Kevin,
I'm thinking my XT is about three years old. I got one when they were first introduced and the replacement one was about a year later. My weight pockets have velcro, but not the clips.
For what it's worth I used before, and still have a Zeagle Ranger. The quality of the Zeagle is WAY better (like Zeagle people really dive with their stuff), but I never liked the way it would trap air in the horseshoe bladder. I would have to get vertical periodically to even out from side to side. I like the Zeagle and they are still my favorite company, but the shop I worked for was not a dealer and frowned on me using it. When the Rep came around with the Aeris, I liked it instantly better than the shop's other brands. After using it, I prefered the Aeris in the water.
Now I pretty much just use my old Ranger for travel since it packs so nice. I know this sounds like mixed messages, but both BC's do the job and you can trim yourself out well. Anything beats a jacket BC loaded with bells and whistles, and new fangled what-nots. What ever you get, just wear it out.....
Dennis