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.
