Palm Equipment’s Quick SUP belt and SUP leash
It’s safe to say the knowledge and education about quick release systems in SUP has been pushed to the forefront of our minds. We at @Standuppaddleuk have been pushing with many others to educate the UK paddle scene and hopefully further afield on the benefits of having the right gear. There have been some great articles from the whitewater sup community in this magazine, but what about the average paddler.
Summer release
Quick-release waist belts are becoming mainstream, and the reason for this is simple, easier access in an emergency, easier to put on/off, and less trip hazard on your board. I was lucky enough to get hold of Palm Equipment’s new waist belt before it hits the market this summer.
Is this just another redesign to freshen up this season’s gear on sale? Absolutely not! Palm has gone back to basics and R&D to look at what is essential for their new SUP belt and leash system.
Research! Yes, Palm has conducted plenty of research into the design of belts and made an active decision to remove user error by limiting the tail length of the belt that the user can put through the Fixlock buckle to less than 10cm. This is because research suggests that when tested, there are fewer risks associated with the tail of the belt twisting, jamming or getting caught on anything, therefore, releasing faster from the buckle every time.
So how do you adjust the belt if the tail is kept short? Palm has made the opposite side of the buckle adjustable using an adjustable buckle similar to a PFD adjustment strap. If it’s strong enough for your PFD, then, of course, it will hold a release belt. This has meant the new offering has plenty of adjustable sizes for the end-user making it great to use for coaching or if you pop on a few kilograms with that winter spread. Access into and out of the belt is by unclipping this buckle.
What else has changed from the previous rescue belt Palm offered? The secondary release system/loop has gone, and instead, there are loops to fasten a range of add on extras from Palm. Such as a cargo pouch (used on this review) ideal for carrying essentials on the water (note this isn’t waterproof so would need to be lined if wanting to carry first aid kit bit would be ideal if you carry one of those little phone cases. The cargo pouch measures (w)100mm X (h)150mm X (d)60mm. Looking at the loops, there is plenty of room to add other extras to this; however, I would likely prefer not to carry the pouch as I like to keep a clean belt, but this is my personal preference. The actual grab toggle is bright yellow and slightly larger than most sup belts quick release toggle and more like a PFD quick-release toggle, making it easier to grab and use.
To the rear of the belt, the anchor point for the leash has also been changed; generally, belts have a large webbing loop to attach your standard coiled leash to. This belt does not allow you to do so but does offer a small loop that can be used with a paracord loop to attach to a standard leash if wanting to chop and change your leash for different environments. However, this review also includes Palm’s new quick leash designed for most SUP environments. I will come to that later.
The belt itself is sturdy and well constructed of Nylon and Polypropylene material, and it will last you a long time and is a premium belt like all Palm gear. The belt is padded and designed with fast-drying materials, and to wear it is extremely comfortable and does not feel irritating whilst paddling on a long trip. The belt width is 70mm.
Onto the Quick SUP leash. Again not just settling for this is how SUP leashes must be designed. Palm has thought this one through and utilised several features seen before in the SUP world but not entirely on the same product. The leash itself is a bungee cord leash, and this prevents the leash from being able to tangle up as many coiled leashes do. It is three metres (roughly 10-foot) in length, fully extended, and I measured the sample leash at 6-foot.
So what else has changed? Palm has removed the historic and poorly designed, in my opinion, rail saver (the bit of annoying velcro that fastens your leash to your board) and instead made this a release point by using a velcro sandwich as a tension release. With enough breaking strain and tension on the belt, the velcro is designed to fail and release from the board.
This same velcro release system has been used on both sides of the leash, and the user can alter the point at which the belt releases by adjusting the position of the velcro. It’s straightforward; the more surface area, the more force required to release. The idea behind this is that if you get into an emergency and are unable to release your belt, the belt will automatically release for you. Again the actual leash has a buckle that you can quickly remove the leash from the belt when not in use.
This belt has been tested for over a year by Water Skills Academy instructors and other testers to ensure that the design and functionality of the product are second to none, and my personal opinion is that this is the best and most well thought out belt on the market.
When released, the belt will be sold as separates so you can decide if you want the quick belt only, quick leash and add one. My recommendation is that you utilise the belt and leash combo, as these are designed to complement each other.
Arrival date is end of June.
The MSRP for the Quick SUP belt is £30 and the Quick SUP leash is £25
Video: www.instagram.com/tv/CcQZM9MAiOV
