Harness back protectors
CIVL Delegate
Discipline
Paragliding XC
Purpose
We need to rethink harness back protectors. Over the last few years, the top competition scene has moved to 6 cm Koroyd protectors, and pilots are getting injured.
My proposals:
Step 1: Require a protector standard which is actually protecting pilots, backed by science. The current EN test is not, neither is the new EN draft. This must have jerk measurement.
Step 2: If weight equalizers become mandatory, compensate for those harnesses which decide to use thicker protectors for heavier pilots.
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Background:
- The current EN standard is inadequate. So is the new, draft version. Both standards fail to measure for jerk and use an incorrect testing direction.
- Koroyd is a poor material for back protection. For years, people have raised concerns about Koroyd, reporting multiple incidents where pilots broke vertebrae while the Koroyd protector remained intact.
- If EN certification included jerk testing, Koroyd would be immediately disqualified as a material for back protectors due to its rigid nature.
- Modern competition harnesses weight 8 kg yet provide the worst protection from all harnesses on the market. Meanwhile 2 kg H&F harnesses (like Skywalk RXA3) have some of the best protectors ever made, but are less aerodynamic in shape.
- Pilots of different weights require protectors with different materials or thicknesses.
a. With foam protectors, heavyweight pilots were more susceptible to injury
b. With Koroyd, lightweight pilots are more at risk
=> A 2x heavier pilot need about 1.4x protector thickness, or different material.
For example, to have the same performance from the same material:
a. 50 kg pilot - 10 cm protector
b. 100 kg pilot - 14 cm protector
Interactive Harness Back Protector Visualizer website:
https://harnessvis.hyperknot.com/
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My proposals:
Step 1: Require a protector standard which is actually protecting pilots, backed by science. The current EN test is not, neither is the new EN draft. This must have jerk measurement.
Step 2: If weight equalizers become mandatory, compensate for those harnesses which decide to use thicker protectors for heavier pilots.
---
Background:
- The current EN standard is inadequate. So is the new, draft version. Both standards fail to measure for jerk and use an incorrect testing direction.
- Koroyd is a poor material for back protection. For years, people have raised concerns about Koroyd, reporting multiple incidents where pilots broke vertebrae while the Koroyd protector remained intact.
- If EN certification included jerk testing, Koroyd would be immediately disqualified as a material for back protectors due to its rigid nature.
- Modern competition harnesses weight 8 kg yet provide the worst protection from all harnesses on the market. Meanwhile 2 kg H&F harnesses (like Skywalk RXA3) have some of the best protectors ever made, but are less aerodynamic in shape.
- Pilots of different weights require protectors with different materials or thicknesses.
a. With foam protectors, heavyweight pilots were more susceptible to injury
b. With Koroyd, lightweight pilots are more at risk
=> A 2x heavier pilot need about 1.4x protector thickness, or different material.
For example, to have the same performance from the same material:
a. 50 kg pilot - 10 cm protector
b. 100 kg pilot - 14 cm protector
Interactive Harness Back Protector Visualizer website:
https://harnessvis.hyperknot.com/
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Delivery
Target
Scope
Admins
zsoltero
Status
Submitted
Working files
