Source: The Kiteboarder Magazine
Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Sizes Tested: XS
Manera Says:
Having worked on ergonomic designs for a while, our goal was to push our frame concept to more stiffness, allowing a better support of the back & a lower fit. But something 100% hard was not an option: Our back needs some adaptability & human morphology is unique.
So here comes the Eclipse, a skillful balance between stiffness & flex that brings support where you need it and the freedom to move the way you want.
Visit for more info: www.manera.com/en/kiteboarding/harnesses/eclipse-harness.html
TKB Says:
The Eclipse is Manera’s semi-rigid harness designed to achieve an equilibrium between stiffness and flex. Manera’s Eclipse features their Adaptive Shell technology on the backplate which fades from hard in the center area to softer around the edges. This technology allows for a stiff, supportive area in your lower lumbar section and prevents the harness from folding and compressing your body, yet it softens around the edges which allows for more mobility and flexibility while in the harness. The Adaptive Shell allows for the harness to flex horizontally as it wraps around you, but not vertically ensuring it provides solid lumbar support.
While many hardshell or rigid harnesses on the market have a slight indent along the spine, the shape of this shell is fully rounded which means if it does not need a fully locked in feeling and if it slips out of place, the harness will not dig into your back in other areas creating pressure points. The Eclipse features a ‘Gel Foam’ interior (think wrapping yourself in a temperpedic pillow). This technology is said to disperse pressure evenly and efficiently, and we think this is a big part of the formula for the Eclipse’s comfortable feel.
Compared to the Exo, the outline of the Eclipse has a slightly lower and narrow profile which fits snugly in your lower back allowing the rider greater freedom of movement than other harnesses that are wider and consume more space on your back and sides.
To stop the spreader bar from twisting up, Manera has developed a ‘Down Hold System’ that features asymmetrical attachment points between the webbing and the connection to the harness that distribute the forces downward. The ‘Down Hold System’ is complemented with ‘Tuck Flaps’—stiff flaps positioned on the ends of the spreader bar that slide into the sides of the harness, essentially creating a stiff connection between the spreader bar and harness which in turn eliminates the spreader bar from rotating upwards or your harness from riding up. The two ribbed webbing straps that tighten down the spreader bar on either side are long and easy to pull even under load and tuck nicely into the neoprene stowaway pockets on either side of the harness.
Each Eclipse harness comes with a specifically sized spreader bar that complements the size of the harness. Making sure the spreader bar is the appropriate size makes sure that the pull comes from both sides of the harness as opposed to a spreader bar that is too short and will distribute the load at an acute angle, causing pressure and pain in unwanted locations.
In terms of construction, the Eclipse uses Gel Foam, compared to the Exo’s Single Foam. While the Gel Foam is much softer and denser, similar to memory foam, the Gel Foam does allow the harness to absorb and retain a bit of water, consequently weighing it down and making it take a bit longer to dry. Compared to the Exo which uses an elastic waistband, the Eclipse uses a neoprene waistband which is backed with Velcro which allows for a snug, close contact fit with the harness.
Overall, Manera’s Eclipse is a firm and supportive semi-rigid harness that doesn’t pinch or apply force to pressure points. With its low profile outline and super comfy padding, this harness provides just the right stiffness that will appeal to a wide audience of riders with differing skill levels and disciplines.
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