zhik trapeze harness
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4711
Printed Date: 07 Aug 25 at 2:38pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: zhik trapeze harness
Posted By: Graham T
Subject: zhik trapeze harness
Date Posted: 02 Oct 08 at 12:02pm
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The missus needs a new trap harness and I am tempted by the zhik harness as a chrissy present for her - it seems to have the lack of straps of a nappy style with the hook close to the body like a spreader bar harness and some adjustability for different sizes / layers of clothing unlike a made to measure. (Also means I don't have to measure her for a present without arousing suspicion
The only thing I'm not sure about is its comfort level for a woman - Zhik make a point of saying how much room there is for men if you know what I mean but how comfy would it be for a woman? Are there any female sailors out there who use this harness (or any other particularly comfy ones) who would be prepared to comment? ------------- Osprey 55 "Tebutinnang" Osprey 1245 "Two Bob Bit" Miracle 1358 "Thumper" |
)Replies:
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 02 Oct 08 at 12:36pm
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I have never used a zhik harness. My favourite has always been my made to measure nappy harness because it was snug and comfy with minimal fuss. Thanks to a well known philanthropic gentleman (grumpf, no less) I now also have a musto race harness, which seems to meet with approval of both me and the potential 14 crew (also female) as does the Dakine harness, which I like the look and fit of a lot, but neither of them have yet been tested on the water. My least favourite is the one I currently use in the contender which is a crewsaver spreader bar style. I thought it was comfy till I did 9 light wind races in it in Kingston and it chafed. See how carefully I chose my words there....  I have to say that as an experienced harness wearer of many moons, I would not want one as a surprise pressie, unless I had by mysterious means of persuasion I had somehow found myself trying it on before purchase. You should try to casually pop by a dinghy store and try some on, just for fun, you understand..... (I did crew an osprey once, with Sue Harrop in the Bloody Mary - it was fab, though I could have wished for being the weight I am now) ------------- the same, but different... |
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 02 Oct 08 at 12:38pm
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Oh, and as I scrape down the 14 I dream of a crew/harness with one of those recessed hook things which will not damage my carefully tended woodwork.... That is definitely on the 'to buy' list. ------------- the same, but different... |
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 02 Oct 08 at 12:44pm
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Just to ramble on a bit more, the zhik does look good - the belt arrangement is very similar to the Dakine design and I see what you mean about the neoprene crotch bit - it might be a bit bulky for a woman though. For my part, I would rather have nothing down there (but then y'all know that about me anyway!) and go for the straps.... ------------- the same, but different... |
Posted By: Graham T
Date Posted: 02 Oct 08 at 12:53pm
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I know what you mean about hooks and carefully tended varnish - we had a very uncoordinated race last weekend where she had to crawl up the foredeck a number of times to retrieve kite sheets etc. from under the boat. Perhaps one of those recessed hooks needs to be on the list as well - where do you get those? Perhaps I'll just have to get her some romantic spinnaker sheets instead and let her buy her own harness...... ------------- Osprey 55 "Tebutinnang" Osprey 1245 "Two Bob Bit" Miracle 1358 "Thumper" |
Posted By: Medway Maniac
Date Posted: 02 Oct 08 at 9:40pm
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Flush hooks are available in various designs from John Waddington mailto:john@jwaddington9.wanadoo.co.uk - |
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 03 Oct 08 at 8:27am
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Thanks, I shall have a look into that for her indoors - god forbid she should scrape my new varnish after my hours of toil in the garage!
------------- the same, but different... |
Posted By: RyanV49er
Date Posted: 08 Oct 08 at 1:06pm
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The flush hooks are not great for quick tacks and gybes though. it's tricky to get hooked on compared to a conventional harness, in my opinion.
------------- Online sailing: For when you just can't get to the club: http://visser49erracing.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/online-sailing/ - Visser49erracing |
Posted By: Medway Maniac
Date Posted: 08 Oct 08 at 2:16pm
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I find they take some getting used to, but crews who have persevered say they have no problems... ------------- http://www.wilsoniansc.org.uk" rel="nofollow - Wilsonian SC http://www.3000class.org.uk" rel="nofollow - 3000 Class |
Posted By: Contender 541
Date Posted: 23 Oct 08 at 1:44pm
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Sorry to resurrect an old thread
I have picked up a crewing job on a 5oh and while I have a perfectly serviceable Trap Harness, it is a multi adjustable strap and spreader bar jobby, so I am thinking of a new harness - Zhik Read a bit about Zhik and the new harness and it is all good - but then (to misquote Mandy Rice-Davis) "they would say that wouldn't they"
My question is....... Has anyone actually got / used the Zhik harness and what are your thoughts?
------------- When you find a big kettle of crazy it's probably best not to stir it - Pointy Haired Boss Crew on 505 8780 |
Posted By: Lukepiewalker
Date Posted: 23 Oct 08 at 5:15pm
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I know someone who has just sent one back.Problems with the zip.
------------- Ex-Finn GBR533 "Pie Hard" Ex-National 12 3253 "Seawitch" Ex-National 12 2961 "Curved Air" Ex-Mirror 59096 "Voodoo Chile" |
Posted By: simonjohn
Date Posted: 24 Oct 08 at 6:58am
| That John Waddington link doesn't work for me, I'tried several times. What am I doing wrong? |
Posted By: simonjohn
Date Posted: 24 Oct 08 at 7:14am
| Think I've just answered that myself, it is used as email not website address. I know, it's obvious....but it takes us old gits a while sometimes on these new fangled counting machines... |
Posted By: Ian29937
Date Posted: 24 Oct 08 at 1:50pm
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What zip? I've just bought one, initial impressions are of good build quality and a comfortable fit. Velcro closure is neat and feels secure. Sizing is on the small size for me. According to their chart I'm right in the middle of the weight range for the size I ordered, but I think I'm at the upper limit when I put it on with a wetsuit. Without doubt this is a pricey option, but I feel confident that I could undo the two velcro flaps and release any hook entrapmment if I did get caught underwater. Safety was certainly a consideration for me. First try-out this weekend (if I get out at all).... I'll let you know. Cheers Ian RS700 GBR960 http://www.sail4cancer.org - www.sail4cancer.org
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Posted By: Lukepiewalker
Date Posted: 24 Oct 08 at 3:41pm
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Maybe it was the velcro then. having not seen the harness myself I amn't sure of the attachment.
------------- Ex-Finn GBR533 "Pie Hard" Ex-National 12 3253 "Seawitch" Ex-National 12 2961 "Curved Air" Ex-Mirror 59096 "Voodoo Chile" |
Posted By: Ian29937
Date Posted: 26 Oct 08 at 11:51pm
Well, I'm definately not a woman, but used mine for the first time this weekend and came away very impressed. Very comforrtable, secure and easy to use. I put it on and forgot about it! Recommended Ian |
Posted By: Contender 541
Date Posted: 27 Oct 08 at 7:44am
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And there is my answer
Thanks Ian ------------- When you find a big kettle of crazy it's probably best not to stir it - Pointy Haired Boss Crew on 505 8780 |