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For those that have and use a radio strap...
I've been doing a lot of studying and thinking lately about the benefits of using a radio strap. I've read the report from Fairfax, VA and read a lot of comments related to their use. Ever since I started in the fire service (all volunteer), I've always used the radio pocket provided on the outside of my turn out coat with not much thought about it. That's why they call it a "radio pocket" right? I have had several instances where my radio would fall out of the pocket when I would get down to go interior or just to grab something from the ground since the little flap is only secured by a small portion of the Velcro anyway. Another issue that always seems to happen at every fire I go to is getting the radio wet. I don't think a radio strap and holder would help the water issue out but who knows. I just like to try hard not to get the radio wet since they are a major pain to dry out afterwards and I always fear I will fry the electronics inside it (we use Motorola XTS 2500 portables on an 800MHz trunked system). Soon, I will be getting new turn out gear with a coat that is a zip up style and not the clips. That's also something I'm concerned about with getting the mic to come out from the top near my neck. What I would like to know from fellow firefighters that use a radio strap is what do you recommend from a brand or material perspective and how do you use your strap?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by AJ Zuccarelli on
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Strap, as the study advises. I have zip up coat as well, I don pants, strap, coat, throw mic over shoulder, zip up, run my mic out the neck hole to a gear keeper on my front flap, put neck flap on. Easy peasy. Our Brothers and Sisters in Fairfax County did amazing work on the study, and to not listen to them is nothing short of criminal. They used science to back up their findings. You even admit to having the radio fall out doing minor fire ground tasks, why continue doing it? My "radio" pocket is used for side cutters only.
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Permalink Reply by Chance Westfall on
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I agree completely with you AJ. I printed a copy of their report out for the rest of our guys and I'm currently working on a training class soon detailing our communications systems and the use of a strap. None of our guys currently use one (probably because they have never seen them actually used around here). I'd like to show them how beneficial it can be from Fairfax's report. Is there any radio strap that is better than others?
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Not particularly. Some offer generic radio holsters, while some have holsters meant for specific radios. I recommend https://www.facebook.com/firnatineleather
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Permalink Reply by Zachary Wolf on
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i use texas leather products i always have my strap inside my coat with the mic up by my shoulder. when my gear is on my mic is in the upper right hand of my neck next to my collar bone to where i can reach it with my gloved hand or if i have it on outside of my gear i tuck it under the scba straps and leave the mic in the middle of my chest that way the radio and everything is secured by my pac
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Thanks for the reply AJ and Zach. This is the one I've been looking closely at: http://www.firestoreonline.com/perfect-fit-pro-combo-fire-radio-set...
I just got my brand new turnout gear put into service today. The coat is the zip up style so I'll have to get used to using a zipper instead of snaps and figure out the best way to bring my mic up through my neck. Guess it will be some trial and error.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Moyer on
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Chance
I use the Boston leather radio strap. I wear it under my coat with the radio out the bottom. I zip the coat up put the mic out and them the throat closure. I just let it hang there...works for me so far. But I'm open to suggestions too!
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Up through the jacket, then put the collar up
Chance Westfall said:Thanks for the reply AJ and Zach. This is the one I've been looking closely at: http://www.firestoreonline.com/perfect-fit-pro-combo-fire-radio-set...
I just got my brand new turnout gear put into service today. The coat is the zip up style so I'll have to get used to using a zipper instead of snaps and figure out the best way to bring my mic up through my neck. Guess it will be some trial and error.
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Permalink Reply by Don Catenacci on
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Call me the minority dissenter. I dislike the radio strap. Tome wearing it under the coat makes it awkward to get to and difficult to change channels. I have used the radio pocket for a vast majority of my career, both in real emergencies and as a training instructor. I have never dropped a radio, or damaged a radio by getting it wet, or melting it. Am I saying it can't or doesn't happen? No, I am not, but I also don't believe it is an every day occurrence either.
I do like the radio strap if I am running ems calls.
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Don Catenacci said:Call me the minority dissenter. I dislike the radio strap. Tome wearing it under the coat makes it awkward to get to and difficult to change channels. I have used the radio pocket for a vast majority of my career, both in real emergencies and as a training instructor. I have never dropped a radio, or damaged a radio by getting it wet, or melting it. Am I saying it can't or doesn't happen? No, I am not, but I also don't believe it is an every day occurrence either.
I do like the radio strap if I am running ems calls.
Don
My radio sticks outside the bottom of my coat. This way the mic cord is protected and changing channels or adjusting the volume is no problem.
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Chris, I am short, 5'6" tall, and if I hang the radio out from under my coat it hits me in the thigh or back of my leg. I find that annoying as hell. Unless I am ordered or their is a radio strap SOG that says I have to use one I will be sticking with the radio pocket.
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Permalink Reply by Amy on
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Our department doesn't use straps, but I got one about a year ago. I'll never go back. I love it. It's convenient, and imo safer. My radio never stayed in the pocket, mic was always flopping around and falling off my coat. Took a bit of getting used to, deciding how to wear it, and incorporating it into getting dressed for a call. Now a few others have noticed and it is starting to catch on. It also makes keeping my radio on me at work or running errands soo much easier.
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Amy, how do you wear yours? Under the coat? I've found keeping the radio on my right side helps me but I'm not a real tall guy. My turnout coat is a zip up style without any snap hooks so for me the hardest part is getting the mic cord to come up and out around my neck and clip on the mic holder without twisting the cord.
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