OR Sessions vs. Mystic Warrior harness

genek · Post by **genek** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 4:06 pm

Hey guys,

Time to chime in with which harness you like better or just your experience with either one would be great. I have a slightly weaker lower back due to overshooting a jump snowboarding several years ago so I've stuck with a DaKine Fusion seat harness up until now, but am interested to try these waist/seat harness convertible types. I demoed a Mystic Warrior as a waist harness for about 10 minutes in Baja, but that wasn't enough for me to get accustomed to the waist pulling. So if you could compare how these ride with and without straps and whether the spreader bar pushes into your gut on either one that'd be great.

Thanks for the input. I'm trying to get my gear in order for San Carlos :)

Sonny · Post by **Sonny** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 4:51 pm

I used to use Dakine Fusion and I tried a lot of waist harness and I could not get used it. Most of them would hurt my ribs. I switched to OR Session last year and I have been very happy with the Session. I have no idea about the Mystic.

Yoda · Post by **Yoda** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 5:42 pm

Hi Gene,

I actually own both said harnesses. I had the Dakine Tabu first then upgraded to the OR Session. I really like the OR harness but if I used it w/o the leg straps it would still ride-up (I'm skinny).

I then tried the Mystic Warrior (waist/seat model) and it fit just as good if not better than the OR. What I liked better was the construction, attention-to-detail and the cool look, but the best part was the strap that holds down the spreader-bar (SDS) - a unique feature found only on Mystic harnesses. It not only protects your ribs from the s-bar twisting up, it also locks the harness to your waist and prevents ride-up... it really does work!

Because of the SDS feature, I just ride with the leg straps loose for more freedom, but If I get overpowered, I can cinch them tight and get more support. :)

I'd say they're about equal for back support, but the SDS feature is something you can't beat! It will insure that the support stays put.

I'm now working with Mystic, so I may seem biased, but my statements were from my experience that occured well before my connection to Mystic. As a matter of fact, that's why I seeked them out for work... I really believe they are making the best products for our needs, be it wet or drysuits, harnesses and kiting accessories, so I was interested in spreading the word and growing the brand.

I'm glad to see so many positive responses on Mystic's products. For those just hearing about them, you really need to check them out!

AntiJF · Post by **AntiJF** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 7:12 pm

Ergonomically, mystic has the best harness out there. IMO, in every other way as well.

but don't take my word...

http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopi ... ic+warrior

http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopi ... ic+warrior

http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopi ... ic+warrior

http://www.kiteforum.com/phpbb/viewtopi ... ic+warrior

Etc, Etc....

Sonny · Post by **Sonny** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 9:43 pm

Sounds like I need to checkout the Mystic.

adamrod · Post by **adamrod** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:05 am

yeah, I ride the mystic warrior waist/seat. it's nice because the seat part is mostly just fabric, so I just tied it up in back, so it acts just like a waist harness, but if I want the seat, i have the option.

More Waves Please · Post by **More Waves Please** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 7:20 pm

I picked up a Mystic Warrior waist harness from Evan at Live2kite in January. I had been riding a Dakine Fusion Seat harness, but only because I had only bad experiences with other waist harnesses. I have about 15 sessions with it in mixed conditions from glassy flat to coastal waves, and way underpowered to nicely lit up. Here are my observations:

Mystic seems to have found fixes for all of the typical complaints generated by waist harnesses. It rides low, so the hook stays at about the same position as a seat harness; it doesn't ride up, so you don't end up with a harness under your armpits at the end of the session; the spreader bar doesn't rotate up into the ribs; and finally, it's pretty damned comfy!

The first session was a little sketchy, but no different than a first session with any new gear. By the mid-point of my second session, it was like an old friend. It's great to have flexibility back in my hips and lower body that I had given up with the seat harness.

Don Bogardus · Post by **Don Bogardus** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 8:39 pm

I also have been using a Mystic Warrior since Jan. , and being a dyed in the wool seat harness guy for 5 years,
I am in love with the new found freedom of greater lower body mobility, especially on a surfboard!.
Now I wonder if all their products are this good?!. :)

Speaking of GOOD products I sold my 06' 5'4" Rocket Fish pintail, and reupped w 07' 5' 5" Rocket Fish squash tail,
have only rode it in Alameda so far, but can tell for sure it's gonna be a ripper in waves!!, North, and Amunson
NAILED IT with this piece of magic!. Soft Footstraps w/ arch bar under front and rear straps inspire confidence,
and are as comfey as my bedroom slippers!, plus board is as light as a custom!. :)

bobbyboom · Post by **bobbyboom** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:59 am

Yup, I'm a Mystic fan, too. I ride the firestarter harness which just came out. I rode the Dakine Fushion seat before that I have to say the switch between seat and waist was about 1 session. After that the transition was done. Not from me, but because of the way the harness is made.

The firestarter has an extra strap on the bottom of the spreader bar which holds it "DOWN" so that it does not pull up so high. To me it keeps the pivot of the waist harness a bit lower, more like a seat harness. I freaking LOVE this harness and it has MASSIVE back support, too. Not only does the mystic stuff look cool, but it seems to be very functional which is, of course, the best part. The Warrior is cool, but be sure to check out the firestarter, too.

-Bobby

OliverG · Post by **OliverG** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 8:06 am

I am stoked on myu Mystic Warrior as well, it works great and I have no complaints. Sounds like the Mystic is the new standard in waist harnesses. :P

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OR Sessions vs. Mystic Warrior harness

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