SNStone wrote: > I am looking for a new/better backband for my Romany and Romany Explorer. > Wondered if anyone has experience with the Bomber Gear Backband? > thanks, sid Like the others, I have no experience with Bomber Gear, but I have two IR backbands. They're Reggies that I use WITHOUT the ratchet system (it comes stock with ratchet straps AND nylon straps installed). I found the larger backband (the Wankle) to be too tall and wide for my Nordkapp, but the reggie fits nicely. I didn't like the way the ratchet system attached to the boat - way too rigid. It's really designed for whitewater boats where you don't want the backband to be able to move much, if at all. I've also heard from paddlers that have had the ratchet buckles release when gear they stowed behind the seat bumped them. I added a padeye on the back 3/4" down from the top edge and use it to attach the backband to the D-ring at the rear of the cockpit. This flexible, three-point mounting system allows the backband to move with me and to slide down and out of the way during entries, without flipping over. It effectively forms a ramp for your butt as you enter the cockpit. I have another backband made by Voyageur. It's not as heavily padded as the IR and the stiffener is only 2" wide, but it is quite comfortable and fits easily in a touring boat. It's also a somewhat cheaper. I installed a Walden neoprene backband in my girlfriend's Looksha Sport (before I discovered IR) and she really likes it. Then again, anything is better than the rigid seat back that Necky uses in that boat. I also have a Rapid Pulse backband in one boat and frankly, it sucks. It has no stiffener in it, so once it breaks in (breaks down?) a bit, you end up with little more than 1" webbing pressing against your hips. It gets really uncomfortable after half an hour or so, just like the stock VCP backband in the Nordkapp did. BTW, I also install two, 2" diameter loops of bungee on the rear of my backbands. It makes an ideal place to stow a rolled up paddle float; out of the way, but instantly accessible from either side of the boat. -- Regards Brian *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Mar 06 2001 - 18:30:18 PST
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