Help/Advice Product Reviews Swing Arcus 4
| First Impressions - U-Turn IQ5 Reversible Harness |
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Another very strong entry into the popular reversible harness market. The IQ5 is notable for its fantastic rucksack which is easily the best we have tried (not surprising as the factory also makes high-end mountaineering and hiking rucksacks). 
The fact that the sack element comes from a thoroughbred sack manufacturer makes carrying your kit a real pleasure compared to the rather shapeless bags supplied by many manufacturers. The rucksack has loads of features, including a detachable lid, kit loops, and excellent ergonomic shoulder and hip straps. A hydration system with drinking hose is supplied as standard. 40mm stainless steel Australalpin carabiners are also supplied as standard equipment, these are excellent quality items (and retail at £19 each), but again they are quite heavy compared to alloy models and some pilots seeking light weight may wish to swap them. In harness mode the IQ5 is very comfortable, although the narrow seat plate is not so suitable for those with a fuller figure who may have to wriggle to get into it on launch. Like the Verso the L size is more of a medium so pilots over about 1.85m or 90Kg would probably be better off with a Sup air harness. The IQ5 uses an airbag protection system. The harness has small loops at the front of the seat so a foot stirrup can be added if you wish, which is a big benefit, overall it is a simple but comfortable harness. Pilots who are used to the supreme comfort of a Sup-air may find the adjustments a bit basic, but the materials are excellent; some harness that are very focussed on lightweight like the Verso or Chairbag both use high density nylon, the main fabric used on the IQ5 is Cordura, and although this makes the harness slightly heavier than its competitors, it should pay dividends in toughness and abrasion resistance The reserve container is a simple design, with twin curved pins, this looks a bit dated compared to the yellow coated steel cable that is now commonly used but provided the reserve is a snug fit this works well. Very small reserves may not fit without some padding. Overall the harness is a good choice and will give lots of good service provided you are reasonably slim, but the crowning glory is undoubtedly when it is transformed into a rucksack, in this mode it is the best of the bunch. RRP £675 including drinks system, carbon seat and steel carabiners.
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