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Random Quote: Justice is often measured in calibers
Currently I'm using a cheapo 14$ Calcutta strap on stand up belt when I go Tuna fishing, and that's been sufficient up to about 70 lbs.
Here lately the Bigeye Tuna bite has been hot, and I'm thinking my velcro belt is not enough and need to have a drop pad and straps for stand up fishing.
The problem is my skinny arse. I'm a 28 waist, and 155 dripping wet, about 5'8, but in good shape with all my strength in my legs, 33 years old. Basically I'm bottom heavy.
I'm personally thinking the Braid pro manta would be ideal, but it only shows going down to a 30 waist.
Maybe a Brute Buster?
I'd like top straps so I could lock in the rod also, nothing more annoying than having to deal with the side to side motion on a 50 Wide reel with a bigger fish on it.
Get yourself a Smitty Spyder harness and Smitty Special belt plate. The harness is availabel in different sizes and it should fit you as it is adjustable. I have tried most of stuff out there and this set-up is best IMO so far.
Blueh20pc- I have tried all the Braid stuff and many other products from different manufactures that I know of and it does NOT compare to the Smitty. The other stuff is good for most applications but when you get hooked up to Bubba you will only then understand why the design of the spyder harness and the size of the Big Game belt/plate is best. I have since seen in the past couple of years similar designs to the Smitty gear. The stuff is expensive but it both works very well (get hooked up to a big fish and understand why) and is of excellent qualaity materials and workmanship. You need this stuff if you are going to perform stand-up battle with big fish. You will be pleased with the level of comfort, thus the ability to keep the fight going without feeling the need to hand the rod off to another angler. Your back will also thank you for it.
Hi Chris. I've never tried the Smitty. My experience is with Braid stuff and I've been happy with it. The key for me is getting the set up that puts the belt as low as possible with the bucket style being the best for me. Once you've used them consistantly with the belt strapped to the reel it really feels awkward without it. In regards to a 28 inch waist. You suck. :-) I haven't seen a 28 inch waist in at least 28 years. Also, remember a safety line on the rod if you are strapping yourself to a reel.
__________________ "If you think health care is expensive now, wait till it's free!"
Get yourself a Smitty Spyder harness and Smitty Special belt plate. The harness is availabel in different sizes and it should fit you as it is adjustable. I have tried most of stuff out there and this set-up is best IMO so far.
I have a 40 waist and my smitty also fits my small boys: 130 pounders
I really like the smitty, and sent a braid brute back as it rides up.
I have lower back problems and on our boat we have the following harnesses: OTR harness (from Melton catalog), Braid Manta Harness, Reliable Harness, Fighting belts/plates, Smitty, Braid Manta, Reliable and Black Magic. In my opinion the OTR is the best harness by far, game over not even close. I've caught tuna to 250 lbs and swords to 200 lbs with no problem and no pain.
The best fighting belts/plates are Smitty for big fish, reliable for everything else. The Black magic works well with a rod that has a long but and you can buy my braid stuff if you want. The key is with the plate is that the braids have nothing to stop the rod from swinging from side to side and popping out where the others have at least some way of keeping the rod in the gimble. Allot of times you need to try to move a fish away from the props, from going under the bow, or from other lines so you pull not in a straight line. If you do this with the braid the but can pop out of the gimble or just swing side to side. The others have some kind of way to stop this.
Also I know the OTR comes in small, med, lg and I think XL sizes and if you watch Offshore Adventures they have that harness and Melissa is a small woman and I saw her catch a pretty big yellow on that harness.
Need advice on a Standup Belt setup.... 
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