Reviews You Can Rely On

Black Diamond Momentum Full-Body Review

This harness is extremely easy to get on and off and is comfortable both on and off the wall
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Black Diamond Momentum Full-Body Review
Credit: Black Diamond
Price:  $75 List
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Manufacturer:   Black Diamond
By Adam Paashaus ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 24, 2020
78
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 9
  • Hanging Comfort - 40% 9.0
  • Standing Comfort and Mobility - 20% 9.0
  • Features - 20% 6.0
  • Versatility - 20% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Black Diamond Momentum Full Body is designed using many of the same technologies as the adult harnesses. It's super comfortable and one of the lightest full-body harnesses tested. It has “quality” written all over it, with craftsmanship and a design that is top-notch. The simple design assures kids (with adult help) will have no trouble getting it on and adjusted well. The foam padding is both soft and breathable, and even though the leg loops don't adjust, they did a great job of keeping our testers comfortable - even for extended periods of hang time.
REASONS TO BUY
User-friendly
Comfortable
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited uses

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Kids Full Body Harness
Top Pick Award
Best for Versatility
 Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Price $74.95 at REI
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$75 List
$72.95 at Amazon
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Overall Score Sort Icon
78
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66
Star Rating
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Bottom Line This extremely comfortable harness is super easy to get on and adjust for even little kidsThis feature packed harness not only has all the bells and whistles, its comfortable and has a secure fit to give parents peace of mindThis full featured harness is comfortable and would be a solid choice for almost any kid out thereComfortable and light weight, but doesn't sit square on the hipsThis 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%)
9.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Standing Comfort and Mobility (20%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Features (20%)
6.0
8.0
8.0
5.0
5.0
Versatility (20%)
6.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
7.0
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


black diamond momentum full-body - dad belays from the top as the kid crusher pulls over the bulge.
Dad belays from the top as the kid crusher pulls over the bulge.
Credit: Akela.world

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.

black diamond momentum full-body - throughout our test we racked up hours of hang time.
Throughout our test we racked up hours of hang time.
Credit: Akela.world

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.

black diamond momentum full-body - at the base between climbs, a little homeschool action is called...
At the base between climbs, a little homeschool action is called. Luckily the harness is comfortable even when not on route.

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.

black diamond momentum full-body - the supportive back panel makes one feel secure.
The supportive back panel makes one feel secure.

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.

black diamond momentum full-body - thin hands causing some trouble for this you crack apprentice.
Thin hands causing some trouble for this you crack apprentice.

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.

black diamond momentum full-body - overall a great harness for comfort and security.
Overall a great harness for comfort and security.
Credit: Akela.world

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.

black diamond momentum full-body - dad tries to get the shot from above as kid crusher pulls the crux.
Dad tries to get the shot from above as kid crusher pulls the crux.

Adam Paashaus