Saker Ascension harness first fitting review - Update!

[@TheReviewPigeon]

$20 off link here for a Saker Ascension harness if you'd like to make the pruchase! i.refs.cc/95cOKamS?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjoxODY4MTQzOTU2fQ%3D%3D

[@angelai.5177]

I bought two of these harnesses, and I hate them. There's so many rubbing/chafing points. It's impossible to adjust so that the harness stays out of the armpits, and there's gapping when connecting the leash to the front chest clip, which allowed my dog to slip out (even with the belly strap very tight because I was trying to limit side to side movement). I spent so long trying to like them and trying to get them properly adjusted, that I missed the return window. They offered me store credit, as I had been communicating since day 1 with customer service trying to solve my issues, but how could I spend $200 on just accessories for a harness that I hate? Since they knew I was having issues, I wish they would've taken them back. Basically threw my money in the garbage. They're also very heavy and hot, so even if I could get them to fit well, I wouldn't use them for daily walks around the neighborhood. The main reason I wanted them was for car safety- nope, not safe. On one drive, the side buckle came undone and my dog was loose in the car while I was driving. A known issue from the company, who emailed that they would send out replacement buckles. Months later, and still no new/safer buckles. Of note- my dogs are 45lb, short haired, pit bull mixes.

[@mdashoot1]

Same here, really wanted to like this harness but the buckles are cheap china knock offs of the cobra buckles and mine would come apart if one side was pressed. They sent me the updated ones and they are much better but why would you sell something you know is defective. I also agree that they are heavy.

[@TheReviewPigeon]

​@mdashoot1 I'm late to these comments unfortunately; I do know Saker had issues with their 1st release of the harness buckles in particular and supposedly addressed it and replaced it to those with issues. I think it was a problem with the locking/unlocking mechanism for it not being as secure as the standard more expensive Cobra buckles They also phased this harness out now and rebranded it as the "canyon" I think it is

[@marvinlee4887]

Nice review. Have you tried other harnesses as well, more specifically, something from military/PD K9 harnesses companies such as Ray Allen or Modern Icon? I really like the look of the Sakar stuff, just wondering about quality. It is a bit cheaper than the pro stuff, but I need function and reliability for my Weim due to his size/strength and will be doing backcountry solo hikes with him

[@TheReviewPigeon]

I haven't tried anything from modern icon but I have tried something Ray Allen in the past (on a different dog. Smaller beagle/lab mix) and it felt high quality and solid with good metal connection points - the price just puts me off them unless I was doing some more extreme tasks. For hiking/walks/high anxiety dogs this Saker Ascension seems great to be honest. The material is solid feeling and the buckles audibly click-lock in securely. My only gripes are the belly-buckle I pointed out in the video rubbing against my German shep/hounds belly during long walks...which is does but I learned I could just wrap it with some electrical tape easily to fix that. My guy is high anxiety and tries to back out of harnesses if he starts to freak out so the 3rd row of nylon is a must for me - I'd say if you got the money to blow to give this one a shot - the bags are only good if you are doing several hour or overnight hikes/camping in my opinion

[@marvinlee4887]

@@TheReviewPigeon I saw on another YT channel doing a review on the Sakar. Had the same concern as you regarding the belly buckle. She put a strip of nylon strap over the buckle so the metal wont rub against the belly on long sustained hikes. I believe her channel is called Love Dogs. She was a early buyer of the Sakar harness and went through a buckle issue with the release version. Worth a watch. I think I will be commiting to the Sakar for my Weim. Thanks for the review.