Cuff strap

[LearninginMN]

Does anyone use the cuff strap system? I have seen officers with them I just don't know the pros/cons to them.

[GS1890]

Are you talking about the type that looks like a long white shoelace, with a plastic slider that tightens up the slack ? Often used by officers in plain clothes.

[pantless]

Are you talking about the type that looks like a long white shoelace, with a plastic slider that tightens up the slack ? Often used by officers in plain clothes.

I think what you're referring to are zipties or zipcuffs. Learning is talking about a strap on your belt where your cuffs hang from(Correct me if I'm wrong).

[ATFpoa]

I knew guys that wore them (from my days in uniform), but they always seemed to go back to a cuff pouch. They were exposed to the weather, flapped against you when you ran, and tended to make noise when you ran as well (my dept prohibited hinge cuffs, so the chain jingled). Almost all the guys who carried a set in a strap also carried another pair in a pouch.

I know that the good straps had a one-way snap so that they couldn't be inadvertently popped open, but my own view is: if it is mechanical, it can fail. If your pouch snap/velcro fails, your cuffs are still there. If your cuff strap snap fails, then your cuffs are sliding across the parking lot.

In my own opinion, the only time I think that cuff straps make sense is when you have a small-waisted officer who doesn't have enough belt space to put a cuff pouch (or second cuff pouch) on their duty belt. Of course, that was never a problem for me....plenty of room! :rolleyes:

[nsedet]

If you are talking about a leather strap that loops around and snaps in place to hold a pair of cuffs, then I used one when I worked in uniform. Only reason I used it was to carry a pair of Hyatts Ultimate Cuffs because they do not fit in a regular cuff case. It worked well with those cuffs (which have a plastic casing over the hinge area that locks into place when you unfold them) because they don't rattle or move around, but I probably wouldn't use it to carry regular cuffs or even standard hinged cuffs because of the noise and comfort issues of having them banging around when you run. Not quite as accessible or easy to use as a standard case, which is why I used it more as a backup to my primary cuff case, which was easier to get to and use in a struggle. ATFpoa brings up a valid point about the possibility of the strap or snap breaking, but that should not be a problem if you go with quality gear and check it regularly (and really, that snap will take a lot less wear and tear than the snap on your duty holster). Again, not a bad option, but there are probably more useful choices out there for most people.

[LearninginMN]

I think what you're referring to are zipties or zipcuffs. Learning is talking about a strap on your belt where your cuffs hang from(Correct me if I'm wrong).
you are correct, I was just wondering if there was a good reason to have the strap to hang your cuffs on

[FedRich]

In my own opinion, the only time I think that cuff straps make sense is when you have a small-waisted officer who doesn't have enough belt space to put a cuff pouch (or second cuff pouch) on their duty belt.

Not so much of a small waist, but with all the other required stuff, I didn't have room for another closed cuff case and didn't like the double stack cuff cases either. I used the strap alot, almost exclusively since it was in the front of my duty belt. I could access it quickly (and quietly, no telltale "SNAP") and because of where it was located, kept my hands in front. I had been in foot chases with it and didn't really notice it. Just another of those personal preference things. As always, I recommend testing and getting used to anything new you put on your duty belt.

[WIGlocker]

When I was on patrol, we had guys use the cuff strap and cuffs as a flashlight holder. They would have a "C" cell maglight that would hang from their cuffs. I used the strap like FedRich, in front for my hinged cuffs, 'cuz at that time there wasn't a pouch for the hinged version.