Petzl Simba Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Petzl Simba | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Kids Full Body Harness | Best for Versatility | Best Bang for the Buck | ||
Price | $65 List | $75 List $72.95 at Amazon | $59.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $74.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $58 List |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | This fully adjustable harness not only fits a large variety of sizes, but it also makes getting it on and off quick and easy | This feature packed harness not only has all the bells and whistles, its comfortable and has a secure fit to give parents peace of mind | This full featured harness is comfortable and would be a solid choice for almost any kid out there | This extremely comfortable harness is super easy to get on and adjust for even little kids | This comfortable option is a great priced basic harness for beginners |
Rating Categories | Petzl Simba | Petzl Ouistiti | Petzl Macchu | Black Diamond Momen... | Trango Junior |
Hanging Comfort (40%) | |||||
Standing Comfort and Mobility (20%) | |||||
Features (20%) | |||||
Versatility (20%) | |||||
Specs | Petzl Simba | Petzl Ouistiti | Petzl Macchu | Black Diamond Momen... | Trango Junior |
Designed for these disciplines | Top Rope | Top Rope | All Around / Sport | Top Rope | Top Rope |
Weight (size medium) | 15.1 oz | 15.4 oz | 11.4 oz | 11.8 oz | 13.8 oz |
Gear Loops | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Adjustable Legs? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Self-locking buckle? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Waist Belt Construction | Full Body | Full body | Sit | Full body | Full body |
Waist Size Ranges (inches) | N/A | 23 - 28 in | 21 - 25 in | 14 - 25 in | 13 - 23 in |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Simba doesn't have the most features or comfort, but there is no other harness that is this quick and easy to get on, adjust, and get climbing in.
Performance comparison
Hanging Comfort
The Simba is a basic webbing constructed full body harness with no padding whatsoever. The shoulder straps are 1 and ⅛" webbing and the leg loops are 1 and ¾" webbing to help distribute the weight a little better when hanging. Normally, one would think that a webbing harness would be uncomfortable, but the way the webbing wraps around the body keeps kids more than comfortable enough for the short period they spend hanging while being lowered. However, if the climbers spend much time hanging, things tend to get a bit uncomfortable.
Standing Comfort and Mobility
Since this harness is so simple, it would be easy for the kids to forget its on when just hanging around; however, because the tie in points don't stay together when they are not tied in, the shoulder straps tend to fall down. Otherwise, this is a comfortable harness to wear.
Features
Adjustability and ease are this simple harnesses main features. There's no gear loops or padded leg loops. No belay loops or haul loops. You may ask, does this harness even have loops at all?! Joking aside, this harness is exactly what a beginner kids harness should be, simple and easy to get on, adjust, and share with others. This also makes it a great option for adaptive climbers or those kids with special needs. It's a secure harness that will work for a wide range of kids.
Versatility
The Simba is an extremely versatile harness if you weigh versatility by how many different climbers can use it. This is good for small children who may not have developed hips that keep them in seat harnesses if they were to flip upside down, special needs kids, gym rentals, or camp harnesses where many different kids need to use it. The auto-locking buckles are a breeze to operate, and all but the youngest of climbers will be able to slip into it and get it adjusted quickly.
Value
Value is in the eye of the beholder. This harness doesn't seem to have the best value unless you are looking for the most simple harness available for young kids. For the same price ($59.95) other options have more features, like the Petzl Ouistiti, with its gear loops and auxiliary tie in point, or the Black Diamond Momentum Full Body, and the amazing comfort that comes from its padded panels.
Conclusion
If you want a versatile harness to do basic tasks such as top roping at the gym or high ropes courses at camp, the Simba is a tested, tried and true harness that won't disappoint. This is one of the most popular children's harnesses and for a good reason. Petzl has a history producing some of the best climbing gear available; this is no exception.