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Using a lineman harness has 2 benefits- it can save your life if an accident occurs and it can save your job if OSHA walks up and sees you wearing it. I say that last part because I have seen multiple lineman in the bucket without a harness on. This is coming from a fiber lineman with 7 years experience.
Two important factors when deciding which type of harness to purchase are comfort and safety. A harness that doesn’t fit properly will cause discomfort and your thoughts will be about the discomfort, not the work. Time spent around power lines should be on the work and safety, not tools and equipment that aren’t working properly.
Safety includes the correct type of harness just in case an accident was to occur. Would your harness actually protect you in the ways you needed? Would the leg straps, chest strap, and lanyard keep you safe and secure? Below I’ve rounded up 6 of the best lineman harness options available on the market today, many recommended by other lineman.
Best Overall: Buckingham BuckOhm Buckyard & Lanyard Combo
This guy looks clean and fits like a glove. H style design and adjusts multi sizes, from small to 3XL. The Buckingham Buckohm Buckyard is able to adjust from the front and the back to give you that perfect glove like fit. It has quick connects everywhere, Dielectric harness and lanyard combo, rescue loops, and it looks clean with that black and green color.
It weighs 5 pounds.
This is THE MOST recommended harness by lineman in the field. It costs ($715 ) quite a bit more than the other harnesses on the list, but it checks all the boxes for things you can get from a harness AND it’s the only one on the list that comes with a lanyard.
Best Budget: Buckingham Buckohm H style no pads
Very similar to the product we just discussed, except this Buckohm harness doesn’t have rescue loops, no back pad, doesn’t come with the lanyard, and doesn’t LOOK as fancy. You are still going to get the quick connections, nice H style design, and a price point that is much more favorable, ~$380.
It still has the awesome multi size adjustment feature- small to 3XL. This Buckohm model is ALSO rated for 9KV dielectric . You can feel confident you’re getting one of the best fitting harnesses available. If I was in the market for a new lineman harness I would have a hard time passing up this TrueFit Buckohm.
Best Runner Up: Jelco H style Arc Flash
The Jelco is a very close competitor for fit and comfort to the Buckohm models. It allows for multiple sizing- small to XL. They do offer the same product in a bigger size 2XL-3XL.
It comes with the trauma straps and a fall indicator. I personally like the black with yellowish stitching simplistic design. The quick connectors feel secure and are easy to use. This Jelco harness is a great option if you want a harness that fits well, has excellent features, and is meant to last. Priced at ~$435, making it one of the more expensive options on the list.
Best Under $175: 3M Delta DBI Sala Vest style
Ol’ trusty. This lineman harness reminds me of what I used for years. The harness is simple, has tongue buckle strapping for chest and leg attachments, and a triangle shaped design on the back. I like the triangle on the back because it keeps the harness from tangling when putting it on or when storing it.
The tongue buckle is more cumbersome than the quick connections, but for the price it sure is hard to beat. This 3M Delta DBI Sala lineman harness is made of polyester with a water repellent coating. This repellent helps fight against dirt, rain, fraying, ripping, even mold. This Repel polyester coating helps keep this harness in good shape for many years. A quality brand and quality product.
Best on Amazon: 3M DBI Sala ExoFit X300
Who doesn’t love the conviencency that Amazon allows us? Double that with a reputable brand, 3M is a leader of construction production and DBI Sala is focused on providing lineman safety equipment. All that expert knowledge produced an excellent lineman harness that rivals the Buckingham BuckOhm.
The shoulder pads are comfortable and fit nicely while the padding for the leg straps are made of breathable mesh that work well even on those hot summer days. The quick connects work exceptionally well and you can feel the quality and effort that was made when producing this awesome lineman harness.
The 3M DBI Sala ExoFit X300 is equipped with the patented torso adjuster, a nice feature that ensures you get a perfect fit without webbing slippage. You can order this harness feeling confident you’re going to get a great fit, padded support, and quality materials from a trusted brand.
Most Unique on Amazon: AFP Full Body American Flag Quick Release
Represent the USA proudly with this American made lineman harness. It definitely catches the eye and I am surprised the amount of great features this harness offers at this price point- especially the quick connect on the chest strap. The leg straps are tongue buckle and padded, along with the padded lower back support. It also has a torso adjuster to ensure a good fit.
The water wicking polyester helps keep the harness in good shape for many years of use. If you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank, has some nice features, and will keep you safe this AFP American Flag lineman harness is a great option. The sizing options are bit more limited compared to the other harnesses on the list, but amazon prime returns are quick and easy. The sizing flexibility ranges 2 sizes for example, large/XL.
Final Words on Lineman Harnesses
The lineman harness options we have today are much better than what our parents and grandparents had. The torso adjuster, quick connection, and quick release lanyard keeper are all great features designed to make our day to day work comfortable, while keeping us safe. Hopefully one of the options above will work for you and your work.
Just need a lanyard? -the Buckohm 6 ft Buckyard with 2 snaps is a great option.
If you are looking for a new lineman drill check out this article, 5 Best Impact Drills for Fiber Optic Lineman.