Im new to the buggy scene and think is a blast but my arms get sore very fast!
I was wondering if any one could point out a beginner harness thats good to just get the pressure of my arms while i ride. Also could someone explain the use of a spreader bar! I hear that they are needed but i don't know why.
Thanks,
-Z

There isn't so much beginer harnesses as going through the trial and error method until you find the right one for you.
Buggy riders tend to like a seat harness with a soft bottom. Some of the kite surf harnesses are too bulky in the butt.
If you can find I seat waist combo in the same harness it is a good middle ground. I like my Mystic but it isn't your cheapest option.

A standard spreader bar has a hook with a downward opening . You put a rope between your handles ( strop ) and flip the rope up into the hook. To onhook , pull in, push down.
Hook in to the chicken loop on depower kites.

You will not regret getting a harness !!!!!!!

an entry level harness would be a Peter Lynn Base Harness

http://www.ripsessionkiteboarding.com/ProductDetails.asp?Pro...

Spreader bar- usually already attached to a harness, what you would connect a strop line or chicken loop to in order to fly. You can also hook a quick release wichard to the spreader bar for a safety release system.

Strop line- a length of line which attaches the handles of a four line kite to each other in order to use with a harness.

Chicken loop- Usually attached to a bar and line system for use with depower kites.

Wichard and pulley block- A wichard is a quick release system you can attach to a harness for quick safe release of the kite from you. Pulley block is what you would run your strop line through instead of hooking you strop to the harness itself.

HQ and Ozone both make a good harness to use in a buggy. You do not want a bulky harness for use with a buggy, it will become uncomfortable quickly!

There is a picture of a wichard and pulley in the gallery section at the top of the page. Check it out.

So is there any difference in having a longer strop line to a shorter strop line?

Quote:

Originally posted by Zachamack So is there any difference in having a longer strop line to a shorter strop line?

Your arm length. You want it long enough to push / pull fly if needed but work on doing less push / pull and more brake turn flying. You will know what is right for you with a little trial and error.

Watch how TDMC flies and then try and fly more like Kiteguru :P

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner Quote: Originally posted by Zachamack So is there any difference in having a longer strop line to a shorter strop line? Your arm length. You want it long enough to push / pull fly if needed but work on doing less push / pull and more brake turn flying. You will know what is right for you with a little trial and error. Watch how TDMC flies and then try and fly more like Kiteguru :P

Too funny.........

Okay thanks.
Now would you make your own strop lines with dyeenma line or is it better to buy them?

A radsail harness is a lower cost harness and work pretty well I think they are about $55 with hooked spreader.

as far as a strop line, you want something that will hold your weight without breaking. Some people use climbing rope, I am making mine out of amsteel. Last one I made out of a tie down type line and it snapped after about six uses!

okay thats what i don't want to happen! so would any type of climbing rope suffice?

Quote:

Originally posted by Zachamack okay thats what i don't want to happen! so would any type of climbing rope suffice?

i use 4mm Static Cord and it lasts forever.

here is kite tuning tutorial but the second video shows the strop line in use

http://ricardo-kc88.com/Ricardo-KC88/Kiting_101/Entries/2010...

strop length is personal preference, i normally have shorter on sizes 2m to 7m and run a little longer on from 9m to 16.1 because im on short lines

this video shows rider has his strop line TOO LONG

http://vimeo.com/11256141

*** the total length of that cord was 1meter***