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  • Dave_5280
    Dave_5280

    By Dave_5280 •

    Ozone AccessXC Harness

    I've been using a Dakine Pyro waist harness for kite skiing and surfing for the last year and wanted a more comfortable harness for skiing.

    I had been looking at climbing harnesses and when the new Ozone harness became available it was an easy decision since it was designed for snowkiting.

    The construction is the typical high quality you would expect from Ozone so it should last a long time. It has large loops on the straps that make it easy to tighten the straps even with my gloves on. The D ring is nice and large so it is easy to put a locking carabiner through it, which I needed since I'm using it with my 2007 Frenzy kites.

    I've used the new harness during 5 sessions and it has far exceeded my expectations for comfort compared to the Pyro harness. It is much lighter weight and because of the seat oriented design it doesn't constrict breathing. Also since it covers a smaller surface area on my back it is much cooler so it isn't as hot to wear while riding. It allows more freedom of movement and it is easy to get over and lower to my upwind ski. I can easily put it on over my ski boots without having to take them off, and it is so comfortable that you hardly notice that it is on when you are walking around or skating out to set up the kite or make adjustments to the kite lines. ( I was in a hurry the other day and almost drove home with it on!)

    I was concerned about comments I heard that using a carabiner might put the fully sheeted out position of the bar out of reach and I haven't found that to be a problem. It might be that the spreader bar hook was a bit farther out in distance than the D ring. At any rate it seems a bit farther out but not so much to be an issue.

    The pulling force from the kite is spread better over my pelvis, legs and back vs. just on my back with the waist harness so I don't feel the pressure in one spot on my back which is an improvement.

    So I would highly recommend this harness and it should be no surprise that a harness designed specifically for snowkiting is better than one that wasn't.

    By : Dave_5280

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    smegg1600949554

    smegg1600949554 5

    Posted

    I got one for Xmas and have used it twice now, both in not huge winds with a Sabre and Access. I too have added a karabiner but attached it to a tape loop as well as through the D-Ring. Both kites have no problem with the reach, and also 06/07 ozone kites can attach straight to the d-ring, but I find that they are quite flexible and end up creasing. Probably not the case for the Megatron loop. Still it would be nicer if the d-ring was fatter more like a spreader bar. Having been using a Fusion and Mystic Warrior, the XC certainly has less of a spread over the back, as would be expected so less support for the lower back than a fuller waist harness. Also it does pay to adjust 'yourself' correctly. The leg straps do pull nicely from the back as long as you are leaning back, upward pulls when you are bolt upright could crush the jewels! Its a compact design designed to shove in bags when you are not using it, so great for all those times when space/weight is a premium. Overall I am happy as it does the job. I would recommend people to try as they probably only fit people with a proper waist:) --------How do you find the upward lift using the XC harness Dave?

    Dave_5280

    Dave_5280 3

    Posted

    On skis I only get lift at the end of each run before turning back so what little lift I experience has been comfortable in this harness. I'm usually flying the kite low and on the deck to get as much speed as I can find, and only work the window when in light winds.

    solwaybuggyer

    solwaybuggyer 1

    Posted

    I found an issue with using a carabiner and loss of reach, but that is buggying (with an Access.) And of course it is designed particularly for snowkiting. However, solution is easy - I just use the chicken loop direct through the D-ring, which is far better. A bit fiddly in set-up, probably not easy with gloves, and if an aftermarket upgrade to the Megatron loop becomes available I might get that to make it even easier. It's a brilliantly comfortable harness in the buggy though.



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