Tech Focus: Prolimit Alpha

Harness technology is evolving rapidly, and the latest release from Prolimit features another industry-first development. We chat with Warren Jeffree, Prolimit Designer, to find out more about the all-new Alpha.

Whenever Prolimit announces a new product, we can be sure to expect something seriously innovative. We were stoked to hear about a brand new harness in the Prolimit range, dubbed as the most extreme full support harness ever. Tell us all about the new Alpha!

We've been working on new harness constructions and now have three different types in our range; the hardshell carbon composite construction, the hardshell pure construction and the softshell construction. The hardshell carbon composite and the hardshell pure constructions are the newest in our range. 

For the Alpha, the carbon composite materials are used, which means that the torsion and horizontal flex are minimised. Carbon is well known for its light, strong and stiff characteristics. The hardshell connects directly with the straps transferring the load of the harness. The Alpha is our stiffest harness with the most support in a lower profile. 

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Lieuwe Boards | View in Mag

The Prolimit Alpha harness promises maximum stiffness and minimal flex. What type of kitesurfer would want these specific features out of their harness?

We wouldn't put it in one bracket and say this rider or this discipline. The harness is for a person who enjoys the hardshell harness and wants simplicity and a lower profile. Within the range, we have higher back profiles which give equal support. The Alpha has the lower profile and crams in the support. Freestyle riders tend to love this shape and height. 

It's a premium harness at a premium price, ringing in at 500 euros, nearly triple the price of your most basic models! Tell us a bit about why a harness buyer might want to consider shelling out for a top-of-the-line harness like this one?

Any product in any industry is subject to the same question. Why choose a car with a carbon spoiler and more horsepower? It depends on the type of person who wants to purchase the premium item and appreciates the engineering and process it went through. When that is the case, the product sells itself, and we have achieved our goal of creating an exemplary product. And, unlike other brands, our harness is sold complete, with the new Alpha spreader bar included!

Speaking of the Alpha Bar, your new spreader bar features an industry first with the titanium electroplated bar. Can you tell us more about this process?

It has a similar process to the stainless bars, which is a coating. Like anything electroplated, it has to be done in a clinical environment and thoroughly cleaned. The overall process gives the bar a super high anti-corrosive layer. This process is well known for its durability in other industries as well, and the high-end mountain bike parts also feature this titanium electroplated coating. It is a proven technology that is now available in our industry. With the expertise of our factory and suppliers, we were able to accomplish our vision with the Alpha Bar.

Why a titanium electroplated bar over traditional stainless steel bar hooks?

The true benefit is the high corrosion resistance, especially in the harsh conditions that the average rider puts our products through. It also looks badass! 

With neoprene and memory foam on the inside, would this super stiff harness still offer a comfortable ride?

We went through many samples to find the correct support in the foam. We have endless amounts of hours and experience in foams, using DFS (dual foam system) in our other harnesses with different densities. We have added the perfect amount of foam and memory foam in the Alpha to give it that comfortable feel. Support and comfort are a balance, but we are confident we achieved it in this harness. 

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Harlem Kitesurfing | View in Mag

The Alpha features a pre-shaped moulded hardshell. How does your design team determine the shape to ensure it will fit the majority of the market?

There is a fine line where you can design the craziest product and blow the socks off the industry; this might be a hit or a miss. High risk, high reward. That was not the plan for this product. We wanted everyone to see the Alpha as a well-rounded product that anyone can pick up and enjoy. When the hardbacks first hit the market, we had the Vapor, which was well received for its comfort and flex. We used this same ethos in the Alpha, and we now believe we have a complete range for every rider. Not everyone wants a stiff hardshell. The Alpha sits at the top of our range as the pinnacle of technology, hence the product name choice: "Alpha".