Let's Chat: 2018 Ride Engine Hex Core Harness

2018 Ride Engine Hex-Core

Is it worth the upgrade?

With the 2018 Ride Engine release, the Hex-Core is on its third iteration since production moved from Coleman Buckley’s garage. And without a doubt, this year’s Hex-Core is the most refined yet. Is it worth a purchase if you don’t already own one? Absolutely? Is it worth the upgrade from a gen 1 or 2 Ride Engine? Let’s start by discussing what’s new.

The first notable improvement on the 2018 Hex Core is the addition of the Speed Lock closure system. The PU tubing has been done away with, Ride Engine now brandishing a metal hook enclosure system (much like the Dakine system, if you’re familiar with that). This not only makes the harness easier to put on, but results in less loosening and a tighter fit. Both the metal fixed and metal sliding spreader bar have been changed to accommodate this system, one side having a metal hook and the other a plastic clip for the two tightening straps to run through (again, the PU tubing has been totally abandoned). 

The carbon sliding spreader bar is absent for 2018, but the 6”, 8”, 10”, and 12” spreader bar sizes do all return for the other two. These spreader bars also no longer have straps on the reverse side to attach to the waist belt (the new tightening system allowing for a better fit that doesn’t require this), and the belt has been updated to offer thicker padding and better comfort. There is a spot for a hook knife on the back of the spreader bar pads.

The other improvement for 2018 comes in the form of new padding, Fusion Foam. This Fusion Foam results in a softer foam core that better fits to the rider. This isn’t necessarily something that feels like it makes an immediate difference, but over time is definitely noticeable.

So is it worth the upgrade? Probably not. The 2018 Hex Core has a similar feel to past years’ models – after all, they are all hard shell harnesses. But the updates do make 2018 Ride Engine harnesses the best yet. As stated earlier, if you don’t have one already, what the heck are you waiting for? Gets your ASAP!

This year’s Hex Core harness is available in XS, S, M, L, and XL.