If you feel like upgrading your waist harness for something fresh, then check out our buyer’s guide with some of the latest product from the brands and some expert advice from German ripper Klaas Voget.
KLAAS VOGET
“When choosing the right harness, the most important factor for me is the fit. That is something a bit more personal, but I can really feel a difference on the way my back reacts to different harnesses. I personally like it when a bit wider area of my back is covered, with a smooth curve that touches my back with a similar pressure in all areas when hooked in. If you try a harness in the shop, not only put it around your waist, also hook in for a while, put load pressure on the hook and turn your body left and right a bit to feel if there are some stress points or if it fees comfortable in all situations. Most harnesses have quick lock systems nowadays, that’s something I wouldn’t want to miss out on, to be able to quickly put your harness on and off and always have the right setting. Also make sure that your harness isn’t moving around too much, as you don’t want it to slip up all the time. I like softer neoprene edges on a harness, as they are gentler on the skin around your hips if you’re sailing in shorts when on holiday or training in warmer climates and want to avoid skin abrasion.”
WAIST HARNESS BUYER’S GUIDE 2018
• RIDE ENGINE 2019 12K CARBON ELITE
GA G5 PRO
GA Sails say – “The G5 PRO is designed for those of you who need the ultimate back support and comfort. With the ultimate back support in our range, the G5 PRO will cushion and support your back from top to bottom. G5 ergonomics have improved even further and a carefully designed high support 3D moulded design ensures support for your back. A refined kidney belt locks the harness in place and our Dual Strap adjustment system provides a final layer of support you can’t beat. The perfect choice for anyone looking for no compromise comfort in a waist harness.”
RRP £149.00
GUNSAILS CRUZ
Gunsails say – “The CRUZ is our ergonomic hip harness for freemove and freeride with our patented Secure Lock System. It also features an inner and outer 3D shape, made out of water-repellent PU material, which offers excellent protection against impacts. There is also soft neoprene padding at the edges for maximum comfort and an Integrated Belt System, featuring 360° kidney belt with elastic adjustment for a perfect fit and prevents slipping. There is also a small Velcro key pocket on the outside. Available in sizes: small / medium / large / extra large.”
RRP €95.00 plus €15.00 shipping
ION RADIUM CURV 10
ION say – “The ION Radium Curv 10 is the lightest hard-shell harness on the market. The revolutionary Curv material is a totally new innovation in harness development. Extreme durability thanks to the self-reinforcing structure of the Curv and a low weight set new standards in design and performance. Medium stiffness (Flex Index 10) supports the rider perfectly. While Curv harnesses are rigid in the centre back area, they feature flexible side parts adapting to the individual anatomy of every athlete, further enhancing agility and progression while riding. The 3D Plus spine and high outline were designed to support the rider exactly where needed most.”
RRP £219.99 / €264.95
MFC WINDSURF HARNESS
MFC say – “Redefining flexibility in a harness was our design goal at MFC. The harness comes with a quick release bar with twin point webbing fixings to minimise bar twist, as well as a huge reduction in weight – this is now one of the lightest most unobtrusive harnesses on the market. Designed to sit low on your waist with a sleek design to allow maximum manoeuvrability on your board. A harness you can count on and as used by PWA Tour standout, Marcilio Browne. Available in sizes: small / medium / large / extra large.”
RRP £149.00
www.zerogravitydistribution.co.uk
PROLIMIT TEAMWAVE
Prolimit say – “Our legendary high-end windsurf waist harness, better than ever before. Redefined 3D Molded waist harness. High density EVA outer layer, PU laminated for wrinkle free flex and good abrasion resistance. Pre-curved for correct fit. Four point connected neoprene belt system with a snug fit, comfort with control. High back support and full length neoprene soft edge to reduce chafe. Dual foam construction. Torque window side panels for torsional twist. Mark IV internal load plate construction for anatomical shape and comfort without riding up. Pin-release spreader bar with 4-way MPL webbing construction keeps the bar stable and quick to fit.”
RRP £159.00 / €199.00
RIDE ENGINE 2019 12K CARBON
Ride Engine say – “Ride Engine created the world’s first hard shell harness with the goal of solving problems that people have tolerated for decades. Soft, flimsy harnesses ride up, twist from side to side, squeeze your gut uncomfortably, are often big and bulky and don’t offer enough support when you really need it. With Ride Engine’s stiff 12K carbon shell, those problems are a thing
of the past. The shell is moulded to match the form of your back and lock into your lumber for a combination of comfort, support and low-profile fit unlike any other harness in windsurfing.”
RRP £350.00 plus £60.00 for windsurf bar
RRD SHIELD WS
RRD say – “The RRD Shield harness is now available as a premium windsurf edition, featuring a low profile, spread tow carbon support shield. This 3D moulded stiff carbon plate, with naturally curved back and pre-shape, spreads the load for maximum back support. It doesn’t absorb water, so it stays light. The slim harness profile combined with flexible side and rib areas allow for freedom of movement and enhance performance in long or powerful sessions. The inside now features memory foam combined with soft neoprene, which gives you that extra bit of comfort. The improved bar pad with stabilizer wings protects your ribs.”
RRP £225.00 / €268.00
SEVERNE AIR
Severne say – “Function focussed, the AIR has been stripped of any excess. Waterproof materials minimize any weight gains when wet. Low density Thermo-Formed inner and neoprene Soft Edge provide essential comfort. Designed to be able to be worn loose, the bar pad prevents hook twist when trying to unhook quickly. And the minimalist waist closure holds the harness in place without any elastic compression. The profile of the AIR harness is kept low for maximum manoeuvrability. The main features are – ultra lightweight, maximum manoeuvrability, windsurf-specific spreader bar, thermo-formed outer and inner skins and neo soft edge.”
RRP £145.00
SIMMER RAPTOR
Simmer say – “The Raptor harness is engineered to give the best support and comfort ever experienced in a windsurfing waist harness. The shape is created using seven different moulded components sewn together to create the most anatomical fit around your waist and following your back arch. It also has an up-scaled back plate, fitted with extra reinforcement to provide the best back and arch support in the Simmer harness collection. It comes standard with a fixed hook system, with a spreader bar protector for maximum vertical hook stability. The harness also has a quick-lock release on the hook. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL.”
RRP £169.00 / €215.00
