Fish Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Hi, I was just wondering what people's thoughts are on the best trapeze harness(s) are out there to buy these days...??? They have come along way over the years and so have the costs! Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loose Change Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Easy, the best one is the one that fits you without being uncomfortable over an extended period of time. I suggest you try and borrow some and just "hang" and see which one is to your liking. Having done that, then go and buy the best one of those that you can afford. I don't place a lot of value in brand names because not everyone is built the same, to repeat go for the one that fits you the best. Harry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NixonJr Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 If your big or tall i don't recommend the burke fully adjustable as they don't adjust enough :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bad dog Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 I have a Gill with straps everywhere - slow to get on and off, but reasonably comfortable. The simple Burkes I had before were just uncomfortable, but like Loose Change said, we ain't all built the same, so whatever fits! A lot of people locally (Sydney Nthn Beaches) rave about Bigfoot harnesses, made in Brookvale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iOrion Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 I have a Zhik one. It cost me $350 which puts it in as probably the most expensive on the market (that I've seen). It's also the simplest and most comfortable one that I tried out - far more so than the the Gill and Burke ones. Putting it on is as simple as climbing into it, pulling it up and doing up one clip. Adjustment over shoulders is like backpack straps and around the waist is wide velcro straps that don't come undone. Also seat is like kevlar and crotch is made from an stretchy stuff which means that you don't get your package caught up. http://www.zhik.com/ProductDetails.aspx?category=1&element=62&PKID=4460&CategoryID=263 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TornadoSport260 Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 I've used Ronstan, Burke, Gill, Hobie & Magic Marine harnesses. The Burke harness was like sailing in a g-string... might uncomfortable. The Ronstan spreaderbar harness just wasn't comfortable no matter what you adjusted. The Gill spreader bar harness was comfy and adjustable and not too bad on price. The Gill skiff harness i didnt like the kidney straps. The Hobie ratchet harness was comfy but didnt last long and I dont believe it was worth the money because it didnt last long. The Magic Marine Ultimate harness is my all time favourite. Yes it has alot of straps but my god is it comfortable and when you have 2 slipped discs in your lower back like I do, you'd pay anything to find one thats good. I believe ALL the ZHIK gear is overpriced for what it is. The 2 harnesses I'd wear are the Magic Marine Ultimate and the Gill Spreader Bar. Both are in the mid-high $200 but worth the money. Michael Windrush S/S 6327 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TornadoSport260 Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 O I'm 6"3' 82kgs. I wear a Large in the Magic Marine Ultimate. My dad is 6"2' and 95kgs and he wears an XLarge in the Mahic Marine Ultimate and loves it as much as I do. Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
korwich Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 I agree whole heartedly with Micheal, sailing in the Burke harness was painful, it had a habit of pinching tender bits, the magic marine harness I got second hand from Mick Colecliffe who decided he did'nt need a trapeze anymore, very adjustable, I don't know what it cost originally, comfortable, I can even adjust it to have a leak off the end of the boat if needed without needing to disrobe, (this is if it is a no wetsuit day), (everyone just needed to know that did'nt you). 1st thing I did was to jetison the little spring clip on the hook that is I guess supposed to keep you attached to the wire as the mast and sail is falling into the water. I've never missed it yet. Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingray580 Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 i wear the magic marine ultimate harness. have had it for about 5 years, awesome. more expensive than the basic models, but not by that much, but the extra comfort is worth the money. i would never wear a non crutchless harness again, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NACRAJON Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 I bought a basic Magic Marine harness which was OK but too many buckles. Made my own custom 'nappy' style harness which was much better. Won a Zhik at Pt Melb YC, thanks fella's, it's the best I've tried. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iOrion Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 I believe ALL the ZHIK gear is overpriced for what it is. I know didley about this stuff, but I think you should give the Zhik a go and compare it. Its comfy, adjustable, supportive and functional. I think that's worth the extra $50 or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramShackle Posted March 13, 2011 Report Share Posted March 13, 2011 I'm going to buck the trend. I use a waist harness (made for kite-surfing) because it forces me to lay flat rather than sitting. The only faults: it's tough on your abdominals (particularly when you don't have any) and it doesn't allow you to twist foward easily (I like to twist around so my feet are more in the vertical plane rather than the horizontal plane). JB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knobblyoldjimbo Posted March 13, 2011 Report Share Posted March 13, 2011 has anyone got the Bethwait toggle attachment? instead of a large hook you have a keyhole so nothing to snag on stuff (when I was 15 I slid along the foredeck of a brand new Fireball with Sapele veneered ply leaving a long gouge much to the disgust of the owners wife!), end of the trap wire is just a plastic ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TornadoSport260 Posted March 13, 2011 Report Share Posted March 13, 2011 I know didley about this stuff' date=' but I think you should give the Zhik a go and compare it. Its comfy, adjustable, supportive and functional. I think that's worth the extra $50 or so.[/quote'] I know plenty of people that use their stuff and i've worn a few pieces and its no better than the stuff that is $50 cheaper imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slammer Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 I went to my local sailmaker and asked him to make me a comfortable harness. Based on the nappy style with space for wetsuit and length to suit. It is a really comfy harness. So go and see your local sailmaker and ask if he can make you one! Shop local and talk to your local.OH, buy the way I'm not a sailmaker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radwill Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 I went to my local sailmaker and asked him to make me a comfortable harness. Based on the nappy style with space for wetsuit and length to suit. It is a really comfy harness. So go and see your local sailmaker and ask if he can make you one! Shop local and talk to your local.OH' date=' buy the way I'm not a sailmaker.[/quote'] the guys that won the F18 division at the Nacra nationals have these as well. with all the "technology" out there they still think the basic design from all those years ago is still the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nacra-maricat australia Posted April 1, 2011 Report Share Posted April 1, 2011 They are wearing Magic Marine harness-skiff model now. Like a sailmaker version but allot better,weighs less than 1kg. Have a look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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