ION Sol Curv

ION have been historically diligent when it comes to female-specific harness models, and the all-new Sol Curv has a serious stealthy look about it in the black colorway we tested and reeks of premium hardshell. It’s leveled at a stiffer 14 on the ION flex scale and clearly means supportive Big Air business. Six sizes are available ranging from XS through to L, meaning there’s something for all body shapes.

Closure is handled first by a robust elasticated Velcro waist belt with a pocket for an emergency line knife. This has a Torx tool built into it for disassembling the spreader if you’d like to remove the hook (which bolts into the top of the spreader) and swap to the optional sliding wave setup for instance. Adjustment is handled by twin webbing straps with a ribbed texture. A sprung clip allows accurate adjustment by simply pushing down in the right place to release the webbing. Once set, the webbing tucks neatly rearward in an elasticated pocket. A sturdy D ring sits on the webbing as a forward facing leash point that can be moved onto the left or right hand side of the harness as required, and a PU-covered handlepass leash point also sits across the rear of the hardshell for those still freestyle focused, covering all bases.

The carbon-infused Spectre 2 Bar system has twin-lever clips each end (for lefties as well as righties) and provides probably the easiest entry and exit on the market; once the size is set, the lever closure is such that you can just whack it across your waist and clip it on. They engage with a very satisfying click, and the arm aperture is simple enough to get a finger underneath and open with cold hands. The Spectre flaps extend a long way rearwards into the harness on both sides and provide a very locked-in feeling, helping eliminate any bar lift. They are also removable with two Torx bolts if required.

An interchangeable rear pad system is a genius addition and allows you to choose between two levels of lumbar support by simply sliding in a different grade of EVA Ergo pad, which is provided as standard. Swapping it takes a couple of minutes, and we found the slightly thicker one the most comfortable. The back plate is relatively short in height, sitting comfortably in the small of your back, and the reinforced plate sections extend round your sides more than most harnesses, again enhancing that locked-in feeling. Internally the EVA pads grip well onto wetsuit material, minimizing any potential riding up and sitting below your ribcage.

One of the most supportive, lightweight, locked-in and convenient-to-install female-specific harnesses we’ve tested for a while, the Sol Curv is a highly competitive product and at a relatively sensible price point.