IST Dive Pocket Holster Belt for Scuba Diving Storage, Cargo Thigh Pouch for Gear & Equipment
Those are the ones I was talking about. The belt on them is nicer than the XS/Highland drawstring; that's where the advantages end.
The pockets are tiny. Zippers are OK, but two things about the velcro ones: First, I'm not sure I've ever had them open underwater when I didn't want them to, and that covers both my DUI pockets (which have way less velcro) and the tech shorts (which have like 2" of strong velcro). Second, everything should be snapped off to a bungee/D-ring *inside* the pocket, because otherwise, you can guarantee you *will* drop something if you ever go to use them -- doubly so if there's more than one object in the pocket. Of course, you can't do that with the IST: there's no grommet or D-ring *in* the pocket (and why would you want one on the *outside*?).
Putting them on is annoying. The size of the wetsuit is determined by the size of *you*. If the XS shorts fit with a 7mm suit, they'll fit with a 3mm suit too -- they are plenty stretchy. And they simply pull up, in one simple motion. It's not a deal-killer either way, but I know a lot of people worry about fit with the shorts. They're so stretchy a few millimeters will make *zero* difference. Heck, I wear them over thin wetsuits *and* drysuits with cold-water underwear, which are a *lot* bulkier than any wetsuit.
And I mentioned the durability. The IST's fell apart in about 30 dives. I don't mean that they started to look worn: there were multiple holes. They are not a quality piece of equipment.
Now, if your needs are very modest, and your budget is very small, and your conditions are very mild, the IST shorts may work. If you just want to hold a small spool and safety sausage, go right ahead. But the OP was asking about *tech* shorts, which implied that they will want a technical diver level of equipment inside of said shorts. The IST's will be *sorely* lacking in this area.
Just my humble thoughts. I realize that this is a strongly-worded review that comes right after you said that's what you use; that certainly makes it seem like I'm hating on you. I apologize for this: everyone is free to make their own decisions, of course, and I promise I do not think less of you as a person for that! But given how badly mine fell apart, and how relatively inadequate they are in a number of important areas, I just wanted to expand on my experience with the IST pockets.
