I'm just going to buy a new harness. My harness is some 13/4 years old and even though it hasn't been used, a few of my climbing friends said they think I should retire it, and that seems the manufacturer's consensus too. No point risking my life for the sake of £60 odd quid.
Also going to retire my old slings and quickdraw dogbones which are older than the harness I think!
To be honest, I think i'd be fine using the harness lowering off as it looks and feels solid, and there are two loops (one by the waist and one that goes through the legs) - and it's highly unlikely both will fail (fatal fall) on a static lower off. Old harness is now officially retired
Also, dunc56, I agree about the UV. not used mine enough for the UV to be a significant factor though. I'm more of a boulderer these days but would like to get back into lead as I age - body is struggling to take the physicality of bouldering these days!
Post edited at 11:50