Radios are an important part of the equipment that help people to communicate; for those who work professionally as firefighters, policemen, and even emergency medical personnel.
Regarding the choice of carry, there are two common types of setups: radio straps and radio holsters. Each of them has its advantages depending upon your requirements and the nature of the work you do.
In this article, we shall uncover all the differences between radio straps and holsters so that you can tell which is right for you.
What Is a Radio Strap?
A radio strap is a long type of belt that has the ability to be fastened around the front or at the back—with the radio on the side. They are commonly used by firefighters and other service people who need the use of their hands while at the same time, want ease of access to their radios.
One of the advantages of the strap is that it helps in the distribution of the weight of the radio, especially in a situation where the user might have to spend several hours wearing the strap. Moreover, the placement of radio over the upper part of the body ensures that it does not obstruct movements such as climbing or crouching. Many radio straps also incorporate heavy duty clips or holsters that enable users to easily retrieve the radio in the event of an emergency.
However, radio straps are also not without some problems. Because of the strap part, they may feel bulkier especially when used in narrow regions, and they may hamper the other equipment, depending on how the strap is placed.
What Is a Radio Holster?
It is a smaller and tighter option, and it is commonly used for attachment on belts. A radio holster is preferable for the users who do not like to wear bulky equipment and prefer to keep things simple. A radio holster maintains the position of the radio and allows you to reach it conveniently at the hip level.
Its major strength is the fact that it places the radio in a fixed position and keeps it safe from most hazards. This can be particularly valuable in cases where hardware movement could result in the radio falling or sliding out. Holsters are relatively small and light weight and do not protrude excessively, which is advantageous for carrying concealed.
However, carrying radios in holsters can be somewhat restrictive on some occasions. Due to the fact that they are belts, they can hinder movements like bending or sitting since they are located at the waist area. Also, getting to the radio while on the move may be a bit challenging than if you were using a strap.
Which One Should You Choose?
In light of the above analysis, it can therefore be concluded that this decision all boils down to the needs of the employee and the tasks assigned in his/her workplace. A radio strap may be more suitable for such occupations as firefighting, because of the free mobility it provides and the position of the radio. On the other hand, for a law enforcement officer or a security personnel who will require a radio in a fixed manner, a holster may just be the solution.
