Nylon or Leather?

[Motivator]

What should I buy for a duty belt? What are the pros and cons of the two?...ie,durability,cost ,appearance.I am more concerned with looking proffessional more than i am with cost.


Thanks....start on the 2nd! can't wait!

[dkiefner]

>>>I am more concerned with looking proffessional more than i am with cost.<<<

Then leather is the way to go. OTOH, there is some very nice nylon duty gear out there. My thinking is that it is more for wear with BDU's, etc.

My duty gear (although I don't wear very often) is Don Hume. All my CCW gear is also leather, except for one nylon Uncke Mike's that I where when on the Lake.

[G30man]

For professionalism, go for leather. I prefer the Safariland products.
For ease of maintainance and durability, go for Bianchi Accumold.
I have both types and prefer the nylon for day to day wear, it is more comfortable and a little lighter.
Forgot to say, the cost is about the same between the two companies I mentioned.

Best wishes,
Mikey

[This message has been edited by G30man (edited 08-26-2000).]

[Niteshift]

I prefer ballistic nylon, but you don't have to choose.

Uncle Mikes Mirage gear is really nylon (with all the advantages of nylon) but looks like leather. You can even get it in basketweave or high-gloss. You really have a hard time telling it from leather. Non-cops never will tell the difference. I'd really look into it.

I have a mix of Uncle Mikes and Bianchi stuff. The Bianachi stuff I've had for 10 years and it still looks good.

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Niteshift-
Perseverate In Pugna

[Glockarmorer]

I was just curious. Does your agency not have any type of uniform standards or policies? Or can officers just wear whatever type of duty rig they choose? My agency not only dictates the type of gear (which is all paid for and issued by the agency) but we have a policy which dictates where items will be placed on the belt for uniformed officers. That's why its called a "uniform" http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif

G.A.

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No cops, know anarchy.

[Niteshift]

GA, my agency gives us a choice. A lot of them around here do. My last dept. issue "leather" (actually Safari-laminate), but you could wear nylon for certain assignments or if you had a doctors note.


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Niteshift-
Perseverate In Pugna

[cdawg16]

Leather is the way to go. Nylon is good for (and only good for in my opinon) tactical teams and those working narcotics eradications in wooded areas. Leather duty gear completes the professional image and uniform that a law enforcement officer should convey. Though an officer may very well have to start off with nylon gear for cost purposes (and I think we all can understand this), you owe it to yourself, your agency, and this profession to always convey a professional & positive image. People watch and judge more than you think.

[Don]

I have never used a nylon rig, so I cannot make a comparison. However, I can tell you that leather is a little like friendship.

When you first get it, it is stiff and uncomfortable, and it squeaks a lot. You will spend a lot of time working on your rig, keeping it clean and polished, and looking like new.

As the years go by, it gets to be more flexible and worn. So do you. It molds itself to your body shape. You become more comfortable with it. You actually get so you feel like something is missing if you are not wearing it.

The time may well come, when you are no longer on the street, but pushing a desk somewhere. Someone you know will be going to the academy, and needs to borrow a rig to use. They cannot afford to buy leather right now, but the academy requires it.

You pull out that old worn leather rig that has so many memories attached to it, and let him borrow it. When he brings it back to you, it will be all shined up and looking good.

I'd vote for leather.

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Stay safe out there,
6P1 (retired)

[FLLawdog]

Great analogy, Don!

I first used leather when it was REAL leather...stiff, squeeky, uncomfortable at first. Then I used(and currently use)nylon. I love it, but when it starts looking bad, it looks real bad. Granted, it takes a beating. It also doesn't look as professional with the class A and B uniforms, but it's practical.

We're getting ready to go to the new Safariland, and let me tell you, I was impressed! It looks good, is super durable and easy to maintain. It's black all the way through, so if you chip it, you still see black. The weight difference is minimal.

If I were you, I'd use your daily duties as a guide. If you do traffic or anything with more public appearances, then I'd say leather. If you do interdiction, a lot of traipsing through the woods or anything real active, I'd say nylon.

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FLLawdog
"Never try to teach a pig to sing...it wastes your time and it annoys the pig."

[Niteshift]

Have any of you guys tried the Mirage gear yet? I'm telling ya, best of both worlds.

Although personally, I do see the "professionalism" of leather. I think the word is tradition, not professionalism.

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Niteshift-
Perseverate In Pugna

[dkiefner]

I've seen the Mirage - the plain black finish looks kinda like vinyl to me, although I understand there is also a basketweave finish available. Guy that owns it seems to like it though, and he says it is a bit lighter.

[Niteshift]

Basketweave and High gloss (clarino). I'm not kidding, the public never knows the difference. Makes the rest of this a moot point.

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Niteshift-
Perseverate In Pugna

[Dave T]

Our department is currently moving from leather to nylon. The primary reason for this shift is that our General Orders require any leather duty gear that becomes contaminated by blood MUST be destroyed (I believe in response to an OSHA standard) which can become expensive in a department of over 500.

I really don't find any difference if feel between the two. In regard to looks - it really depends upon your uniform style. We have a traditional uniform but many local departments are trading in tradition for functionality. Nylon goes better with the "new" uniform style. A matter of personal preference I guess.

Good Luck and Stay Safe

Dave

[dkiefner]

Yeah Shifty, but I've heard it makes one prone to double-tap.
http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Niteshift]

What are you talking about Dave?

You seeing double again?

Friends don't let friends drink and post. http://www.officer.com/ubb/cool.gif

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Niteshift-
Perseverate In Pugna

[This message has been edited by Niteshift (edited 08-29-2000).]

[dkiefner]

***shaking head****

yeah - must be
http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Donut2000]

About what one person said about their depatment having standards about not only what type of belt they must wear, but also where things are placed, I know that the VA State Police has similar regs. VSP Troopers wear Leather w/ High Gloss Belts. They (most, if not all the troopers I've seen) wear there gear in the same place on the belt. From right side to the left side: OC, Sidearm, ASP, Radio(when they need one), Cuffs, and extra mags. I might be leaving a few things out however.

[This message has been edited by Donut2000 (edited 08-30-2000).]