Mine scared the crap out of me - post #15
http://www.hanggliding.org/viewtopic.ph ... sc&start=0#
Since the incident I tried flying it more and more (2.5 hrs+) - and found that I would get really uncomfortable in the sternum - like tender to the touch the day after. After playing with lots of padding options and prodding with things in flight I've figured out that its just my rib cage being squeezed. I'm 6'4" and while the cloth is custom the support frame aluminum tubing is one size fits all. The aluminum frame is much more narrow than my chest, so it squeezes. I noticed this a little on my first flights because of the increased difficulty breathing. Minor, but noticeable. I'm not sure what I can do with that going forward.
I've also had the zipper blow out a few times on me, preventing me from getting comfortable for a long flight. This happened once in competition which sucked. I've since switched out the zipper and its been ok for 3 flights so far.
for flying at the coast or where you will be looking out/around a lot, your body will be in a position that makes it harder to lift your head than a soft harness. This is because in the soft harnesses you can create a mild banana shape so that you are naturally arced up a bit. In a backplate harness this is impossible, so pilots I've talked to (rotor, covert) plus my own experience is that we all prefer our cocoons at the coast.
I don't like hanging lower on the control frame on takeoff - this increases the distance the hang glider has to lift off your shoulders before your hang straps are tight and you have weight shift authority. That's true for all backplates. And yes, landing is harder because you are less upright and your hands are lower on the control frame. Control on approach is enhanced for the same reason, however.
So for me, if I could go back and time and not order my CG-1000 I would. Its been a huge amount of time and money and grief dealing with the failed back plate, failed zipper, comfort tuning (still not figured out), and less margin on landing/launch.
If you are a "middle of the bell curve" type of pilot (weight/height) a harness you can try on, adjust, and hang in for a full hour is gold. You can't do that with a new harness.