Rider: Weight 100kg, Level Intermediate
Style: Freeriding, Small Surf
Weather: 10 to 20 knots on the day
Build Quality: 9/10
Satisfaction: 9/10
Disclosure: None

My Comments:

Tried out my new ride engine harness yesterday. I got the XL as I am 40 inches around the belly button. If your more than 40 or so inches here, I try before you buy as the XL is snug on me (although this is probably because it is like sliding into a horseshoe rather than wrapping a blanket around your middle). At first it felt too small, and took a bit of adjustment to get right. I did this at home.

Going for my first ride and it was like wearing nothing... super super light and it didn't dig in anywhere. It worked loose in the first 15 minutes but that was just bedding in I think... things stretching into place. After that it never moved, but it was a very gentle session.

Getting in and out is really easy. Just loop the chord over the spreader bar and pull one side tight.

My usual harness is a Mystic Majestic with a Jaybar which is like a squishy comfy soft and cuddly armchair. It is really comfortable but does ride up sometimes. I am usually aware of this harness as it is quite big and I find it a little restrictive when twisting around. Compared to it, the Ride engine felt skinny and hard when putting it on, but then it just disappeared.

The slider rope that holds the chicken loop is shorter than the one on the Jaybar, so it doesn't slide side to side as much, but I didn't notice this when riding.

Noticeable issues were..

1/ My Ozone short safety leash was too short as there is nowhere on the carbon bar to attach it and I don't like attaching it to the chord in case that breaks and you loose the kite completely. I bought myself a Cabrina short leash and attached it to the ring at side of the harness and it works fine.

2/ I cant figure out where to put a safety knife.

3/ It will also be more difficult for traveling as you cant lay it flat in a kite bag or suitcase.

4/ It may make you look a little like you have more money than sense, or maybe that's just my paranoia.

4/ Because I'm a larger guy, and it is a narrower harness, it does allow some of my softer bits to show more at the front.. a bit like tying a string around the middle of a water balloon! The Mystic is a wide harness and covers a multitude of sins in this department. So I am not sure I look as fabulous in the ride engine, which is of course a big thing to consider.

Was it worth the money (You can get 2 Dakines for the price of a Ride Engine).. not sure yet as only had one session, but it feels great so far. I notice Dakine have a hard shell harness for quite a bit less money which I probably should have investigated more before I bought the ride engine.