Looking for a return to seat a harness I did a little shopping. I found the Gaastra seta harness unbelievably comfortable, much more than my previous 2003 Cabrinha seat, or my ProLimit Waist/Impact harnesses. The Gaastra was also great value.
However, on my very first day of use, after only my second dismount (nowhere near a crash ;) ) I felt behind me for my board leash, which was missing. I use a retractable leash which is fitted to the grab handle of your harness. I have used the reel with my Cabrinha and Pro Limit and has stuck with me through the best of crashes :)
Unfortunately I lost sight of my board but another kiteboarder (Thanks Simon@Brighton) brought it in for me. I examined the harness and found that the handle is attached with only a SINGLE line of stitching. In this case all I lost was my board. Imagine a student being held by the harness on the beach or while body dragging and the handle fails - not pretty.
I have contacted Gaastra to give them right of reply, but I believe this is simply a poor design/workmanship/quality issue. I do intend to exchange it however for a replacemnt (did I mention how damn comfortable it is!) and will have a sailmaker put in a simple X stich to reinforce the handle attachment points.
Something fellow riders may wish to consider if they rely on the strength of their handles.
UPDATE
It appears this was a quality control issue. All handles are meant to be double stitched and X stitched as per my replacement. So all in all the harness is very comfortable, wouldn't know you were wearing it, no bruises as with my previous harnesses :)
