rudeboysaude - 31-12-2009 at 11:43 AM
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!
brplatz - 31-12-2009 at 11:58 AM
I have YKK 5Vt and MAP 5v
Brian
pigryder - 31-12-2009 at 12:30 PM
My Burton jacket has Vislon YKK 5VS, do you plan on selling these maybe?
rudeboysaude - 31-12-2009 at 12:43 PM
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!
indigo_wolf - 31-12-2009 at 12:56 PM
Another vote for YKK 5VS.
ATB,
Sam
pigryder - 31-12-2009 at 01:53 PM
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 
bobalooie57 - 31-12-2009 at 02:19 PM
My LL Bean Mountain Guide Shell has Vislon YKK 6V.
rudeboysaude - 31-12-2009 at 03:03 PM
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.
cheezycheese - 31-12-2009 at 03:47 PM
very innovative.... get a patent quickly
Feyd - 31-12-2009 at 04:55 PM
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.
rudeboysaude - 31-12-2009 at 06:11 PM
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.
stetson05 - 31-12-2009 at 07:09 PM
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.
action jackson - 31-12-2009 at 07:30 PM
.........aj
bobalooie57 - 31-12-2009 at 09:12 PM
@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!
bobalooie57 - 31-12-2009 at 09:15 PM
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.
slk-jockey - 31-12-2009 at 11:38 PM
YKK 5C for a Columbia Titanium. Just let me know If I can be one of your initial customers.
slk-jockey - 31-12-2009 at 11:38 PM
YKK 5C for a Columbia Titanium. Just let me know If I can be one of your initial customers.
redtailin - 1-1-2010 at 02:09 AM
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.
redtailin - 1-1-2010 at 02:12 AM
oh, and
YKK 5svt on the 686 and YKK 5cn on the REI shell.
rudeboysaude - 1-1-2010 at 06:35 AM
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.
ripsessionkites - 1-1-2010 at 10:37 AM
very nice!!! thats a lot cheaper than buying an Ultra Nectar jacket with the cut away spreader bar hole.
redtailin - 1-1-2010 at 11:13 AM
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.
flyboy15 - 1-1-2010 at 11:28 AM
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!!!!
rudeboysaude - 1-1-2010 at 12:15 PM
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.
furbowski - 1-1-2010 at 12:55 PM
YKK 5VS on my Salomon ski jacket....
All the zips are rusted shut though, too much salt water use...
awesome idea....
cheezycheese - 1-1-2010 at 01:18 PM
mine is a YKK-8VS vislon...:dunno:
rudeboysaude - 1-1-2010 at 02:10 PM
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.
brplatz - 1-1-2010 at 02:26 PM
All Plastic here
macboy - 1-1-2010 at 02:38 PM
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!
rudeboysaude - 1-1-2010 at 03:17 PM
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.
macboy - 1-1-2010 at 04:04 PM
It's YKK 5N or 5CN. The zip part itself says 5CN and the little silver block at the bottom (not a double zip) says 5N.
I'd be willing to pay you for a sewing pattern and the special bits that you can only buy in bulk like the parts for the spreader bar opening. I'm
sure others would compensate you for your efforts putting the pattern together as well. Just a thought. Of course with your permission I'd like to put
one together without a pattern. I'll not lay claim to the idea I assure you.
rudeboysaude - 1-1-2010 at 05:10 PM
Anyone can make them, go for it! I don't think I'll get into the business of selling the parts to make them though as I'm having a hard enough time
finding all the pieces I need to try to offer them to all. But the internet is a wonderful place and it's all out there!
Nice thing is almost all those water resistant zips are single pulls. Bad thing is they cost $10 a crack.. and then a yard of WB fabric $13, yard of
fleece $5. shipping.. Just like any project I suppose. I made silicon molds for climbing holds to litter my wall. In the end I could have just
bought some and had more variety, but it sure was fun! There's nothing super special or propietary about these, if you have access to a machine,
anyone can make them. I just want to offer them to people who don't want to bother with making one themselves. Zippered inserts are all over the
place. Big Agnes even makes one for their sleeping bags in case you get too fat for yours! The Wedgie. Good name.
cheezycheese - 1-1-2010 at 06:42 PM
its amazing how much you learned about zippers doing this project... :bigok:
shaggs2riches - 1-1-2010 at 09:52 PM
Very Nice Idea!!!:singing:
I'm sure there's many people who have seen this and have wondered why this wasn't thought of a long long time ago. I'll get you a zipper number as
soon as the jacket comes out of the dryer lol. In the mean time I'd also like to ask you permission to make myself one?zMy wife has tons of fabric
that I'm sure she won't miss if a meter of it goes missing.
rudeboysaude - 1-1-2010 at 10:36 PM
No permission needed guys. I was planning on making some to sell to those who don't want to tackle it and offer embroidery and such. I think I need
to get $40 shipped in the US to make it worth while, and you can probably make them for a little bit cheaper if you have the time and supplies.. and
since you guys live in Canada it would cost me more to ship anyway! haha.. I'll post pics of my Peter Lynn panel when I finish it. It's gonna be
sweet.
rudeboysaude - 1-1-2010 at 10:41 PM
Ohh, I started the info on my website today. Some zipper info and opening height stuff and a way to order one if you wanted to go that route instead
of making one. Even got a fancy easy remember domain to point to the place on my website:
www.kitepanel.com
Creative name huh! haha..
flyboy15 - 1-1-2010 at 11:45 PM
Well done rudeboy, Im seriously impressed with the work here. Let me know if u need anything from us, I'm sure we will put in about -10 orders from
the club at the minimum!
Ill look through your site when i get a chance. U2U me if u need anything in the mean time, and also if u have any condition reports at mill lacs
lol. We wanna head out there sometime soon!!
bobalooie57 - 4-1-2010 at 07:57 AM
Hey rbs, I like the pdf you sent with the 'tug hill' logo. If you care to post a pic when you get one stitched up, and take orders on that design,
well, blesses...
william_rx7 - 4-1-2010 at 02:58 PM
Great idea. I want one, where can I order?
rudeboysaude - 5-1-2010 at 07:08 AM
I'm making what I can with what I have and waiting for more supplies. Currently I'm just taking orders by email while in the start up phase here.
info@mnadventure.com more info at www.kitepanel.com
Picture of the Tug Hill Panel:
bobalooie57 - 9-1-2010 at 08:56 AM
Rudeboysaude! whoa! I got the zipper panels in the mail this morning!! Great job, and thank you for contributing one of your ingenius panels for
our snowkiting event next weekend. All registered participants will be eligble to win this and other prizes! A pic, and my thanks..Bob
bobalooie57 - 9-1-2010 at 08:58 AM
Sorry I couldn't find a better looking model. I use an Ozone XC harness with D ring and carabiner, and it looks like it will be perfect!
cheezycheese - 9-1-2010 at 09:14 AM
Rude ou that panel is friggin awesome, the embroidery alone is top notch and worth more than what you are charging!!!! Really impressive !!
Bobalooie- my daughter saw your pic and said 'hey isn't thAt the guy who lost his keys at the beach'... It's funny what kids remember. I was amazed
she recognized you since
you have like three times the beard you did then...
bobalooie57 - 9-1-2010 at 09:29 AM
That was sofa king that lost his keys, I think I lost, then found my wallet? Ya my beard does look scraggly by the 1st of spring when I shave it off,
then I look like a babe again(lol). I'm the guy that packages the cheese, remember? BTW, Kraft Foods, Lowville, (home of the worlds largest cream
cheese factory, and worlds largest cheesecake) will also be donating some kind of swag for the event! I'm trying to get more donations for prizes, to
make it even better!
cheezycheese - 9-1-2010 at 09:42 AM
Yeah I know who you are, but are you sure you didn't misplace and the find your keys in your room...?:dunno:
bobalooie57 - 9-1-2010 at 09:46 AM
Probably, I'm always misplacing something...did you see my glasses?
rudeboysaude - 13-1-2010 at 10:51 AM
Thought I'd share my PL panel with the Peter Lynn fans. Turned out decent. Still experimenting with various ways to decortate slippery stretchy
fabric.
I'm constructing one to submit to Drift for the Kite Lab section of the magazine so you guys can get a down and dirty review of them. Trying to
figure out how to add a hook knife pocket in the seam for a "James Brown Pro Model" is tough!
macboy - 13-1-2010 at 10:05 PM
It's underway - thanks again for the inspiration!
I've tapered mine, widest at the point where the hook will poke through. I'll let you know how it goes. Even managed to find some decent looking
ripstop that looks OK on the jacket.
I'm going to try making an "H" shaped opening for the hook. I'll drop the bar on the "H" to the bottom third and then use a velcro closure of some
sort. The slits will be about 2 inches long on either side and for this version I'm just going to inlay some excess fleece that can overlap the gap.
If it's workable I've been considering using something semi rigid like neoprene and slitting it. The semi rigidness should "try" to keep the slit
closed but allow the hook to shift up and down as needed. Same deal, fringe with fleece to close the gap. I'll let you know how that goes but it'll be
a while for that one.
But yeah - many thanks! I'll give you a full review after rolling in the snow for a while with the hook hanging out. (I'm just happy to see you ; )
macboy - 13-1-2010 at 10:06 PM
With panel zipped in.
rudeboysaude - 13-1-2010 at 11:31 PM
Looks good! Nice job! Looking forward to the action shots!
macboy - 27-10-2010 at 01:59 PM
Winter's coming! Resurrecting the thread for others.