Bino harness

Boehunter

Member
Mar 26, 2014
146
0
Wyoming
whats everyone running for a harness ive used the S4 lockdown for a couple yrs now its suited me well but im always looking for something else. Lets here some pro's and con's! Anyone ever use the FHF harness Ive been eyeing them the most recently.
 

Ikeepitcold

Administrator
Staff member
Feb 22, 2011
10,021
1,605
Reno Nv
I've seen a Vortex pouch type on the Tv shows but haven't had one in my hands yet to check it out.
 

Boehunter

Member
Mar 26, 2014
146
0
Wyoming
Ive seen that to jason matzinger from into the high country has it. Think its just the FHF with a vortex logo on the front that he put on though.
 

hardstalk

Veteran member
Sep 13, 2011
1,550
43
vegas
Used the kuiu for a while. Really like the sleek design and ease of bino access. It's a great product and possibly the most comfortable I've used. Downside for me was the pouch/straps was attached to the bino. I like to throw the binos on a tripod whenever possible. And that function wasn't very doable with the kuiu. I've been using Fhf for some time now and really like it. It seems damn near fireproof. I like being able to leave the tripod adapter on the binos, whip em out and attach them to the tripod. The small pockets on the Fhf hold a havalon,tags,cleaning cloth and quick detach adapter for my tripod head. Downside of the Fhf is the noise while sliding the binos in and out. It's almost a thick silnylon material lining the inside and is a bit noisy. There both pretty easy to slip on and off the body once you get a routine down. And both are pretty easy to size when you start adding layers. I think I recall the kuiu being a bit more work to adjust. I think there were some (not sure if the verbage is correct) 3 bar type sliders that needed adjustment on the kuiu. I could be wrong though.
 

sneakypete

Veteran member
Aug 9, 2011
2,822
276
Oakdale Ca.
I use the Horn Hunter large I believe that keep my 10x42's Swarovski el's just fine. They are very quiet, range finder connects to either side and it also has a small pouch on the back side. I tired the lockdown and the 10x42's didn't fit. My thoughts I hope this helps you out.
 

Boehunter

Member
Mar 26, 2014
146
0
Wyoming
sneakypete there are two different sizes for the S4 bino harness im suprised your 10x42's didnt fit i run vortex razor hd's and they fit well in the size large S4 harness. I like how easily adjustable they are and quick setup. They can be a little on the noisy side so i usually only run them for rifle hunting and run the cabelas hybrid binocular harness for bow hunting, but that doesnt offer any protection.
 

WapitiBob

Veteran member
Mar 1, 2011
1,385
58
Bend, Orygun
I had badlands for years. Lid flopped closed when you pulled out the binos. The top tips forward and becomes a dirt scoop when belly crawling for Antelope. I moved the top straps and it still sucked. I went with the KUIU recently. I use the pouch for antelope/elk hunting and use the elastic bino holder for archery shoots or scouting where I don't need full enclosure. It fits well enough that you don't have that feeling of a big bag hanging off your chest.
 

dhershberger

Active Member
Jul 28, 2011
448
0
NM
S4 lockdown X bino harness for me! It is not bulky, protects your optics, and also makes them easy to access in quick glassing situations. The X on the back is really nice because it helps the harness not ride up as much and makes it more comfortable. Overall and excellent product!
 

sneakypete

Veteran member
Aug 9, 2011
2,822
276
Oakdale Ca.
Boehunter, i tried one. Not sure of the size and the horn hunter was right next to the S4 and I like the full containment plus it was was cheaper than the Badlands model. I guess it is just a personal preference. I like the fack when I pickup my harness not only do I have the bino's , but I have my rangefinder also. My thoughts.
 

NM_Archer

Member
Jun 6, 2011
73
0
New Mexico
I tried the S4 lockdown system and they just didn't work for me. Seemed like they put more pressure on back of neck and upper back then just a regular bino strap. Also didn't like the way they would continuously ride up while walking. Still on the search for something that works well for me. May have to look into the KUIU.
 

LaHunter

Active Member
Aug 24, 2012
322
0
N.E. LA
I have used the FHF for the past year and really like it. It rides really well and protects binos well without to much bulk. This harness has no bounce at all which is nice. Also, you can attach your range finder pouch to this harness for quick access.
 

beav906

Active Member
Apr 18, 2011
177
0
Bend, OR
I had the S4 but was never happy with it. Always rode up on my neck but they changed the design. Bought kuiu a few months ago and won't look back. Great product. Very comfortable. I really like the lightweight just hold down version
 

WapitiBob

Veteran member
Mar 1, 2011
1,385
58
Bend, Orygun
I just got word that my Kuiu harness that has been back ordered for the past month is going to ship, I can't wait!
Watch their setup video if you haven't already. I found that the lower strap was key to fit and function, as in pretty snug. Those lid tensioners worked well also to ensure the lid snapped over my bino eye cups.
 

ando_31

Active Member
Sep 14, 2012
402
0
ND
Do any of these "better" harnesses use straps that are non elastic? I have a few issues with the elastic straps on my current "cheap" harnesses. My biggest complaint so far is from a failed stalk from the strap twanging like a guitar in the wind when I had the binos up to my face. I do like the how the elasticity aids in keeping my binos more sturdy when viewing, but failed stalk from a equipment issue is to much of a con for me to overlook. My next complaint is the bouncing of the binos when on horseback. Will any of these harnesses hold the binos sturdy against your chest while trotting on horseback?
 

LaHunter

Active Member
Aug 24, 2012
322
0
N.E. LA
The FHF is made with nylon webbing (no elastic in harness) and has NO bounce at all. It is not as "minimalist" as the Kuiu harness, but I would not consider it bulky. I forget it is there while hiking since the binos stay close to your chest and the harness stays in place well.

It is quick and easy to remove binos from harness system as well to mount on a tripod if needed.

Hope that helps.
 

7stwluver

Member
Mar 27, 2014
95
0
Piedmont america
I have the sitka and really like it. Fits well and once adjusted doesn't slip or ride up. Love that you can take it off and leave in the truck and your binocs are still protected and easily accessed.