Tech Focus: Mystic Warrior X Harness

After more than a decade of innovation, Mystic’s Warrior line has evolved, and the latest release opens the door to the hybrid era! We spoke to the designers to find out what’s inside (and outside) the new Mystic Warrior X. Read more in this Tech Focus!

The Warrior line has been a Mystic staple since the early days and is still going strong. How does the new Warrior X fit into the lineup?

Yes, we are proud of the legacy and success of the Warrior, one of the first mainstream kite and windsurf harnesses. The Warrior has always been a really good softshell harness. A few years ago, we saw the opportunities in the hardshell and launched the first line of thermoplast hardshell harnesses that have been very successful: the Majestic model with a soft-touch inside and the Stealth models, which do not absorb any water. Between the softshell and hardshell, we also saw an opportunity for a semi-hardshell; this is the Warrior X. 

How would you describe the support and comfort to a kiter that may not have the opportunity to test one in person?

The Warrior X is a semi-hardshell harness with plastic injected into a mould that creates a really strong frame for back support. It provides support and divides the load over your back. If you are used to a softshell and want a step-up model, this is the one. It really is positioned between a softshell and hardshell. And, it comes at an affordable price! Hardshells are quite expensive, and we understand people need to grow into these price points. As a brand, we like to have affordable price points to stay approachable for all customers. 

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Which type of kiter or style of riding would favour the Warrior X?

I would say this is a perfect model for the average rider. If you want to boost super high, go for the hardshells because you need the extra support. But, average freestyle, wave riders, and foilers will have a blast with this model. It is a really well-performing all-around harness. 

It’s not the Stealth, but it sure looks stealthy! What inspired the design?

We call it the Next Frame. Our engineers have been developing this frame to give the plastic plate in the harness better support characteristics. It provides support and stiffness over the horizontal axis to prevent pinching of the harness and on the vertical axis to give more back support. The frame is also more tapered towards the edges to give it comfortable support on the bending points. The design has a very stealthy look but is super functional and designed for optimum back support. 

Have there been considerations for sustainability in the design and manufacturing process?

We have limited the amount of waste by going with injection moulded plates instead of cut out plates, which have some waste. We are also researching opportunities with recycled materials. We are still struggling with these materials as they tend to be less stable, but we will be pushing for these greener solutions in the near future. 

It comes in seven sizes, from XXS to XXL. Is this a unisex harness, or is there a plan to release a similar model in the women’s range?

We are super proud to see that the market share for our women’s harnesses is growing. Our collection for female riders is huge, and we are proud of this. However, we have certain minimum order quantities we need to reach in our factorie. For now, it’s only available for men, but I think we could bring out a Warrior X for the ladies in the near future. 

Thanks for the insight into the new Warrior X! Any last words?

We are always keen to push innovation. Go test a Warrior X at your local retailer, and you will see it offers great value for money! We are super stoked to see all the feedback from the water, analyse it, and learn for our future innovations.

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