Alternatives to plastic fas-tex side-release buckles

seylerdl · Jul 5, 2002

Many discussions can be found on this board about the potential for failure inherent in the common, plastic, Fas-Tex-type side-release buckle. I asked this question in another thread, in relation to this type buckle being used on the Halcyon ACB weight system. The two problems I think I have heard in relation to this type of fastener are:
1) It can accidentally release, and
2) Being made of plastic, it can easily break.

What alternatives are there? Does someone make a stainless steel quick-release buckle that would be more secure, stronger, and less prone to accidental release? I guess the chances of my Halcyon ACB weight-retention buckle failing are pretty small, BUT I really do not want to see one of my weights fall out when I don't want it to. Of course, in an emergency, I would want to be able to quickly ditch......

Any ideas anyone???

Thanks,
Dave

Dee · Jul 5, 2002

What comes to mind is how many thousands of times a quick release buckle on the shoulder of a rental BC gets used with the weight of full gear without failing. None that I know of. The chance if your buckle failing with 10# of weight max is minor.

Just my 2¢...I'd find something else to worry about!

greyface · Jul 5, 2002

I'm a contractor, carpenter by trade...my tool/nail apron uses these buckels. They are bulletproof. I am very tough on my apron,(always full of tools and fastneres, often 15-20 lbs easy) and use it daily. Current apron is 4 yrs old, stiching is giving way. (Similar material as bc's.) The buckle is as new, after many thousands of use cycles. It has never failed in any way. I wouldn't give a second thought as to one failing. Just my two pennies!

O-ring · Jul 5, 2002

I think Scubapro makes a really nice SS buckle...not sure where you could pick one up though...maybe Leisurepro?

Marlinspike · Jul 5, 2002

They come standard with Halcyon harness/backplate so a shop that sells Halcyon stuff might be able to get one in. I went to two Scubapro dealers and they were not able to get them in quickly.

It is an excellent buckle. Way better than anything else I have seen.

~Marlinspike

O-ring · Jul 5, 2002

I didn't know they were that hard to find...I was thinking about replacing the buckle on my weightbelt with one...let me know if you find one online somewhere and I will do likewise.

JamesK · Jul 6, 2002

If you are looking for a SS buckle for you weight belt, DiveRite sells them. They are only a couple of bucks. Any store that sells DiveRite usually has them in stock. I use them for my harness.

seylerdl · Jul 6, 2002

Thanks for the replies.
HOWEVER, I am talking about the smaller (1"?) fas-tex buckle that holds the Halcyon ACB weight belt pockets closed, NOT the big main buckle that holds a normal weight belt to your waist. The large SS weight belt main buckles are easy to find. I have not found reference to the other......

Dave

JamesK · Jul 6, 2002

Sorry about that. My post was for O-Ring who asked about SS weight belt buckles. I have no clue where you could find one of the fastex 1" buckles from in SS.

O-ring · Jul 6, 2002

seylerdl,
I forgot the ACBs use a different buckle (I have only seen them once)...not sure where you would find a small SS buckle. I was in a Halcyon shop today and I didn't see any, but who knows...I may run across some somewhere and I will post if I do...

Alternatives to plastic fas-tex side-release buckles

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