There are currently 5 unique harnesses in the AK range with one of the harnesses designed to have a separate seat attachment for those who want the best of both worlds.
In this article, we will do a recap of each harness’s purpose and guide you
through the process of selecting the one that suits your needs best.
WAIST HARNESSES
ETHER WAIST HARNESS
Purpose: Kiteboarding
Key points:
1. Minimalist & lightweight waist harness.
2. Ergonomic lumbar support.
3. 3D load plate with soft edges.
Compatibility:
The Ether is designed to work with all AK spreader bar systems, allowing the harness to be used by all riders no matter the discipline.
MORE ABOUT THE LIGHTWEIGHT ETHER HARNESS
By removing all unnecessary padding, seams, and reinforcement, we have created an ultralight harness ideal for riders who travel and have an affinity for minimalism. Making use of a 3D ergonomically shaped load plate, combined with our Fly-Line load distribution technology, we have been able to build a harness that offers the ultimate back support while being incredibly thin and light.
The Ether harness is a lightweight, compact harness, that prioritizes comfort and durability.
The objective with the Ether was high support and comfort, in a harness that packs down to next to nothing. Conceptually, besides minimalism, we followed the fundamentals of biomimicry, where we approached load distribution completely differently and explored the concept of the load plate as a flexible membrane that changes with your body’s movement. Once realized, this was then reinforced by load-bearing lines, just like tendons, supporting heavier loading without adding much weight.
METHOD HARNESS
Purpose: Kiteboarding
Key points:
1. Ergonomic hardback support.
2. Center-oriented stiffness & enhanced edge flex.
3. Composite & polymer fusion construction.
Compatibility:
Compatible with all AK spreader bars.
SYNTH HARNESS
Purpose: Kiteboarding & Windsurfing.
Key Points:
1. Intermediate flex composite shell.
2. Stiffened center lumbar support.
3. Versatile high support waist harness.
Compatibility:
Compatible with the Synth Seat Connection.
Compatible with all AK spreader bars.
COMPARISON
The Method
vs.
The Synth
The Method harness is suitable for any kind of rider who enjoys steady support & ultimate comfort for longer periods of time while the Synth is dedicated to the more intermediate-advanced rider.
Since the Synth has a semi-hard shell, it has a little bit more torsional flex while keeping the support characteristics of a hard-back harness. The Method, however, is a pure hardback harness for high-level support but is still able to flex along with your body’s movement.
Both harnesses have a full neoprene interior liner with the Method adding a layer of memory foam that cushions your back from the hard external shell.
SEAT HARNESSES
ETHER SEAT HARNESS
Purpose: Kiteboarding.
Key Points:
1. Minimalist & lightweight seat harness.
2. Low hook position ideal for racing & foil.
3. Low-cut leg straps to keep the harness down.
Compatibility:
Suitable for AK spreader bars.
FUSE SEAT HARNESS
Purpose: Kiteboarding.
Key Points:
1. Versatile ergonomic seat harness.
2. Full back support.
3. Reinforced padded handle.
Compatibility:
AK Spreader Bar Included.
COMPARISON
The Ether Seat
vs.
The Fuse Seat
The Fuse seat harness is a classic low-cut seat harness with full back support, perfect for anyone from the first-time rider to a veteran racer. For those who are learning, with upper back problems or racing, the Fuse is ideal for low hook style riding and comfort. While the Fuse seat harness offers slightly higher back support, an internal back pad, and a reinforced grab handle; the Ether seat is a high-performance, lightweight, and compact seat harness with streamlined features.
Since the streamlined features of the Ether seat minimize obtrusive connection points and reduce weight, the advanced shaping optimizes freedom of movement and comfort. The Ether seat harness also features a low hook system, perfect for foiling, high-performance racing, or riders who simply prefer the low-down pull.
SYNTH SEAT CONNECTION
Purpose: Attachment to Synth harness.
Key Points:
1. Durable back section.
2. Buckle-less attachment points.
3. Synth compatibility.
Compatibility:
Compatible with Synth harness.
VIEW THE COMPLETE KITE ACCESSORIES RANGE
AK Harness Sizing Guide
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