Hey guys

just wanted to give you a quick heads up - Zhik have come up with a new concept for zhik trapeze harness zhik trapeze harness , involving of all things velcro... upshot is that you can get the hook really close to your body, but it's still comfy like a bib harness. They're only in pre-production at the moment but I got to try one out last week.

Mike at Layline/Zhik had a couple at Spring Fever last weekend for the North American debut. The folks that tried them proclaimed that they were the most comfortable harness that they had ever worn - men and women both agreed (is that a first?). It was tight, yet the "boyz" were happy.

They will be available for purchase around the end of April.

ps - Zike rhymes with Mike

where can we see theses? Mike, any pics?

No official pics that I can release yet. However if you look closely when the Spring Fever pics are up, myself and JC are wearing them.

Robyn tried one at SF and LOVED it. Mike, put me down for one for her when they go into production and thank you for letting her try it. Are they planning on one for team cheese burger members? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

David

Where can i see the "Spring Fever pics" <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> thanks

I tried the size 3 on over my street clothes and it was mighty comfy.

David: the Size 3 is endorsed by team Big Mac. I have the spinnaker to prove my membership :P

How was back-support in the Zhik harness?
Most harnesses I've worn so far give me an ache in the lower-back area after a few days.
And is it designed for skipper of crew (or both)?

The back support pad is aprox 6" x 8" and has battens in it to provide stiffness. It is velcroed in and can be repositioned up and down about 6", lots of adjustability.

No Spring Fever pics up anywhere yet that I can find.

We want pictures NOW, or your 5 start rating is in jeopardy !!! (kidding)

Tony
As you live in Europe I would definitely recommend a Magic Marine harness, Velcro adjustment hidden behind flaps to prevent catching, safety hook release, awesome back support and under 1kg in weight <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Got one of those now <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> The main strap to the spreaderbar constantly slips out of place which is very annoying.
And the safety hook release prevents you from putting chickenwire cleats on there, but I solved that with an angle grinder.

About those safety releases, has anyone actually used one of those? Would be cool to test out in a pool maybe with an old H16 and a safety diver or something.

The back support in the Zhik harness was great - in fact I can't imagine NOT wearing the back support.

There's a pic of the pre-production Zhik harness here - Zhik harness photo

It looks like a harness that a lot of the Olympic sailors use, IMHO the only downside is that there's no possibility to mount chickenwire cleats.