Buying Guide: How to Choose a Head Harness for Weight Lifting

Step-by-step Instructions

Here is what you need to do...
Step 1

There aren't very many ways to work your neck muscles. That can be a problem for sports players and bodybuilders alike. Many sports require athletes to have solid neck strength, and bodybuilders with thin necks and large traps look completely silly. The best way to work your neck is by using one of the head harnesses recommended on this page. They are available from Amazon at the links below.

Step 2

Choosing the right head harness depends on how much money you want to spend. Some head harnesses include chin straps. If you are willing to shovel out a couple of extra dollars for quality, the top-level head harness is for you. However, if you find yourself barely ever doing neck exercises, then maybe the cheap head harness is the one you need. Either way, the three linked below have everything you need.

Step 3

Consider differences in construction. Some are made of nylon. Others are made of leather. If the head harness is made of leather - is the leather high or low quality?

Step 4

Will it break during heavy or intense use?

Step 5

Consider ease of cleaning and maintenance.

Step 6

Some models include accessories, such as special clamps or carabiners,

Step 7

Some models come with an instruction manual or tips for training,

Step 8

If it includes a warranty, how long is the warranty? Are there any fees associated with getting the head harness repaired or replaced?

Step 9

How much weight can the harness' chain hold?

Step 10

Some models incorporate special features.

Step 11

Is the harness adjustable?

Step 12

Consider comfort. Is there protection and padding on the underside of the harness - the part that will come in contact with your head?

Step 13

Look at the next few paragraphs for some explanations on the features of each harness. Get ready to make one of the better-informed purchases of your fitness life.

Step 14

First up is Harbinger's Nylon Training Head Harness. The nylon in this harness is made to withstand a lot of usage for a long period of time. Inside of the harness is a polyester coating that protects your head from any kind of uncomfortable burns or scratching. The harness also comes with a small chain that can hold up to 250 pounds. That is more than enough for any neck exercise. At $26, this head harness is a steal, and will provide a decent amount of durability and comfort for time to come.

Step 15

Our second item is the 373301 Leather Neck/Head Harness, also made by Harbinger. This harness costs just $3.00 more than the nylon harness. But that additional cost gets you something special - leather. The leather on the outside is far more resilient to wear and tear than nylon. The inside of the harness is padded with polyester for comfort. This harness is adjustable, so one size will certainly fit all. The chain is meant to bear more weight than you'll ever need. And the fit of the harness will be comfortable no matter the size of your head. If you've got the extra $3.00 to spare and you aren't allergic to leather, this harness is well worth looking into.

Step 16

Finally we come to the luxury head harness: the MA307V Leather Head Harness, made by Body Solid. This harness is made from high quality leather. We all know there's a difference between good leather and great leather, and this harness is great leather. The chain has extra heavy rings that are meant to sustain massive amounts of weight without breaking. The inside is coated with high density neoprene, which guarantees long-lasting comfort for your hair, head, and skull. At just under $45.00, this harness is slightly more expensive than the others, but the quality you get from your purchase is well worth the money.

Special Attention

Difficulties people often experience or parts that need special attention to do it right.

When buying a head harness, make sure you know if it can be used with free weights and cable machines or only with free weights.

Stuff You'll Need

Suggested Further Reading

Author Title Price
Jay Cutler: From Jay to Z $35.99

This Student Author

This Student Author's Background

Funny or interesting story about this topic...

I knew a guy who made and used his own personal head harness for a while- and by a while I mean two workouts. I was there when he was doing dips with the weight dangling from his own harness, and the harness snapped. The weights fell, his head shot up from the backlash, and he overstretched his neck. Poor guy definitely won't be making any more homemade workout equipment in the future. And you really shouldn't either. Too bad I didn't know him well enough to recommend the harnesses that I just recommended to you. Oh well, life goes on.

When did you first do this & how did you get started?

I got my first head harness when I first started boxing. I needed to up my neck strength in order to prevent getting knocked out so easily. And the harness seemed like the best possible way to do so. I grabbed one of the ones above (I'm not telling which one), and I never looked back. That harness is still in my gym bag today- it has never failed me once, and it basically looks good as new. Grab yours and get on with... you know what's coming... Happy lifting,
J

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