last year. Hybrids are ok but can 'catch' you uncomfortably if you know what I mean and I still might want kids. I like the hook higher so your core is engaged with the kite control rather than the swing feeling of the seat where your upper body is free from the kite. So I think I am leaning toward an hybrid but have yet to find one comfortable for bony me, and like the waste but don't like it riding up. hhmm? Anyone try an Engine? What to do?

[juandesooka]

I've only used OR Session 2 and Liquid Force boardshort harness. So not really that experienced with a wide range of harnesses.

I lust after an Engine one, have heard nothing but glowing reports. But you pay quite dearly for the privilege.

No matter what harness you end up with, get a sliding hook! It makes a massive difference, free up your hips independent of kite. Try mine out one day if you want. I have the Dynabar. There's also the da kine slider (doesn't slide as cleanly but cheaper). And a bunch of DIY options with a rope and ferrule.

[Martin]

Best harness I have ever tried. Small size fits me and doesn't ride up much. You are welcome to try it out, Greg.

Bought from Mark at Baja Joe's ( of course).

[thankgodiatepastafobreaky]

thanks Martin! Looks bomber. what would that retail at?? I'm a 32" so would that size work?

[Martin]

I think it would fit. I am a 33, not in age but waist size.
I think it is about $240 if I remember correctly.
Best $240 I ever spent though!
Had the Mystic Shadow the past two years. Terrific harness but this one is even better by quite a bit.
m

[thankgodiatepastafobreaky]

Do you have the 2013 or 2014? Reviewers are talking about the very latest model doing away with the straps that keep the spreader bar down so it rides up a bit more than it used to.

Can I come by Mon at 2 or 3 for a test session neighbour? Looks like a big blow coming! NOAA says:"A GALE WATCH IS ISSUED WHEN THE RISK OF GALE FORCE WINDS OF 34 TO 47 KNOTS HAS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED.."

[Martin]

I am pretty sure it is a 2014. Yes, they changed the strap for the hook pad. Still there but now part of the clicker. neat solution.
The harness rides up less than the Shadow I had before, although neither ride up much.
As with so many things with kiting/windsurfing, you just have to be able to try it out. What works brilliantly for one person might be useless for another.
Monday is fine. Should be here all day.
Don't forget the $1,000,000 damage deposit!
m

[kitesurferdale]

Hey Greg,
Yes the mystics are probably the best harness I have tried and seen. There are a variety of styles, the one martin showed you there looks like the warrior 3, there is also the code3 which has a higher back and adjustable back support then there are also the seat harnesses as well. I also have a warrior 3 harness and it is soooooo comfortable. As you may be aware I have alot of Marks inventory here and he has 2013's still available. I love the spreader bar tie down thingy. Anyways if you want to try various styles I have pretty much the whole mystic lineup in all sizes I think so when your in town here next we can try some out if you like.

Dale

[ToesideT]

Like the OR sessions harnesses
Really like the Mystic
Really like the Dakines
But top marks for the ION. Far and away the best harness I have tried.
Got a stellar price on one from NorthShore Ski and Board last year.
Mabye check 'em out Rasta. I have the axis
http://www.ion-products.com/water/men/harnesses/
TK

[kitesurferdale]

Have Ion as well

[OtLunch]

I have not tried the latest Mystic generation harnesses with the updated spreader bar click in system.

I had 2x the 2nd generation ones and they kept failing and popping out while kiting. Thankfully they have the spreader bar tie down acts as a back up.

Someone at Cook St had this happen to them on Friday afternoon.

Currently I am using the OR Session 2 harness and really like the comfort, support, and general feel of it. I would like a quick release but prefer no quick release to one that fails. I have a M that you can try if you like.

I would love to try the new F One harness at some point. Same with some of the Ion's, and 3rd gen quick release Mystic. The Engine custom harness seems like a great idea but the reviews are over the top enthusiastic so I get the sense it's all bros pimping the product.

Be weary of Dakine spreader bars.....their welds are prone to failure where the hook meets the actual bar. Check it out closely before purchase.

[ambientrax]

DA KINE all the way, they have been making the longest, and have a handle on it.

[thankgodiatepastafobreaky]

my uncomfortable Mystic Star has the clicker bar and I wondered if it would ever come undone by accident! That is not a good situation and have had a huge knee injury from that happening before - a dakine bar breaking. So I think that secondary line to hold it down also doubles as a back up safety in cast it lets go. good to know! hhmm.. Mystic, Ion, Engine.... I'll see you soon Martin.

[ambientrax]

Dakine bar breaking??? not sure what you mean... the metal welds break? or something? or the strapping system that you connect too the bar get frayed?
Either way... never take your harness for granted... inspect it every time for wear and tear... personally, I will stick with Dakine... they make good gear.

[thankgodiatepastafobreaky]

Thanks Martin for the Mystic Warrior lend. It is a very strong supported feeling harness, unfortunately I found it rode up and too high on me usually after dunking myself in the ocean. Why can't they make one like that with the leg straps. Maybe time to try an new OR Session with straps.