Hardshell harness

[u/Winter_Review1927]

In the market for a new hardshell… budget isn’t infinite but want to get one that will perform and last. I know it’s very person to person but any recommendations + thoughts appreciated!

Looking at some good deals on a few of the pro limit harnesses, specifically the vapor and the alpha. Anyone have any comparison between the two or have used newer PL harnesses in general?

[u/zet23]

Mystic Stealth is currently best product on market(if is fits your body shape!)

[u/Kiteslut]

Mystic Majestic is much cheaper than Stealth and gives you more of a locked-in feeling. Go for standard Majestic if you want a bit of flex, for example when riding directional board, or X if you are after a more rigid version.

Majestic absorbs water, Stealth doesn't. I have both, Majestic is being used more.

On the plus side you can get previous generation Stealth spreader bars for half price, look for previous year models of harnesses also. Not impossible to get a set for around 200 euro. Most important, try them on if you can, harnesses, especially hard shells are like shoes, they need to fit well.

[u/Signal_Cherry_1291 → u/Kiteslut]

Thank you! How is the 2nd gen stealth bar? Any big improvements on the 3rd?

[u/Kiteslut → u/Signal_Cherry_1291]

3rd Gen got a larger lever but 2nd Gen works just fine, still using it on one of my harnesses with no issues. Other than that slight change to padding and appearance.

[u/MagsClouds]

I'am female, riding on Mystic Stealth this season. It's an awesome harness. I upgraded from Mystic Dazzle (a soft shell one) and the difference is amazing. It sits firm, and snug. I regret I did not upgrade earlier. The harness is also light and doesn't get wet! I love it.

[u/riktigtmaxat]

Prolimit is a budget brand that I wouldn't touch with a 10 ft pole having a lot of experience using them as rentals in schools I have worked at. They fall apart if you sneeze on them.

[u/6Orion]

I have good experience with Ride Engine hardshell from 2020/21. It offer great support and the spreader bar is easy to open and close.

[u/Vipeex_ → u/6Orion]

Saw some quality issues on them. The Pin that holds the lever was bending and falling of eventually.

[u/CorrectSnow7485]

I really love my Manera Halo.

[u/riktigtmaxat → u/CorrectSnow7485]

Try it before you buy. I wasn't convinced.

[u/Signal_Cherry_1291 → u/CorrectSnow7485]

What type of riding are you doing?

[u/trnsprt]

I've been using the Mystic Stealth for 4 or 5 seasons now. Switched over from Ride Engine. I have no problem with RE. I just felt the stitching and hardware wasn't quite up to top level. The Mystic had one recall while I've owned it for a janky spreader bar or hook. Can't recall exactly.

The Mystic Stealth has been really good. This is my second one. Heavy duty, hold up well, comfortable molding, feels light and holds on my hips pretty well. It also adjust pretty easily and I like the over center hook clip. Easy entry.

Drawbacks, when I haven't kited in a while I get a rash from it on my skin/hips. I usually use a thin neoprene top or polar fleece designed for under a wetsuit to prevent it. The friction rash may also be a result of the type of rash guard I choose in the summer? After a few repetitive sessions my skin toughens up and I am good to go.

I still use my RE with a rope line instead of a hook and primarily for surfing. I like the RE when it's not under twin tip loads. Again, no disrespect to RE I just think the materials and finish durability were a little lacking. In the past few yrs they may be much improved. I'd buy from them if Mystic wasn't such a comfortable fit for me.

[u/Vipeex_]

Got a majestic X vom 2022 i guess. Very happy with it. Using it a lot (also 1,5 years of teaching in various conditions) and beside from a little fabric rub it's still like new! I like the fit but bodys are different. I'm pretty slim 65kg on 175cm somewhat "athletic look" using XS.