Black Diamond Momentum Full-Body Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Black Diamond Momentum Full-Body | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Kids Full Body Harness | Best for Versatility | Best Bang for the Buck | ||
Price | $74.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $75 List $72.95 at Amazon | $59.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $49.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $58 List |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | This extremely comfortable harness is super easy to get on and adjust for even little kids | This feature packed harness not only has all the bells and whistles, its comfortable and has a secure fit to give parents peace of mind | This full featured harness is comfortable and would be a solid choice for almost any kid out there | Comfortable and light weight, but doesn't sit square on the hips | This comfortable option is a great priced basic harness for beginners |
Rating Categories | Black Diamond Momen... | Petzl Ouistiti | Petzl Macchu | Black Diamond Momen... | Trango Junior |
Hanging Comfort (40%) | |||||
Standing Comfort and Mobility (20%) | |||||
Features (20%) | |||||
Versatility (20%) | |||||
Specs | Black Diamond Momen... | Petzl Ouistiti | Petzl Macchu | Black Diamond Momen... | Trango Junior |
Designed for these disciplines | Top Rope | Top Rope | All Around / Sport | All Around / Sport | Top Rope |
Weight (size medium) | 11.8 oz | 15.4 oz | 11.4 oz | 7.9 oz | 13.8 oz |
Gear Loops | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Adjustable Legs? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Self-locking buckle? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Waist Belt Construction | Full body | Full body | Sit | Sit | Full body |
Waist Size Ranges (inches) | 14 - 25 in | 23 - 28 in | 21 - 25 in | 22 - 27 in | 13 - 23 in |
Our Analysis and Test Results
This harness loses a few points in versatility but makes up for it by being a well made, comfortable, and easily adjustable full-body harness
Performance Comparison
Hanging Comfort
The Momentum Full Body is a comfortable kids' harness that uses the same strap construction as their adult versions, resulting in a harness that disperses the weight of a hanging climber surprisingly well. The leg loops originate from the outer hips and cradles the legs in a way that makes kids feel safe and secure when lowering off the wall.
Standing Comfort and Mobility
Just as with hanging comfort, standing comfort and mobility are also very good. A front buckle keeps the shoulder straps in place and holds the tie in points close together for easy access. We loved the lightweight padding on the shoulder straps, which wrap around to the similarly padded back panel. The whole harness, both leg loops, and upper harness move well with all their movements whether they're climbing, doing homework, or escaping to the fort under the boulders while mom and dad run a lap.
Features
The Momentum has a simple yet techy design. A front buckle makes getting it on quick and easy for little kids and helps hold everything in the right place while they're not tied in. A small elasticized padded backstrap helps support the lower back when hanging and the way the leg loops originate from the outer hip means elastic risers are not necessary to keep them from sagging.
The pre-threaded speed adjust locking buckles are easy enough for many kids to do themselves.
Versatility
The Momentum Full Body isn't quite as versatile as some of its competition. Not only will it not fit the littlest of kids but it doesn't have any features like gear loops or a belay loop that would help in more advanced climbing scenarios. If more advanced climbing is in the cards, the full-body Petzl Ouistiti harness would be a better choice while still offering a comfortable hang.
Since this harness is super comfortable and supportive to hang in, active kids that are planning on spending a lot of time top-roping at the gym or crag will love this harness. With such a simple easy on/off design and smooth sliding buckles, many kids can throw it on and get it adjusted without help from an adult, other than a safety check over.
Value
This harness has a good value. The comfort alone is much better than much of the competition, which makes it a great deal. Parents will love the super-easy “step in, pull on like a vest, and buckle the front” design that saves them from having to fiddle with tons of buckles, instead, allowing their mini-me to do it themselves. With great attention to detail, it was clearly designed by some of the best in the industry.
Conclusion
Black Diamond did a great job designing this harness. Not only does the harness look quality and high tech, but the padded shoulder harness and leg loops do an excellent job of supporting the climber's weight. Any kid who has a brand new passion for climbing often will love this comfortable, sporty harness.