Maybe top tip for long life of vest is to keep side straps tight so as not to put strain on zip? I've worn this Forward WIP impact vest for about 50 three hour sessions and it has been great. I would definitely buy another. Sadly on the last session the puller came away from the side zipper and i think a wee bit is missing. I've managed to put some wire through the remaining zipper hole so looks like a fix but maybe the company could do with going to a more heavy duty zipper like what the back zip on wetsuits use ? On the other hand it might be due to me not being careful about making the side straps tight but then again i never figured out how the strap was going to be held firmly by the buckle bit. How is the strap meant to be folded so that the buckle grips it or does the buckle need improved ? I have seen some buckles with wee teeth to dig into strap. I have just remedied it by melting a hole through the strap with soldering iron and put a chicago screw / rivet to be sure the strap is not going to loosen itself and will be doing the holding and not putting strain on the zip. I've had 150 hours use out of it so £1 per hour is ok, not complaining and maybe i can get quite a lot more.