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When it comes to kiteboarding harnesses, Dakine offers one of the deepest product lines full of diverse construction technologies designed to offer the ultimate harness for the various skill levels, riding styles and body shapes of kiteboarders the world over. With over 20 years of kiteboarding product development, the team at Dakine has harness technology nailed down and builds some of the best protective gear for traveling boards, foils and the body.


DAKINE HAS THREE BASIC SUPPORT TECHNOLOGIES THAT UNDERPIN THE HARNESSES IN THIS YEAR’S LINE. WALK US THROUGH THE TECH AND EXPLAIN HOW RIDERS SHOULD APPROACH SELECTING A HARNESS FOR ITS RIGIDITY BASED ON SKILL LEVEL AND STYLE OF RIDING.

The three main support technologies that we are using for 2019 are Adaptive Fit Composite with Texon, Curv Composite Flex Shell, and the Pre-Curved P.E.B. If a rider is looking for the most support and stiffness in their harness, the Adaptive Fit Composite with Texon is the best choice and can be found in the C-1 and Pyro harness lines. For the rider looking for maneuverability without losing support, we generally recommend our Curv Composite Flex Shell technology, which comes with the Renegade, Fusion, and Vega harnesses. For those riders seeking the maximum amount of comfort and a soft flexible feel, they should go with the Pre-Curved P.E.B. technology which comes with the Chameleon harness.

IN THE RIGID BACKED CATEGORY THE C-1 AND THE PYRO OFFER TWO DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO STIFFNESS AND SUPPORT. HOW DO YOU STEER RIDERS BETWEEN THESE TWO MODELS, ALONG WITH THE RENEGADE?

The C-1 offers our max stiffness with a low profile. This would be a great option for the aggressive rider looking for maximum mobility. The Pyro uses a similar stiffness model but offers maximum support with a taller back and this would be the go-to harness for the rider looking for stiffness as well as protection. The Renegade offers the best of support and mobility, which works great for the minimalist rider looking for a lightweight, low impact, semi-stiff harness.
DAKINE HAS LONG BEEN AN INNOVATOR IN THE EVOLUTION OF THE SPREADER BAR. WHAT’RE THE FEATURES OF YOUR CURRENT BAR?

For 2019, we have streamlined our spreader bar options with the focus on our Push Button Hammerhead Spreader Bar. The kite-specific hammerhead hook is designed for a steady and safe connection to your control bar and the push button easy connect makes getting into and out of your harness incredibly easy. Our Freedom shape spreader bar pad and hold down webbing strap have been perfected to offer both extreme comfort and the secure feel riders are looking for. This is a proven design, which riders across all different skill levels and genres will be stoked on.

THE NITROUS SHORTS HARNESS HAS BEEN A LONGTIME POPULAR HARNESS HERE IN SANTA CRUZ. HOW WILL THIS HARNESS COMPARE WITH THE HYBRID WAIST/SEAT MEN’S AND WOMEN’S HARNESSES THAT YOU ARE NOW OFFERING?

The Nitrous HT Shorts are the go-to for riders looking for the harness that doesn’t feel like a harness”” ultra lightweight, minimalistic and style through the roof. The Chameleon hybrid harness, on the other hand, is great for first time riders unsure if they are going to want a seat or a waist harness, and those looking for un-rigid support.

THE TRAVEL BAG LINE FOR THIS YEAR FEATURES SOME FAIRLY INNOVATIVE DESIGNS FROM THE FOIL QUIVER BAG TO THE SLICK CLUB WAGON OPTIONS. WHAT ARE THE BIG SELLING POINTS ON THESE TRUSTY TRAVEL COMPANIONS?

We design all our travel bags to check both the boxes of the far flung traveler as well as everyday riding. The Foil Quiver Bag is going to be very popular as that genre of the sport continues to grow and evolve. Fully padded ¼” foam will protect your foils and the internal compartments for masts, wings, fuselages and tools will keep everything organized.

The Club Wagon is the go-to option for travel and keeping all your gear in one spot so nothing gets left behind when the wind fills in. With 3/8” protection all around, the Club Wagon will keep your gear safe and the heavy duty urethane wheels will help you get around easily with little effort. The golf inspired design will keep it low key when rolling through to the airport ticket counter.

The EQ Kite Duffle is our awesome price point travel bag. Because of its packability, this bag is easily stored in a small space when you get to your destination, or when not in use at home.


 

Want more gear info? Get the latest product info from all the top brands all in one convenient place with Tkb’s 2019 Buyer’s Guide.