You've definitely got it figured out about absolutely nothing that makes noise, whuppinstick. The magnet might be the ticket. Velcro works good, but the attachment points (sew job) would have to be very well done. Most aren't. Something to think about: once you put it on, how many times will the importance of taking it off and on be an issue? For me, it's basically never unless I'm swapping clothes or adding a coat, and by doing that I'm not worries about a velcro noise or a second longer to tie. Spandex might be nice, and things that stretch are usually nice, but I would worry about it creeping up, much like certain kinds of elastic banded sweatshirts do. Just thoughts.
Lots of good points coming up, guys. Thanks so much for your input.
gaddy: You bring up a good thought. I will have to try and get a couple of samples with magnets and see if they stick to the gun. I use a Safari Sling so this would be a concern to me, just as having a zipper, buttons, or anything else plastic or nylon on the front would be.
MtnMuley: The velcro attachments on my current vest are very strong - probably as strong as they could be. I'll get you a sample so you can see. I agree with you regarding the noise when taking the vest off. The 'screech' of Velcro isn't such a concern to me because the only time that is happening is when I'm choosing for it to happen (i.e. adding/removing layers). Thanks for your input on spandex and thoughts on it creeping up. I have found a material that is both stretchy and somewhat loose that might work, but.. I'm not sure. Likely this will take a lot of back-and-forth with my supplier to see what is available.
BLRman: Good points on the magnets lining up. I will have to do some thinking on this and experiment with different designs. I would think that if the magnets were good all you'd have to do is get them close to each other and then they'd grab? But then if they are that strong you may encounter problems with the metal on the gun if you're using a Safari Sling?? This will just take some experimentation and testing to solve.
GurrCentral: I will check out Drake waterfowl. Thanks!
I'm producing small enough quantities and have enough flexibility with production that I don't see any reason (at least at this juncture) why I can't produce vests with a couple different closures. I think there is definitely a market for Velcro, but maybe also for just a simple string to tie together. And I'll be simultaneously working on magnets to add to the collection.
Thanks for all your input guys! I'm working on making some larger sizes while I await feedback from the field testers.
