seat vs. waist harness

SHERIFF · Joined: 05 Jul 2010 Posts: 2

I picked up new gear after being land locked for the past 20 years, but I'm not sure if I should go with a seat or waist harness. Back in the day I used a seat harness. Any suggestions? I'm sailing a light wind shortboard.

cgoudie1 · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:01 pm Post subject: Re: seat vs. waist harness

Depends on what feels good to you (yuk yuk). Seats are better for
2D action, waists are better for 3D. This is only my opinion.

-Craig

noshuzbluz · Joined: 18 May 2000 Posts: 791

Isobars! Haterrater! to the start line PLEASE!! Laughing

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

I sail in a light wind venue, but use my seat harness in all types of app's. Boils down to what you want, not anything else. Lots of folks have never bothered to compare, they just stick with one or the other. I've tried both and prefer the seat. Provides a more direct drive off the boom to the hips then legs. Waists involve the lower back more. Lots of folks ask how I can keep the accelerator to the floor when extremely over powered. Harness line forces go directly to my legs. The strongest muscle groups in the human body, right?

bobgatpdx1 · Joined: 13 Oct 2002 Posts: 385

Not sure what you mean by "light wind shortboard".

Back in the day, I also used a seat harness, but switched to waist harness about 5 years ago - have never looked back. So much less restrictive and comfortable to wear. Try a bunch of different harnesses and see what seems comfortable to you. I started with Dakine, but have found the ProLimit to be much better for me - fits like a glove.

I've heard it said that waist harnesses are better for wave sailing and freestyle, while seat harnesses give you the most power for going really fast. However, in the Gorge, I see sailors using both types. Just comes down to personal preference.
bobg

jingebritsen · Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371

Restrictive in what way? Never noticed that.

Here's a light wind board:

http://www.exocet-original.com/products/sting-spec.asp

Light wind does depend on where one lives.

isobars · Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935

PeconicPuffin · Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Posts: 1830

cgoudie1 · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 9:41 am Post subject:

To the OP, I also often ride an XT Seat (especially when my back is
giving me trouble). I consider it more of a waist harness with an added
butt pocket. With mine, I'm still in a more vertical
stance with shorter lines. Probably the best of both worlds (but harder
to get in and out of than a pure waist harness).

-Craig

djs789 · Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 43

I use both. XT-Seat for big sails, formula, and speed. It gives you a very steady locked in feel. I use a nexus-waist for chop, waves, freestyle. You sail more upright and is easier to transition to doing manuevers. Whatever feels right.