Axe Belts, I know nothing about these things, do you?

Now that I am thinking of moving from the right hand seat to the office where I will be ordering equipment, etc. one of the things that has come up is the need to purchase axe belts. Even our more remote stations like the idea of having both hand free instead of having to carry an axe. I've never used one, probably because it was something that only the truckee's used. Now if we are talking hazmat or fire prevention for chemical facilities, then I'm your favorite firefighter to know. But in the case of an Axe Belt, I have seen a leather one that has a leather belt and one that a salesman came in and demonstrated... It's a combo RIC / Axe Belt. Regardless, I don't know much about this topic and would appreciate any input you could provide.

Do you think that an axe belt should have both components?

What advice could you share in regard to what I should possibly order?

There's no sense in reinventing the wheel here. Your opinion and expertice are appreciated.

Mike Schlags, Fire Captain
Santa Barbara, CA
mschlags@yahoo.com


Here's the pictures I took of the prototype RIC Axe Belt:






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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by rfdjumper on October 25, 2008 at 11:34am
OK traditionalfireleather.com oh I'm sorry,is it RPetracca today.
thanks for the info and the plug.

Shady!
Permalink Reply by Terry Collins on October 25, 2008 at 7:47pm
The belt you show seems good for a all around belt. I didnt need all that since our turnouts have built in harnesses. I went with a leather axe belt from boston leather. When I got it in the mail, it wasnt what I was expecting. I tried it out, but now that I have been looking around I have found ones that seem to be better.
Permalink Reply by Christopher on October 25, 2008 at 8:23pm
Brother ill tell you this. I bought a leather truckmans belt cause I liked the idea of having a free hand. Every one made fun of me " Hey FDNY, were you going stepie" you know the typical in house fun, but I love my truckmans belt. The only down side to having it, is I now find my self just grabing my axe some times instead of just grabing the sling and irons. Luckily ive never been in the position were I forgot the haligan and needed it, but realy I would order a couple, pass them out to your crew chiefs and let them test them out. I love mine, some people don't like them. So before you make a huge order and dent the budget I would test a few with your crews.
Permalink Reply by Chris C. on October 25, 2008 at 10:06pm
Fire Innovations I think is the BEST RIT, Axe, ladder Belt and now Bailout System. I have one and I love it. I talked my dad in to buying one and he loves his too. What sold me on it was, I was at a fire expo and me and sale man picked. up a guy weighting 300 pounds moved him about 10ft with ease. It is a GREAT Belt.


If you want to know more ask me
Permalink Reply by Terry Collins on October 27, 2008 at 7:08pm
Shady,

Hey thanks for the link to www.traditionalfireleather.com I am checking out what they offer. I have talked with Jeff there a couple of times now. He seem to make a product comparable to what I have had, just a little more customizable.

Again thanks,
Terry
Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on October 27, 2008 at 7:09pm
yes I did and we are working through budget stuff as we speak... I'm sure you know what that consists of... thanks again! mike
Permalink Reply by Robert Petracca on February 15, 2011 at 6:31pm
Hey all this looks like a pretty old post but if you are looking for a Leather Axe Belt please check out our product. It is made by a couple of FF's who figured out what we need and how to make it comfortable and durable.

Thanks for Reading,
Robert
www.TraditionalFireLeather.com
Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on February 15, 2011 at 6:44pm
It's always cool to share with folks what is new and to give folks a choice. Thanks for sharing information Robert.

CBz
Permalink Reply by Todd Brewer on February 16, 2011 at 5:10pm
what one of those belts run in cost?
Permalink Reply by John Wymore on February 16, 2011 at 7:18pm
Hey Mike,
I've used the Colorado truck belt for years now and have absolutely no complaints. I did a lot of comparing before I bought it and for me I liked it's functionality. I use it on every fire that I go to. Besides holding my axe securely it also doubles as a ladder belt. I have used this function several times because it is very easy to deploy; I doubt that I would have leg locked into the ladder otherwise, so this feature makes it easier to be safe. This same ladder strap feature can also be used for a seat harness. This has obvious uses, although I haven't had to use it in the field yet. The belt comes with a loop for the axe and although I used that for awhile I went ahead and bought the full scabbard. The scabbard was worth the money also, it's much easier to use than the axe loop. The only drawback is price! If you are on a tight budget then this probably isn't the belt for you. I don't regret spending the money on mine though, and that's is saying something 'cuz I am a world class tight-wad. I hope this helps, if you have any more questions feel free to email me barstowff@csfa.net.

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