Handcuff gurus check in..

[021411]

Out of Hiatt, Peerless, and S&W, which has the best locking mechanism? I know all will do their job but I just wanna make sure I have the best I can buy. Yes, I have been taught proper handcuffing techniques (palms outward to the sides, keyholes up, double lock, suspect seatbelted..) and handcuffs are only a temporary restraint.

Thanks guys.

[ElJimmyStrappo]

I have my two pairs of Smith hinged cuffs. My dept gave me one pair of chain cuffs that I believe are Smith.

I believe that hinged are stronger than chained but have no idea what manufacturer is better than the other. I think they will all get the job done and have been proven for years in the field.

My opinion is to buy a brand name cuff and not some no name cuff. Typically a brand name cuff has established itself and proven its product.

[bigmike13588]

I carry 2 pairs of S&W model 1 handcuffs (oversize). Theyre good, especially for bigger or small wrists. Alot of guys up this way are going to the ASP cuffs. I like the fact that they have keyholes on both sides, but I dont like the Hiatt type slide double lock, but rather the S&W push in double lock that I can lock with a pen if needed. Not sure personally how I would like a pair of half plastic/half metal cuffs also.

[dsump]

I have been using cuffs for over 15yrs and I have to say that my Hiatts are the best. Peerless come in second and third is American Handcuff Co. I don't like the S&W cuffs. I have seen them freeze up and had to be cut off a bad guy once. My Hiatts dont have the slide lock they are standard push button on the opposite sides.

[021411]

I think I'm leaning towards the Hiatt cuffs. One chain and one hinge. The only cruddy part about the hinge version is that it doesn't fold flat together. The links don't fold like Peerless.

[HulkXD]

The Asp Handcuffs aren't half plastic. They are all metal, with a polymer overcoating on the double strand side. They also don't fit in all cuff pouches, because the polymer makes them a little thicker. They are nice, though. I carry a set of S&W, and the State Police carry hinged Peerless. Pretty much, you'll be fine no matter what you get, but I like the Peerless, I just don't want to buy any cuffs, so I'm using what I had.

[03RangerXLT]

On duty I carry one set of S&W link cuffs and one set of Hiatt hinge cuffs. I love my Hiatts for soem speed cuffing. THey are easy to grip and can be back-loaded easily. I use them as SHTF cuffs. My Smiths I use for cooperative arrestees, so that they may be a little more comfortable on the drive to the jail. In my POV, I keep a set of black ASP hinge cuffs in their more low profile leather case (just in case I am out somewhere and it becomes appropriate to handcuff someone, hey you never know).

[bigmike13588]

I checked out those asps, seems like I can bend the plastic part of it. Im not sure if since it is plastic, its supposed to take a slight bend or what, but I dont know if I like that. The S&W model 1's I have are larger than normal, and they tend to unload them selves from my half cuff case sometimes.

[x_out86]

I would go with Peerless or Hiatts. I carry one pair of Peerless on my belt and a pair of APS's as well. They both work great and the ASP's are always an option, just keep in mind that they may not fit you cuff case correctly since they are oversized.

Originally Posted by bigmike13588

I checked out those asps, seems like I can bend the plastic part of it. Im not sure if since it is plastic, its supposed to take a slight bend or what, but I dont know if I like that.

As was already stated they are not all plastic. The plastic/polymer that is on them is actully molded over the top of the metal on the double strand side of the cuff. They are all metal inside and I have put them on plenty of BG's who were big and mad and they have held up to the test.

[danp]

I carry two sets of Peerless. I used to have a set of S&Ws that I liked except for the slide double-lock. I use chains instead of hinge because they're a little bit easier to get onto a suspect when you are fighting with him. There isn't a lot of difference in the flexibility, but that little bit can be just enough sometimes.