Most UTV's come with standard automotive style seat belts leaving many riders concerned about safety. Therefore, upgrading to harnesses is one of the first upgrades many people make. It is easy to overlook all of the different options if you are not familiar them. Here we will explain the different styles to help you choose the best harness for you and your UTV.
Harness Size
Most harness manufacturers offer 2" straps as well as 3" straps. Choosing the strap size that is right for you is important.
3" Harness Straps
3" straps are the traditional size for harnesses. Most race certified harnesses utilize them. You should considered them if you are looking for the ultimate in safety and containment and/or plan to race. If you plan to race, be sure to keep reading as you may also need a certified harness which we talk more about below.
2" Harness Straps
If you are just a leisurely rider and do not have very broad shoulders you may be more comfortable with the 2" straps to keep them from rubbing on your neck while riding. 2" straps have become the more popular size overall due to comfort for most riders and the fact that they are a bit lighter and less bulky.
Youth Harnesses
Some manufacturers also make a youth sized harness that utilizes 2" straps however the overall construction of the harness is a bit smaller to place the buckles and pads more appropriately for kids.
Harness Buckle Style
There are a few different buckle styles available for harnesses. This is one of the components that are easily and often overlooked when purchasing harnesses. Be sure to take the buckle into consideration to help you choose the best harness for your and your UTV.
Latch & Link Harness Buckle
The Latch and Link style buckle system is the more traditional style. It allows for a 5th point (anti-submarine belt that runs up between the riders legs) and will quick release all 5 points with the pull of the red strap. This is the most common buckle if you are looking for a 5th point or a race harness.
Cam-Lock Harness Buckle
The Cam-Lock buckle is another quick release option and it can be used with a 5th point. It releases all 5 straps separately with a 1/4 turn knob.
Auto-Latch Harness Buckle
Since harnesses have largely become used for more leisurely and recreational riding, many harness manufacturers have started offering the Auto-Latch. The Auto-Latch is the same style buckle that is used in a standard automobile. Due to the fact that this style buckle is the most recognized, it has quickly become very popular. It is currently only available with 4-point harnesses.
4-Point vs 5-Point vs 6-Point
Harnesses are available with a different number of straps that come together at or near the buckling point. It is important to understand the differences to help you choose the best harness for you and your UTV.
4-Point Harness
4-Point harnesses have a total of 4 straps (2 lap belts and 2 shoulder belts) that all come together at the buckling point. They are the most popular harnesses overall as they are a great upgrade to standard seat belts for the majority of recreational riders. Though they are a great upgrade over standard seat belts, they are not officially certified for race use.
5-Point Harness
5-Point harnesses have a total of 5 straps. Like the 4-Point, they also have 2 lap belts and 2 shoulder belts that come together at the buckling point. In addition, they also have a belt that comes up between the riders legs making up the 5th belt which it is often referred to as a anti-submarine strap. 5-Point harnesses are considered the standard for containment and safety. Also, many 5-Point harnesses are SFI 16.1 Certified to meet some off-road race requirements.
6-Point Harness
6-Point harnesses are very similar to the 5-Point. The difference is that they have 2 anti-submarine straps that come up between your legs vs 1. 6-Point harnesses are the ultimate race belts and are designed for dedicated racers.
Retractable Harnesses
Another harness type you might consider when looking to choose the best harness for you and your UTV is the retractable harnesses offered by Polaris and Can-Am.
Polaris Click-6 Retractable Harness
The Polaris Click-6 Retractable Harness has a total of 6 straps which is where the Click-6 comes from. However, it is not quite like a true 6-Point harness as it does not have the anti-submarine straps between your legs. Instead, it has 2 straps that come down over your thighs to help with additional containment. It also utilizes an Auto-Latch buckle. However, what really sets this harness apart from the other harnesses is that the shoulder straps are retractable. This allows you the ability to lean forward and move your upper body similar to standard seat belts.
These are considered an upgrade over standard seat belts and are popular for riders that want the ability to move around more in the cab. The ability to move more is nice for comfort, reaching things inside the cab and to be able to lean out a bit to see your tire placement on some obstacles. However, these harnesses are not certified for or recommended for off-road racing.
NOTE: This harness requires special mounting points and will not fit all UTV's. Please contact our team if you have any fitment questions.
Can-Am Retractable 4-Point Harness
The Can-Am Retractable 4-Point Harness is similar to the Polaris Click 6 in that the shoulder straps are retractable. It has 4 straps like a typical 4-Point harness and it utilizes an Auto-Latch buckle. You get the same benefits as with the Polaris Click 6 in that it allows more movement of your upper body. Though they are an upgrade over standard seat belts when it comes to containment and safety, they are not certified for or recommended for off-road racing.
NOTE: This harness requires special mounting points and will not fit all UTV's. Please contact our team if you have any fitment questions.
If you are still unsure how to choose the best harness for you and your UTV or have any other questions, please reach out to our team of experts. At Fueled UTV we have a slogan…No Salesmen, Just Enthusiasts! We answer our phones (We know, weird!) We walk through options that fit your needs, application, and budget. Our goal is to help you achieve your goals, whether that is keeping your buddies in the rearview, or maximizing comfort and safety for the family. Give us a shout or check out our website, we’d love to help you out!