Have had one of the first dakine, then the mystic firestarter 2008 and both were killing my hips, even when riding with a rash. Got a Warrior 3 (2011) last year, with its special soft material and it's definitely much better, can now ride hours without any burn. Feel stiff but comfy enough, though I guess it's personal preference.

There are fore sure other good ones out there but you can go wrong with the warrior, and if you can find the 2011 model no need to spend money on the new one.
As usual with kite gear try a lot of them if you can, I know I didn't like the mystic shadow for instance. And serious shops should let you have a try on the water.

Just as a note a good mate has had a flying object, very comfy but sewing of the elastic parts falling apart after a few months, was a 2010 model I think.

I have the ION Vertrex, current model. Use it mainly in the waves and bought it because it is fully neoprene, no moulded foam that gives the rash on your hips. They use the foam to help stop the harness sliding, the opposite of what you want waveriding.
This is a basic harness, no extra straps to hold the hook down. It moves freely anywhere, up, down, left and right so if you want a more locked in hook it probably isn't the harness for you. It does ride up but falls down as soon as the kite is back in the right position.
Tried the Mystic Shadow but it wouldn't slide for me when going to toeside. I like the look of the Naish Misson too, didn't get to try it but it has the neoprene in the right places, not over your hips.

Only tried two current model harnesses.

Dakine Renegade:
Didn't like the Dakine strap setup. They feel like they're a cheap kind of material, really abrasive and stiff. Also pretty long.

Ion Hummer (which I own):
Great build quality and love the soft edges around the hips. The spreader bar pad strap arrangement works well at keeping the spreader bar from riding up. Had it for 6 months and still looks perfect. Best harness I have owned.

The5MetreKid said...

...i ended up getting a Mystic warrier 3...

This harness never worked for me, just chewed away my hips and after two days straight, 'pain v enjoyment' made it not worthwhile...



This is based off using it in the surf if that makes any difference!?