Power Kite Forum

Backstrap

Minshall - 19-4-2011 at 03:49 AM

What are the pros and cons of a backstrap?

From what I can see it would save me some money and give my arms a rest. Fitting wouldn't be a problem. On the other side, I think I could do more with a harness.

ripsessionkites - 19-4-2011 at 04:26 AM

the backstrap is a cheap method of a harness for handles. also in danger you can just put your arms up and let it slide.

there are cheaper options for a harness if need be ... check out the Peter Lynn Base Harness (comes with a spreader too)

dylanj423 - 19-4-2011 at 04:36 AM

i dont think a backstrap is a good idea... i would say take that money and put it into a harness.. you can get a decent cheap seat harness at cobrakites... around $50 as i recall...

or you could shop around for a used one

B-Roc - 19-4-2011 at 05:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by dylanj423
i dont think a backstrap is a good idea... i would say take that money and put it into a harness.. you can get a decent cheap seat harness at cobrakites... around $50 as i recall...

or you could shop around for a used one


Ditto what he said.

There is a reason that harnesses are FAR more popular then backstraps. Do yourself a favor and shop around for a good deal on a decent harness as opposed to spending any money on a backstrap.

nomad - 19-4-2011 at 05:18 AM

I use a Peter Lynn back strap but Only when static flying. It just gives your arms a rest and is cheap, I normaly fly 3/4-1 hour hour static before my wrist and arms ache then on with the back strap and I can fly for the rest of the day with no problem.:D But I will be buying a waist or seat harness for boarding......

nomad - 19-4-2011 at 05:25 AM

I got the brace just for a practice aid, I have a wrecked wrist (bike accident) before I decided what direction I wanted to go in with kiting ie Board, Buggy, or just static. :spin:

Bladerunner - 19-4-2011 at 05:58 AM

Thinking cheap first in this sport is never a good idea.
Trust me I'm cheap and have made most of the mistakes.

Kamikuza - 19-4-2011 at 06:28 AM

There's as much wrong with back-straps as there is with kite killers ;) :D both have their pros and cons. You'll notice in my video posted in another thread that you just shrug your shoulders a bit and it's gone if you want it to be. That's GOT to be easier than unhooking a strop! :D

Just don't rely on it for jumping or anything silly - treat it as an aid for static flying cos I don't really like it for riding either ... is a hassle to work the kite with that thing on your back. Good for parS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-n'ride though ...

nomad - 19-4-2011 at 10:23 AM

agree with the post as you say good for static :smilegrin:no good for movement (board/tricks/buggy):no:

dave brown - 19-4-2011 at 01:10 PM

I used one for years with all my fb foils
I got it for free with a C-Quad and used it for
the buggy and in the snow. It was great..

Minshall - 19-4-2011 at 06:49 PM

Thanks for the advice. I will pass on the backstrap. Now just have to convince the wife on the money for a harness. Wish me luck.

loco - 19-4-2011 at 10:21 PM

I happen to like a backstrap. I don't use mine too often but it's really pretty comfortable, super safe and very minimalist. And really nice for snow.

For super lightweight air travel a combination of 2 Blades* and a backstrap with handles (or a climbing harness with a bar) would be my idea of perfect. Along with the take apart travel board I haven't yet built.

John

*my blades have some sweet depower so a 10.5 and 6.6 cover almost everything I'd want

nomad - 25-4-2011 at 09:47 AM

Just got a Ozone XC harness for me boarding Hooray :bouncy: But will still keep back strap for static though less of a faf to put on...