Apologies for the delay in writing this...
So, the 2nd prototype vest has been produced and tested. On water testing was carried out on a very cold Arahura day. So cold that no images survived. I did, however, manage to take some product shots in a dry environment so you can see what the new 2010 Full On Vest is going to look like! Later it was thrashed around in the ocean surf to see how it fared in big water.
As you'll notice, it's very similar to the 2005 model, but with some major improvements. The front pocket is bigger and stronger. In fact it's probably the strongest pocket on a PFD anywhere in the world. We realise that there's nothing more frustrating than having a pocket blow out, leaving you unable to carry all your rescue gear and food, so the new pocket is madeof 1000D cordura (the whole exterior of the vest is 1000D cordura), and reinforced with Hypalon. It's got a #9 size coil zip, so that's bombproof too.
The small pocket has also been beefied up and some volume added, so you can carry enough food to last all day, and all night if you have to!
The shoulder strap pads have been lengthened, for added comfort whilst carrying your boat.
The chest harness is now secured with a NZ made 50mm cam buckle specifically designed for this purpose, providing a positive closure that will not bow open, even in the biggest hydraulics.
Testing the fit, form and function of proto. #2. Photo: Dave Williams.
Ocean waves like this are exhausting, but a good place to see if the PFD is going to ride up whilst taking a beating! You'll be glad to know it fits like a glove! And just in case you're wondering...the chest harness buckle did not pop open either!
Back view of proto. #2.
To the untrained eye it looks exactly like the old ones, but you'll really notice a difference when you put it on. Carefully shaped panels in the back of the vest aid in the fit, making it more comfortable, and allowing more flotation to be added without restricting motion.
The throw bag's been improved too. It's now more streamlined and easier to stuff.
You'll notice that there's no logo embroidery...don't worry, the classic Hydroscapes logo will still appear on the 2010 Full On Vests!
Destructive testing of the Torso Lock Harness system.
The harness integrity of the original Full On Vests were tested by jacking up my old Ford F150 truck under a tree, tying it off with the harness system and letting the jack go. The webbing didn't break, so I always felt that this was a good test of it's usefulness in a whitewater rescue situation. This time around I took a more scientific approach...Using a commercial testing facility in Christchurch, NZ, I tested the various harness parts to destruction! Full results will be published on completion of the testing, but I was pleased to see that the chest harness began slipping at 9.7kN, or just over 980Kg-enough to pull you out of the worst situations.
Out of interest, I tested the old FOV too. So, for all my old customers who used the 2005 and prior FOV you'll be glad to know that my own stitching failed at 1200Kg! As a wise man once said, "overkill is under-rated"!
The product line is growing to include some simple yet effective rescue gear that's designed specifically for the river. A simple 15mm Dyneema sling, open ended, 2.5m long has long been a preferred item on the river. Stowed in the chest pocket, it works as a short throw rope, flip line, tie off, lowering sling, anchor sling, etc., etc...Anyway, we've now got a bombproof, bar-tacked Dyneema sling in the product line! It's a space saving option over tubular tape, and stronger. Also, sewn prussics save space and weight over their knotted cousins, so we've sourced these too.
Don't worry, the all new 2010 Full On Vest will be available soon!!! My next post will show you what it looks like!
