Woody Valley Race pod harness review

The Woody Valley Race harness is a well-thought-out evolution of the Race Pro, which was originally designed for high-level competitions like the X-Alps. This new version has been developed in collaboration with top pilots like Aaron Durogati, making it more accessible while still maintaining a high-performance edge. It’s ideal for both hike-and-fly racing, vol-biv flying, and even for pilots who just want ultralight, compact gear.

The weight starts at an impressive 1.77 kilos for the smallest size, including the semi-rigid protector, which is slightly lighter than the inflatable protector. The harness comes in four sizes, from small to extra-large, and offers a wide range of adjustments for different pilot heights. Another great feature is the option to choose between a semi-rigid protector or an inflatable protector. You can even switch between the two depending on your needs, as they’re available separately.

Types of Protection

The Woody Valley Race Harness offers two types of protection: semi-rigid and inflatable.

• Semi-Rigid Protector: This option features a foam block that provides solid protection while being lightweight. It maintains its shape and does not compress, which can slightly increase the pack volume. Despite this, it remains remarkably light and consistent in its protective qualities.

• Inflatable Protector: The inflatable protector is highly compact when deflated, making it ideal for pilots who need minimal pack size. However, it is slightly heavier when inflated compared to the semi-rigid version. Its main advantage is its reduced volume, making it a good choice for those who prioritize ultra-light gear.

While the inflatable protector might perform slightly better in tests, the semi-rigid protector offers more direct handling and convenience, without needing to inflate or deflate it, and there’s no risk of puncture. Both protectors are options, but we generally recommend the semi-rigid one for most situations, as it contributes to the overall stability of the harness.

Pack Size & Storage

For packing, the harness fits nicely into the Alaska 75 backpack for the large size, while the medium fits perfectly into the Alaska 65. The pod harness includes a zip-on, zip-off speed bag, which is adjustable for different pilot leg lengths. The cockpit is removable and attaches with Hook nad loops and clips, making it easy to access and remove during packing.

The Race Harness features large, functional side pockets that are spacious and convenient. These pockets do not interfere with the speedbag or harness functionality. The underseat storage, however, is compact, offering just enough room for essentials like an ultralight concertina bag and helmet. Although smaller compared to other models, it is sufficient for minimalistic packing.

The back compartment is generous, and even when fully packed, it doesn’t affect the comfort of the harness. I’ve filled it completely and never felt discomfort or pressure against my back. The harness also has a small pocket for an optional reserve knife under the right flap, and there’s a Hook and loop patch for attaching a mini vario or a Garmin.  The drink tube routing is well-thought-out, allowing for easy access. The storage accommodates a drinks holder, and the tube can be routed through a designated opening, making hydration convenient during flight.

Clipping In and Build Quality

Clipping in is straightforward, facilitated by a well-designed system that ensures secure attachment.

Woody Valley harnesses are very well made, with excellent construction. We’ve been working with Woody Valley for a long time, and their harnesses are consistently high-quality. They've been harness specialists for many years, so they know their stuff. Specifically, with the Race harness, which is an ultralight product, we've flown it for around 60-80 hours on the medium size and about 40 hours on the large.

The only sign of wear we've noticed is on the speed bag, where the thread is showing some minor wear from frequent in-and-out movements, but this is an easy fix. Everything else, including the webbing and other materials, has held up exceptionally well. Sometimes, with harnesses that have flown over 100 hours, you’d expect wear on the inside of the pod, but the Race has stayed in very good condition.

Speedbag & Cockpit

The speedbag is a key feature of the Race Harness, designed with a zip-on feature for easy replacement. Made from ripstop material, it is durable but more susceptible to wear compared to heavier materials. The bottom section is constructed from a stretchable material, accommodating various pilot sizes and ensuring a tight fit.

The cockpit is removable, secured by Hook and loops and clips, offering flexibility. It includes multiple compartments for instruments and personal items. The cockpit accommodates lighter instruments such as the Kortel Design flight panel, Skytrax 5. Heavier devices may cause some strain, but overall, it handles multiple instruments well, providing ample space for smartphones alongside other gadgets.

Speed System

The speed system on the Race Harness is highly efficient. It employs a three-step mechanism with bungee connections that help secure the system in place, making it easy for pilots to position their feet. The carbon footplate ensures that the speed system remains centered and functions smoothly during flight. While the pulleys are smaller and lighter, they perform admirably.

Bungee and Straps

The harness includes a removable bungee cord with a ball, which can be detached if not needed.

The shoulder straps of the Race Harness are designed for both comfort and functionality. They feature adjustable buckles that allow pilots to fine-tune the fit for optimal support. To ensure they are not twisted, reach between your legs to adjust them properly. If you find them twisted, untwist them before securing the straps.

The leg straps are also adjustable. Reach across to find the carabiner, follow it down, and pass the straps through as needed. This process is relatively straightforward, though it can be a bit fiddly with gloves on. Make sure the straps are not twisted to ensure a secure fit.

The waist strap can be adjusted to change the harness's fit and weight shift characteristics. You can open or tighten the harness using the markers provided. There is a blue marker to indicate your position, allowing for precise adjustments.

The Race Harness includes an optional stabilization system. To use it, clip it into place in the middle section of the harness. This system enhances stability, particularly during high-performance flying.

Reserve System

The reserve handle is secured with a magnet, allowing for quick access without the risk of accidental release. The reserve compartment is neatly designed, with a channel that accommodates the reserve directly. This design eliminates the need for a reserve bridal, saving weight and simplifying the system. 

Carabiners

One minor drawback is that the carabiners are a bit tricky to remove, but they’re very snug and secure. The harness is equipped with Charlie Unilock carabiners, known for their asymmetrical, sideways-opening design. This feature prevents twisting and ensures a secure connection. The carabiners are held firmly in place with O-rings, preventing any movement that could compromise safety.

Comfort and Handling

When thermaling, the Race gives excellent weight-shift authority, allowing for smooth, confident turns and great connection with the air. It's balanced enough to avoid being too stable or too unstable, so you won't wobble around, but you can still move and shift weight effectively. The comfort level is very high, especially around the hips and bum, which provides solid support during long flights.

In turbulent conditions, the Race smooths out the rough stuff, giving me confidence that the harness moves with me. It’s also quite stable in tricky situations like stalls, spins, and collapses—much less prone to twisting compared to more laid-back harnesses.

After hours of flying, I’ve found the harness remains very comfortable. Even after 5-hour flights, there’s no discomfort. Some ultralight harnesses can feel too laid back, but the Race strikes the perfect balance between support and flexibility.

The geometry of the Race harness gives it a slightly more upright back position compared to other ultralight pods, like the Advance Weightless or the Skywalk Range X-Alps 3, which have a more laid-back position. This more upright position provides great roll authority, especially with the semi-rigid protector, and is very comfortable for long flights.

Summary

In summary, the Race Harness is designed to be practical and user-friendly. It performs well during launches, including reverse launches, due to its fairing design, which does not obstruct the pilot’s face. The harness’s compact size and lightweight nature make it suitable for alpine flying and long-distance cross-country flights. The Woody Valley Race is a high-quality, practical, and aerodynamic harness perfect for pilots looking for ultralight gear with high performance. It’s compact, comfortable, and very well-suited for cross-country flights. If you need to save on weight and volume, the inflatable protector is an option, but for the best overall handling and protection, the semi-rigid protector is our top recommendation. This harness is ideal for pilots who want ultralight gear without compromising on performance or comfort.