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Edelrid Fraggle II Review

A good beginner harness with a simple design that allows kids to get in and out of easily
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Edelrid Fraggle II Review (Edelrid Fraggle II)
Edelrid Fraggle II
Price:  $65 List
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Manufacturer:   Edelrid
By Adam Paashaus ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 7, 2019
58
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 9
  • Hanging Comfort - 40% 7.0
  • Standing Comfort and Mobility - 20% 5.0
  • Features - 20% 5.0
  • Versatility - 20% 5.0

Our Verdict

The Edelrid Fraggle II has a simple design that allows kids up to 88 lbs (40kg) to easily slip it on and get it adjusted. The unique design only requires two slide block buckles, which are easy for kids to tighten themselves. The webbing across the back allows for good mobility for the upper body, and the tie in points are high enough to keep kids from becoming inverted in a fall. However, it's not the most comfortable harness of those tested. Specifically, the rigid leg loops caused pressure points and rubbing. This is a great weekend warrior harness or for kids who occasionally go to the gym with the family. It's a super simple design that almost any kid can throw on, adjust, and go. It's fairly comfortable to use for a limited period of time, but not the first choice for long term comfort.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy on/off
Quick adjustment
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited adjustability
Not the most comfortable
Updated Fraggle

The Fraggle II, now simply called the Fraggle, has been revised. The latest model uses bluesign certified materials, and the interior mesh now extends to the edges of the harness for added comfort. We're now linking to the updated model in our review, but as we've yet to try it out, the remainder of the text only references the Fraggle II we tested.

July 2021

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edelrid fraggle ii
This Product
Edelrid Fraggle II
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 $65 List
$69.95 at Amazon
$75 List
$72.95 at Amazon
$59.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$74.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$58 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line With its simple design and easy to use buckles, kids will have no problem getting this harness on and offThis 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 thereThis extremely comfortable harness is super easy to get on and adjust for even little kidsThis comfortable option is a great priced basic harness for beginners
Rating Categories Edelrid Fraggle II Petzl Ouistiti Petzl Macchu Black Diamond Momen... Trango Junior
Hanging Comfort (40%)
7.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
Standing Comfort and Mobility (20%)
5.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
Features (20%)
5.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
Versatility (20%)
5.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
7.0
Specs Edelrid Fraggle II Petzl Ouistiti Petzl Macchu Black Diamond Momen... Trango Junior
Designed for these disciplines Top Rope Top Rope All Around / Sport Top Rope Top Rope
Weight (size medium) 12.3 oz 15.4 oz 11.4 oz 11.8 oz 13.8 oz
Gear Loops 0 2 2 0 0
Adjustable Legs? No Yes Yes No Yes
Self-locking buckle? Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Waist Belt Construction Full Body Full body Sit Full body Full body
Waist Size Ranges (inches) 17.5 - 21.5 in 23 - 28 in 21 - 25 in 14 - 25 in 13 - 23 in

Our Analysis and Test Results

No other full body harness in our test is as easy for kids to get on and adjust. It may not be the best for long periods of hanging, but for lowering off top ropes, it does its job adequately.

Performance Comparison


edelrid fraggle ii - cragging with big sis.
Cragging with big sis.

Hanging Comfort


In theory, the rigid padded panels should do a good job of spreading the forces, making for a comfortable place to hang, but we were left wishing the (non-adjustable) leg loops did a little bit better job supporting the climber's weight. While we wouldn't say it's uncomfortable, others in the test offered more comfort. The tie in points, while higher than that of a sit harness, do a good job of keeping kids upright without being so high that the knot is at face level when lowering.

edelrid fraggle ii - a tester finding some discomfort from the leg loops.
A tester finding some discomfort from the leg loops.

Standing Comfort and Mobility


For times when the kids aren't hanging, the same rigid “Jointed Padding” panels feel intrusive and caused issues with rubbing and pinching between the legs. The places the straps overlap (back and hips), added noticeable pressure points as well, and the overall stiffness of the panels made the kid testers want to remove the harness when not climbing, which fortunately is easy and fast. However, the way in which the webbing crosses in the back does a great job of making sure that mobility isn't sacrificed and kids can climb freely.

edelrid fraggle ii - scoping out whats next.
Scoping out whats next.

Features


Getting a good fit with this harness is a breeze, as the open front design makes it easy to step into it and adjust quickly. The shoulder straps and harness are secure, and a front buckle also keeps the tie in points together. We found ourselves wishing the tie in loops were slightly larger and easier to get the rope into. Our ropes ranged from 9.8mm to 10mm, and they were still on the tight side to thread.

edelrid fraggle ii - two easy slider buckles, two robust tie in points and a front buckle...
Two easy slider buckles, two robust tie in points and a front buckle to hold everything in place.

The sliding auto-locking buckles are smooth to operate, and since there are only two buckles, were super easy for kids to adjust themselves. There is an added attachment/tie in point on the back of the harness for added security on steep terrain or for skiing which could come in handy to some.

edelrid fraggle ii - rear attachment point.
Rear attachment point.

Versatility


There are two areas in which we rate versatility. Size range: will it work for a wide range of kids, which is handy for sharing between friends, siblings or campers, etc. The other is for climbers who are looking to advance in climbing and determining whether the harness will limit the climber to specific styles etc. This harness lacks both. Size range is so limited that Edelrid had to offer two sizes. One for the youngest of kids (XXS) and one for older kids up to 40kg (88 lbs) kids. There are other comfortable options available that offer a wider adjustment range for the same price, allowing parents to buy a single full body harness and use it for the duration of time the child needs a full body style harness.

Value


The price tag is a decent price for any full body harness; however, for the same price, you could buy a Black Diamond Momentum Full Body and have a similarly designed harness that offers more comfort. The “jointed padding” design uses padded sleeves that the straps go through to pad the back and shoulders. While this may make perfect sense, it ends up having a slightly less polished appearance. The size range doesn't extend as much as other full body harnesses, requiring them to offer it in two sizes to cover the size range.

Conclusion


We love how easy it is to get on and adjusted quickly and how the front buckle holds everything together (including the shoulder straps) until the kids are ready to tie in. The two buckle tightening system is easy and saves having to fiddle much with the harness. The major drawback of this harness is the fact that the padding is stiff and is relatively uncomfortable for both hanging in and for approaching the wall or playing at the base.

edelrid fraggle ii - a tester crushing another joshua tree crack.
A tester crushing another Joshua Tree crack.

Adam Paashaus