new velcro - less good?

[lynxie 0]

This is a weird question, but I just wanted to ask it anyway.

I replaced a piece of velcro because it had started to get a bit worn.

To my surprise I found that the new velcro didn't seem to hold as strong as the old almost worn out velcro.

I don't know if it's just a coincident, or if it could be that new hooks somehow has it harder to attach to brand new loops than to used loops, or if it's just a different brand of velcro. Or something else.

What do you think?

-- "If you can dream it, you can DO IT!" --

[piisfish 137]

velcro™ comes in different attachment strength...
maybe your new velcro™ is of a lighter sample.

scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM

[lynxie 0]

When you are replacing velcro on skydiving gear, how do you know which strenght you want to use?

And how do you know the strenght of a roll of velcro you've already got?

-- "If you can dream it, you can DO IT!" --

[piisfish 137]

when you purchase velcro, the resistance "should" be indicated. If you have the velcro and don't have the strength, bring it to a rigger, he might be able to help you.

which strength you need should be recommended by manufacturers/riggers. I am neither one. If someone with more knowledge could hop in...

scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM

[masterrig 1]

It was explained to me at the last Symposium, the newer Velcro is 'weaker' and and for that reason, manufacturers of harness-containers are using less and less of it. The quality just isn't there any more.

Chuck

[lynxie 0]

Quote

manufacturers of harness-containers are using less and less of it.

what are they using instead? can old velcro be bought somewhere?

-- "If you can dream it, you can DO IT!" --

[masterrig 1]

Primarily, tuck-tabs, have replaced Velcro. On riser covers, pin cover flaps and 'pockets' have replaced Velcro bridle routings. It would entail a bit of a search, for good, 'old' Velcro.

Chuck

[EDYDO 0]

I can't help but wonder if what you have is really Velcro. That is a brand name for hook and pile material. Other companies make hook and pile.

Ed

[lynxie 0]

Quote

I can't help but wonder if what you have is really Velcro.

I think it is bought from paragear. At least they call it Velcro, and on their web page they only have one kind of velcro to choose from.

What different kinds of velcro are there to use for skydive gear?

-- "If you can dream it, you can DO IT!" --

[piisfish 137]

did you already have a look here ?

scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM

[miller 0]

Different grades for different applications. For instance, for applications such as riser covers (which are going to have many cycles of peeling), a company like Jump Shack might use a "high cycle / low tenacity" velcro. This means that the hook/loop combination has less peel resistance, but can stand up to more cycles. Less peel resistance may sound like a bad thing, but in reality, you don't need a whole lot if the rig is designed correctly.

The two major hook types and loop types are briefly explained below (taken from other sources).

Hook #65 - Designed for maximum cycling (opening and closing); This hook utilizes a lightweight hook to maximize cycle life without minimizing performance.

Hook #88 - Heavy duty hook tape - somewhat lower cycle life than Hook #65; This hook utilizes a heavier weight hook to maximize performance without minimizing cycle-life.

Loop #1000 - A napped tape used in most standard closure applications with both Hook #65 and #88.

Loop #2000 - An unnapped loop tape with a greater cycle life and less peel resistance than Loop #1000.
Typically used where closure is to be effected around a radius (such as a strapping application).
What is "napped" versus "unnapped" loop?

Essentially, napped tape consists of woven nylon loops that are "randomly disoriented" in a separate operation after weaving (This is the really fuzzy stuff). An unnapped tape is a woven nylon tape that is not napped (this is the stuff that you'd find on Racer Riser covers where it looks like it's in nice orderly lines).

For most skydiving applications, I personally use Hook # 65 and Loop # 2000.

Hope this helps.

Mike

[lynxie 0]

thanks, that was very useful information!

-- "If you can dream it, you can DO IT!" --