Fusion Tech/Halcyon Exploration pockets

[Pullmyfinger]

I decided the factory pockets on my Fusion Tech had to go! They were just to small.
I wanted pockets that would allow me to carry spools, SMB, wet notes, and a spare mask with room to spare.
The factory pockets would hold all of these items, but it was a tight fit.

I just marked the outline of the original pockets, and used that to locate the new ones.

I've installed pockets before, some I've glued, and some I've sewed on. I decided to sew these on.
Sewing them by hand is kind of a hassle, but I figured I would get a better result.

I wanted to post some pictures in case anyone else is considering doing the same thing.

 

[Peter_C]

Nice job!

I hate my Tech Skin LE pockets too. Mostly because I have a yard sale when swimming hard, and I can't feel the flap with my drygloves on. I have a pair of XS scuba pockets which I have used in the past and although smaller than the Halcyon seem to hold the gear I want to carry. Unfortunately that project is behind a few other more prominent ones.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

Those XS Scuba pockets are very good. A couple of my buddies have them, they have plenty of room.
I hear ya on the projects...sewing pockets sucks!
I kind of forced myself to sit down and get it done!

-Mitch

 

[TSandM]

I've been thinking about trying to install some kind of stiffener on the edges of the Tech skin pockets -- I manage to stuff everything in them that I want in them, but you're right . . . you can't feel the flaps in dry gloves, and that's a PITA.

 

[Peter_C]

Lynne, does your stuff fall out of your pocket when swimming? I find when surface swimming the pockets are flexible enough to let my whistle, car key, Dive Alert, etc. fall right out. Fortunately they are clipped off or I would lose them.

One more gripe with the OE pockets: They hang up on kelp. With my past drysuits, using stiffer pockets, I never had that problem and could slam through skinny kelp on my scooter never hanging up on my pockets.

I think this project is going to have to go further up the list. I just threw my pockets onto the sewing machine.

Mitch, I sure hope you used a thimble while sewing...or ouch! Question, did you stretch the skin out as you sewed or?

 

[Pullmyfinger]

Peter,
I did use a thimble. You are right, you have to have one.
I stretched the neoprene and pinned the pocket in place, before sewing.
I used a heavy weight, waxed thread.

 

[Peter_C]

Thanks! I plan to chuck up a number 18 needle and use a heavy nylon thread. I will take your advice and stretch the skin before sewing.

 

[TSandM]

I haven't had anything fall out of the pockets, although I have to admit that my small stuff (whistle and DiveAlert) is all clipped together with my roll-up snorkel, so there's that bulk to keep the small items from leaving. I just have problems getting into the pocket, and a LOT of trouble getting stuff back in, because I can't feel whether the flap is in the way or not. Getting stuff back in the pockets in dry gloves really becomes a buddy sport.

 

[p1p]

Interesting, my bullet skin, I've never lost anything, and while its not easy, I can get stuff in and out, even with heavy dry gloves on.

I actually just bought a 2nd Fusion(600$, 20 dives), came with a sport skin, man those things are light! Will use it as a backup suit, or travel suit. Got a spare bullet skin for it on sale.