The first thing that you need for serious pulling is a good harness. It should fit properly and be easy to get in and out of. It should place the forces of the pull in the right places and be stronger than anything you could ever pull. You don’t want to be fighting a harness as it falls off of you during a heavy pull. When you get low, the pull should be coming from the chest and shoulders, not across your stomach. It’s hard enough to breathe with a 25,000 lbs truck in tow so you don’t need a harness crushing your diaphragm.
I’ve been a Strongman competitor, Strongman/woman coach, promoter, personal trainer, strength coach, and seminar attendee involved in harness pulling. I’ve logged some miles in a harness, and I’ve spent some serious time with athletes who use them. As a promoter, I know first hand how harness swapping can really bog down a contest. I also know the aggravation when someone at the gym takes all of the straps apart to remove the harness and leaves it like that.
The harness that I’ve found to be the answer to all the needs of the Strongman, athlete, or fitness enthusiast is the Spud Inc. Harness. Because of the seat belt feature, it completely eliminates people in the gym from undoing the straps (which drives me nuts), and it’s going to outlast your legs, the sled, or the truck that you’re pulling. The pull is set up in the right place, and the adjustments are super easy.
Getting athletes in and out couldn’t be simpler (or faster), and the chest strap keeps the harness out of the arteries in your arms when you use a rope. You don’t have to undo straps for size adjustment or step through the loop and wiggle it over your backside. You just shrug it on like a vest, clip the two seat belts, and tug the two tightening straps. It’s easier than putting a Strongman competitor into an airplane seat. Way easier. For those who are so inclined, the front straps of the harness lend themselves nicely to promotional embroidery for yourself, your gym, or even one of your contest sponsors.
I was planning on getting a pulling harness but had been putting it off when I found out that Spud Inc. was making one. So I stuck my two cents in by sending Marc an unsolicited email with a list of harness issues and features. As it turns out, Marc has answered all of the issues with his first proto-type. He has done his research and truly strives to make enduring and convenient products for the strength and fitness industry. I recommend this harness for Strongman, fitness, and athletic training. It is, without a doubt, a top-shelf product.