Equipment Placement

[ranger]

I posted this is this section instead of in Firearms and Equipment to hopefully get a wider audience since this is fast becoming a high topic of discussion at my SO

Where and what equipment carriers to you currently wear on your duty belt?

I am specifically looking for just the carriers/holsters as there is great discussion about magazine pouches, asp holders, radio carriers.

Thanks,
Be Safe,
JM

[Ranger337]

If your department allows you to wear nylon gear I would advise Bianchi AccuMold for all your gear i.e. belt, mag pouch, ASP holder, silent key holder, radio holder, and cuff case. The bset thing about Bianchi AccuMold it that it retains it shape so you only need one hand to remove and replace the gear without looking at it. And I highly reccommend the Unlce Mike's Pro3 Triple Retention Holster for your duty weapon.

The positon of the gear is your preference. You can get Bianchi duty gear from Galls, and maybe at your local gun store, or uniform shop.

I hope this helps you,
Ranger337

[gbcop]

While there’s nothing wrong with nylon gear, I prefer Safariland. Stuff will last forever!! After you've had it for a while and the shine is starting to go away, just spray it with some “Armor all” and it'll bring the luster back. I'd also recommend the widder, 1 1/4" keeper's, personally, they make everything feel more secure.

As far as equipment placement, you’ll have to experiment and find out what work’s best for YOU. Something that works fantastic for another officer might not be your cup of tea. For example, I’m going to wear my magazine pouch horizontal instead of vertical like a larger number of officer’s do, because I find that I can reload my weapon easier that way. Just have to spend some time experimenting. HTH

David

(BTW, all safariland beside's my Gould & Goodrich "Astro Dura Pro II" level 2 holster. )

[Nonsequitur]

My department has sort of a standardized layout, with mostly Safariland leather gear in Basketweave pattern.

Going clockwise from the buckle is: Handcuff case, Radio Holder, Keeper, Baton Ring, Keeper, OC Holder, Flashlight Ring (center of back), Small flashlight holder, Keeper, Safariland SSIII, Keeper, Key holder, Double Mag Pouch (Sideways facing center), then the buckle...

Nonsequitur

[Bow-n-Arrow]

Here is my setup going clockwise from the buckle, Every thing is Safariland.

Handcuff case, OC spray, III holster, handcuff case, keeper w/hidden cuff key, multi tool, radiation pager, asp, stinger flashlight, key holder, magpouch (vertical )

I don't wear keepers because I perfer the velcro underbelt.

[williamssd]

Bowcop,

How secure is your duty belt? I've heard people say that the velcro isn't strong enough to hang on to the belt if you're really moving along, or have to go through an obstacle course to apprehend someone. I like the idea, since it provides a nice, clean appearance, and you can get the belt off quickly should the need arise.

To everyone,

What is your opinion of nylon fading and loosing it's quality appearance? I know that there is only a small difference in weight between nylon and leather, but nylon is quieter (leather makes wonderful noises when it flexes, etc.).

I'm trying to get an idea of what I want to use (if the dept. doesn't doesn't require me to use their setup) since I will hopefully be getting hired with local LE sometime soon.

Thanks for the advice and info,
Steve

[gbcop]

This is just my personal opinon, but go with leather. Just look's more professional, IMHO.

David

[JSavage]

As each person has a different opinion, I prefer nylon. Each item weighs a little less in nylon than leather; the difference can be a pound or more. They are making some very nice looking nylon, especially Bianchi's Accumold in basketweave. It looks great andnot unlike many other nylons, has come so far as to be stretch, crack, and wrinkle resistant. Your choice but, i like nylon.

[Tank]

I use Safariland. The only people on my dept allowed to use nylon are the bicycle officers.

Clockwise from the front: microcassette recorder, gun, hancuffs, flashlight ring, ASP, radio, OC, magazines.

Tank

[TANKMGA8]

I use leather basketweave, the department requires it. The local college police are allowed to use nylon and I have been told that it is lighter. The type that JSavage mentioned looks great and you cannot really tell it is nylon. One of the college PD officers wears it. If the department does not tell you what you have to wear, it will be up to you what you want.

As far as equipment placement goes that is up to you as well. Clockwise from the buckle: Verticle Mag pouch, gun w/level II holster, two handcuff cases one on each outer hip, flashlight ring, radio, small flashlight, ASP, OC. One other thing, try to keep your lower back clear so that your back doesn't start to hurt from setting in the car for 8-10 hours. Older more experienced officers have told me that, I guess that after a few years it will start to cause back pain.

Hope this helps

[ranger]

Thanks for all the replies - Keep em comming.

Side note: I am old school and personally believe that the traditional Basketweave Leather is the most professional looking setup. I now wear nylon because it can be decontaminated where leather can not. Case in point bieng that one situation called for massive amounts of OC and everyone knows that everyone gets their share. Several days later in the heat of the afternoon some sweaty hands touched the leather and guess what - Ouch. Maybe its just a fad but since I hate that stuff I switched.


Be Safe,
JM

[Bow-n-Arrow]

williamssd,

I love the velcro under belt. I think it is very secure. One thing I did was to glue velcro to the underside of the items on the belt as well. That way I have contact the entire length of the belt. That sucker does not move at all. Love it.

[BBradley]

There are several issues to consider. For appearence, I would look at the Safariland Mirage line. It looks and feels like leather but weighs less. For comfort, leather tends to press against the hips, while cordura moulds itself to the body shape. In terms of security, I would always recommend wearing keepers. One of the most important considerations was raised by Tank. Keep the gear away from your lower back! It doesn't just hurt you over time, one sharp blow during a fight and you may become temporarily paralysed. The you are at the Bad Guy's mercy. And some don't have any. I try to minimise the stuff on the belt to the essentials, move the pager and phone and stuff away from the hips. Every extra ounce can damage your back.

[dano1427]

Here in S.F., we have no actual written rule that says where your equipm,ent should be, but instead, what you shall carry. Issued equipment is varying brands of leather, basketweave, brass snaps.

Personally, i'm an equipment hound: starting from the left (facing me)
- double mag pouch, worn vertically (i'm an outcast with this, as everyone wears it horizontally)
-Surefire M-2 combat light
-26"baton
-radio
-Streamlight 20X
-handcuff case
-nothing in small of back
-handcuff case
-buck knife
-Beretta 96GT in a ssIII
-keys
-Peerless hinged cuffs tucked in between duty belt and pants belt

--dan