aaaaand another question !

i know seat vs waste harness is quite a common question, and i have done research before now, however i haven't found a specific answer to what i want.

Im looking for a harness to use for static flying and land-boarding. i have done some research, and most people say seat harnesses are best for beginners, which i will be, waste harness for when you get going. they all say however, try before you buy, see which one you prefer etc etc. unfortunately i wont be able to do this ! there seems to be more downsides to waste harnesses, including riding up, strain on lower back, and some other things that i cant remember right now.

first question then, seat or waste, with no ability to try before i buy.. which would you recommend ?

second is how adjustable are harnesses ? im not a slim chap, and will be limited on sizes. if i buy one which the manufacturer says fits a certain size, and im slightly under / above could i fit in ,or is it a big deal ? do i need one which is exactly my size ?

and lastly, any recommended brands or models ? i will be buying second hand, so wont be able to chose exactly, but can keep an eye out for any brands you recommend !

http://www.skyhighkites.co.uk/shop/product/833/

this radsail one looks pretty standard, and is common and cheap to get a hold of, but looks a bit crappy ??? is this right !?


again, im sorry for long (and rather basic) questions, but apreciate all your advice / comments / answers !

Thanks,
Tim

harnesses are one of those things you really do want to try before you buy. Some run small for their size, some large. I'm no beginner but I love my seat harness - because I'm slim and waiste harnesses crush my ribs. These are all things you want to figure out before you buy it. And preferably test the harness under load (rope to spreader bar to ceiling or pole or something that won't move) as a comfy harness in the store may feel different underload and vice versa.

Thanks B-roc.

Because of advice given to me on one of my other threads i dont think ill be getting a harness straight away, i will wait until i have some decent flying hours behind me to know the kite etc etc.

Please done feel the need to comment on this thread, however, if you want to there is no harm in knowing it !

Thanks
Tim

This is what I use , fits good.No ride up. Reminds me of a climbing saddle. http://www.flyozone.com/snowkites/en/products/accessories/ac...

If you are paying for lessons they will have you in a harness in about hour #2 so I'm not sure why it is something you want to avoid?

It is all about fly time at 1st. Having a harness to rest up / walk back upwind will allow you to get in far more fly time per session. Just go about it safely. Before long you will only unhook when pushing your limits.

Most folks on land find a waist harness will ride up. We spend a lot more time with the kite high. Waist harnesses are best suited to water where the kite is typicaly lower. If you have to buy without trying go seat harness. Watch for seat / waist Combo . I have one made by Mystic and use it in seat form. Mystic , Ozone, Niash, Liquid force are a few good names.

+1 for the Ozone Base harness and they tend to fit a fairly wide range of bod. I also have a Dakine Speed Seat which I find even more comfy than the Ozone.

IMHO...

Dakine Fusion is large for it's sizing... I could use the XXL (42-44 inches) when I was wearing 48inch jeans. Now I'm closer to 42, I'm thinking it's too big...

When the spreader bar failed in Thailand, I bought a Mystic Supporter XL which also fits - just. So they must also be large sizing cos I think the XL is 38-40 :o

Cabrinha apparently fit large too...

Keep in mind that they do 'stretch' somewhat - my new Mystic, I could only get an inch of overlap on the power belt when I tried it on in the shop, and now I can close it properly.

The other thing to watch - the "power belt"... on the Dakine and the Mystic, it's elasticized so it'll stretch a LOT. On the Cabrinha harness, it's not - there's about 2 inches only of 'stretch', due to design. The North Transformer I looked at uses no elastic; instead, the power belt in merely neoprene...

...

For landboarding - Ozone Access harness or the Peter Lynn ones.
Seat or waist work fine too but I think even if you plan to 'cross over', you'll be more comfy with those ones. Clothes under seat/waist harness get uncomfy if they bunch up...

Oh, just to add... despite the good customer service I've had from Dakine, I'll be trying other harnesses before I go back to a Fusion.

It's feeling like the Mystic is going to ride up a lot (although it is freer around the legs so I might be able to try foot-outs now!) so although the spreader bar is a 'better' design, I don't know how long it'll be usable.

Hybrid harness like OR Session or (IMO) North Transformer interest me... but I'm still a little (just!) too fat for my Session and the Transformer has that non-stretchy powerbelt so...

Unless you are looking at doing rotations in the near future, I'd recommend a seat harness. It will put less strain on your back. Just make sure you get a decently good one so it doesn't start riding up and crunching the family jewels:shocked2:

Okay, thanks for all your inputs !
So, i will but a harness. Im looking at a couple on the internet.

i assume a harness that says kite surfing harness, will be suitable for land boarding? or do they have very specific uses?

thanks
Tim

Just bought a harness, it's a "Dakine Hawaii speed seat kitesurfing seat harness".
Look forward to getting out with it, and the new kite. It arrived today, but absolutely no wind !!