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Coat Closures
I am currently looking into getting some new gear and I am thinking about changing the coat options as far as the way they close. Right now we have a zipper and then a velcro flap. Personally I have had problems with the zipper gumming up and malfunctioning after a while and the velcro wears out and gets debris in it. My older coat had the snaps and clasps and I loved it, besides it being an older coat the snaps where wore out it seemed to be the easiest to use. I am thinking of going back to the old style. Any suggestions ?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kimberly A Bownas on
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My gear coat has the zipper and the velcro. I don't mind that, we use to have the clasps and that was a pain in the neck. Just my opinion and I think it comes down to what you prefer more then anything...
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Permalink Reply by Brian on
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My gear has velcro with clasps. The velcro is a real pain especially if you don't get it straight the first time. Get what ever you like. That is just my opinon.
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Permalink Reply by T.J. on
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I feel it does not matter what coat you've got when it's -30 zero and your fighting a structure fire they ALL freeze up on you.
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Cole on
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I have had issues with both zippers and velcro also. I have two sets of PPE, both top-line models by two of the best manufacturers. One coat is currently away getting the zipper replaced, and when it returns, the other coat has to have ALL the velcro, pocket closures, storm flap...everything replaced.
I like the seal of the zipper and velcro closure. But it seems now that the old-style snaps with dee-ring and buckels may be the best way to go. I have never had problems with that type. It may take a few seconds longer to close, but it lasts.
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Permalink Reply by Avery Dale on
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Thanks for everyone's input and Todd you are exaclty right. I am pretty strict on my crew about keeping their gear clean, the problems are mostly from use and age being the majority of us wear our gear on almost every call we run. Being a volunteer unit with a bunch of young guys, who thinks it's cool to have the dirty gear can be aggravating. It has not even occured to me to check the NFPA standards on this till you mentioned it. What I am going for is something similar to what FDNY uses with the snaps and d-rings. Again thanks for all the input so far and keep it comming.
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Permalink Reply by Jamie Morelock on
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Out of the different closures I have used throughout my career, I really prefer the Chicago style closure from Morning Pride. A description and picture can be found on their website.
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Permalink Reply by Jessica Travis on
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i have an old jacket and it has the hooks with no snaps or velcro. It stays closed but then i have a problem getting it off
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Permalink Reply by SMOKEnPipesJim on
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snaps and clips, zipper and clips, zipper and velcro, snaps and velcro... its all arbitrary snaps area pain AND wear out/break.... Zippers Freeze, get gummed up if not taken care of and break teeth, Closure clasps orclips can freeze ( not a big deal and can get hung u and break. Therivets can pull outror through the material Butcan be replaced and reenforced ... I've used all, Mostly snaps or Clasps and of late velcro on the outterflap. The ONLy brands I have worn have been either Morning pride globe, globe,MP,globe and morning pride Iam pretty surein that order..lol quality manufacturers and minimal problems over all.. ( I still have My orginal Globe Vollie coat, purchased in 1977 ) no I dont wear it, I am afraid it wouldnt fit anymore, But It was Cotton Duck, zipper and clasps ... The zipperstillis great andthe clasps are actuallyworn to near breaking, as are both my globe Nomex and Morning pride Nomex 3/4 job coats..lol I think the most durable are snaps and clasps though they are seemingly slower (Nah)
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Permalink Reply by Sarah Turner on
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It depends on where you live.
Up north we used D hooks which I happen to like better as they are faster to get in and out of, and don't malfunction the way that zippers do. However, the major selling point for the D hooks was that they didn't freeze. Getting zippers soaked when it is 20 below freezing is an adventure in itself. The same way rolling doors on apparatus do not make sense up north.
Down here we use zippers and rolling doors. Doesn't matter when the temperature is usually 890 degrees.
I would, however, prefer the D hooks still. Zippers are harder to get on in the dark when you wake up and are half out of it in my opinion.
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Permalink Reply by PFC Harmon on
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My old gear had a zipper and the clasp I couldnt stand it I couldnt work the clasp good with gloves on I'm sure it was just the style of clasp I had. My new gear has a metal zipper and velcro I love it I keep it clean and have never had a problem even in the middle of night when everything is froze.
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Permalink Reply by Jenny Holderby on
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Personally, I didn't like the zipper. I don't know if it was me or the coat but it kept coming unzipped backward on me. We had several zippers get stuck. Taking your gear off over your head isn't fun. As for the velcro - take a fine tooth comb & get the crud & crap out of it & it will work better.
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