I've had a few waist harness, you try them on in the shop they feel great, you go out riding after 10 mins the up under your armpits even though you've tightened them up so y can't breathe, of all the ones I've had id say the mystic warriors are the best, but maybe a bit too good if y into waves, as some like a bit of rotation in the harness for wave riding, body shape would also play a big part

I really like the Naish Kevin Langree model harness - bought it a few months ago, feels pretty solid, bar doesn't ride up, pad is good, def a big improvement on my 3 year old Dakine Pyro!!!

Yeh you have to try them out, they all have different designs. Me, I have a belief they all ride up, even if eventually.

Seat harness with a dyna bar for me, not back aches, pulls from where it should. But that's old man eppo talking of course.

I find a good impact vest gets rid of the riding up harness. If i take a huge fall the impact vest rides up a bit but it's not as bad as a harness around the armpits. The vest also distributes the load of the harness which makes a longer session more comfortable

I,v had Mystic Warrior & Ion Hummer,s and now using the Dakine Renegade.
All three are great in the surf but I like the extra features you have on the Renegade.

Mystic warrior 2
Super commfy
Comes witha knife as well which is handy for protection against pirates.
Only problem it doesnt rotate so well for riding toe side

RPM said...



Go to local shop
Try on harnesses to get right size
Swing off chickenloop attached to shop wall.
Pick harness that feels really comfortable
Ignore ones that dig into ribs in first few seconds or feels uncomfortable straight away.

well said......
And have talk to the guy behind the counter about you style and type of riding you do, as there are harnesses that are better for surf or freestyle or racing

The one I found doesn't ride up into my ribs but then will slide round my waist when toe side

yeah..., you sound like a tosser

bobajob said...

eppo said...
Yeh you have to try them out, they all have different designs. Me, I have a belief they all ride up, even if eventually.

Seat harness with a dyna bar for me, not back aches, pulls from where it should. But that's old man eppo talking of course.

Been trying to look up this dynobar, is it a seperate bit of gear that fits in with your existing harness. IE do you take out you spreader bar and slot this thing in? I have a pro limit harness and the spreader bar comes apart to get the harness off, would it work with that?
I'm a bit like you eppo in that I'm not getting any younger and starting to feel it on the back these days. (was gonna say in the back, but too many smart asses lurking)

Dynabar will work with a pro limit harness cause it's what I have. You need to buy the Dynabar and two metal harness clips available from Jaystore. I wear a medium size harness and this works OK.

bjw said...
Dakine rock.. but really colour is more important anyway.

Dakine's are awesome too. Classic design, tight fit and light.
Renegade is my fav harness for freestyle riding.

Flying Objects Flight Control for me.

The only real way to find out if a harness is right for you is by trying it out kiting.
unfortunatly not many shops have Demo harneses so trying before you buy is not easy.
i suggest:
1. ask ppl of a similar size you know at your local if you can have a quick go with thier harness, most would be more than happy to help out.
2. ask the kite schools at your local area if you can try out one of the School harneses.
3. if you cant try them out on the water then spend plenty of time hanging off the rope in the shop.

remember the the harness/spreader bar is not going to ride up when being pulled at 90 degrees to your body so when trying them out make sure to hang off the rope with the force acting upward on the hook as if you were flying the kite over head.
if the harness/bar rides up here then it will more than likly ride up when you jump or body drag.

+1 for the Mystic Warrior III. Used mine three times now, coming off an old North styler. The Warrior is very comfortable, and gives great back support. I normally had lower back pain after a session, but nothing for last three sessions.
Agree that it might not be the best for toe side, as it grips tightly.