Hi guys, after some advice on sliding spreader bars.
I have been riding strapped surfboards for a couple of years and graduating to strapless, wooohoo! I started kiting using a seat harness, which was fine, but waist so much better for strapless.
Ride a lot toeside and just generally make lots of turns in the waves as you would expect. The Waist harness is never comfy (it's a good one and does fit properly), I've tried tight or loose, and I think it's because riding toeside gets it almost backwards and I have to scrunch it back round, sometimes farking up my heel side turn.
SO I've come to the conclusion that a sliding spreader bar may be the answer. Can anyone recommend one, I know there are a few models out there, I will be using it for unstrapped and strapped wave riding and free ride.
Thanks for you opinions!
I have the dynabar version one. But I recon you make your own like Andrash did....search him and you will find his genius. But if you are lazy like moi, then go for it and spend the dosh, but Andrash's is better IMO.
I have been riding strapped surfboards for a couple of years and graduating to strapless, wooohoo! I started kiting using a seat harness, which was fine, but waist so much better for strapless. Ride a lot toeside and just generally make lots of turns in the waves as you would expect. The Waist harness is never comfy (it's a good one and does fit properly), I've tried tight or loose, and I think it's because riding toeside gets it almost backwards and I have to scrunch it back round, sometimes farking up my heel side turn.
Me too, I'm a convert. I've been using one for 12 months and would not go back. Got it on my Nitros shorts now and it works fine.
I dunno, what ever happened to wearing your harness a tad loose?...works fine for most and keeps things simple - what you want in the waves.
saying that, you probably need the right harness for this...?
btw, a waist harness is better in for surfing full stop. Strapped or unstrapped doesnt even come into it.
Thanks for the advice guys! I have decided on the dynabar, cant decide between the V5 free ride or the pro wave model. leaning to the free ride because it sounds a bit easier to get the hang of.
Who has tried either V5 model or both?
I have decided on the dynabar, cant decide between the V5 free ride or the pro wave model. leaning to the free ride because it sounds a bit easier to get the hang of.
Looks like there are a few new versions for 2011 - check out Jaystore.eu (distributor I think) or 321kiteboarding.com. I'm getting the v6 (comes with wave, freestyle and race bars)- wa delivered for $150US.
2011 v5.1 looks a bit more streamline, v6 has an even neater setup.
I've been using my sliding bar for 3 years (see the photos on my profile).
I use seat harness (due to back issues), and never purposefully unhook. I ride waves, jybe and do old school jumps and rolls. For all this, it's been great. The hook slides evenly on an elliptical curve, it can stay on any position depends on the degree of hip rotation. So there are no sudden jerks, sudden slides of the hook from one position to the other that can kick you out of balance, as I heard they happen with the metal thing.
To make it:
You need two spreader bars, cut the hook only from the one on the harness, and cut the hook with a piece of the other spreader (to slide on the rope) (see my pics). The rope can be any old chicken loop trim rope (not over worn) or similar. It cost $0 and 20min of your time. So on the savings, you can take out your girl / boy friend to a nice dinner, or have a drink with your mates.........no patent on a piece of rope
Enjoy
I'm also a dynabar convert. It catches you out a bit at first when it suddenly slides but like anything you adjust. When you are on a wave flicking to toe side the action is pretty sudden so the bar just moves.
Just a note on waist harness. I went from seat to waist to shorts. I enjoyed the extra freedom of waist but it was a bit uncomfortable.
Also when dropping down the face of a largish wave in Hawaii I fell off the back of the board. I was ripping along at the time and as I hit the water the harness acted like a sea anchor and violent rode up and crushed my chest breaking my sternum in the process. Was amazingly painful.
I find the boardshort based harness more comfortable, safer, and the pulling point is only a bit below where the waist harness used to be. Combined with the dynabar pretty happy now. I only ride hooked at the moment.
Grant
We will have the V6 version of the spreader bar soon enough, the V5 version in the pro ride model will suit most riders and we will match the Dynabar website price (inc shipping to AUS) on any remaining stock.
Personally I won't be upgrading because essentially its the same bar only the pad is a bit different and mines has a lot of like left in it.
