Focus: Manera EXO Harness 2016

February 5, 2016

For 2016 we have continued to work on the same technologies to bring them to an even higher level. Changes were made in both the structure and the materials, improving both comfort & durability on the EXO.

Testimonial: Will Palmer

The EXO harness has changed the game! I can ride all day without any pinching, pulling, or pain of any kind. The use of the Nest Foam enables comfort for days! Key features I really like are the Tuck Flaps, Hold Down System, and overall comfort. Feel right at home from day one riding with a Manera Exo Harness!

EXO HARNESS 2016

When we launched the EXO harness two years ago, our close collaboration with a human Kinetics science laboratory gave us a new approach of this product and resulted in a technological breakthrough compared to what existed on the market.

For 2016 we have continued to work on the same technologies to bring them to an even higher level. Changes were made in both the structure and the materials, improving both comfort and durability on the EXO.

The look and durability of a harness are very important aspects and we wanted to improve both of them. Our design team has been looking for the best possible materials in terms of look, colors and durability, including Ripstop fabrics, PU, 600D, Soft Touch and Premium Neoprene, all chosen to match well together and all tested to resist to the most extreme conditions.

This materials research makes the harness look sophisticated and modern, far away from the regular EVA thermoform you can find on the market. Plus, the EXO harness is now stronger and more resistant than ever.

HOW THE EXO PROVIDES BETTER SUPPORT

By preventing your body from counterbalancing the pressure points with muscle contractions and unnatural posture, the MANERA harnesses really reduce the rider’s fatigue and backaches. As an ultimate expression of innovation, the EXO & SENSO harnesses provide an unrivaled comfort feeling enabling you to ride tirelessly for hours.

Amongst various analyses, fitting a pressure sensor blanket enabled us to directly visualize how the forces are spread. On this 3D graphic of the pressure distribution it is easy to see that, thanks to the EDF, the forces remain very low in the central area. Conversely pressures are located at the bottom of the harness which rests on the pelvis to provide better support to the loads created by the traction of the kite.

ENERGY DISPERSION FRAME

This MANERA innovation has a hexagonal structure, built with various stiffness and volume degrees to control its flex and resistance. Its main advantage and innovation is to be connected directly to the spreader bar through webbing and buckles for a direct transfer of the load and therefore receiving 100% of the kite power. Its design and structure helps distribute consistently the pressure over a much wider area.

Pressures are no longer concentrated on a narrow area of the back, which protects the rider and prevent him from having to compensate with his lumbar muscles.

This technology brings a new vision on the energy transfer science and provides the rider with a level of comfort never seen before.

NEST FOAM

To improve the extraordinary comfort of the EXO, we worked thoroughly on the foam lining inside the harness. After numerous tests, analyses and comparisons, the R&D department decided to line the new EXO harness with some specific comfort foam called: NEST Foam.

Different thicknesses of NEST Foam are used according to the pressure absorption needs: Double layer in the center of the back where pressure is the highest, single on the outline for added comfort. This new foam lines the entire interior volume of the harness that comes in contact with the body of the rider and provides better cushion under tension with optimum comfort.

The harness will give the rider a maximum range of motion and flexibility, while maintaining great support and an ideal distribution of the forces across the EXO harness. Over time the foam keeps its original shape and thickness, maintaining the comfort of the harness.

COCOON CONCEPTThis new approach consists in transmitting all the loads and pressures outside the harness through the frame while placing the totality of all foam and reinforcement layers between these forces and your back.

Usually straps, plates, and other devices are hidden inside the harness and are sandwiched between two layers of foam. Unfortunately, only one of these layers remains between your back and the structure of harness to reduce the tensions.

On the Manera harnesses, the integrality of foam thickness is here to soften and suppress the pressure, for maximum comfort.

ERGONOMIC PREFIT

We have done some extensive work on the human body anatomy to find the right harness shape.

Our goal was to build a harness that perfectly fits the natural curves of the back, so that it adapts actively to your movements during riding. This ergonomic shape provides freedom, flexibility & softness, while minimizing friction areas.

To ensure optimum comfort during action, the EXO & SENSO harnesses are pre-formed, which means the ergonomic shape of the harness is built into each layer of material that composes the product during manufacturing.

This product fits the rider and protects him from injuries and friction right from the first use.

SEAMLESS NEOPRENE AREA

Hips are a really sensitive part exposed to frictions, in order to avoid injuries, we designed this area with a full piece of neoprene without seams.

DOWN HOLD SYSTEM

The Manera R&D team developed a brand new asymmetrical buckle system to maintain the spreader bar position by generating downward force. Stuck in its original normal position, the spreader bar doesn’t go up.

TUCK FLAP

Helping the Down Hold System, two flaps situated on each side of the spreader bar are inserted into the harness; once the straps are tightened, the flaps are compressed and blocked inside. The aim is to reinforce the link between the spreader bar and the harness structure.

The result is surprising as the hook never goes up to your chest.

MANERA LEASH RELEASE

Whether you are right or left hander, the MANERA leash release will be easy to trigger as we placed one on each side of the harness.

Depending on your preference, you will also have the choice between setting your leash free to slide along your back or lock it to the right or the left between the rings.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR HARNESS

The EXO offers the possibility to customize and personalize the harness to offer the best comfort for all morphologies, especially including yours!

It is a 3-step choice within a large range of harness sizes and spreader bar lengths:
1 – Define your size
2 – Define the right height
3 – Pick the right spreader bar