Earlier this week I had an opportunity to check out a new buckle, designed for use with Armor Carrier Cummerbunds. Named the Swift Release, it is the brainchild of Aspetto, a company that has, up to now, specialized in low viz armor applications. Aspetto has spent the last three years developing the Swift Release using a team of Marines and mechanical engineers. It seems that the investment has paid off. As you can see, the Swift Release is a low profile solution.
When the time was right, Aspetto went to National Molding who has taken on production. During testing the fail-point for pull exceeded 200 lbs. Even then, it was only a partial failure on the test buckle I examined. Although some of the surface area broke, the buckle would still function, but at a reduced load capacity.
The Swift Release simplifies donning and doffing the Cummerbund of an Armor Vest, allowing you to “dump your gear in no time”. But to be clear, this is a buckle, and not a quick release system. The patented “lift” & “pull” release system is also self-cleaning and can be attached to any 1″ webbing. Eventually, they will also introduce a narrow version for use on shoulder straps.
Although this pre-production example is Black, they will also be available in Coyote and OD. The Swift Release will be available for purchase individually, or in bulk.
Aspetto will exhibit the Swift Release at SHOT Show in GSS Gear’s booth #6608. Additionally, they will schedule meetings in their Venetian suite throughout SHOT – contact: robert.davis@aspettoinc.com for an appointment.
Tags: Aspetto
This looks neat, but will this be retrofitable to older carriers?
So… basically first spear tubes..
Not exactly. And you’ll be able to buy them individually.
That was my initial impression as well.
I’ve contacted First Spear to see if they would be willing to sell me some of their tubes.
Nope.
Guess I’ll contact Aspetto instead.
Kinda-sorta Tubes designed for retrofit on MOLLE and individual sale?
MUST. HAVE.
This is awesome, especially for smaller gear makers who don’t have enough business to partner with First Spear for the tubes system.
I’ve got a a number of items I would like to sew up once these become available, and I’m sure others will as well.
Looks sewn in to me and will not be able to retro fit. Also looks big and bulky and takes up key real estate on the cummerbund – no thanks
Hey 1st spear, this is what happens when people want what you are selling but you refuse to provide it. #freemarketsolutions.
This company has real potential. Hopefully the military sets a contract with them since the buckles only requitre 14 Lbs of pulling force. Which is phenomenal! Hope this product is at SHOTshow.
I wonder what company the engineers they hired to develop this buckle work for.