OK..

So I had this idea to make zip in snowkite jacket panels that in theory would allow you to use your regular jacket with your harness underneath and go kiting, zip it out when your done and hit the town. No special jacket, and minimal cost. I posted on my website asking kiters for info on what zipper their favorite jacket had too sort of get a poll of what type of zippers most jackets had. Most seem to be vislon plastic YKK #5 seperating zippers in the double pull format. Now I thought I'd take it to a larger audience to see what you guys have.

Here's some pics of what I'm talking about :







Waterproof fabric, fleece lined, stiff slot panels. All three jackets have the same zipper so the same panel zips into each jacket. Obviously there is no way for a commercial outfit to offer something like this since there are so many zipper variations, but I'm curious as to what most of you are running for zippers in your jackets so if you have time, check and see if your zipper has a stamp on it and what the numbers say. Thanks in advance!

I have YKK 5Vt and MAP 5v

Brian

My Burton jacket has Vislon YKK 5VS, do you plan on selling these maybe?

Thanks guys.. Yeah, it makes more sense to order 12 zippers then just one cost wise, same with the waterproof breathable fabric. A yard makes quite a few and any income could be put toward having more zippers on hand. Water resistant ones are fairly costly. Also, speader bar hole placement could be custom made as well. I've got a few out there to be tested this season, I think it's really going to be slick. Selling them though I'm slightly worried about compatibility.. thus the survey. The more jackets I can get some into though, the more I'll know how universal they could be!

Another vote for YKK 5VS.

ATB,
Sam

rudeboy I can test one out for you, I spent alot of time gettin dragged face down with the Montana and Im sure theres alot more of that to come

My LL Bean Mountain Guide Shell has Vislon YKK 6V.

Wow.. a 6 huh? I didn't even know they came in that size. That's why this might not be a viable option for every jacket. Good stuff to know though, thanks for adding to this list.

very innovative.... get a patent quickly

Cheesy's right man, You better a apply for a patent. That idea is worth bank. Okay, you probably wouldn't make millions but it's an awesome idea and may be worth a little $ to you if you find the right fabrication and distribution channels.

It really is brilliant. One of those things that we all looked at and said "Why the hell didn't I think of that!

Cheaper than a Wildthings jacket, more versitile to boot.

Again, nice work.

No time or money to try to patent a zipper and a piece of fabric. Really anyone can make them, but I'm just hoping that maybe I'll be able to do it better! With our embroidery machine I can even jazz em up and customize them even more. Add more versitility for guys like me that want to promote as well but not wreck an expensive shell. I'm going to talk to Rachael and see if it's ok if I bring a bunch to KiteStorm. That way people can try to zip them in their jacket to see if they'll work for them. Just getting an idea of what to bring I guess if she says it's cool.

I understand it doesn't cost much to apply for a patent. I think the whole process costs more but by then you could know if it would be worth it. I could be wrong but I think it is just submiting a paper initally. I will look tomorrow and let you know what I have.

.........aj

@rbs the sad part is those YKK zips are probably made in china, and the way they lurk these forums, they are probably already making them in some factory in shandong province...patent or no, I'd buy mine from you!

You probably won't make the Tug Hill event, but if you wanted to demo a few there, u2u me. I'd be happy to show 'em off for you.

YKK 5C for a Columbia Titanium. Just let me know If I can be one of your initial customers.

YKK 5C for a Columbia Titanium. Just let me know If I can be one of your initial customers.

like feyd said....why didnt I think of that?!?
Ive been looking at options for weeks trying to do something other than cut a hole in my nice shell.

Ill buy from you, and i think some of the others here in the UND club will do the same.

hijack real quick...are you going to the UMD kite event in February at kite lake in MN?....hijack over.

oh, and
YKK 5svt on the 686 and YKK 5cn on the REI shell.

I'll definatly be at the UMD Expo, we're sponsors! And we're also teaching the SCSU Outdoor Endevors group the end of this month on Mille Lacs. We're hooking up all the university students and getting them riding!

Thanks for the support guys, I'm glad others think this is a cool idea as well since I'm fairly invested in it now. I have more waterproof breathable fabric coming and more zipper varieties as well but the holidays have made delivery longer. I should be able to ramp up production next week. Maybe I'll work on a dedicated section on my site to provide info about the panel and maybe even an ordering option. I want to custom make these for everyone so I'll put details about figuring out the height you want your spreader bar opening and making sure the zippers will match up.

As I said, I think it's simple enough that anyone can make it, but let me tell you, it's a pain in the butt running around looking for zippers and parts to only make one for yourself, so I'm hoping I'll do a decent job as the guy providing the goods so people can spend more time kiting and less time hunting down parts and wasting money.

Here's a couple closer shots of the opening and back:




I make them with 36 inch zippers and the left over part that extends past your jacket you just fold over and tuck in and I'll probably add velcro on the upper part to keep it down inside your jacket. This longer zipper length makes it fit all jackets regardless of zipper length.

So, I'll get to work. I've got a bunch of the YKK #5 plastic double pulls and single pulls. I'll put pictures of what I'm talking about on the info site I'll develop this weekend so we can make sure it fits. Then I'll get to work in my little sweat shop and crank out as many as I can.

Redtailin.. maybe if you get the whole club in one the idea, we can custom embroider your club logo on the front so you can represent at kite events this year tagging you all.

very nice!!! thats a lot cheaper than buying an Ultra Nectar jacket with the cut away spreader bar hole.

sounds good, I look forward to meeting you there.
that sounds like a plan for the whole club, Ill let matt know, and well see what kind of interest there is.

HELL YES!!! This is matt btw for those who don't know. I'd totally be down for getting some of these for members and myself.

Does anyone know what kind of zippers are used on special blend jackets? I'm afraid the zippers wouldn't be compatible.

Awesome idea though. If you can smooth out the contruction process this will go far!!!!

That bottom jacket in the pictures is a Special Blend jacket. It's uses a YKK #5 vislon double pull. If yours is the same, I've got the goods. I'll get to work digitizing your logo to get it ready for embroidery. Man, I really wish I wasn't punching a time clock this weeknd at work.. I've got man sewing to do for the masses!

Ohh, Rip. I have an Ultra Nectar jacket and I don't like it. Thus my brainstorming for other options. The zippered front opens all the way while your kiting and it lets snow and wind in. A real drag. I think a small opening is the way to go. I'm working on an info section on my site to talk about the design ideas and selecting a custom spreader bar height. More soon.

YKK 5VS on my Salomon ski jacket....

All the zips are rusted shut though, too much salt water use...

awesome idea....

mine is a YKK-8VS vislon...:dunno:

Sounds like 8s are pretty common as well. I'll try and get some more of those. Only have a couple coming next week, so looks like I'll have to ramp it up. Thanks for the info guys, this helps me try to figure out what people would need.

Are most of your jackets plastic zippers? Rusted shut sounds like maybe metal zippers? I guess I thought most winter jackets would be plastic to avoid freeze up as well. No metals yet either. I have to start selling some soon I guess just so I can afford to have a crap load of different zippers around.

All Plastic here

I just bought a Helly with waterproof zips. I bet they wouldn't mesh up with non-waterproof ones, would they? Brilliant idea though man. And top quality on the workmanship!

No, I'll have to get some waterproof zips too. They are basically coil zips sewn "backwards" so the teeth are in the inside and the other side gets the coating. They cost more, but more of the technical jackets are using them, so I have to add those to the stockpile as well! Is it a YKK 5N?

Either I need to get one of everything, or limit it to certain zippers. Still holding onto the dream of being able to make it available to everyone, but it might come down to only what I can afford to have available.