i'm about to buy a 16 but have no experiences of harnesses (except for windsurfing). i've seen ones with nappies, ones without. can anyone give me any advice as to the pro's or con's of the various designs or suggest some good makes?

The best ones are from Magic Marine type Smart (around 100 $) or EQUIPE II (around 155 $).
They should support your shoulders and take the loads from your legs as well.

Fritz

FRKLOCKE@aol.com

I've got a nice one from Murrays
generally less straps and buckles are better

Magic Marine / Aquata

Hydro Half Harness... the best one made I think. $95US

Hey if your sailing a hobie get a hobie one since they are as good as you can find and they are hobie so you wont be the only one who has one, i have one in fact and i love it.

julian

I too was looking for a better harness than the supplied Hobie "butt-bucket" nappy. I was on a budget and bought a Gul Pro harness for about 70$ US(the regular one, not the nappy version). As a man, I've found that the nappy harness' put presure where you don't want it. I've used it for about a year and am very pleased with it. Hope this helps, andrew