There has been little development in harness lines for decades. Basically, the Velcro fastening and the rope covered with a tube have remained the same. Sometimes with a clamp or adjusting buckle, sometimes classic or with a quick Velcro fastener.
The LISA Hardness Lines 2.0, on the other hand, take a new approach: they do not require any Velcro fasteners, webbing or seams, which should make the ropes particularly durable. The attachment to the boom consists of fixed plastic buckles that are slipped over the spar. To transfer the tensile load to the boom, the actual rope (4.2 mm Dyneema) is passed through the plastic buckles twice and secured with a simple figure-of-eight knot. The front buckle is significantly longer, very stiff and has a slight bend. The clamp is integrated into the rear buckle.
Fixed clamps on the boom and stopper knots
The assembly of these new harness lines is done in a few minutes after a quick and close look. Firstly, the plastic buckles are slipped onto the spar. Then the rope is threaded through the prefabricated grommets and the clam cleat. The system is secured with a stopper knot.
On the water, you immediately realise that this trapeze rope system is designed for racers. With a high boom position, the harness line always returns to a neutral position when unhooked thanks to the pre-bent buckle. The length can be easily adjusted while riding in the range from 28 to 50 inches, the rope grips well in the clamp. The thin rope seems unusual at first, but it is by no means unstable or too wobbly while riding. The only small drawback is when the boom is in a low position, as the fixed buckles on the spar then slide towards the body. As a result, the harness lines stick out to the side of the boom when changing sides, which makes hooking in a little more difficult.
Surf summary of the LISA harness lines
The LISA harness lines are ideal for recreational and professional racers who tend to mount their boom high. At 99 euros, the system is not cheap, but it is reliable, durable and easy to install without having to remove the back end.
- Information and order at lisawindsurfing.com
