In Focus: Ride Engine Fall / Winter 2021 Product Overview
Features / Tue 6th Oct, 2020 @ 1:15 pm
Ride Engine’s humble origins started with a vision to improve a critical yet often-overlooked piece of equipment for kiteboarding and windsurfing: the harness.
In 2013, Coleman Buckley, the founder of Ride Engine, set off on a mission to create a harness with next level fit, support, comfort, connection and performance. Eleven years later, after Buckley custom built hundreds upon hundreds of harnesses from customer back moulds and changed the industry with his hard-shell design innovation, Ride Engine utilises these volumes of exclusive data points to scientifically design hard-shell harnesses with the world’s best fit and performance.
We’ve got their Fall / Winter 2021 line up right here. It’s impressive with a new harness range, a completely new spreader bar with the Unity, and new accessories such as the Day Strike Hydrofoil board bag and the Empax Impact Vest.
From wetsuits to travel bags to hydrofoils, all of our Ride Engine products are built using the same thought process and design ingenuity as our acclaimed harnesses. We build for a purpose. We design for necessity. We test in the lab. We test on the water. We accept no limits to creativity and inspiration. And we will always passionately pursue innovative advancements to our products.
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2021 Elite Carbon Harness
The world’s first and best hard-shell harness, the Elite Carbon is our stiffest, most-supportive model and is the closest fit to a custom-moulded harness you can get. Now equipped with Unity Ladder-Lock Straps so it’s ready to integrate with our Unity Spreader Bar, the Elite Carbon is still constructed using top-shelf 12k carbon fibre, which ensures a durable, strong Armor Shell frame in a lightweight, high-performance package.
For 2021, we’ve also added 4mm more Fusion Memory Foam at essential spots. When combined with our proprietary Shell Skin technology with Lumbar Lock shaping, the Elite Carbon provides the ultimate in connection, feel and support.
Features
- 12K Armor Shell: Built with 12K carbon fibre, the Armor Shell of our Elite Carbon is light, strong, and ergonomically contoured—as well as our stiffest. The Armor Shell also allows the load to be distributed seamlessly from the spreader bar to the shell, preventing the harness from buckling or pinching.
- Unity Spreader Bar: Our patent-pending “set it and forget it” spreader bar system that creates a solid, stable connection. The Unity Spreader Bar applies an ingenious design utilising custom-moulded Unity Ladder-Lock Straps, thereby eliminating the use of traditional webbing and providing an unrivalled, no-slip, locked-in fit.
- Lumbar Lock: A scientifically supported data shape from more than 1000 custom moulds, the Lumbar Lock conforms and cradles your lumbar, back and sides to lock the harness securely in place. These enhanced ergonomics ensure that you get the maximum support out of your harness—no more sliding side-to-side or riding up.
- Low Profile Design: Low-profile framework contributes to a perfect fit and maximum mobility while keeping the harness locked in place and eliminating pressure points.
- Handle-Pass and Forward-Mounted Leash Attachments: For freestyle riders, the harness comes with handle-pass-leash mount around the back (which is easy to remove for windsurfing). It also has two forward-mounted D-ring leash attachment points for use when a short leash is utilized
- Fusion Memory Foam: Super soft, the ergonomic foam conforms to the shape of your torso for ultimate comfort and hold.
- Full Neoprene Wrap: Minimal-seam construction of a full-neoprene wrap conforms to the body, creating a rash-free interface.
- Hook-Knife Pocket: Easy access hook-knife pocket location.
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For more information on Ride Engine’s 2021 Elite Carbon Harness, please click here.
2021 Saber Harness
Designed using the same proprietary data that created our Carbon Elite hard-shell shape, the frame of the Saber is built with a slightly more pliable composite material for the kitesurfer or windsurfer that wants a bit more freedom in their ride. The injected-moulded shell has purpose-driven contours that deliver increased torsional flex while still providing the full benefits of Lumbar Lock fit with that coveted Ride Engine locked-in feel. The Saber comes equipped with Unity Ladder-Lock Straps, so it’s ready to plug into our Unity Spreader Bar, eliminating spreader bar twist and maximum connectivity.
Features
- SES Shell: Our SES (Structurally Engineered Shell) is a unique blend of composite moldable materials with computer-aided structural engineering. The SES enhances the flex properties of this hard-shell harness while retaining a high level of fit, support and connection.
- Unity Spreader Bar Ready: Our patent-pending “set it and forget it” spreader bar system that creates a solid, stable connection. The Unity Spreader Bar applies an ingenious design utilising custom-moulded Unity Ladder-Lock Straps, thereby eliminating the use of traditional webbing and providing an unrivalled, no-slip, locked-in fit.
- Lumbar Lock: A scientifically supported data shape from more than 1000 custom moulds, the Lumbar Lock conforms and cradles your lumbar, back and sides to lock the harness securely in place. These enhanced ergonomics ensure that you get the maximum support out of your harness—no more harness sliding side-to-side or riding up.
- Low-Profile Design: Low-profile framework contributes to a perfect fit and maximum mobility while keeping the harness locked in place and eliminating pressure points.
- Handle-Pass and Front-Mounted Attachments: For freestyle riders, the harness comes with handle-pass-leash mount around the back (which is easy to remove for windsurfing). It also has two forward-mounted D-ring leash attachment points for use when a short leash is utilised.
- Fusion Memory Foam: Super soft, the ergonomic foam conforms to the shape of your torso for ultimate comfort and hold.
- Full Neoprene Wrap: Minimal-seam construction of a full-neoprene wrap conforms to the body, creating a rash-free interface.
- Hook-Knife Pocket: Easy access hook-knife pocket location.
Win a €100 Voucher for Duotone Apparel this issue in our FREE subscriber prize draw.
For more information on Ride Engine’s 2021 Saber Harness, please click here.
2021 Momentum Harness
We created the Momentum, our first soft-shell harness, for those riders who desire the locked-in fit of a Ride Engine hard shell but also want maximum freedom and flex. The Momentum offers the same scientifically shaped Lumbar Lock back support and fits via a moulded internal support plate. The Momentum harness connects directly with our patent-pending Unity Spreader Bar for state-of-the-art connectivity with the included Unity Webbing Clips (although if you’re stuck in the past and want to use your old webbing-closure spreader bar, the Momentum does work with it as well).
Features
- Lumbar Lock: A scientifically supported data shape from more than 1000 custom moulds, the Lumbar Lock conforms and cradles your lumbar, back and sides to lock the harness securely in place. These enhanced ergonomics ensure that you get the maximum support out of your harness—no more harness sliding side-to-side or riding up.
- Low-Profile Design: Low-profile framework contributes to a perfect fit and maximum mobility while keeping the harness locked in place and eliminating pressure points
- Unity Spreader Bar Ready: The Momentum is designed to be used with our Unity Spreader Bar with the included Unity Webbing Clips, but can also be used with an old-style webbing-closure spreader bar if desired.
- Handle-Pass and Front-Mounted Leash Attachments: For freestyle riders, the harness comes with handle-pass-leash mount around the back (which is easy to remove for windsurfing). It also has two forward-mounted D-ring leash attachment points for use when a short leash is utilized.
- Fusion Memory Foam: Super soft, the ergonomic foam conforms to the shape of your torso for ultimate comfort and hold.
- Full Neoprene Wrap: Minimal-seam construction of a full-neoprene wrap conforms to the body, creating a rash-free interface.
- Hook-Knife Pocket: Easy access hook-knife pocket location.
Win a €100 Voucher for Duotone Apparel this issue in our FREE subscriber prize draw.
For more information on Ride Engine’s 2021 Momentum Harness, please click here.
2021 Contour Seat Harness
The Contour is our first-ever seat harness, and great attention was placed in its design to address all the shortcomings of traditional seat harnesses. The key design element in the Contour is the sacrum adjustment plate, which utilizes Curv® material that brings our hard-shell harness DNA into a seat harness. The sacrum adjustment plate creates a tighter, more supportive fit along the sacrum by removing the gap that is present in most seat harnesses. Additionally, the Contour is far more compact than other seat harnesses, fitting lower on the hips for added freedom, and has a secure, easy-to-adjust belt entry and adjustable padded leg loops.
Features
- Sacrum Adjustment Plate: Curv® material in the sacrum adjustment plate creates a tighter, more-progressive harness fit with added protection.
- Low-Hip Fit: The low-profile fit across the hips increases mobility and comfort.
- Adjustable Padded Leg Loops: Neoprene-padded leg loops provide added comfort and are compact for minimal bulk.
- Unity Spreader Bar Ready: The Contour is designed to be used with our Unity Spreader Bar with the included Unity Webbing Clips, but can also be used with an old-style webbing-closure spreader bar if desired.
- Front-Mounted or Sliding Leash Attachment: Rear sliding leash attachment connection that is convertible for a right or left side mount D-ring short leash connection option.
- Internal Waist-Belt Strap: An internal, single-closure waist-belt strap provides a secure fit with easy entry and adjustment.
- Hook-Knife Pocket: Easy access hook-knife pocket location.
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For more information on Ride Engine’s 2021 Contour Seat Harness, please click here.
Spreader Bars and Accessories
Unity Kite Spreader Bar
A fixed hook offers the most direct connection to you and the kite, and now—when coupled with the innovative design of the Unity Spreader Bar—offers unparalleled feel and feedback. Suppose you’re reaching for the sky and chasing big air, a technical rider that loves unhooked tricks, or are looking for the most direct feel for freeriding and hydrofoiling. In that case, the Unity Kiteboard Spreader Bar is the key to unlocking your next level of performance.
Features
- Quick, no-slip, “set it and forget” adjustment when used in conjunction with our revolutionary Unity Ladder-Lock Straps (available exclusively on the Elite Carbon and Saber harnesses).
- TensionLock, a unique harness closure latch that levers the final bit of tension into the closure for a true locked-in fit.
- High-strength composite material construction.
- Ambidextrous user interface.
- Minimalist padding creates a clean connection between the spreader bar and harness.
- High-grade stainless-steel hook.
- Wide hook opening for seamless compatibility with all control bars.
- Compatible for use on all 2021 Ride Engine harnesses, as well as webbing-based harnesses.*
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For more information on Ride Engine’s 2021 Unity Kite Spreader Bar, please click here.
Unity Rope Conversion Kit
During the early underground-days of the kitesurfing movement, riders were looking for more freedom in movement to allow more aggressive directional changes and easier toe-side riding. Their solution? The rope spreader bar. Now freeriders and hydrofoiling fanatics have joined kitesurfers in exciting the virtues of the rope spreader bar. The Unity Rope Conversion Kit easily transforms your fixed kite hook to the rope while retaining all the benefits of the Unity Spreader Bar.
Features
- Dual-rope system offers a full range of freedom that can be dialled into your preference of feel: setup as either full-sliding or with a mini-loop.
- High-grade Dyneema® rope with flying-line core for added safety.
- Stainless steel ring for friction-free movement.
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For more information on Ride Engine’s 2021 Unity Rope Conversion Kit, please click here.
Day Strike Foil Board Bag
No one will argue that hydrofoil boards are awkward and cumbersome with or without the foil mounted. The Day Strike foil bag comes in 3 sizes to accommodate and protect the largest of SUP and wing surfboards to the smallest of kite foil boards.
Features
- Designed to fit modern hydrofoil board shapes
- Half-length hook-and-loop mast channel to keep hydrofoil assembled
- Padded top, bottom and sidewall construction to keep contents safe
- Removable padded shoulder strap and side-mount handle for easy transport
- Zippered exterior stash pocket and inside mesh pocket
- TPU ventilation port
For more information on Ride Engine’s 2021 Day Strike Foil Board Bag, please click here.
2021 Empax Vest
Essential flotation and impact protection for kiters and windsurfers, designed to be worn comfortably under your harness with a look that doesn’t scream “watch out for that kook.”
* Non-CGA Approved.
Features
- A must for all levels- beginners need buoyancy; experts need impact protection.
- Seamless integration with most size/shape harnesses.
- Panel placement helps prevent the harness from riding up.
- Made from soft, eco-friendly limestone neoprene.
Win a €100 Voucher for Duotone Apparel this issue in our FREE subscriber prize draw.
For more information on Ride Engine’s 2021 Empax Vest, please click here.
Win a €100 Voucher for Duotone Apparel this issue in our FREE subscriber prize draw.
To view all Ride Engine products, please click here.
Tue 6th Oct, 2020 @ 1:15 pm
By Jen Tyler
Italian/Egyptian Jen Tyler grew up on the sandy beaches of the Red Sea and has been on the IKSURFMAG & Tonic Mag team since 2017.
