REASONS TO BUY
User-friendly
Comfortable
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited uses
Black Diamond Momentum Full-Body Review
This harness is extremely easy to get on and off and is comfortable both on and off the wall
Credit: Black Diamond
Our Verdict
The Black Diamond Momentum Full Body is designed using many of the same technologies as the adult harnesses. It's super comfortable and one of the lightest full-body harnesses tested. It has "quality" written all over it, with craftsmanship and a design that is top-notch. The simple design assures kids (with adult help) will have no trouble getting it on and adjusted well. The foam padding is both soft and breathable, and even though the leg loops don't adjust, they did a great job of keeping our testers comfortable - even for extended periods of hang time.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Black Diamond Momentum Full-Body | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  |  | |
| Price | $70 List Check Price at REI | $60 List | $70 List $69.95 at Backcountry | $50 List Check Price at REI | $58 List $56.16 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | User-friendly, comfortable, lightweight | Dual adjust waist belt, large gear loops, kids can adjust easily, comfortable | Fully featured, comfortable, secure fit | Dual waist belt buckles, largest gear loops, high quality | Low price, secure, comfortable |
| Cons | Limited uses | Not the lightest | Narrower size range, not the best for larger kids | Heaviest | Old double back style buckles, dated design |
| Bottom Line | This harness is extremely easy to get on and off and is comfortable both on and off the wall | This is a comfortable sit harness capable of any type of climbing | This harness seems to have it all, comfort, security, and a plethora of features that can facilitate all types of climbing | A fantastic option for almost any kid looking for a comfortable and fully capable harness | A basic, comfortable first harness with a great price |
| Rating Categories | Black Diamond Momen... | Mammut Ophir - Kid's | Petzl Ouistiti | Petzl Macchu | Trango Junior |
| Hanging Comfort (40%) | |||||
| Standing Comfort and Mobility (20%) | |||||
| Features (20%) | |||||
| Versatility (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Black Diamond Momen... | Mammut Ophir - Kid's | Petzl Ouistiti | Petzl Macchu | Trango Junior |
| Designed for these disciplines | Top Rope | All Around / Sport | Top Rope | All Around / Sport | Top Rope |
| Weight (size medium) | 11.8 oz | 10.6 oz | 15.4 oz | 11.4 oz | 13.8 oz |
| Gear Loops | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Adjustable Legs? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-locking buckle? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Waist Belt Construction | Full body | Sit | Full body | Sit | Full body |
| Waist Size Ranges (inches) | 14 - 25 in | 20 - 26.7 in | 23 - 28 in | 21 - 25 in | 13 - 23 in |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
This harness loses a few points in versatility but makes up for it by being a well made, comfortable, and easily adjustable full-body harness
Performance Comparison
Dad belays from the top as the kid crusher pulls over the bulge.
Credit: Akela.world
Hanging Comfort
The Momentum Full Body is a comfortable kids' harness that uses the same strap construction as their adult versions, resulting in a harness that disperses the weight of a hanging climber surprisingly well. The leg loops originate from the outer hips and cradles the legs in a way that makes kids feel safe and secure when lowering off the wall.
Throughout our test we racked up hours of hang time.
Credit: Akela.world
Standing Comfort and Mobility
Just as with hanging comfort, standing comfort and mobility are also very good. A front buckle keeps the shoulder straps in place and holds the tie in points close together for easy access. We loved the lightweight padding on the shoulder straps, which wrap around to the similarly padded back panel. The whole harness, both leg loops, and upper harness move well with all their movements whether they're climbing, doing homework, or escaping to the fort under the boulders while mom and dad run a lap.
At the base between climbs, a little homeschool action is called. Luckily the harness is comfortable even when not on route.
Features
The Momentum has a simple yet techy design. A front buckle makes getting it on quick and easy for little kids and helps hold everything in the right place while they're not tied in. A small elasticized padded backstrap helps support the lower back when hanging and the way the leg loops originate from the outer hip means elastic risers are not necessary to keep them from sagging.
The supportive back panel makes one feel secure.
The pre-threaded speed adjust locking buckles are easy enough for many kids to do themselves.
Versatility
The Momentum Full Body isn't quite as versatile as some of its competition. Not only will it not fit the littlest of kids but it doesn't have any features like gear loops or a belay loop that would help in more advanced climbing scenarios. If more advanced climbing is in the cards, the full-body Petzl Ouistiti harness would be a better choice while still offering a comfortable hang.
Thin hands causing some trouble for this you crack apprentice.
Since this harness is super comfortable and supportive to hang in, active kids that are planning on spending a lot of time top-roping at the gym or crag will love this harness. With such a simple easy on/off design and smooth sliding buckles, many kids can throw it on and get it adjusted without help from an adult, other than a safety check over.
Overall a great harness for comfort and security.
Credit: Akela.world
Value
This harness has a good value. The comfort alone is much better than much of the competition, which makes it a great deal. Parents will love the super-easy "step in, pull on like a vest, and buckle the front" design that saves them from having to fiddle with tons of buckles, instead, allowing their mini-me to do it themselves. With great attention to detail, it was clearly designed by some of the best in the industry.
Conclusion
Black Diamond did a great job designing this harness. Not only does the harness look quality and high tech, but the padded shoulder harness and leg loops do an excellent job of supporting the climber's weight. Any kid who has a brand new passion for climbing often will love this comfortable, sporty harness.
Dad tries to get the shot from above as kid crusher pulls the crux.
—
Adam Paashaus
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