2-way or 1-way for a main zip?

[Will Zach]

Hey guys - can you please opine on pros and cons of a 2-way vs 1-way main zips? I am considering a main zip replacement and came across an interesting NOS #8 Talon, but it is 2-way for a military duffel or some such. I never considered a 2-way zipper for a jacket, but I am intrigued. Thanks!

 

[handymike]

It really depends on the style of jacket...utility jacket- yes, crosszip- no. I love the functionality of a 2-way, but it does mean that there is always two pullers hanging there.

 

[El Marro]

I have two way zips on two of my Vanson’s, the Commando and the Comet PLU-3. At first I was not wild about them, because they are clunkier than a standard zip and I never use them. In practice though, I never really even notice that they are there and now they don’t bother me a bit. I know that some of our members who ride motorcycles find them quite helpful.

 

[Guppy]

Two way zippers can more difficult to get started, as the pin must pass through both pulls and engage the box. I can't say that I have ever needed to unzip from the bottom on a waist-length jacket, but I can see it being useful for a longer jacket.

 

[handymike]

You must get a good zipper! I have a 2 way on my puffer (North Face) and the little plastic thing is a total PITA!
I think it is the pin side more than the puller that’s the issue.

 

[ton312]

I've always felt the two way zip is only worth having if the jacket length requires it. I've had them on straight and crosszip jackets and really appreciated them.

 

[JMax]

I love two-way zips. The length on some jackets require them if you plan on being seated and zipped up, like on a bike. But I also have them on some shorter jackets. When riding on warmer or hot days, it is an effective way to increase the circulation of air. If the zip is solid, like a YKK, then it should flawlessly work. I've owned a jacket or two with Talon 2-ways that also were awesome. I just like the versatility the zip provides, even if not solely based on a length requirement. But I agree, if the jacket is longer and you ride or sit with the jacket zipped up, its a must-have imo.

 

[Edward]

Two way zippers can more difficult to get started, as the pin must pass through both pulls and engage the box. I can't say that I have ever needed to unzip from the bottom on a waist-length jacket, but I can see it being useful for a longer jacket.

Agreed. I find them useful on something like a Belstaff Trialmaster or Barbour International; when you want to sit down in a mid-thigh length jacket without unfastening it, but pretty pointless for anything shorter. (For a shorter bike jacket, a twin track zip is a much more interesting option).

 

[Monitor]

I like the idea but I personally never actually used it, even though there definitely is a practical benefit of two-way zipper. I dunno, unzipping the bottom of the jacket felt kind of... Lame to me, though I can't quite figure out why and for what particular reason. But I think they look cool on a jacket.

 

[navetsea]

depend on how long the jacket zipper is, i like 2way zips, it is also reducing load on zipper box, just unzip it a little higher when you sit or riding, also make the jacket look a bit blazer like.

 

[navetsea]

on my ykk, the bottom slider is autolocking too, it wont slide up unintentionally

 

[Carlos840]

I don't find them useful and i think they look bad.
Having the second zipper pull dangling just below my belt buckle always annoys me.
If a jacket is too long to start with (like the Vanson Commando) they kinda help prevent the dreaded front collar choke when you sit down, but personally i would rather have a well fitting/designed jacket with a regular main zipper.

I also think they look pretty ridiculouse when doing the Mexican gangster thing:

 

[El Marro]

I don't find them useful and i think they look bad.
Having the second zipper pull dangling just below my belt buckle always annoys me.
If a jacket is too long to start with (like the Vanson Commando) they kinda help prevent the dreaded front collar choke when you sit down, but personally i would rather have a well fitting/designed jacket with a regular main zipper.

I also think they look pretty ridiculouse when doing the Mexican gangster thing:

Please, that’s an insult to Mexican gangsters everywhere.

 

[JMax]

Please, that’s an insult to Mexican gangsters everywhere.

Biz Lats everywhere are now gunning for @Carlos840

 

[Hh121]

two way zipper = sissy (exclude the jacket is too long that requires two way zipper)

 

[Monitor]

But what Carlos says, unzipping the lower zipper does feel a bit... I dunno, gives off the same vibe as those leather jackets that come with a hoodie already attached to a collar. Harley used to sell that crap and it was cringy af. Get a jacket that fits you (even tho the feature clearly has its purpose on a motorcycle (or does it?)). Single pull is fine. Thank you.

 

[Will Zach]

two way zipper = sissy (exclude the jacket is too long that requires two way zipper)

For your 6-ouncer you will need a motorized zipper...

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Two way zip...no thanks. Just an added hassle and really never saw the need.

 

[Mich486]

Just had it on a Barbour jacket and never unzipped it from the bottom although the zipper wasn’t an issue to operate at all (YKK if not mistaken). On a waist length jacket can’t see why it’d be needed.