I always get Dakine XT seat harnesses. I go through them pretty quickly and a break spreader bars even quicker, but they are just right for the sailing I do - lots of support and a high hook height. Now I see that new XT's are very expensive and don't come with a bar. I don't know what that's about but it's a big disincentive to go there again.

What other high-hook supportive seat harnesses are there that I don't have to rob a bank for and actually come with a spreader bar/hook?

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Shifu said..
I always get Dakine XT seat harnesses. I go through them pretty quickly and a break spreader bars even quicker, but they are just right for the sailing I do - lots of support and a high hook height. Now I see that new XT's are very expensive and don't come with a bar. I don't know what that's about but it's a big disincentive to go there again.

What other high-hook supportive seat harnesses are there that I don't have to rob a bank for and actually come with a spreader bar/hook?

I've only returned to windsurfing recently, so my specific experience with seat harnesses is obviously limited. For your information, I recently got my hands on a second hand Prolimit Rambler in great condition for a reasonable price and I find very supportive and comfortable.

It also appears the Prolimit range may include other supportive models if the Rambler isn't similar enough to the XT?

Why are you going through them so quickly? mines 8 years old and still going.

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choco said..
Why are you going through them so quickly? mines 8 years old and still going.

The only thing I can think of is that I do long distances in rough water. I have broken three hooks in the last two years and the stitching comes apart on the inside of the harness. I'm on my third one and it needs sewing up now.

Yeah stitch them up.
Do you use the bar to rig?
I broke 2 like that, stopped then never broken one again.

I use the Severne CMR, its got a slightly higher hook compared to traditional slalom seats, its got way more control in higher winds and is super comfy, its four years old now and still in great shape, I use for both wave and slalom sails too.

I am a big fan of the XT seat
This is what they look like after around 8,000ks
I just ordered a new one from SHQ without the hook for $214 delivered, I think that's a fair price
Cheers
TK

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Manuel7 said..
Yeah stitch them up.
Do you use the bar to rig?
I broke 2 like that, stopped then never broken one again.

Nope, never use the hook to rig, but use it now and then to add dh on the beach - maybe twice a season.

I use the Severne Pod and haven't had any issue with it. I was using the Dakine XT before that (I still have it but the hook is in the middle of the bay).
The Severne Pod has less padding but it fits me really well.
Harness are like pairs of shoes though, better to try them on first if you can.

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tonyk said..
I am a big fan of the XT seat
This is what they look like after around 8,000ks

That bar looks like new. Do you sail in salt water? Any harness I've had from multiple brands start corroding on the welts pretty much after first use. I used to rinse it off with fresh water and then hang dry after each session but there's no point as it will corrode anyway in my case (live close to the ocean).

Bars aren't born equal I think. I inherited a bar from an old harness which did have a rust dot on one of the welds. Hasn't moved in years while my other two cracked around the welds.

I break the actual hooks in half.
What the hell is the point of selling a harness without a hook? It's the most important part!

Unlike 99% of windsurfers if your one of the weirdos like me that sails hook up, be careful what you get if you want to turn the spreader bar upside down!!!

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Shifu said..
I break the actual hooks in half.
What the hell is the point of selling a harness without a hook? It's the most important part!

There's actually different sizes bars and that way you can choose the size and discipline (windsurf or kite bar). And when you break a bar, you can only replace that part so I think it makes a lot of sense.

My Severne POD has out lasted all my other kit. Guessing 6years and just a bit faded.

i use the prolimit rambler and have been for the last 15 yrs (several of them not the same one, generally get about 5 yrs out of them

It has a medium hook height position. I use it for free ride, racing and wave sailing. it works for me

When using seat harnesses, do you rig your boom lower? Do you use longer harness lines with a seat harness and if so, how much longer?

I have both a waist harness and a seat harness. I find the seat harness (Dakine) much more comfortable with no back pain but hooking in seems problematic. I picked up some adjustable harness lines but the stiff plastic that covers the harness line doesn't drop so part of the harness line ends up pointing towards one end of the boom keeping it out of reach for hooking in. Because of this I often find myself going back to my waist harness which gives me a sore back.

Recently I ordered the Liberty hybrid harness which they claim has the hook higher. I hope that helps but dang, it's not cheap.