Custom Comfort with a Click | The AK Method RS Harness Ratchet System

Have you ever tried what seems like a million of something, only to find they all fall short in one way or another? And then you finally find THE ONE, and it's the greatest feeling, knowing that your search is over and you can enjoy using that perfect thing. For Kristen, that perfect thing may well be the AK Durable Supply Co. Method RS harness.

The Ratchet System

The standout feature of the Method is the ratchet system, which is what RS stands for. With more of an hourglass shape, Kristen found that no matter how much she tightened her harness, it'd get loose once she got out on the water, got wet, and started moving. Then it'd ride up and become uncomfortable. Every harness did this, even this one. The difference is that this one is easy to tighten, even while riding.

Thanks to the built-in ratchet, the Method RS can be tightened incrementally with just one hand. That means you can keep one hand on the control bar while you adjust your harness to the perfect tightness. You simply lift the lever until you hear the harness click, and then repeat that motion as many times as you need until it feels secure again. It's not unlike the ratchet on a snowboard.

Tip: If you need to take a little pull off the harness while you're adjusting it, just ride at the kite slightly.

Loosening the harness is simple as well. The release button is on the ratchet lever and operates easily with a press of the thumb. This allows the belt to move freely inside the ratchet mechanism.

If the ratchet system isn't right for you, the Method does come with the standard Aerobar as well.

Hard Shell Support, Soft Shell Comfort

Although the Method is a hard shell harness, it's extremely comfortable. Inside the back it is very plush, and it's ergonomically designed not to have any hot spots where it rubs or presses in on you uncomfortably. The back padding adds just the right amount of lumbar support. Kristen has had some back injuries in the past, and the hard shell, combined with the lumbar padding, gives her the support she needs for long, comfortable sessions.

Despite the extra padding and hard shell, it's not a heavy harness at all. That said, it's also not the very lightest harness on the market, so if weight and having a thin harness is a primary concern for travel, this might not be your first choice. However, the comfort and support the Method offers made the bit of extra weight well worth it for Kristen.

The hard shell does have some flex on the sides. It's like a torsion flex that lets the harness move with you. If you like tricks that require you to bend and move a lot, you'll still have the freedom to do that without feeling restricted or having the harness dig into your sides and ribs.

Comfort-Designed Spreader Bar

If you've ever had your spreader bar dig into your ribs or stomach, you'll appreciate the thoughtful design behind the Method's bar. The top is rounded without that sharp cutoff or back plate you'll find on some harnesses. This is so much more comfortable while riding or even just standing with the kite parked at noon.

Multi-Rider Versatility

The Method has a feature that will let you share your harness with someone who may not be the same size as you. In addition to the adjustability the ratchet gives, the belt's base girth can be adjusted by one size. There are two screws attaching the belt to the spreader bar, but there are four holes so that you can take in or let out the belt. If you've got a size large harness, you can share it with someone who's a medium.

Eye-Catching Graphics and Colorways

Kristen thought the graphics were sick on this harness, especially with the dual tone on the back. The gold and the blue/black color schemes look great, but her color's purple and it does come in purple! This is a unisex harness, and she saw some guys rocking the purple, too. If you don't want to look like everyone else out on the water, the color options on the Method will definitely help you out there.

Is It Right for Me?

If you have trouble getting your harness snug enough before you head out or need more back support while still being comfortable, this may be a good pick for you. The Method RS is plush and allows you to move freely, and the RS system gives you on-the-fly adjustment, even while riding. And the unique colors are an added bonus.

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