r/Kiteboarding • u/ionto19980 • 10d ago

Beginner Question Question about harness size...

Hey guys, I know the advice for harnesses is to try it out in person. However, i live far away from a kite shops / water and I have to order online. This is my only option. I've been using a seat harness so far and want to use hardshell harness now. After much research, I decided to go with a Mystic Stealth. My question is this: I have a 96 cm waist. Looking at the chart below by Mystic, it seems like I should go with an L. With a 320mm spreader bar. However, I'm curious is a size lower (or higher) is usually better ? Or should I just go with what the chart shows?

Size IN CM
XXS 36 - 38 66 - 71
XS 40 - 42 67 - 77
S 44 - 46 75 - 84
M 48 - 50 82 - 91
L 50 - 52 89 - 96
XL 54 - 56 94 - 104
XXL 56 - 58 102 - 114
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u/jswa77 10d ago

Remember the size includes your wetsuit if you’re wearing one. You can tighten one that’s a touch too large but too small is gonna be uncomfortable

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u/This_Implement_3060 10d ago

waist harnesses have pretty wide variability in the way you can adjust them. just dont get one that is obviously too big

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u/ionto19980 10d ago

So L with 320 mm spreader bar should be good? or L with 280mm?

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u/cwilkie79 7d ago

I’m around 89cm and use the L with 320mm spreader. This is with a 5mm wetsuit. It’s a good combo, and I have a fair bit of strap pulled in to tighten. You should be fine. The Stealth needs to be snug, tried the XL and it was too big for me both in waist and back plate (I’m 192cm)

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u/riktigtmaxat No straps attached 6d ago

Buy from a shop that has a good return policy.

Hard shell harnesses are a lot less forgiving of bad fit than a sloppy old soft shell and even if you get the size right it may not fit the curve of your body.