While viewing different galleries of kite skiers, I noticed that some wear the harness about the middle of the chest, rather than a seat-type harness. Is this because it enables them to invert, and are there any other advantages? Is there one harness better than another if your using ski's verses a board?

As you've already noticed there are actually 2 different types of harnesses mainly used (there are others that I've seen on the market, but these two versions are the most used and talked about). Waist and Seat. The seat harnesses tend to be a bit more cumbersome due to the legging straps, however, I've heard they make learning to use the harness a lot easier as you tend to be placed in the position to better hold the kite and yourself at an angle. They also tend to work better for buggying from what I've heard as well, mostly due to your position while sitting in the buggy.
The chest harness while less cumbersome in the sense of just wrapping around your waist also has its disadvantages of possibly riding up on the person wearing it amongst other things. You may also find that a seat harness is easier to use while wearing all your snow gear. Sometimes it's a slight pain to get the waist harness around your multiple layers of clothing and coats.
I've also heard of people complaining about waist harnesses as well due to past back problems. So if you have a history of back problems it may not be the way to go. Otherwise, I'd recommend finding a local dealer or someone local that flies to try some on and see what you're most comfortable wearing and using.

My only harness is a waist harness and while I can see disadvantages to it, I also enjoy not having to strap stuff all around my legs too, like bunching up my snow pants in the winter. Did that enough when I rock climbed, so I'm taking a break from that stuff...haha.
~Joe

Thanks for the reply Joe! Those are some good points, and I'm glad it tends to favor the seat harness. I've had one ordered for awhile now to use in the buggy I got this summer. I wasn't sure if the differing harness pull points (from the seat area or higher up by the ribs..?) would favor a style of skiing or boarding. While waiting for the harness to show I whipped up a tubular webbing one with a homemade spreader bar. Stays tight and sure takes the pull off the shoulders!

Well for the buggy you made the right choice. For snowboarding and skiing the choice you made can go either way. You may find yourself purchasing a waist harness some day just to switch up during outtings if nothing else. They can be nice, and like I mentioned earlier less of a hassle to put on.

What part of Idaho are you from? I use to live in Winchester and Lewiston for a few years.

~Joe

I'm a good 8 hours, or 460 miles south of Lewiston, and closer to Pocatello than Boise. A couple miles south of Burley right along the Snake river.
We have some nice farm fields and foothills I've been eyeing for this years kiteskiing adventures, so all this information you and other kind people are providing is really helpfull. Early snow has been sticking to the south hills for a few weeks now, kind of like it's taunting us...I can hardly wait!

So you're down by Twin Falls area..a bit south of that yet. Drove through Burley and Twin Falls on my way moving out there..you've definitely got some land to go kiting on out there.
In mid-winter at Georgetown Lake (about 5hrs north east of you near Butte, MT.) has a snowkiting event you should definitely check out. Last year I believe Chasta was there along with a lot of others showing off their moves. Think they demo kites as well. If you're interested I'll get the details of when, etc. for you.
~Joe

Thanks for the reply Joe. Yep, you've been right by our neighborhood.
As far as the Butte kite ski thing, I would definitely be interested!
Thanks!

I've used a waiste harness to ski but bought a seat harness to ski and landboard with.

As Joe said, waiste harnesses are simpler but depending upon your build, they may or may not work. I am slim and built like a stick so the waiste harness I used (Tabu) would ride up my chest and become uncomfortable and spin a bit around my body as I turned the kite. I could prevent the spinning of the harness only by tightening it so much it made breathing difficult - so I went with the seat harness (Fusion).

I like the seat harness because you can leave it a little loose and it won't spin or shift out of place. It does hook you in at a different angle and with handles it tends to put my hands down a bit lower then I fly unhooked but that can be adjusted somewhat by increasing your strop length.

IMO it comes down to personal preference and body build. I hike out to the area I ski so to limit what I need to carry and to avoid getting my harness on over my ski boots I wear the harness out - kind of a pain when a waiste harness could be simply put on over the coat when you get there but a minor compromise.

I think the seat harness, at least when comparing the Fusion to the Tabu waiste has an advantage over spearder bar roll as well since the Tabu needs to be cranked down and as stated, the power belt on the fusion can be a bit loose and the spreader bar straps cranked down on that leaving the harness comfortable enough with a bit of room but the spreader bar more anchored in place.

Can't wait for the snow to arrive.

Hi B-Roc, thanks for the input.
My wife calls me Stickman, and I know it's because I'm skinny, so I think we're close on build. The harness I have on order is a Libre seat style with an Armenator spreader, and I understand it would be better ( or necessary ) to change the spreader to a hook type for the depowerable Montana set-up with skis correct?
What kite do you ski with?

Hook spreader bar would be better for depowerable kites.

I've skied with all the kites listed in my current signature as well as with a Frenzy.

Once again late to the party, but I ride in N. Colorado and have been scouting more hilly locations to kite. "Quiver" consists of an '04 9.5m Frenzy and waist harness. I love the waist because I can wear it while skinning up to, and skiing down from alpine meadows. I usually go out with a pack and avi gear and it allows a lot more mobility than a seat harness. Downside is that it does tend to ride up a bit but not to the point where it's ever been a problem. Lumbar support has been more than adequate for the times that I've been dumb enough to launch in gusty/variable winds.

My two cents anyway. Happy riding.

OK, I guess I'm out numbered here, but my vote is seat harness. I hate having a waist harness sliding up into my ribs & armpits.

A couple plusses to the seat style
- It doesn't ride up
- Your hook is lower, and it works better with a winter coat.
- You can easily hide a tail-bone pad in there (from a pair of hockey pants)

Really though, just get one of each, they are so cheap.

Now lets all think S N O W!!!

Thanks guys!
We are getting snow near the neigborhood now, so we're REAL close to headin' fer the hills and strapin' on the boards!