Well, I thought I was going to be able to hold out until next spring but thanks to that super guy, kiteplace, I have my first depower on the way. So, I'm leaning towards a Dakine Sonic Harness. Looking for some feedback on this one, or other recommendations.

I'm 5'8" 185 and don't know if you can get by with a single harness, but would love to try some or all of the moving disciplines (snow, water, land).

Thanks.

For ... landboarding? Scudding? That's probably a whole lot more harness than you need ... Ozone Access or a Peter Lynn Divine might be more suitable ...?

Quote:

Originally posted by pongnut Well, I thought I was going to be able to hold out until next spring but thanks to that super guy, kiteplace, I have my first depower on the way. So, I'm leaning towards a Dakine Sonic Harness. Looking for some feedback on this one, or other recommendations.

Can't provide side to side comparisons as the only harnesses I have had experience with are Ocean Rodeos and Ozone.

Jeff Howard of Prokitesurf is great about doing video reviews for the products he sells and the Sonic is one of them.

_

One of the issues I had with the Sonic (when shopping) was that the retention clips were not tethered to the harness or spreader bar in any way. This seemed to have been addressed in newer models (second video).

Quote:

Originally posted by pongnut I'm 5'8" 185 and don't know if you can get by with a single harness, but would love to try some or all of the moving disciplines (snow, water, land).

Lots of people are fine with a single harness. There is something to be said for having a backup (see Kamikuza post about using a semi-retired harness when his primary had a failure). You can always start with one and see if you need to or keep one as backup when it starts to look like it is nearing retirement. If you see a decent harness on the used or clearance market with a fire sale price, you could alway snag that for alternate use (if applicable) or backup.

There are a handful of harnesses that are targeted for snow use (most having to do with preventing snow buildup if you bail or get dragged and fit over winter gear), but not a lot.

Lower profile harnesses are generally preferred for buggy use so it doesn't bunch up in the seated position or cut off blood circulation for buggies that are specifically sized for the rider.

While some harnesses may work for better for general land use, I rarely see them marketed that way. My biggest grief is a lot of harnesses is that they are targeted for water use (extensive use of neoprene, EVA foam, etc. The generally aren't great for heat dissipation and neoprene isn't the more tear/abrasion resistant material from say a landboard bail.

In a perfect world a land based harness would be low profile, use perforated webbing (see Marmot), and would use alloying methods similar to whats currently being done with helments. That is to say use 600-1000D nylon at points that are prone to abrasion and impact. Use low profile, perforated foam (or perforated 3do where impact is likely) with an abrasion resistant, tight weave mesh on the inside for breathability.

When OR went from the Session I to Session II they changed it and started using more foam and neoprene on the outside and replaced a tight weave interior mesh with an EVA foam interior. The Session 1 definitely looks more land oriented than it's replacement. For awhile they sold both models, but just discontinued the Session I over the summer.

Oh well.... dare to dream. The truth is (especially in the US) we are a niche market and certain types of innovation are just flat out lethargic.

ATB,
Sam

Haven't tried a seat harness, but heard they are nice for people with back pain.

i have an OR session II, works well - basically a waist harness with optional leg straps. Would recommend it.

I have a new Dakine Fusion. It's a seat harness but I rarely wear the leg straps. I just wear it as a waist harness unless I need the extra support or it starts riding up on me. Very comfortable and stylish.

Thanks for the feedback guys - the price for that 2010 Sonic is kinda hard to beat so I'm going to give one of them a go.

Quote:

Originally posted by pongnut Thanks for the feedback guys - the price for that 2010 Sonic is kinda hard to beat so I'm going to give one of them a go.

You going for the one that is currently priced at $39.99?

ATB,
Sam

Yeah, that's the one. I was also going to add the 10" spreader bar and pad for about another $45.

Ummm where is this 45 dollar deal??

realwatersports.com

It looks like kiteboarding.com also has some left for a little bit more $

Ion makes an awesome seat and waist harness....................I have and recommend either........................

Thanks for all of the recommendations - I ordered one of the Sonics this evening so will give that one a go.