Choosing a boat: Rooster Trapeze Harness?

Rooster Trapeze Harness?

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
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Forum Name: Choosing a boat
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Topic: Rooster Trapeze Harness?

Posted By: Alibaba5643
Subject: Rooster Trapeze Harness?
Date Posted: 19 Nov 12 at 5:01pm

Hi,

Now firstly I know this that Trapeze Harnesses are a topic that come up all the time, and I've read through various posts on them.

Wasn't quite sure where to post this still though.

So I sail an ISO as a helm, although we'd both like to swap the roles round a bit and I'm looking at buying a trapeze harness, I've never trapezed on a monohull but I have trapezed Topaz 16 cats on Holiday this summer in a Crewsaver harness.

Now the crewsaver harness was okay, but I noticed a few of them broke quite easily so I'm looking for a good sturdy harness I can keep for years. To keep the parents happy, it must have quick release.

I'm aware that it is best to 'try before you buy' but unfortunately I don't have that opportunity as the only Chandlers nearby don't stock harnesses. Obviously, I would just have to send it back if I get one that doesn't fit etc.

I don't have loads to spend £150 being my top limit, I've noticed Roosters Harness which you can fit a quick release to for about £153ish which looks like it would be pretty good, although I haven't seen any views on it except those on their website so I was wondering if anyone had any views having used a rooster one or if there are others that you might point me towards.

One final thing I'm looking at the top end of sizes as I'm 6'2 and about 100kgs.

Cheers

Ali

Replies:

Posted By: Mister Nick
Date Posted: 19 Nov 12 at 6:40pm

No experience with the rooster harness, but their gear is generally extremely good so I'd imagine that it's pretty decent.

http://www.banks.co.uk/harn.html

Otherwise, take your pick from that lot. They're all a good price and they've got a good reputation, I've heard lots of good stuff about Banks Harnesses, especially the skiff one.

I know you've said that this isn't possible but it really is is well worth your while going to a shop that allows you to try the harness on in the shop and hang in it for a while. You're going to have to look further afield, but if you are looking to have this harness for a long time then surely it's worth doing? Nothing worse than buying a harness that doesn't fit or isn't comfortable. My magicmarine one totally squishes all the bits that really don't need squishing and gives you a back ache very quickly. I regret not trying it on properly and making sure it was right.

Posted By: Mister Nick
Date Posted: 19 Nov 12 at 6:41pm

sh*t, sorry, pressed quote instead of edit... >_<

Posted By: catmandoo
Date Posted: 20 Nov 12 at 12:41pm

I can thoroughly recommend rooster harness .

I'm 6'2" 118 kgs

trapezed for 30 yrs , from days of ball breaking Alpha pros and through just about full range magic marine (loved ) , and a one off Alverbanks (first spreader I had ) and also a crewsaver with big velcro fastenings across front very comfy but style wise bit naff in red n yellow trim !!!

All very good in their day .

When buying a new harness last I was even prepared to go whole hog and buy a Zhik , but Ive a long back and straps too short (Zhik suggested paying sailmaker to adapt !!)

Anyway had heard rooster working on new harness , asked them about it and was given a proto to try for a year , was excellent , now have full production model and used for full season too .

Very comfy .

no signs of wear ,

fits under spray top

Light

looks cool

And fits larger peeps easily .

and if you are replacing an old harness (which unfortunately you are not ) you can fit old spreader bar into it without having to buy one with it .

My other choice was magic marine , but getting too ornate with stuff to squeeze spraytop over .

most othermakes like ZHik too small for tall fella with long back .

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Posted By: Alibaba5643
Date Posted: 20 Nov 12 at 6:54pm

Thanks MisterNick I agree it would be best if I could try one on but, I where I live we're talking probably be at least two hours to the next nearest shop that sells trapeze harness, also with the Rooster only being sold by Rooster - I can only really order it online.

Thanks catmandoo!

To be honest that was exactly what I was looking for, someone, of my size that's been sailing the harness for a good while - your words there are like gold dust!

Really good to hear that its comfortable and I presuming the size 4 fits you, so it should fit me just fine too, also that its wearing well after one year of use!

Zhik - my friend had a similar incident with Gill saying the same thing....

Thanks for your help!

Posted By: catmandoo
Date Posted: 22 Nov 12 at 2:01pm

Thinks its actually a production 3 , having sent back the proto 4 and sailing season approaching quick I took a 3 as 4 was waiting to come in , plenty room in 3 and no probs with shoulder straps .

Also rolls up and fits in sailing bag with wetsuit no trouble .

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Posted By: Alibaba5643
Date Posted: 22 Nov 12 at 9:00pm

Brilliant, thanks catmandoo! Really helpful and good to know!

Giving the rooster some serious thought now!

Posted By: Ian29937
Date Posted: 23 Nov 12 at 9:34am

Just fyi

I'm 6'2" and had no problem with my first gen. Zhik, in fact the most confortable I've owned. However I got a new one last year and the straps are much longer. Do you wear over or under your BA as this makes a big difference to the sizing?

I do like the look of the Rooster though and it will be on the list for the next change whenever that happens.

Cheers

Ian