Two small eyelets for the handle on the back reveal the kite genes of the Synth hard shell harness from AK Durable Supply. The brand from the Starboard family has its roots in the kite scene, but now offers a wide range for watermen and women from all disciplines. With the Synth, you buy the matching hook plate separately from the harness. We tested the windsurf version with sails between 6.0 and 7.8.
Hard-shell harnesses are a matter of taste, but if you can get used to the somewhat stiff feel, the Synth is an option with exciting details. The back and edges of the shell are generously padded so that nothing pinches or bumps. The moulded inner side distributes the traction mainly to the lumbar spine, but was never uncomfortable during our test with a lot of pressure in the sail. On the contrary, you always feel well supported. Despite the hard shell, the Synth never constricts and allows sufficient freedom of movement when heating, manoeuvring and on land.
Can also be adjusted while driving thanks to the ratchet
The highlight of the AK Synth is the hook plate fastener: the harness can be tightened in small steps using a ratchet on the right-hand side, similar to a ski boot, and tightened using the lever. This works perfectly, even when hooked in under full sail tension and at almost full speed. The buckle is released via a button on the buckle, and you may have to pull in your stomach briefly to release the tension. On the left-hand side, the hook plate is attached to a plastic bracket with two screws, which can only be changed with tools. Due to the small number of holes, however, the options on this side are limited.
With the bombproof fastener, the hook always sits as it should, nothing can come loose or loosen on the water. The foam padding on the inside of the plate ensures comfort. However, the harness can hardly be used as a trimming aid, the hard plastic shape of the hook plate is difficult to grip, especially with higher trimming forces, and the shell is often in the way due to the screwed fastening.
surf conclusion on the AK Synth
If you like the feel of a hard-shell harness, the AK Synth is a comfortable, well-made and very good model with some clever details and a bombproof fit.
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL >> e.g. available here
