Leather Radio Strap

Alright, this'll be a two part post I suppose

#1. Does anyone know where I can get a good deal on a leather radio strap and holder? (I tried the search function and it didn't work)

#2. so this isn't a completely pointless post, for those of you who use the radio straps, where do you wear them? under your turnout coat, over your coat but under your scba, or over everything?

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Permalink Reply by Dan Smith on November 8, 2009 at 5:33pm

I guess it depends on the call for me. Wrecks and such that im not in a pack, I wear it over my gear. If Im in a pack it goes in my radio pocket. My is a boston leather set-up that came from thefirestore.com i think, my wife got it for me for chrismas i think.

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Permalink Reply by John Barrett on February 1, 2010 at 6:45pm

When I first saw someone with these straps I thought they (the straps) were stupid. I quickly changed my mind once I decided to start wearing one...a decision based on functionality, not looks. I really believe the use of lapel mics help with improved communication...and the radio strap helps the lapel mic stay put (especially from becoming unclipped from your shirt).

I purchased my personalized strap from a brother in Florida (www.hookandladderleather.com). I wear it over my gear (coat) and under it during fire calls when I wear an SCBA (alarm investigations, gas leaks, fires). When I get dispatched to a fire call I put my hood and pants on, then my radio strap, then my coat. I unclip the lapel mic from the strap and run the speaker/mic out of the neck hole...then it is cliped to my coat collar next to my ear. I have adjusted the length of the strap so that my radio rests on my hip just below where I wear the "waist belt" on my SCBA. I have never had any issues with this setup...but I have had some naysayers mention these arguements for not using a strap:
"what if you have to change the channel on your radio?"
I can usually make the change by just lifting up my coat / adjust my SCBA...a few times I have had to unbuckle the waist belt before I can get access to the radio. You should never have to change your radio channel in an IDLH environment...I don't know how anyone would be able to see the channel in most fires anyway.
"The radio gets in the way"
If you purchase the anti-sway strap AND use it then you shouldn't have any problems with your radio getting in the way.

Radio straps are a matter of personal preference...and mine is to wear one.
Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by John Barrett on February 1, 2010 at 9:26pm

Of course, another great supplier of firefighter equipment and personalized leather radio straps is from JBrescue.com
He's another brother from Ohio...he'll take great care of you!

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Permalink Reply by Robert Petracca on February 15, 2011 at 6:25pm

Of course... another great supplier of custom leather firefighter equipment (radio harnesses, straps and axe belts), along with a fellow brother from Washington/Oregon can be found at www.TraditionalFireLeather.com

I have no doubt that you will enjoy and come to depend upon the products found there.

Thanks for reading!

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Permalink Reply by Nick Martin on February 22, 2021 at 5:40pm

I have always worn them in the station and on calls. I keep mine on my right side and box light on the left, hanging just below my bunker gear coat. The fairfax va study showed they should be worn under your bunker gear. My current manufacturer FullyInvolvedLeatherworks.com has a how to wear guide and actually says don’t wear them over your gear.

As to companies I have had a few experiences with custom radio strap guys in the last few years. Fully Involved Leatherworks has been the best quality and longest lasting strap so far. Their price was competitive but they were super quick (like 3 1/2 weeks). The owner is a firefighter and knew his stuff best customer service hands down.

A friend at the station used jp Leatherworks but they took over 4 months to deliver (I get good stuff takes time) but the paint is rubbing off after 6 months)

Of course there are the nylon ones, but I’m a leather forever guy, it just felt uncomfortable when I tried my captains.