BUYER’S GUIDE
Harnesses 2016
Manera – EXO
Manera – SENSO
Manera’s EXO harness builds on the same technologies that they have worked with since they first introduced their harness range two years ago. For 2016 changes have been made in both the structure and the materials, further improving both comfort and durability. Manera’s design team looked for the best possible materials in terms of look, colors and durability and utilized those that they thought would work the best, including rip stops, PU, 600D, soft touch and premium neoprenes. At the heart of the EXO is the Energy Dispersion Frame, a hexagonal structure built with various stiffness and volume degrees to control its flex and resistance. Its main advantage is that it is connected directly to the spreader bar so directly transfers the load and therefore receives 100% of the kite power thus distributing the pressure over a much wider area. The EXO has been rigorously tested to perform in even the most extreme conditions.
As with the EXO, the SENSO benefits form Manera’s Ergonomic Prefit, so it is designed to perfectly fit the natural curves of the back and adapt actively to your movements during riding. This ergonomic shape provides freedom, flexibility and softness, while minimizing friction areas. To ensure optimum comfort during action, the EXO & SENSO harnesses are preformed, which means the ergonomic shape of the harness is built into each layer of material during manufacturing. This product fits perfectly and protects you from injuries and from friction right from the first use. A supremely comfortable and well-functioning harness evolution.
€249 | $279 | £199
€199 | $219 | £169
BUYER’S GUIDE
ION – APEX
RRD – THRIVE
Targeted at experienced and well-rounded riders looking for a supple yet supportive ride no matter whether they are riding in the waves, the race or the freeride session ahead. The APEX is ION’s benchmark harness for quality, comfort and all-round top performance. It features the X-Spine Stress reducer, an Internal Flex-Belt to keep your harness in place when unhooked, and an Invisible-Seam Ridge for free and smooth material transitions.
The Thrive harness has more curve in the vertical line and is best suited to riders with a more curved lower back by nature or riders that prefer a more upright position. So it is best suited to free-riding and to down-the-line wave riding. It features ultrasoft neoprene on the inside, a fully molded EVA outer and a quick release closure to ensure that you don’t waste any time getting on or off the water…
$230 | € - Check Local Dealer | £170
€197 | $225 | £155
ION – VERTEX SELECT
RRD – SENSE
Also known as ‘the Twist harness’, the VERTEX SELECT is jam-packed with high tech features, making it the perfect harness for waves. This year ION have added the new WireTec and its complementing X-Spine technology for balancing the load distribution. Then there is Memory Foam to create an ergonomic fit every time, the X-Spine Stress reducer for the spine made from X-shaped and thermo molded EVA protection, and the new Neo-Belt for improved flex, twist and comfort.
The Sense harness is a harness for ladies with style both in and out of the water. It is tailored for the female figure and has a slightly flatter lower back section so that it can comfortably handle plenty of power. It is equipped with all of the main features found across RRD’s harness range, including the molded EVA outer, pre-shaped internal plate reinforced with fiberglass battens and the spreader protector with a 20mm foam rail.
$290 | € - Check Local Dealer | £200
€204 | $233 | £160
ION – HUMMER
RRD – SHIFT PRO
Targeted squarely at the hardcore freestyle fanatic looking for a super solid and reliable harness, the HUMMER is the result of years of innovative evolution and continuous improvement. It offers outstanding performance, superb freedom of movement and solid support. The Neo-Belt offers improved flex, twist and comfort, the Flex-Cut provides a slim outline to enhance freedom for sideways flex and the Inside-Eva Internal EVA construction provides optimized comfort.
The Shift Pro is the choice for riders with a flatter lower back shape for an ergonomic fit when riding with a lot of power. It works best when the rail is dug in deep and the kite is low. The fiberglass reinforcements inside are positioned to correspond with a low kite angle and focus the pressure to where it’s most comfortable. The convex curved lower edge of the harness (Flexcurve) is more flexible and designed to stay in contact with the rider during a wide variety of tricks. This makes the Shift Pro about as versatile a harness as you can get.
$260 | € - Check Local Dealer | £150
€232 | $265 | £182
HARNESSES
NP – 3D
NP – BOMB
The NP 3D harness offers maximum support due to its unique pre-bent shape that comfortably wraps around your body. The Back Base system provides support where it’s needed most, while the cushioned interior matches the concave shape of your lower back perfectly. NP have also designed this harness to reduce rubbing when worn so have hidden stitches on the inner back and hip area to avoid chaffing. This harness offers maximum support in a hard flex feel.
The NP Bomb is a multi-sport harness designed for those long sessions. The Bomb offers a perfectly balanced combination of support, comfort and light weight. The ergonomically designed shape with lumbar support provides great stability while the inner EVA pattern ensures the harness always stays in place. Features are as the 3D but designed with medium flex and medium stiffness. The Bomb is NP’s best seller and a favorite with the team!
€159.95 | $189.99 | £119.95
€149.95 | $149.99 | £109.95
NP – MIRAGE
NP – RAVEN
The Mirage is NP’s ultimate freestyle multi-sport harness. The unique contour and low cut side panels allow for extreme maneuverability and freedom of movement, while lumbar support and padded hips provide maximum comfort. A medium supported harness with a soft flexible feel.
The NP Raven is a true beauty in design. Its supreme looks, ultra-comfortable fit and unique Back Base lumbar support system make this an incredibly luxurious ladies harness. Designed specifically with the unique demands and body shape of female riders in mind.
€ 139.95 | $ 139.99 | £105.95
€119.95 | $114.99 | £89.95
NP – SPREADER BARS With NP you buy your harness without a spreader bar and can then choose the spreader bar which will work best for you. Both of these bars are constructed entirely out of forged aluminum construction for best strength to weight balance and anti-corrosion properties. Incredibly strong and light, the S1’s unique shape allows for an even load distribution. A smooth finish with no sharp edges completes the unique design.
NP – S1 KITE EZ
NP – S1 TRACKER EZ
A classic hook design especially shaped for kiteboarding and safe security finger attachment. Features include a rounded shape hook with a deep curve allowing the chicken loop to attach securely reducing the chance of accidental unhooking and a channel to allow the security finger to freely travel up through the hook and to prevent it from disconnecting. It is compatible with most chicken loops and security fingers and has three attachment points to the spreader bar for maximum strength and stability.
Bends the rules in spreader bar design. It has a pivoting hook which reduces the torque load experienced when a kite starts pulling with a side vector to the body. The spring powered hook effectively makes the connection point much closer to the rider, negating sideways forces experienced during turns or toe-side riding. The hook self-centers once the load is removed, making hooking in after performing unhooked tricks easier. The S1 Tracker completes the harness to bar connection, reduces load points and stabilizes harness movement.
€89.95 | $89.99 | £69.95
€109.95 | $108.99 | £89.95
BUYER’S GUIDE
Mystic – MAJESTIC
The Legend is a new one of a kind harness which combines simplicity and flexibility. Mystic developed a unique concept which they call the Flymould; they thought of a traditional harness, then threw away all of the various layers and combined them into one single piece. The Flyweb (an ergonomically designed backplate with extra spinal inserts) then ensures that the force of the kite is evenly distributed over the Flymould which allows you to stay on the water for longer.
Mystic’s top-end harness has an enviable reputation and is packed with features. The core of the Majestic harness is an ergonomically shaped back support, the shape and design of which is the result of years of research and development on the water, with strong polyester webbing strategically placed on the back support to spread extreme loads evenly. The Majestic is equipped with the Clickerbar 3.0 so it really does just take one click and you are ready to ride! The low torque fixation is specially designed by Mystic to prevent the spreader bar from any upward rotation, then the memory foam forms perfectly around your body giving an incredibly comfortable fit.
€240 | $280 | £170
€260 | $298 | £180
Mystic – WARRIOR
Mystic – DRIP
The Warrior has been the bestselling and most comfortable harness in the Mystic harness collection since day one. It’s built to withstand the toughest conditions and features the Multi Hook Clickerbar 3.0 which, with its low torque fixation, is specially designed by Mystic to prevent the spreader bar from any upward rotation. Then there is the Battle Belt waist enclosure to ensure that the harness doesn’t move around and soft neoprene edges for maximum comfort.
The Drip is a feature-packed, all round harness for general use. It has an Anatomical Backplate, 3D contoured neoprene interior, comfortable foam panels and soft neoprene edges. It also benefits from the Multi Hook Clickerbar 3.0 to get you into and out of your harness with minimal hassle and has the Battle Belt waist closure to prevent the harness from moving out of position. The Spreader Down system then prevents the spreader bar from riding up and pushing on your ribs.
€230 | $275 | £160
€180 | $205 | £115
Mystic – LEGEND
Mystic – DIVA BRUNA KAJIYA
Mystic – DUTCHESS
What more do you need to know about a female specific harness than that it has been developed and ridden by one of the most iconic riders of recent times, Bruna Kajiya? The harness is engineered specifically for the female figure and has soft edges, perfect for the female body. The HP system is included with plastic tube to make sure the Handlepass leash glides smoothly from side to side and is reinforced with Dyneema rope.
The Dutchess benefits from Mystic’s top-end features and harness tech and is designed with female riders in mind. The Clickerbar 3.0 has four attachment points on the harness enabling you to easily adjust the tension on the spreader bar using the top or the bottom straps. The height of the back and the waistline are designed for the female form and the Dutchess also features a detachable handle which can be used during tuition.
€220 | $245 | £150
€170 | $195 | £110
HARNESSES
Ride Engine – BLACK CARBON KATANA This sleek and sexy hard shell harness is built around a carbon fiber and Kevlar backplate. The stiffest and lightest of Ride Engine’s three models, the Elite Carbon series provides the ultimate locked-in feeling for riders looking for a harness that fuses with their back and lumbar and won’t shift from side to side or ride up. The Katana was designed to address the problems of harnesses that were not built to handle the specific loads and angles of kiteboarding, and exemplifies how a kitespecific harness should look, feel and perform. It can be paired with the sliding rope, carbon or fixed hook spreader bar. $349 | £330 | € - Check Local Dealer
Ozone – CONNECT BACKCOUNTRY The Connect Backcountry harness has been designed for comfort and support while remaining clean, simple and lightweight. It is an incredibly comfortable waist harness with leg straps and is ideal for experienced backcountry snowkiters venturing deep into the mountains, or riders looking for a lightweight comfortable fit alternative to the classic spreader bar system. The Connect Backcountry has been designed like a rock climbing harness so that it will not ride up. $170 | £110 | € - Check Local Dealer
Ride Engine – PATRICK REBSTOCK PRO Patrick Rebstock is one of the world’s hardest-charging kitesurfers and has been a key Ride Engine collaborator since the beginning. Rebstock pairs his signature hard shell harness with Ride Engine’s carbon sliding rope spreader bar for ultimate support, freedom, and range of motion in the waves. This setup will take your game in the waves to the next level. The Rebstock Pro features a blended carbon, Kevlar and fiberglass shell that fits in the middle of the Ride Engine’s lineup in terms of stiffness, weight and price. It can be paired with the sliding rope, carbon or fixed hook spreader bar. $299 | £300 | € - Check Local Dealer
Ozone – CONNECT PRO The Connect Pro harness is ideal for all snow or land kiters with the added support and ease of use of a Stainless Steel spreader bar. This comfortable waist harness includes removable leg straps making it a versatile harness on the snow or land, and it has been engineered so that it will not ride up. Designed for comfort, support and flexibility in use, the Connect Pro is perfect to wear over or under your snow gear. . $250 | £190 | € - Check Local Dealer
Ride Engine – GREEN HEX CORE Ride Engine’s Hex Core hard shell harness features a stiff injection-molded shell contoured to marry with the lumbar curves in your lower back. This design helps lock the harness in place and keeps it from sliding from side to side or riding up. The hard shell also provides significantly more support and spreads load evenly through your back and sides, rather than buckling and pinching under pressure as other harnesses can. Although still quite stiff, the Hex Core is the most flexible of Ride Engine’s three Armor Harness models. It can be paired with the sliding rope, carbon or fixed hook spreader bar. $249 | £250 | € - Check Local Dealer
Brunotti – SMARTSHELL In the Smartshell, Brunotti have developed a super lightweight frame that supports your body and eliminates multiple layers. By stripping all other unnecessary parts they ended up with harnesses that combine top-of-class support with the lowest mass. The 360 Smartframe then acts like a force distributer, distributing the forces all around your body and eliminating hotspots (where too much force is applied to the body), thereby maximizing comfort and control. €220 | $ & £ - Check Local Dealer
BUYER’S GUIDE
Prolimit – PREDATOR
Everyone has a different body shape and Liquid Force’s Arc harness addresses this head on with easy fit customization features. Utilizing the memory foam lumbar support, adjustable back support, and the internal pressure dispersing full wrap suspension, comfort is simple to attain. Combine this with exclusive Liquid Force harness features such as the single adjust spreader bar clamp, rash guard technology and a pre curved spreader bar pad and you have an incredibly comfortable harness…
The Prolimit Predator is a top-end waist harness with medium height back support and lots of freedom of movement. It is a Hybrid Technology constructed harness, and the molded parts are stitched together using their Predator X-Frame to get an optimized 3D shape. The unique neoprene four point inner belt prevents the harness riding up whilst riding, and the slide-in bar and pad makes sure that the dual webbing FAT spreader bar stays in place and eliminates the potential danger of hurting your ribs. The Duracore straps are made of the same material as your car’s safety belt and are indestructible, then the Predator features multiple leash connections to suit the requirements of any type of rider.
$230 | £180 | € - Check local dealer
€229 | $209 | £149
Liquid Force – ARC
Prolimit – WAVE
The Solo is a lightweight and incredibly easy to use harness. Liquid Force’s plan was to eliminate all of the unnecessary material and over-built ideas and to strip things back to achieve a high performance harness with a weight saving advantage. Minimum weight but maximum performance…
Sliding wave harness technology is Prolimit’s new concept in wave riding harnesses. This rotating and sliding harness is designed to create more freedom of movement and the possibility to rotate further into your turns like you are surfing. The harness slides around your body when you do a bottom turn or if you hit the lip. This results in more powerful turns, easier riding and more control on the wave.
$180 | £140 | € - Check local dealer
€199 | $209 | £139
Liquid Force – SOLO
Prolimit – KITEWAIST MOULDED
The Supreme harness delivers supreme fit, comfort, and support. Offering a fuller outline and higher back, the Supreme delivers increased stability. It also has also has dual safety leash releases, the exclusive Liquid Force Locking Cam Strap, and all of the other premium features found in Liquid Force harnesses.
A new molded waist harness with optimized molded support, this is a light and durable harness with a minimalistic approach but with all the features you need for everyday riding. The Kitewaist is 3D shaped and pre-curved for comfort and support, has the low absorption internal EZ waist belt, a high load optimized outline profile and Pro Limit’s Patented Pin Release (PLT) bar system.
$200| £155 | € - Check local dealer
€179 | $159 | £119
Liquid Force – SUPREME
HARNESSES
Dakine – C1 The C1 is a new harness from Dakine for 2016 and their first hardshell offering. It features their unique Adaptive Fit Composite with Texon® counter/stiffener which offers exceptional support for the back without there being any pressure points on the center or the side of the harness. There’s memory foam to ensure maximum comfort, then their independent primary and secondary power belt to really get it locked in tight. The C1 can be ridden with either the Hammerhead or the Maniac sliding spreader bar. €270 | $300 | £240
Dakine – PYRO The Pyro is DaKine’s top end harness and has set the standard for many years. If you are looking for a truly dependable harness with hundreds of hours of R&D behind it then look no further. For 2016 it has the Memory Foam inner and spreader bar webbing hold down strap, and the Pyro continues to set the bar for top-end harness tech. The Pyro can be ridden with either the Hammerhead or the Maniac sliding spreader bar.
Dakine – HYBRID RENEGADE The 2016 Hybrid Renegade is a true evolution of one of the most popular harnesses on the market. There is a Hybrid dual density pre-curved support structure to give heaps of support and enable you to really lock the harness in, then there is the spreader bar hold down webbing strap, and the Power Clip Lock buckle system for maximum security. The Renegade has been one of Dakine’s best sellers for many years, and for good reason… €180 | $200 | £130
Dakine – FUSION The Fusion is Dakine’s seat harness and sets the standard by which all other seat harnesses are judged! Featuring the Power Clip Lock buckle system, Hammerhead spreader bar and their 8-Point load dispersion system, the Fusion has evolved over many years into the comfiest and most functional seat harness you could ever hope for.
€210 | $240 | £165
€175 | $220 |£135
Dakine – CHAMELEON
Dakine – WAHINE
The ultimate in harness versatility can easily be transformed from a seat into a waist harness ensuring that those starting out get maximum value from their harness... For 2016 the Chameleon offers great back support with the integrated precurved P.E.B. and ES foam support, as well as multiple leash attachment options and an integrated handle to give you plenty of confidence when you are starting out.
Designed with the unique demands of female kiters in mind, the Wahine packs in all of the top-end features that can be found across the range. So there is now the memory foam inner to release pressure points and ensure maximum comfort, as well as the Pre-Curved P.E.B. inner support structure and the independent primary and secondary power belts. Maximum comfort and maximum functionality for female riders.
€150 |$170 | £115
€155 | $170 | £120
BUYER’S GUIDE
Naish – ARSENAL The next evolution in maximum support harnesses, the lightweight Arsenal conforms to the body with molded memory foam padding along the spine and an ergonomically shaped structure. A superb choice for a wide range of body types, the Arsenal’s wider shape evenly distributes pull – ideal during powered up or overpowered riding. Double spreader bar straps lock the bar securely into place while strategic contouring and memory foam on the spreader bar provide a more comfortable fit.
Airush – REEFER
€279 | $240 | £219
€200 | $230 |£180
The Reefer Series from Airush encourages you to connect more strongly to the environment and to push your own boundaries ever harder. The Reefer harness has this attitude at its core and with features such as the Dual Adjustment Waist belt – which helps to keep the harness locked in for your most extreme maneuvers – as well as heaps of other top-end harness tech, it will help you take your riding to the next level.
Naish – BOSS The lower cut of the Boss is ideal for riders looking for a high range of motion and excellent back support. The locked-in bar pad features extensions which insert into the sides of the harness to lock the bar into place. A low-profile, contoured spreader bar adds extra comfort and double spreader bar straps further prevent the bar from riding up with use. The lock-in-and-release mechanism has been adapted to be more user-friendly, while 3D-fit technology, contoured side-shaping and a dual tension belt ensure the harness conforms to the rider’s body for maximum comfort. €239 | $215 | £179
Naish – ALANA Formed and sized for a woman’s curves, the Alana’s 3D-fit technology features a cushioned, molded shell for customized support and stability in key areas. The locked-in bar pad stays securely in place with double spreader bar straps and extensions that tuck into the sides of the harness. Then there is a click-in spreader bar and a dual tension belt to really get the harness locked in tight. €229 | $200 | £175- Check local dealer
Airush – CORE Airush’s Core harness is designed for all round riders who want to get the very most of their equipment. Designed to fit in with the rest of Airush’s Core range, it features an ergonomically optimized load plate with 3D thermoformed inside skin to ensure that the harnesses fits as snuggly as possible. A versatile and stylish option. €195 | $220 | £175
Airush – TEAM Airush’s Team series is a range of truly top-end products that enable you to really push your limits. It’s the range ridden by most of Airush’s enviable team riders. As with the rest of the collection there are no compromises with the Team Black Harness which is specifically developed to withstand the rigors of freestyle, racing and waveriding. €210 | $240 | £185