harness shopping

[Mrs. Reel Happy]

I’d like to buy a harness this summer---Been searching the catalogs but it feels like shopping for a camera---I can’t tell one from another without using it once or twice.

I think (but could definitely be wrong) the Braid brand is what I see on Off-Shore Adventures? Whichever one it is it seems to be easy enough to work with...

I’ve also found the Black Magic Stand-Up Harness in Finest Kind…says it’s new….anyone know if it’s any good?

Do you need more than one harness on board or is there one that seems to work/fit for all? Generally it's men on board, but then there's me and the occasional teenager...tips?

[Squid]

The Braid harnesses are what I use. I've got 2 of the Brute Buster harnesses---one medium size (for me) and one large size (for everyone else). I do however only use one of the thigh pads. When I switch a new person to the harness, I can just unclip the thigh pad and reclip it to the new harness. I need to get a 2nd thigh pad but just haven't yet. The Braid Power Play harness is better for heavier tackle such as giant bluefins on stand up. Both the Brute Buster and Power Play actually pull from your butt instead of from your back. This gives you a much more comfortable way to fight the fish. I've also used the Black Magic Stand Up harness. It works great however was a little cumbersome to get into. It has straps that go around the back of your thighs and you have to make sure you hit the right hole. (For some of us that is sometimes easier said than done....ha ha!) All 3 of the choices are great--I'd stick with the Braid though. (Be sure to get the actual harness, the thigh pad, and the drop straps to connect it all----it does not come with the extra set of drop straps.) If it's for heavy tackle, get the Power Play (has a bigger thigh pad with more padding). If for all around use, get the Brute Buster.

Bryan

[Mrs. Reel Happy]

thanks, this is really good info. We will probably start with the Brute Buster. Good insight on Black Magic---that was actually my first impression from the photo---complicated. I'm all about tush power over straining my back---nothing worse than coming home with a tired back...makes it hard to sit on a bar stool and drink a beer.

[paul708]

i use the black magic..have had it for a few years..great setup, the best part is you can wear Just a little belt .and the "pad" slips on when needed..a great feature..

[Seaker]

We have been using the Black Magic for the past three years and have been very pleased. As Paul mentioned once fitted to the angler you only need to have the waist portion of the belt on you giving you full movement. Braid also makes very good products but again go with something that has a large padded thigh plate...You can really bring the heat once you get comfortable with the set up.

Rippy and I and Mike C were consistently breaking down 85 to 115 inch BFT in the 30 minute range with black magics ...we all have them now and don't look back...We were fishing with 50 pounds of drag and had no problems with lower back pain

Just remember to be carefull with any angler strapped in and keep a restraining strap on the rod at all times

Here's hoping you have your best season ever!

[shoefish]

We have been using the Black Magic for the past three years and have been very pleased. As Paul mentioned once fitted to the angler you only need to have the waist portion of the belt on you giving you full movement. Braid also makes very good products but again go with something that has a large padded thigh plate...You can really bring the heat once you get comfortable with the set up.

Rippy and I and Mike C were consistently breaking down 85 to 115 inch BFT in the 30 minute range with black magics ...we all have them now and don't look back...We were fishing with 50 pounds of drag and had no problems with lower back pain

Just remember to be carefull with any angler strapped in and keep a restraining strap on the rod at all times

Here's hoping you have your best season ever!

Good point Seeker- make sure the strap is to the rod, not the angler.

I use the OTR harness and love it- very strong, and very comfortable. The Braid was ground breaking, but the concept has been refined a bit and the other products are better in my opinion. Good luck!

[O-SEA-D]

I have found that the Braid Power Play Harness is the best that I have used. Its got a great design that is very comfortable. It allows you to put lots of presure on the fish and it distributes it through your body very well.

[cape_fisherman]

Power Play here...excellent quality...and from the KING of standup fishing as well

Jay

[TROPHY SPORTFISHING]

You may want to post this question up in the Melton's forum Tracy is on and off here frequently i'm sure he would have some good input for you since he fishes stand up almost all the time.

[Legacy]

Caught a 275 yellowfin in 18 minutes in the Braid and a 300 plus bluefin in 1 hour using the Black Magic harness.

Also caught a 650 pound black marlin using a Braid Harness set-up in about 20minutes. Got a 550 black in the Braid in about 10 minutes.

Both worked great. I own the Black Magic and used the Braid at Tropic Star Lodge. If I had to buy one again I would go with the Braid.

Hope this helps.