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When equipping yourself with kitesurfing gear, the least glamorous piece of equipment is probably the harness.
Although it’s not that thrilling to shop for, no kitesurfer would be any good without their harness and it’s an essential piece of gear that will have a huge impact on your performance.
Finding the best kitesurfing harness can be a challenge though, mainly due to the specific requirements that every surfer has to consider.
You’ll need to think about the comfort you require, how much support you need, and the style of riding you want to do, and with each three of these factors in mind.
You’ll be closer to choosing from the best kitesurf harnesses around.
We’ve taken the time to compile our recommendations for the top-rated harnesses around and they vary in styles and price range to suit everyone.
Whether you need a kiteboard seat harness or prefer the waist harness style, you won’t have to spend hours sifting through reviews just to find one that’s worthwhile.
The kiteboarding harness is a crucial piece of gear that connects us to the kite bar and gives us the balance and strength that we need to control the entire setup.
For such an essential item, you want to be sure you’ve chosen the best of the best, and that’s why we’ve compiled these kitesurf harness reviews of some of the top rated choices on the market today.
Our Reviews Of The Best Kite Surfing Harnesses
All Weather Sport Kiting Harness
BEST OVERALL
All Weather Sport has created an all-rounder kiting harness that suits more than one type of surfer and comes with a one size fits all design.
Featuring three D-rings so you can fully customize how you wear it, leg straps, and adjustable webbed straps on the shoulders, it’s comfortable and supportive for all types of surfing.
It has a waist wing attachment point and easy disconnect buckle so it’s easy to get in and out of, with plenty of options for use.
This is one of the more comfortable kiting harnesses on the market thanks to the added lumbar support and shoulder straps.
Customers loved how the leg straps didn’t dig into their legs like other styles did, especially considering how much back support it offered.
Even after hours of use, it was still as comfortable as it was at the start, so you can spend all day riding without a bother.
On the downside though, the D-ring situated at the back tended to get stuck in the middle of some people’s back and was hard to wedge out.
As you don’t really want to be making adjustments out on the water or in the air, this is something you’ll have to get perfect before you take off.
This is a great all-rounder harness that can be worn in multiple ways and because it’s one size fits all you can even share it among the family.
The wing equipment and buckle are rated at 5,000lbs so it’s heavy duty and high quality, and All Weather Sports offers a full refund if you don’t love your harness as much as they promise.
Priced at around $130 on Amazon, this is one of the cheaper mid-range harnesses we’ve found that still offers a lot in terms of quality and adjustability.
The All Weather Sports Kiting Harness is ideal for everything from kitesurfing to skydiving, so if you want a versatile piece of gear to use for all of your extreme sports this is the way to go.
Technical specifications
- Size: One Size Fits All
- Materials: N/A
- Leg straps: Yes
Ocean Rodeo Session Harness
RUNNER-UP
Ocean Rodeo has created a versatile harness for kitesurfing that can be used as either a waist or seat device.
Made with a PVC material on the lining it’s incredibly soft and their sizes range from extra small at around 22” through to extra large at 44”, so you’re bound to find your perfect fit.
What customers loved most about this harness, besides the superior quality that Ocean Rodeo is known for, is how well it fit them.
The harness was soft and comfortable even in the middle of a session and never rubbed or caused irritation.
Using a PVC lining helped create this softness and also comes with a special molding that allows it to fit perfectly to your body.
According to the reviews, this was one of the harder harnesses to get in and out of which lost it some points.
You’ll want to put a few extra minutes aside to get it on correctly and make sure it’s adjusted to your needs, which is a bit of a disappointment when you’re eager to get started and in the air.
This harness comes with removable leg straps you can choose how you ride.
With a handle pass leash safety release and hook knife, it’s one of the safer options on the market as well, and there are no snag lines to be found because all of the buckles are tucked neatly away and hidden.
Those who favor safety over all else will really appreciate these added features and it means you can spend more time focusing on the fun at hand.
The Ocean Rodeo Session Harness is priced at around $200 on Amazon, and while it’s up there with the most expensive, reviewers claim it’s worth it if you can afford it.
Like other Ocean Rodeo products, it only comes with a 60 day warranty which doesn’t really entice, but as long as you take care of it it’s been made with the type of quality construction that will last for years more.
Technical specifications
- Size: 26” – 44”
- Materials: PVC
- Leg straps: Yes
Mystic Warrior Waist Harness
If you’re only interested in a waist harness and want one that’s known for quality, the Mystic Warrior Waist Harness will be one of your better choices.
Made with a comfortable mixture of neoprene and molded foam it first perfectly to your body.
You have the choice of extra small through to extra large harnesses and each one has an anatomical backplate for added support.
The best thing about this harness is how comfortable it sits and where it sits on your body.
Some waist harnesses tend to ride up too much and require adjusting, but this one is molded exactly to your shape.
Both the interior and exterior feature this molding which adds to the comfort even more, perfect for those who spend long days out on the water.
This waist harness loses some points due to the limited range in size. The extra-extra large harness only comes up to 38” which is around 5” less than the competition.
For larger users, you probably won’t have much luck making this a comfortable fit.
Customers also found that it was better to shop one size up as well due to how the harness sits, so this could restrict you even further.
The Mystic Warrior Waist Harness comes in three different colors of black, blue, and green, so you can choose one to meet your personal taste.
It also features double power leash rings, spreader bar protection, and covered side parts so every single inch has been designed with the surfer’s comfort in mind.
The harness comes with a safety knife and battle belt closure, giving you added protection.
If you want a dedicated waist harness and have the money to spend, you can get the Mystic Warrior Waist Harness for between $175 – $230 when you shop on Amazon.
The manufacturer’s warranty covers you for one year which is good for your peace of mind and provided you shop for the right size, you won’t be disappointed.
Technical specifications
- Size: 26” – 38”
- Materials: Neoprene and foam
- Leg straps: No
Ride Engine Bamboo Forest Elite Harness
Ride Engine is the creator of the Forest Elite Harness that was designed purely with user ergonomics in mind.
Made with a hard shell of carbon fiber and a low profile fit, they promise it won’t ride up or get in the way as other waist harnesses do.
Once on, it locks into place and keeps you firmly connected so you can focus totally on the task at hand.
According to the reviews, this was one of the more supportive harnesses out there for people with back problems.
Ride Engine has designed the fit based on hundreds of different user’s custom molds to create one that would suit everyone, and this was evident to the many happy customers who liked how it felt.
The sizing on this is hard to determine as Ride Engine doesn’t specify measurements, but you can choose from four different sizes.
Having to take a guess on an item so expensive isn’t really ideal, so be prepared to send it back and swap it if doesn’t fit.
There’s no option for leg straps either and considering there are other brands for the same price that offer both, this could affect your decision.
Although being hard-shelled, this harness is incredibly lightweight but is sold on its own.
You can purchase the Elite Carbon bar and rope for the best results, otherwise, it pairs just as well with other brands.
The harness features various hook and slider bars so you can change the way you ride and get your money’s worth if you like to mix things up every now and then.
Ride Engine has done their best to create an ergonomic kitesurfing harness, and this one is all about your back, first and foremost.
The harness costs around $130 on Amazon and it comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty, so there’s no doubt about its value, and it’s great if you’re only after waist support and nothing else.
Technical specifications
- Size: N/A
- Materials: Carbon fiber
- Leg straps: No
Dakine Vega Kiteboard Seat
BEST WOMEN'S
For a more comfortable fit, women might prefer to choose a kitesurfing harness that’s better suited to their shape, and if this sounds like you then you’ll want the Dakine Vega Kiteboard Seat above all else.
This supportive seat is made with Curv composite and marine grade vinyl, with a minimalist design that won’t restrict any type of movements.
Customers preferred this for high powered riding and found that even in the most intense conditions they didn’t suffer any back pain.
Thanks to the ultra lightweight design and the comfortable fit that the leg straps have, it’s a breeze to get on and off, and you’ll feel no irritation at all even wearing it for long periods.
On the negative side though, you probably don’t want to choose this harness if you’re a larger size because it tends to lose some of that comfort.
Being a seat design some people found it took getting used to, so if this is your first time using one of these beware that it’ll take a while to make it work.
The sizes range from extra small to extra large which gives you measurements of 28 – 38” to choose from, and according to the manufacturer these are all in UKs standard sizing.
You’ll also find a push button Hammerhead spread bar, optional spreader bar compatibility, and both left and right side attachments for your leash fixed onto the harness.
Dakine has been making kiteboarding gear for years and it shows, so if you want a women-friendly harness then you can get this at Amazon for between $130 to $180 depending on size.
This harness suits racers, high-performance riders, and everyday casual users, with everyone finding something to love about it.
Coming with a massive two year warranty it’s got better coverage than most, so it ticks all of the boxes for the ideal kitesurfing harness.
Technical specifications
- Size: 28” – 38”
- Materials: Marine grade vinyl
- Leg straps: Yes
Kiting Harness FAQ
The key to finding the best kiting harness is knowing what you’re looking for and choosing one that meets your specific riding requirements.
These harnesses come in many shapes, sizes, and purposes, which is what makes shopping for one a challenge.
We’ve answered some frequently asked questions about this important piece of gear to help lead you in the right direction for your next purchase and ensure you get the perfect fit.
How To Choose Kiting Harness?
The best kiting harness for you should take into consideration your size, weight, type of riding, current gear and setup, and any other specific needs you have.
There’s no one size fits all solution for these harnesses and it has to be able to cater to your exact requirements.
Beginners usually prefer a seat harness that gives them more support, whereas experienced riders use waist harnesses for freedom of movement.
Seat Or Wais Harness?
The two main categories of kitesurfing harness are seat and waist designs, each offering something different.
A seat harness is better suited to beginners and they sit lower than a waist harness but can also restrict movement somewhat.
A waist harness is better for freestyle riders and offers better leg movement, but they can ride up during use.
How To Secure Your Kiting Harness?
Harnesses come in different styles and usually feature a number of buckles, straps, and attachment points.
The harness is connected to your body and then the spreader bar, and this can be achieved with either a hook or loop.
Once on, you should adjust the straps so that the harness hugs your body firmly but not too tight and ensure that it’s fitted to the bar.
What Is Neoprene And Why Should Your Kiting Harness Be Made From Neoprene?
Neoprene is a popular choice for kitesurfing harnesses because it’s the same material used for wetsuits.
Neoprene is generally quite durable, comfortable and flexible to wear, and offers protection when you’re in the water.
Usually, the part of the harness that sits closest to your body will be made of neoprene with other materials used for straps and webbing.
The Ultimate Accessory for Control and Comfort
No kiteboarder would be capable of riding without their harness, and although it’s not the flashiest piece of gear it’s certainly one of the most important.
A kitesurfing harness should be able to offer great support, security, and ultimately balance and control of your kit, so it’s a device with a lot of responsibility.
The addition of any of these top rated devices to your setup will yield great results, so don’t waste any time on the water without being attached a quality kiteboarding harness.
From our top picks you should be able to find the perfect one to suit you, getting you well on the way to a better day on of riding.
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