PADDLER 12
Spinlock Alto Belt Pack www . spinlock . co . uk By Sarah Thornely ( Supjunkie )
PADDLER 12
REVIEWS
Spinlock Alto Belt Pack www . spinlock . co . uk By Sarah Thornely ( Supjunkie )
When an item has received one of the first Kings Awards for Innovation , you certainly sit up and take notice of both the company and the product itself . I have been delighted to be able to test and review Spinlock ’ s award-winning ALTO Belt Pack .
Based on the Isle of Wight , Spinlock Limited has a 40-year history in the design and manufacture of high-quality safety devices for the leisure and commercial marine market , which has resulted in the ALTO , a waist-worn lifesaving device designed for SUP , kayaking and other watersports .
The ALTO is a very neat and tidy product , and as a compact and lightweight flotation aid , it is undoubtedly innovative and incredibly well-made . The belt will fit a waist size from 74-145cm , and the excess can be rolled and attached back onto the belt to keep it safely tucked away to avoid any snagging . The design is for adult users only of 40kg +.
You could wear this pack front or back if you are consistent and know where the inflation pull is situated . The ALTO is manually operated , and once inflated by the 16g CO2 gas cylinder , the inflatable bright yellow horseshoe tube supports the user under the arms and around the chest . You can also inflate the ring by the mouthpiece . The ALTO has a minimum 75N buoyancy when inflated .
My test involved fitting the belt and paddling with it positioned front and back – this didn ’ t make any significant difference to comfort , although do bear in mind any leash / quick-release waist belt system . I then inflated it and popped myself in the water . Once inflated , you position it under your arms , and it remains attached to the belt so it will not float away . It ’ s like a very grown-up version of a child ’ s rubber ring , very buoyant , stays in place under the arms and is not cumbersome at all to swim in .
From the Spinlock website , “ Swimmers only , sheltered waters help at hand , limited protection against drowning , not a lifejacket .” After testing , I felt this would be the perfect additional flotation aid for someone who can swim , paddles regularly or a SUP racer , where this type of belt might be a requirement for a race . I would feel more confident if I fell in whilst paddling in challenging conditions , and I know that the Spinlock ALTO would give me that extra bit of assistance whilst gathering myself together to get back on my board or swim to safety . I also tested getting back on the board whilst wearing the ALTO , and I had no difficulty achieving this .
The ALTO can then be deflated by the mouthpiece and folded along clever marker lines numbered 1-7 to ensure it pops right back neatly into the pouch – genius !
Spinlock is also a Certified B-Corporation , and all their products are assembled and quality checked by hand in Cowes , UK . The ALTO is UKCA and CEapproved , ISO12402-5 50N Buoyancy Aid and ISO12402-6 Special Purpose Buoyancy Aid .
CONCLUSION
This tiny , lightweight floatation aid is so easy and comfortable to wear , and I would have every faith in its ability to help me out if I came off my board . Even with 11 years of experience , you can always be complacent , so the Spinlock ALTO Belt Pack will now be a regular part of my safety kit . Price : £ 60