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Arcteryx harness showdown: C-Quence vs AR-395a
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I wore out my old Arcteryx harness and am trying to decide between the C-quence and AR-395a. Anyone have any input? My old harness was the AR-395a, which was great, but the C-quence seems to tick all the same boxes and is cheaper. |
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Do you need adjustable leg loops? If no then c-quence |
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Im still rocking my ar 395, but did notice blue ice seems to be making a knockoff of it, maybe someone can comment on it? |
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I'm also looking to replace my worn out Arcteryx harness. I'd prefer to have adjustable leg loops, but I can't find the AR-395a in stock anywhere. Maybe they are no longer making it? I'd be curious to hear how people like the C-quence relative to the older AR harnesses. |
Andrew P wrote: yeah they don't make the AR anymore :( |
John Sigmon wrote: I don't see anything from blue ice that is remotely similar |
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I've had the C-quence for about 2 years now and its been great for ice and trad. |
Finn Lanvers wrote: if you don't think this looks similar then we will have to agree to disagree |
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I used to rock the ar395a, and it was by far my favorite out there. But as said above, they don’t make it anymore. So I switched to the BD Solution Guide, and it is almost identical in my opinion (fit, bulk, loop placement, etc…) the only difference really is no adjustable legs. So if you’re looking to replace ar395, my first suggestion is BD solution guide. |
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I see 395a still offered on Arcteryx website? I love my old R-280, and also need a replacement soon. I have tried C-quence an Ar-385a (women’s version) at the Arcteryx booth last fall, and I’d say they are very similar fit. But in Ar385a I would likely get an XS, while C-quence I am probably going with S.
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John Sigmon wrote: Is this true? |
RWPT wrote: 6 months ago when I was looking to replace mine, I did not see it an option on their site. But this thread led me to go check… looks like it is on their site now, so I guess it is! Not the original colors though, and the color of the harness is really what matters.. |
Kephas Petros wrote: It's listed on the website, but it is out of stock for all sizes. |
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C-quence has some uncomfortable pinching in a sensitive area for guys, which I’ve never experienced with my older 395a. I’ve heard others have this issue as well. |
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I haven't tried the AR but recently got a cquence. The leg loops do ride up to the crotch a bit but my thighs are similar thickness all the from knee to ass. I don't think I'll be able to find a harness that solves this for me since it's just a body geometry issue. So far I do love this harness though. In photos I'm seeing a significant difference in the rear 5th gear loop between C and AR. Do people with the AR have any trouble working with this comparatively small loop? |
Mark OB wrote: I have an older AR-395a, but at least in a size small the 5th loop is narrower than what the website shows, but I think it hangs slightly lower. I honestly just use it for the 'oh-shit kit', or other things that I can feel for blindly and know what they are by carabiner shape, and don't plan on using during a pitch. |
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Another +1 for the Blue Ice Cuesta for me Blue Ice has been adding some good stuff to the market. Only 30 grams heavier than the Petzl Sitta, padded, infinity belay loop, accommodates a double rack and other gear, amazing price. I find it as comfortable as the C-Quence, but then again, I often wrestle pebbles. |
Andrew P wrote: I ended up purchasing the C-quence harness. I've used it only once, but I'm happy with it and it felt quite similar to my old AR-395a. I think I got the same size, but I had cut the tags off my old harness so I don't know for sure. I asked the employees at the Arcteryx store about the AR-395a and they seemed to think it should be coming back into stock sometime soon. |
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I have used the 395a extensively, and the Blue Ice Cuesta Adjust a dozen times for ice climbing mostly. FWIW I wrote some thoughts on the 395a awhile ago - good harness, but I don't think it's perfection as others do. A few preliminary thoughts off the top of my head to compare: Both have adj leg loops, obviously, so good comparison there. The Cuesta waist and leg loops are not as wide, which I personally like a lot. I found the 395a annoying to walk in because of the shape of the leg loops dig into my legs and seem to restrict motion just a bit, which start to get annoying for me after a few thousand steps. Cuesta waist is more padded, which I am ambivalent on. Cuesta fit it is great for me, better than the arc. Arc gear loops are superior for their thoughtful angled shape... but the Cuesta ones don't fall apart! Can't comment on the durability of the keeper straps that connect to the back of the leg loop but they don't seem to be the same flimsy ass elastic as the arc uses. The arc fifth loop is awesome and I think every harness should have a generous space in the back like this, Cuesta has just a standard little haul loop. I'll bet the Cuesta will be quite durable, but time will tell - there is a soft or breathable padded layer that might fray but that could be the cost of having it more comfy for summer wear, we'll see. Cuesta ice clipper slot locations are good and don't interfere w gear loops unlike their lingerie model the name of which escapes me. Cuesta is probably lighter? But, I seem to feel that blue ice shits gold these days, so maybe that's bias. I have loved everything I've used from them so far, with a few minor quibbles. If I had to pick one I'd pick the Ceusta Adjust - in fact I don't really use the 395a much anymore. |
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Mike again nailed it. I've owned almost every Arc harness made, but was not impressed by the C-quence. The leg loops on Arc harnesses have never worked right for me but I do think they're gear loops are the best in the business. I have the non-adjustable Cuesta and like Mike said it's much better to walk in and climb in than the 395, and for whatever reason I find it stays snug much better on me than the 395 which I constantly have to tighten. The 395 is more comfortable to hang in. Blue Ice gear loops are smaller and floppier, and I miss the fifth gear loop. But I still slightly prefer the Cuesta just due to the better fit. Isnt the BD Technician another direct 395 competitor and anyone have thoughts about it? |
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Jumping in on this great thread, thanks for everyone's insights. I have a 395 that I have used for the past 7 years (with about 50-100 days of climbing per year) the belay loop is beginning to fray and one of the elastic cords from the back to the leg loops snapped off the belt yesterday. I LOVE IT and am so sad I cannot just buy a new one. I really appreciated the huge back strap and the adjustable (very comfortable for climbing all day, hiking, or skiing). Seems like it is discontinued but it is listed on the AR website? |
