The shape

The main characteristic we see at first sight is its aerodynamic appearance, with the top pointing backwards. This shape is kept by a huge back pocket made in neoprene and cordura. The harness is voluminous partly due to the 17cm back protection, especially in the XL size. However, once in airborne position the X-Over helps to cut the wind and we notice that it is effective for a good performance in the air.

Settings and clips

The X-Over has a lumbar adjustment through lateral belts hidden under the pockets. With a lateral strap it is possible to fit the flight position more or less supine. You can also adjust the seat depth for the desired angle of your legs and, as in any harness, set the shoulder and ventral straps –actually, the latter can be left widely open (from 38 to 50 cm). It is not difficult to obtain the correct setting for each pilot.

The same piece closes both the legs and ventral straps, so with only two hook-in points we are ready for the takeoff. The closings are automatic and work well. The leg straps are padded, which ensures the comfort when practicing inflations and ground handling.

In years of testing and using different harnesses we have often seen that the shoulder straps tend to slip down the sides, which can be quite uncomfortable and it is usually solved with a chest fastener that many models include as serial. In this sense with the X-over we had a pleasant surprise, as the shoulder straps are quite rigid and they never slip out during inflation or ground handling.

Body-Control System

Additional to the usual closings, the X-over comes with a sort of inner neoprene girdle at waist level that helps the pilot to have a closer connection with the harness. The invention effectively eases the weight-shift control and provides a more direct piloting making every body input have more effect on the wing. It also helps the pilot to easily achieve the supine position, to take advantage of the most aerodynamic position in transitions.

We must say that the use of this belt is optional, and in case you forget to fasten it you will fly normally, although not enjoying this small gain in sensitivity.

Stirrup and speed system

The stirrup is one relevant piece in the pilot control. From the first moment in the air you use it to quickly sit on the harness. During the flight it helps the pilot to feel comfortable in a semi-supine or supine position if in a transition. To move your feet from the stirrup to the speedbar is easy, which makes the X-Over a good cross country harness as it is in distance flights that you make this movement more often.
Finally, you can use the stirrup to help you weight-shift in turns.
The stirrup is simple to regulate using the side strap that hides the clip and the remaining tape under a neoprene cover. The speed bar lines go inside the harness through two pulleys; they don’t seem to touch any part of the inside.

Security

The parachute container is located under the seat and has 2 layers of Cordura to protect the chute against dust and moist. It is very soft inside, which helps the parachute come out easily. The handle has two flexible rods to close the container, instead of the usual steel pins. They come out very quickly when you pull the handle.
The X-Over has a back foam protection of 17cm with a poli-carbonate layer to protect against impact over sharp objects.

Finishes

This is truly a ‘deluxe’ harness. The appearance is magnificent, finely finished and with high-quality construction. All the seams are reinforced, and the only drawback could be the use of neoprene, a delicate material that requires special care if you want to keep the nice appearance of this harness for a long time.

The +: The feeling of the glider and the aerodynamic efficiency

The -: It is quite bulky to put in a normal rucksack with the rest of the gear

• Height of centre of gravity: 36 cm.
• Karabiner distance: 38 – 50 cm.
• Weight (without parachute): 5,5 kg
• Max. Load: 100 kg
• Back Protection: Styrofoam (17cm) with a polycarbonate plate.
• Parachute container located under the legs.
• DHV Certification: GS-03-247-01
• Complete Manual in three languages: Italian, English and German.
  
  *Test pilot size: 1,88m / 96 kg
  *Demo harness size: XL