Tech Focus - Ride Engine Hyperlock

In this Tech Focus, Rou Chater chats with Gary Siskar to dive into Ride Engine’s latest innovation: the Hyperlock system, which offers unparalleled support, easy adjustments, and top-tier durability. Gary shares the story behind its development, the engineering challenges faced, and how this new tech is set to redefine comfort and performance for kiteboarders. We’ve got it all straight from the source!

Ride Engine has always been a leader in innovation, first with the rigid shell, then the Unity Direct Connection system, which eliminated the need for straps, and now the Hyperlock system. When creating the Hyperlock, what were you looking to improve over the UDC system? 

From day one, Ride Engine's founder, Coleman Buckley, had a clear goal: to create better equipment that would enhance the experience and performance of riders on the water. He began with the harness, recognising it as the most overlooked yet arguably the most crucial piece of equipment in the kiteboarding kit. Focused on fit and support, the hard shell harness was born, sparking a revolution in harness design and innovation. 

Next, Ride Engine addressed the problem of webbing. Traditional webbing tends to loosen during use, whether slipping or stretching, which can negatively impact rider performance and reduce time on the water. Ride Engine introduced the Unity Direct Connection system—the first truly "set it and forget it" harness spreader bar and closure system to solve this. Building on that innovation, the Hyperlock system represents the next evolution of Unity. Its 4-point ratchet design allows for easy on-the-fly adjustments while providing unmatched support and hold, offering a level of security and comfort not previously seen in any harness on the market.

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How long have you worked on the prototypes to get the design right? 

Contrary to what many might assume, adding snowboard-style ratchets to a harness took a lot of work. The unique load and pull angles exerted by the kite presented significant engineering challenges. The components also needed to be durable enough to withstand environmental factors like fine to coarse sand, debris, salt water, and extreme temperature fluctuations. 

To tackle these issues, we licensed Hydrocinch technology, which had already spent over seven years prototyping and testing various ratchet designs before our collaboration. Over the past two years, we have refined the concept through multiple prototype iterations and extensive lab testing, ensuring the final design delivers the best durability, performance, and safety.

How easy is the new system compared to traditional webbing straps and the UDC set-up? 

Hyperlock is in a universe of its own when it comes to user interface and experience, far surpassing both traditional webbing and the Unity spreader bar system. It's highly intuitive, making it incredibly easy to put on, adjust—whether on or off the water—and remove after a session. In short, Hyperlock offers the pinnacle of high-performance harness spreader bar systems, eliminating all the hassles associated with traditional webbing and Unity-based harnesses.

What are the benefits that the Hyperlock brings? 

Convenience in adjustment both on and off the water. Easy to put on and take off. 4-point redundant connection for safety and superior spreader bar hold down.

Are there any metal parts in the buckle design? 

Yes, the ratchet mechanism operates with a spring. Still, we've engineered this component to withstand the unique demands of kiteboarding and the challenging environments in which Hyperlock will be used.

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Available on the Elite Type 1, Elite Type 2, and Lyte Hyperlock harnesses for 2025. Are there any other updates on those models we should be aware of? 

Absolutely! The Elite Series harnesses have been completely redesigned from the ground up. Featuring a new hard shell profile, Step-2, this ergonomic shape is based on biometric analysis. It offers greater support and comfort and reduces pressure on the lower rib cage for both men and women. Combined with Ride Engine’s data-driven Lumbar Lock technology, it delivers the most comfortable and supportive harness shape available. Additionally, all our harnesses now come equipped with an 8mm stainless steel hook, exceeding industry standards for durability and safety.

When can everyone get their hands on one? 

Ride Engine will release a limited number of all-model harnesses featuring Hyperlock in late October 2024. They can be found at your favourite kiteboarding retailer or Rideengine.com.