The Niviuk ARROW P is an ultralight pod harness that has impressed us with its remarkable design, comfort, and functionality. We’ve been flying it for over five months now, putting it through its paces in various conditions, from the thermals of Colombia to the cooler skies of the UK. Despite its lightweight construction, the ARROW P has proven to be durable, comfortable, and highly functional.
Build Quality and Weight
One of the standout features of the ARROW P is its ultralight build. Weighing in at just 1.69 kg, including the foam protector, this harness is significantly lighter than many others on the market. Niviuk has managed to strip away unnecessary weight while maintaining high-quality materials and solid construction. However, it’s important to recognize that the lightweight nature of this harness means it’s more fragile than standard-weight models, like the heavier ARROW, which tips the scales at over 4 kg. This fragility is a trade-off for those seeking the lightest possible gear, making the ARROW P ideal for pilots who prioritize weight savings but are mindful of the need to treat their equipment with care.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is where the ARROW P truly shines. Despite its minimalist design, it offers an excellent fit, providing ample support without being overly restrictive. The hammock-style seat conforms to the pilot’s body, offering a snug yet flexible fit that’s free of pressure points. For both of us—who are between medium and large sizes—the medium has worked well, and we’ve logged countless hours in the harness without noticing significant wear or discomfort.
The ARROW P’s comfort is enhanced by its well-thought-out ergonomics. The footplate, in particular, provides solid support and integrates seamlessly with the rest of the harness. The transition from ground handling to flight is smooth, and once in the air, the harness offers a high level of feedback. It strikes a perfect balance between sensitivity in weaker thermals and stability in rougher conditions, smoothing out turbulence without losing the connection with the wing.
Flight Deck
The ARROW P’s flight deck, or “bib deck,” as some call it, is another highlight. It’s compact yet functional, with enough space for essentials like a phone and in-flight snacks. The deck sits at a comfortable angle, making it easy to monitor instruments during flight. The inclusion of a Cortel extension panel allows for additional customization, catering to pilots who might need more space for their devices. The instruments remain clear of the waist strap, ensuring they don’t interfere with the harness or the pilot’s comfort.
Safety
Safety is always a concern with ultralight gear, but Niviuk has done a commendable job here. The ARROW P features a streamlined clipping-in system that’s both simple and effective. The design includes one fixed leg strap, reducing the likelihood of forgetting to buckle in—a small but crucial safety feature. Additionally, the harness incorporates the “getup” system, which eliminates straps crossing the legs and instead integrates them into the waist strap, though this can sometimes cause minor pinching for those who are more sensitive.
The ARROW P also offers a solid reserve deployment system. The deployment handle is slim and sits close to the harness, optimized for right-hand deployment. The harness is designed to accommodate an additional front container for a second reserve, which is a valuable option for pilots who prefer the added safety of two reserves. This setup, while slightly altering the balance, is practical and integrates well with the harness's overall design.
In the air
In the air, the ARROW P excels. Its design allows for a high degree of control, particularly in active flying situations. Whether performing spirals, wingovers, or more extreme maneuvers, the harness remains responsive and stable. The absence of a seat plate doesn’t detract from its performance; in fact, the hammock style offers a level of support that’s both comforting and confidence-inspiring. The geometry of the harness ensures that movements are smooth and controlled, even in more turbulent air.
The ARROW P also features a well-designed speed bar system, which is light and responsive. Though it’s minimalistic—like most ultralight harnesses—it’s still easy to use. The placement of the pulleys and the overall setup allow for efficient and comfortable operation, even in flight boots, though the light materials do mean that hooking onto the speed bar can be a bit more finicky than with heavier setups.
Protection and Storage
When it comes to protection, the ARROW P offers a foam protector that’s compact and efficient. This protector, though not as robust as some heavier models, provides a decent level of safety for its weight. The harness’s storage options are also well-considered. There’s a generous pocket under the seat that doubles as extra support when filled with soft items, as well as additional pockets in the nose cone and behind the back. These storage solutions are practical, though it’s advisable to keep the nose cone pocket light to avoid affecting the balance of the harness.
Durability and Long-Term Use
After extensive use, the ARROW P has held up remarkably well. We’ve been careful with it, as is necessary with any ultralight gear, but there’s been minimal visible wear. The materials have proven durable enough for regular use, though as with any ultralight product, it’s essential to handle it with care to avoid premature aging.
Difference between ARROW P and ARROW P RACE
The ARROW P is a versatile and lightweight pod harness designed for cross-country and recreational pilots, offering a comfortable balance of performance and ease of use. It’s well-suited for pilots seeking a reliable harness for a wide range of flying conditions. On the other hand, the ARROW P RACE is tailored for competitive pilots, with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and reduced weight. This version sacrifices some comfort to enhance speed and performance, making it ideal for those who prioritize winning races and maximizing their competitive edge.
Both harnesses are extremely light, with the ARROW P weighing around 1.69 kg. The ARROW P RACE is even lighter, achieved by using refined materials and design elements that reduce weight and enhance aerodynamics.
Final Thoughts
The Niviuk ARROW P is an exceptional ultralight harness that offers a fantastic blend of comfort, performance, and practicality. It’s particularly well-suited to pilots who are looking for a harness that’s easy to travel with, without compromising on flight experience. While it requires careful handling due to its lightweight materials, the trade-offs in terms of weight savings and packability make it an excellent choice for serious pilots. Its ability to provide both sensitivity in weak thermals and stability in rougher air makes it versatile, and its thoughtful design elements—from the flight deck to the reserve options—demonstrate Niviuk’s attention to detail. For those looking for a top-tier ultralight harness, the ARROW P is hard to beat.
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