July 19, 2007 Strap up & go
Whatever carryon, briefcase, or computer bag you carry, there’s a simple upgrade you can make: a new shoulder strap. The Claw by Red Oxx (upper photo) and the Absolute Shoulder Strap by Tom Bihn (lower photo) are probably much better than what your bag came with. Each is American-made and built to last. And each has a particular virtue which will recommend it to the serious traveler.
The Claw is not overly wide and has a super-tacky polymer-based rubber pad which just will not slip off your shoulder. Also, the pad is two-sided so no matter how you grab the strap it’s right-side-up. I learned long ago as a news photographer that narrower straps bite and hold better than wide, super-cushy ones. So if grip is your concern, check out the Claw.
If your shoulder is a little softer and you’re willing to trade a little grip for a little more comfort, Bihn’s Abolute Shoulder Strap is the ticket. The wider neoprene pad has an internal control-stretch system which makes a bag give or bounce a little, which can make it seem lighter. One side of the strap pad is quite tacky and provides a secure (if not claw-like) grip on most fabrics.
Both straps need a D-ring type connection to clip on to. Each has metal hardware: The Claw’s is chromed and the Absolute’s is double-plated black finish. My guess is the Claw is just slightly more durable than the softer Absolute, but either should last for many years. and — at $25 or less — you can always afford to replace a strap.
Reader Comments (4)
Tom Bihn is a great company. However, it is worth noting that the Absolute Shoulder Strap is actually the Op/Tech S.O.S. (Save on Shoulders) strap that can be purchased for $19.95 from camera stores, including Adorama and B&H.
http://www.adorama.com/OTSOS.html?searchinfo=op%20tech&item_no=226
You're right. As someone who's been in the photo business for over 20 years I can tell you that B&H is reputable and that Adorama is less-than-pleasant to deal with. You'll find the Tom Bihn folks much more pleasant and they will probably ship a strap so much cheaper than the photo places that the price will be about the same - or less.
Just as an FYI, you can also order the Op/Tech S.O.S. (Save on Shoulders) strap at amazon.com. Amazon is charing $19.95 for it, plus $3.85 for shipping. Tom Bihn's price has gone up to $30 for the Absolute Strap, plus shipping. You can order the exact same strap from Amazon and save about $10.
Actually, it's not the same exact strap. The TOM BIHN Absolute Shoulder Strap has extra-durable, Made in USA, double-coated metal snaphooks.