Well, i finally got my new Ozone access SB harness and after using it for the last 2 evening sessions, I figured I would post my impressions of it. Since I had been using a Dakine Storm seat harness, I'll do a comparison between the two.

Comfort and ease of adjustment. Well, the access is comfortable to wear, quick to put on and easy to adjust, no doubt about it. Once it's adjusted, it feels great, I can even drive with it on.
The Storm is ok, it's more streamlined than the Fusion, but it still feels a bit like wearing a diaper....sorta. Access wins that one.

Support while riding, well, the Storm feels more secure, it cant really move around. It definately gets the job done. The Access I've found tends to ride up a bit at times and the leg loops will shift around some too. One thing i really do like is that the center portion with the spreader bar/pad tends to slide over towards the side the kite is on. I'm on skis, so this really is an important feature. It makes it more comfortable when the pull is coming from the side not from the front. If you were on a board, i suppose it would tend to stay more centered. The only real negative with the Access is that the leg loops move around enuf that sometimes the "boys" tend to get pinched or "crowded" if you're not careful. I found myself constantly moving the harness loops around to ensure this didn't happen. I practically never have to worry about this using the Storm. So kinda a toss up in this category.

Style? Well, the Access winds that hands down, the Storm looks a bit funky, but not that bad. I usually don't buy gear for its looks, but if it does look good, that always a plus.

So which one wins? I like the Access, it's seems to be really well made, just what you'd expect from Ozone and maybe with a bit more adjusting i can lessen the pinching problem. If you're just riding its ok once everything is in it's place. But if you're boosting and playing, well it can be an annoyance. I'ts also a bit lighter than the Storm and i think the spreader bar looks a bit beefier too, which is important if you start gettting big air.

So, I do recommend the Access, it's not perfect, but what piece of gear is? I don't think i'll get rid of the Storm though, it works pretty well overall and it's always good to have a spare.

I like the ozone spreader, too. The bar stock that forms the hook actually passes through to the back of the tube that forms the body of the spreader and is welded front and back. Seems pretty tough. Nice review, kiteyakker.

I asked my grandaughter and she agreed the Dakine is simular to a diaper. But how did you come up with the compairasin?
I'm just kidding!! Great review. And as you said the Dakine Fusion is bulky and I find it tough to buckle the cross bar. But once on it is all fine. Of course untill I try something newer than I may change my mind!

Hmmm, yeah i see how that looks...ok maybe diaper wasn't the best analogy. I agree, the spreader bar can be a bit of a pain to hook up, you have to back off the adjustment straps and then retighten, but not too big of a deal. I should also mention i've used a waist harness and for snowkiting, i thought it absolutely sucked, I could never keep the dang thing from ending up around my ribcage Once i made the switch to a seat harness, i new i'd never go back, although it would eliminate the "crowding" problem.

I loooove my Ozone Access XC harness(loop instead of spreader bar)