I received my certification with a Swiss-seat (or Swiss nut cruncher) and have used many “tactical” and rescue orientated harnesses. I also have a Petzl that I use at the gym that I go to. This Black Diamond is built to high standards just like all the other Black Diamond products I’ve seen & used. The Quality is top notch and the buckles are smooth and feel secure. I have had no noticeable slippage from the straps. The webbing is wide enough that I don’t feel any cutting around my sides or my legs. The buckles are self locking so you don’t need to double them back on themselves. The “tie in point” or “clip in Point” is large, easy to get to and reinforced. This harness is perfect if you are SWAT, SRT, or some sort of first responder and or rescue person. It will also work well in your local gym or climbing wall center. If you are looking for top of the line rescue equipment, or doing outdoor rock climbing then this is not for you, but if you want a light weight, short hang time, comfortable well build harness that is at a great price, then this might be perfect for you.

The harness really has one function. It is to introduce new folks to the sports of climbing, rappelling, etc. As I don't run a climbing school or anything like that, I needed a single harness that would fit a wide variety of individuals with little to know climbing experience. This harnesses has a wide adjustment range and a single tie-in point which makes it the best for that application. If I introduce someone to the sport who wants to take it up a notch, I point them towards other harnesses. Of course, I trust BD with my life and this harness has lived up to BD expectations thus far.

I love these harnesses for taking out groups. I bought five and I'll probably buy five more. The speed buckle system is great and they are morecomfortable and easier to put on than any other universal fit harnes that I've tried or owned.

This harness looked promising for mountaineering; the wide webbing looked more comfy than the alpine bod. I figured that with the tie in point as part of the waist belt would make it easier to go pee without removing the harness or fighting with the belay loop as I do with my regular harness (I use a freshette and sometimes the harness combined with clothing layers makes it challenging to use).

Unfortunately, the rise on this harness is practically non-existent so I returned it. Also, there is no way to undo the pre-threaded buckles so you always have to step into the harness.

I am always taking groups from 10 to 30 rock climbing and rappelling. More than half of those are usually beginners. I have been looking for a harness that would fit many sizes and would be easy to use; but of course, the most important things are dependability and safety. The Vario Speed Harness is exactly all those things. It's everything I have always wanted and more. And it looks pretty cool too.