Just wanted to know everyone's opinion on what your favorite harness is.

I have discovered that I really like a windsurfing harness much better than any cat harness (butt buckets and shoulder harnesses.

I am now using a DaKine "Wahine" harness with an 8" spreader & hook. When I use the ball system I replace the hook spreader with the spreader that accomodates the ball.

I found that this harness gives me an unbelievable lower back support, does not cut into the crotch, and that I could hang out on the harness for hours, without getting tired. I do have a strong back, so I never saw the need for a full harness.

What are your best harnesses??

There are lots of threads on this forum about favorite harnesses. Go to "Search" on the bar at the top of this page and search for "Harness" and indicate "all posts." There is even a thread about harnesses specifically for women.

Uncanny really as I was just looking at my windsurf harness today and thinking "would it work on the cat too?". I'll try it this weekend?

Otherwise my hobie full "auto" harness is really good and comfy but must remeber to tighten the thigh straps first to save the family jewels!!

I've not heard of a ball connection though, do you need this for the windsurf harness or will normal J&H handles do?

Cheers Phil

Try the Hobie Europe convertable. Take of the shoulder strap. There is plenty of lower back support and it is very comfortable.

There's an easy one:

Magic Marine or Aquata Pro Harness

Mark Michaelsen
http://www.sailingproshop.com

Also built and sold by Hobie Cat USA.

Keep in mind the wahine harness is cut for a woman. All the other harnesses listed are mainly cut for men. Some women say this makes a big difference.

Just because it was cut for a man or woman doesn't makes it right for you. There was shop that had some harnesses cut for women. The woman who ran the shop, loved them. She was the model for the cut. She looked like a poster for "Sweedish Girls". Some women thought they were the most uncomfortable thing they ever put on

In general because of the CG differences, men tend toward full harnesses and women tend toward half harnesses
I think harnesses are about as personal as underwear. Go try a bunch of them on until you find one you like. After a year you may find some small things that you would like changed. Look for a sailmaker or marine canvas shop to modify it.

I like windsurfing harnesses too. My favorite was a German North. I finally threw it out a couple weeks ago. There was not enough left to patch. FYI, if your spreader is steel you can bend the hook to accept a ball in a pinch. (aluminum will break).

To answer your question. I use a DaKine Nash for "just in case" and an old Magic Marine (the big heavy one with inflatable lumbar support) for windy days.