Lightweight Handcuffs

[LA Express]

Anybody care to recommend a particular brand of lightweight handcuffs? I need to make a bulk purchase for the office and I was told to concentrate on lightweight cuffs (preferably standard sized chain cuffs and not prohibitively expensive). I've always carried the standard S&W cuffs myself, so I need some expert opinions.

[dmclark]

I had a set of S&W Lightweight cuffs years back and they were just great. I loved them.... and obviously so did the Mex Fed who I loaned them to. Last I saw the cuffs (and the Mex Fed), they were on a prisoner headed out of Sinaloa. DM

[allen9180]

I know that American Handcuff makes a model that's made out of aluminum and is very lightweight. I think they are about 6oz. or so a pair instead of 10-11oz. for a standard steel pair. I think I saw on NIJ's Justnet site:

http://www.justnet.org/testing/handcuffscpl.html

that they were the only lightweight pair that was tested and approved to meet the NIJ standard.

A guy at my department had a pair, and I played with them and they seemed to be awesome. The only thing I didn't like is that they're so light that when you want to push on a bad guy's wrist, and make the rotating piece go through those last few teeth, and swing all the way around the wrist and lock back in, the rotating piece had so little momentum, it wouldn't lock in when it hit the teeth again, just bounce off. The other problem is that they're over 40 beans a pair wherever I find them for sale. Maybe you can negotiate a discount in bulk.

[LA Express]

DM,

I read on the internet that S & W no longer manufactures a specifically "lightweight" handcuff. It would be nice if that's inaccurate, as it's a familiar brand.

Allen,

Thanks for the tip and the link. That weight is definitely what I'm looking for. I'll check them out. Another member mentioned Hiatt lightweight cuffs, so I'll compare and contrast the two.

[snpusmc]

I have a set of American Handcuff light weight cuffs that have worked just fine for me. A Trooper friend of mine did all the T&E on them so I felt good about makeing the change. The only downside I can think of is the cash you would have to put out other then that I have yet to have any problems.

[dmclark]

LAExpress: Damn! Those S&W Lightweight's are probably COLLECTOR items now!

[paul810]

How about some zip-ties? They don't weigh anything and you can buy them in bulk $10.00 for 1,000:winkee:

[LA Express]

I'd never heard of American Handcuff Co. before the recommendations listed here, but now that's where I'm headed. I checked out the lightweight cuffs and the prices and that's likely what I'll be getting, if approved. I can't really afford Smith & Wesson collector's items (going for $500 and up on eBay). Thanks to those who replied (except for that flex-cuffs guy! :))

[dano1427]

American Handcuff Co. is out of business, and was bought-up by ASP.

Hiatt makes excellent cuffs, and their lightweight models work fine.

--dan

[slam]

dano is right, American was bought by Ultimate Weapons Systems. But, I know where you can still get them online. PM me if you need the info.

[LA Express]

Out of business??? That sucks! Thanks for the tip, though. Another poster recommended Hiatt cuffs via PM, and I did a quick search. The only Hiatt lightweight cuffs I saw were also oversized. Is this accurate? If so, they wouldn't be right. If not, I'll take recommendations on standard-sized Hiatts.

Slam,

PM me the info if you get a chance and I'll take a look if the cost isn't too terribly high. Thanks.

[Kojak]

I've got a set of the Smiths lightweight-they called 'em "Airwight". Probably no more than about 4 or 5oz, quite amazing. But I found the same problem that Allen encountered-they don't ratchet too well round the wrist. I found them pretty useless for rapid-cuff application, that's why they stay in a drawer most times. But good to hear they might be a collectors item!