I've had my eye on two of the aquata harnesses for a little while and i'm looking to finally get out on the trapeze.

Im trying to decide between the hydroXT, bucket harness and the equipeXT, full harness. It seems like many recommend full harnesses, but many still use the bucket harnesses, so i'm not really sure what to think.

My p19 has the old school dogbone setup for the trapeze. My question is what else will i have to change/buy in order to use an aquata harness(w/ xcape upgrade)?

Do harnesses usually come with spreaders or buy separately?

Sorry for the noob questions, but sailing websites charge an arm and a leg for shipping so i'm trying to figure out everything i need before i make my order.



Edited by matt922 on May 30, 2011 - 09:37 AM.

It depends a little on how you want to sail. The full harnesses are more comfortable for long trapezing and provide better back support if you have a back problem, but they are clunky and are harder to fit with a PDF etc. The seat harnesses are pretty good but the force is more concentrated in the waist and low back area, they are easier to fit with a PFD. I think most rec sailors use a seat harness, I have quite a few different ones myself.

My personal favorite is the Dakine Speed Seat (I think they may have changed the name this year) - but you will need a different spreader if you go with a windsurfing harness. The cat specific harnesses all come with a standard metal spreader.

If you go with the Aquata get the quick release spreader it will be worth the extra $15.

D.

--
Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
--

rather than lash out several hundred for a new full sailing trap harness see if you can pick up an old half windsurfer harness for $10-$20

many come with metal spreader bars and so there is less waist compression than older sailing harnesses that only have a hook

a windsurfer harnesses will not support the back as well as a sailing harness, as it is designed to be used in a more vertical position, so is not as comfortable for trapezing for long periods but they are also easier to put on and more comfortable because of this...and there are many more about cheap, and for your first season trapezing it's probably all you need

freeze this video at 22sec to see a typical windsurfer harness being worn over a 2mm wetsuit

http://vimeo.com/5075989

and this video at 41sec

http://vimeo.com/5258062



Edited by erice on May 30, 2011 - 03:36 PM.