Gradient Compact Harness

The World Champion, Luca Donnini won aboard a Gradient Avax RS and a Woody Valley X-Over harness.

Now Gradient and Woody Valley have teamed up to produce the Compact harness, designed by Gradient and manufactured by Woody Valley.

This superb high specification harness is designed for XC comfort and in flight control.

Compact Harness Features

• Sleek aerodynamic design.
• Unique Woody Valley "Get-Up" leg strap system.
• Under seat reserve mount position.
• Supplied with 17 cm foam back protector, carabiners & foot stirrup.
• Colours: Black/Silver/Red.
• Sizes: M, L, XL.
• Price: £ 450.00

THE CONCEPT

The Compact gives control and a smooth aerodynamic style without sacrificing back protection. Built by Woody Valley. The Compact has "get up" geometry which means less connectors (only two buckles to do up) and an integrated anti "fall out" system so whichever way you clip in, you always do up a leg strap! We think this webbing arrangement give the best in-flight feeling and control. As well as being a description of the harness's look and construction, Compact is also a comment on the in-fight feeling this harness gives to the pilot; direct, precise and secure control.

STIRRUP STYLE

Primarily aimed at those who like to fly with a foot stirrup.  The Compact's foot stirrup is directly linked to the hang points. This "active foot stirrup" means that the pilot can use foot pressure to contribute to weight-shift control of the glider.

The foot stirrup also makes location of the speed bar easy. The foot stirrup can also help with getting seated in the harness.

FEEL SECURE

The upper body is well supported at the back while the chest straps and waist strap lie close to the body. This arrangement gives certain advantages:-

1. Many pilots consider that there is an increased feeling of in-flight security when the upper body webbing, which after all is there to hold you in, lies close to the body.

2. Lying close to the pilot's body the waist strap does not get in the way of front mounted instruments and maps. Neither does it obstruct the pilots view ahead when the pilot is reclined.

3. The close fit webbing of the upper harness interferes less with the transmission of movements from the glider through the hang points.  This is because the upper harness does not rely on the tension in the waist strap to keep the shoulder straps in place. You can have a wide waist strap setting and still feel like the harness is secure around the shoulders.

4. The waist strap adjustor has  mechanical advantage so that it is very easy to adjust the tension in flight. Also the buckles face towards the pilot so it is more convenient to adjust if a front mounted instrument pod is fitted.

EMERGENCY RESERVE

The integrated reserve container lies under the seat towards the front of the seat board and is protected by a Lexan sheet that also contributes to the aerodynamic style and smooth lines of the Compact.  The closure is a proven design employing steel curved pins and elastic reserve-handle-locator. There is no Velcro used in this system.

PROTECTION

The Woody Valley back protection used in the Compact is a top quality foam/airbag and has been fully tested by the DHV as well as on many occasions in real-life events.