Seat vs. waist harness

[Mike Hill]

I love controversy, so here's a new topic to get worked up about. My fat .ss blew out my old seat harness the other day, too much guac. with Jorge in Mexico I guess. Give me the scoop on seat vs. waist. I have heard that it is easier to ride toe side with a waist harness. Tried one before but didn't like the waist wedgie, and I'm not built like Johnny Wadd so the seat doesn't bother the boys. Got to buy one soon so shoot me your ideas.

[Marty Lowe]

It really won't matter what others think,
it's only a matter of comfort.
I wear a waist, but,
the Mystic I own now, I wore around the shop for an hour,
before I bought it.


Marty

[Jason Klein]

I have an ocean rodeo sessions harness, which is sort of a hybrid between a waist and a seat. It is a waist harness with leg straps that attach at a single point near the front. With this set up, I get unrestricted leg and hip movement and the harness doesn't ride up. By adjusting the straps, you can set the harness to sit at the height you choose without having to cinch the waist real tight. You're welcome to have a look at mine if you want to.

[Dean Mikulla]

What about a harness for gliding? I read that Chasta is wearing a climbing harness along with his waistH? Or is it possible to glide with a regular waist harness?

[Jacob Buzianis]

The best set up for all around riding and gliding for me is the Best waist harness and rockclimbing leg straps connected to the middle of the spreader bar. It has been the best set up for me from day one. Better back support and adjustable on how low or high I want to set it. The spreader bar stays down, no ribs bruising. I like it how it slides to my sides when I'm on my toeside or carving down the mountain.

I tried all kind of seat harness from da kine to mystic. Seat harness is great for jibbing, cruising or learning but it's doesn't have great back support for jumping and going up/down mountain for me. It's set up mostly for the butt and bottom back support.

You would want a harness that supports your lower and middle back at the same time.

The key thing is to try different harnesses. Everyone's body builds and back shapes are different. Look for a harness that gives you the best support for your back and riding style.

I know cloud 9 has some harnesses to try out. If they don't have the Best harness, Backcountry has them you can try at their warehouse.

[Dean Mikulla]

Jacob, can you post a link to the leg harness you speak of? And I take it you leave your waist harness kinda loose? How do connect the two?, Thanks for all the info!
Dean

[Jacob Buzianis]

Dean,

I'm trying to post some pics on here and it won't let me.

It's pretty simple to set up on your waist harness. Just get a rock climbing leg strap and carabin or webbing loop to connect the middle of your spreader bar.

[Kenny]

I use a rock climbing harness and a waist harness. I like the backup of the rock harness (though it didn't help me last week).

I use a prolimit waist harness on the water and snow. I really like it, it doesn't ride up on the water.

I have tried using seat harnesses, but I have never gotten comfortable with the low position of the hook.