Weight Issues?

[FutureRecruit]

It looks like I will more than likely get into law enforcement. I want to know, is weight ever an issue with all the equipment that the typical officer carries? If so, are exotic materials such as carbon composites, titanium or kevlar used much? Any feedback would be very appreciated.

[cajuncop]

Weight is a big issue considering you may be caring any or all of the following:

1. Kevlar vest
2. Duty belt
3. Weapon
4. Radio
5. Extra magazines (clips)
6. Handcuffs
7. OC spray
8. Baton
9. Flashlight

And the list goes on and on. Anyway, I myself suffers from lower back pain from time to time. Simple rule to follow, only carry those items that you feel comfortable with as well as only those items you need.

[unhappycop]

Yes, weight IS an issue, as I weighed my belt and it almost came up to 10kg. Our dept issues leather, but I tried to use as much nylon as looked decent. Don't have crap you don't need, like half a dozen sets of cuffs etc... Put a first aid kit in the car and keep a plastic mask and two pair of gloves. That will do you...

good luck....

[skippy]

Unhappycop, I know how you feel, I'm on your dept. The Service is now issuing cordura belts (Uncle Mike's Ultra duty belts) to Water Police and the Air Wing. If you wish, you could buy one yourself, but they are expensive. They look just like our leather ones but are cordura and are a lot lighter. It will be a long time until GD's etc see these belts, so I bought my own.

[unhappycop]

If you wish, you could buy one yourself, but they are expensive.

Skip, being as I'm suspended from duty (albeit with pay) I don't think I'll need to buy one just yet... I'll wait until the outcome of my proceedings is known. My better half may be interested tho'. A couple of people at my unit had bought the nylon gear and liked it. particularly a bloke I was in a MAJOR stack with last March (now in the bomb squad) was having back problems and the lighter belt helped..

[720]

All I have to say, is if you absolutly have to get Nylon, go with Safariland or Bianchi. They are a little more clean and professional looking. Uncle Mikes looks as if it was just thrown together compared to these two.