Hinged or Linked Cuffs?

[Campus]

I'm looking to replace my issue cuffs. I like the flexibility of links, but am open to hinged if they are safer. Any "Voices of Experiance" have preferances one way or the other? I have only had to cuff a couple of times so I don't have much to base my choice on. (I have links now).

Regards,
Campus

[tcsd1236]

I carry one of each. I primarily used the hinged cuffs for years, but added a set of chain cuffs because there are some people who just will not be able to wear the more rigid hinged cuffs when properly cuffed behind the back.
I know that there are now a few types of hinged cuffs with extended hinges to solve this problem, but I haven't tried them as of yet.

[John from Maryland]

There are advantages and disadvantages to each kind.

Hinged handcuffs allow you to exert a great deal of torque once the first cuff is on. This allows you to very effectively use pain compliance techniques to bring a suspect to the ground or to order him to bring his other hand to you. They allow less freedom of movement and don't have the chain post that a suspect could break off if left to his own devices during custody/transport.

The greatest strength of hinged cuffs is also its greatest weakness. Since the cuffs are more rigid than chain cuffs, you have to have the suspects wrists more closely aligned to get both handcuffs on. That may prove difficult with a struggling suspect or even with one wearing a heavy coat.

I've had a set of Peerless hinged handcuffs since they came out in the early 1980's, but both the sets I carry on my belt are chain handcuffs. I have found that I can apply them faster during a resisting-arrest situation.

On the other hand, a much smaller friend has effectively used hinged cuffs during several struggles. Once she gets one handcuff on, she cab torque the suspect to the ground and pin him until the cavalry arrives. (Probably not a strategy to adopt if back-up is an hour away, but effective in this environment.)

Be safe.

[Don]

I

[drunkhunter]

I currently carry two sets on hinged cuffs, but I may replace one with a set of chain cuffs. If I was only going to carry one pair, it would be hinged.

[Campus]

THank-you folks,

I was looking to just carry one set, but is seems that one of each would be a safer choice, so thats what I'll do.
And Don, I will try to learn from your accident and watch my hand placement. Looking back on a few past incidents, I can see where I was just plain lucky. My BG wasn't as smart as yours.

Regards,
Campus

[Sgt. DG644]

Like many others I carry one of each. I find that each one does have applications that work better at times then the other. If you are able to carry more then one cuff I would suggest that you cary one hinged and one chain.

[Leethal]

We use the rigid quick cuffs here in the Uk and I swear by them for control of someone who is not wanting to comply, the various painful twists you can make help with the largest of Perps!

[Pugzly]

I carry both Peerless hinged and Peerless chained on the belt, with a pair of the S&W model 1 cuffs in the duty bag. The S&W fit better on really small and really big people. I prefer the hinged. You get easier/quicker application, better control when they resist, and I think it's a little easier to retrieve and "load" without looking at them.

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"If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. That