I'm looking for a seat harness for freerace/freeride type sailing. Coming from a waist, and never used a seat before but after something that would feel not too different but something that will give me more MFP/downforce than a waist, and not move up. I'd prefer a higher hook, comfy and not too nappy like in appearance :) looking for feedback from people who have been using something and are happy with it, and something that is actually available in australia. Thanks.
Evan, I use a Hybrid which is in essence a waist with a seat sewn on and leg straps. Mine is a proto KA one but Flying Objects do them, Spotti has one. Maybe take a look?
It has the higher hook like a waist harness but will not ride up and you can adjust the hook down lower if you wish. Maybe looks a bit goofy for a trend setter like you though!!!
Sounds like that's what i'm after, or similar. Do you use a normal waist at all Martin - what differences do you find it makes, if any? Thanks.
Looking for something for the coming season so you wont be passing me as frequently on the water!
I use a seat on the Slalom gear, from 7.1 up as it is more powerful but use the Hybrid on everything else. Not a wave sailor so don't mind having the hips locked a bit more but the higher hook and back support on the hybrid for the smaller stuff in the rough bay chop is great.
I think the Flying Objects one is called the Transit.
Select to expand quoteejmack said..
I'm looking for a seat harness for freerace/freeride type sailing. Coming from a waist, and never used a seat before but after something that would feel not too different but something that will give me more MFP/downforce than a waist, and not move up. I'd prefer a higher hook, comfy and not too nappy like in appearance :) looking for feedback from people who have been using something and are happy with it, and something that is actually available in australia. Thanks.
Don't do it. What they call MFP is just an internal force. Sure thinking about MFP can make you sail better by encouraging you to shift weight to a better position. But the trim of the board on the water is determined by the overall weight distribution, sail set etc. Internal forces don't matter.
Hypothetically, if you had a really strong foot grip in the back strap and muscles of steel you could hold your weight and sail in position and sail like a champion with no mast foot at all. A gap where the tendon used to be.
Think of dinghies, Lasers with no shrouds at all and a Fireball with 2 shrouds and a forestay. Couldn't get much different as far as internal forces are concerned but they trim the same way. Or the Fireball and the Skate, one a trapeze, the other a hiking plank. It's the overall weight distribution that matters.
You can pretty well get your weight in the right position regardless of the harness type. If you're comfortable in a waist harness, stick with it.
I'm not so sure about all of that Ian :)
But I guess what I meant with the waist vs seat was something that doesnt feel too restrictive. I would say my stance feels slightly awkward most of the time, occasionally it all seems to come together and I have a nice "feeling" and generally ballanced stance but that's only so often. So I would say comfort isnt something I feel when using a waist, not really.
Happy user of the Dakine XT here in very rough conditions freeriding and bumpnjump. Wouldn't dream of using a waist harness.
I use the Flying Objects transit and I find it very comfortable to use with the big gear, never need to adjust it. I still use a waist harness with the wave gear in 25 knots+
I can't help you chose a harness as I believe it's a very individual choice on what feels right. Maybe visit a shop with a good range and try them all on to see what you like. I think I have a kite harness and the shop swapped the spreader bar for a windsurfing hook.
There is an interesting read here: boards.co.uk/equipment-tests/tested-equipment/seat-vs-waist-harness-how-to-decide-which-is-best-for-you.html
Cheers
Marty
Select to expand quoteikw777 said..
Happy user of the Dakine XT here in very rough conditions freeriding and bumpnjump. Wouldn't dream of using a waist harness.
I owned ^^^^ for 2 years. It was okay, but I found it limited my movement and got sick of the straps slipping which it did from day dot. Ended up giving it to a mate. I've owned a Simmer seat harass for about 2 years. The simmer doesn't restrict body at all. Coincidently, the Simmer harness slipped worse when first tried it !!!, but fixed fault by rerouting the straps through the buckles as the factory had assembled it incorrectly.
I own a waist and a race seat harness, but end up always using the Prolimit Freemove. Just works perfect for everything. They always rip on the same spot (after 1 or 2 seasons), but they are cheap anyway so I keep replacing them every time.
Thanks all. A bit to go from there. I'm leanign towards the Hybrid mentioned by martin, either the Flying Objects or the Pro Limit. It will be for my big gear mostly, 5.8m to 7m as I have a lot less trouble with my wave/b&j gear. See how I go.
Select to expand quoteOrange Whip said..
I'm om my third DaKine XT seat, highly recommend.
+1 On to my second one. Higher hook height than what I originally wanted. None of the above mentioned problems on either one, but haven't tried many others!
Select to expand quotepoehaaa said..
I own a waist and a race seat harness, but end up always using the Prolimit Freemove. Just works perfect for everything. They always rip on the same spot (after 1 or 2 seasons), but they are cheap anyway so I keep replacing them every time.
I agree. My first seat harness was a Prolimit. They are very good for their price, but as you said, 1-2 seasons. I would get one again.
Select to expand quotejn1 said..poehaaa said..
I own a waist and a race seat harness, but end up always using the Prolimit Freemove. Just works perfect for everything. They always rip on the same spot (after 1 or 2 seasons), but they are cheap anyway so I keep replacing them every time.
I agree. My first seat harness was a Prolimit. They are very good for their price, but as you said, 1-2 seasons. I would get one again.
Who sells prolimit harnesses in Australia?
Select to expand quoteejmack said..
Who sells prolimit harnesses in Australia?
Contact web@windgenuity.com.au Phone: (02) 9982 6444.
