I know this has probley been done before but are board short harnesses any good are they comfy or do they just knacker ya? can you boost in them? do they provide any support? i mainly do (try) unhooked stuff but enjoy a good boosty aswell. Was looking at the ION B2. Or am i just better off getting a flexible harness any recomendations Many thanks.
I've been wearing the Dakine Nitrous shorts for the past couple of months...can't speak highly enough of them....comfort 10/10; support 10/10; no probs boosting.
Seriously, one of the better kite related purchases of the past 12 months.
I've been using both the Dakine and Liquid Force boardshorts
The liquid force pulls from higher up and feels more natural if you're used to a waist harness. The Dakine pulls from lower if you're used to a seat.
Also check out IOn. They have one as well.
Neither of them have issues with the leg straps pulling. They're both pretty comfy. I prefer the LF ones but I have mates who swear by the Dakine so it's largely personal preference.
had my first ride in an Ion B2 harness today after 7 weeks off the water from rib injury. I think they're brilliant, very happy
I was riding an excellent waist harness before the injury (Ion Apex) but there's no way I can wear a waist harness now after the crash, the ribs can't take pressure at the same point.
I'd never ridden boardshort harnesses before and I'm impressed. Less strain on back and stomach muscles, they're more comfortable, the centre of gravity is lower so it was easier to edge when the gusts came through. Boosting took a couple of goes to get the timing right, as the hook is slightly lower, but I got the gist and had a couple of great jumps.
Can't obviously talk longevity on the Ions, but it feels well made and if it's like my Ion waist harness, it should be bombproof.
Lots of great feedback - like Juddys - from many happy Dakine Nitrous kiters.
We have them in stock if you want to try them out.
ION B2 all the way
Very durable n hard wearing shorts. I also switched to them last year due to a rib injury. You can boost fine with them. The built-in "step in", straps obv do ride up after a while (like all these type will), but you just pull them down with the tabs that are attached on the outside of the shorts.
My friend had the Dakines equivalent and they were shot after a season- build quality doesn't seem as good as the ION's....
I have the LF boardshorts, 3 things I would mention about them:
1. Less hassle around the nuts is you not wearing a wetsuit as you can tuck the straps where they should be and they will stay there and be comfortable - no probs - wet suit however can have the straps move a round a bit making it a bit uncomfortable at times if they slip up higher!
2. I still need a .5ml vest to give me enough cushion as I find the shorts don't have enough themselves and will give you a nice rash around the back of the hips even with a rashy!
3. I got a size 34" and find it a bit generous so would take a size smaller next time...I'm 33"-34" in regular beach board shorts.
Can't comment on the dakine boardshorts other than my wife has a pair and they seem a really good fit and maybe better constructed although already mentioned probably feel more like a seat harness as the hook is lower... ION no idea but did look at the promo and they look like they would do the job nicely.
Took me a few goes to get used to the shorts and bought them as I have to use public transport in Hong Kong to get to the beach so waist harness was pretty heavy lugging back home with my backpack board and wet suit etc... Coincidently I cracked my rib last month (2nd time) and will only be bale to use my board shorts harness in any case as the waist harness will kill my ribs until they 100%! The first time I cracked them I had to use a mates seat harness for 3 months to get me thru...
Hi Doonut,
I have a pair of Dakine Nitrous that I purchased at KP and I go back to them every time my lower back starts playing up a bit. Immediately the pain disappears within 1 session. I bought them originally when I was learning because they stopped hook from ridding up and hurting my ribs - absolutely no pain at all - ever.
They do not ride up or shafe as I wear a pair of wettie shorts underneath so I don't get any bother by the internal leg straps. A little pocket on the right leg with the hook knife is a good idea too.
I swapped the pad/hook and put a Jaybar on it so I get less hassle on waves as they do not swing around like a waist harness for toeside ridding. So I guess I have the best of both worlds with that combo.
As everyone said, it is always a case of personal preference - but I will endorse them. And in quality, the Nitrous are super good, I've had them 4 seasons and have no problems whatsoever.
So: pain? => waist harness = result: no pain
V
I've been wanting to try a pair since I had a lower back op last year. Unfortunately, there is no local kite shop for me to try them on. I've also heard that the sizes of the Dakine shorts are generous. I'm normally a 33-34" in boardies. Would a Med 32" be the go?
