Handcuffs

[B.D.Dubloon]

Thanks for all the advice, I will head to the galligear and check out peerless, S&W and ASP cuffs, see which I like the look of.

[sgtbuck]

Peerless

[RudyN]

I used both Peerless and S&W. They both work well.

+1 I used both when I was a Reserve Deputy (Many years ago)

[jjdeneen918]

ASP cuffs have the key hole on both sides I believe.

That would be a help as you wouldn't have to manipulate a persons hands to gain access to the key hole.

[ASU5]

+1 for peerless. I just like it better than S&W. I don't know why...

[Brianguy]

Dont get lawpro (Quartermaster Store brand). Flimsy and its keys doesnt work on my s&w or peerless.

[eltee]

Since you are working in a hospital, be sure to learn how to do a "technical decontamination" on your cuffs. The colored handcuffs, pink notwithstanding, help to distinguish your cuffs from others' and yes, cuffs do get lost, etc. if you are not careful. At minimum, put your initials or badge # on them with a pencil engraver.

Peerless has been around a long time and they are a pretty reliable product for the price. Also get an aftermarket handcuff key, something that is easier to find and utilize than the little ones that come with the cuffs.

[B.D.Dubloon]

The place I went to had some Peerless and ASP, and the guy recommended the Peerless over all. Plus I have found an auction on ebay where a guy is selling a slightly used pair of Peerless 700's along with a case and a light and baton holder (I don''t currently have a need for these but who knows later) for pretty cheap, although someone else is bidding on them as well. I think I will definitely be going Peerless though, thanks for all the advice.

[Cpl. Haas]

An old coworker of mine had a pair of S&W cuffs fail on him after landing on 'em during a fight. In uniform, I always carried 2 pairs of Peerless Model 700 cuffs; plain clothes I'd carry one pair, and keep a second pair readily available.

Regardless of what brand you choose, I'd recommend carrying two pairs on your duty belt. You don't have to get a morbidly obese individual for a single pair of cuffs to be insufficient... I've had to double-cuff guys as small as 200lbs because I couldn't bring their arms close enough together without breaking something. You also have that 2nd pair as a backup, should your first pair fail like it did my coworker.

[RollingCode3]

I use both Peerless and S&W. I like Peerless much more. Much easier to use.

[ryang]

Hiatts metalloy cuffs are half the weight of standard ones and have an 18% larger opening for bigger wrists. It doesn't sound like much but the weight savings makes a difference on a full duty belt. If you only use them 3-4 times a year you're probably okay with just one pair.

[Steyrlp10]

Same here... the house is littered with S&W and Peerless. Makes for good conversation on the coffee table with unsuspecting guests - lol

[5968]

I have used Peerless cuffs for the better part of 15 years. I personally do not like the S&Ws. The double lock on the S&Ws suck! Just $.02

I do not like hinged cuffs, they are harder to put on someone who resisting.

[B.D.Dubloon]

Just a quick update/brag about a great deal I got

I found a guy selling two pairs of black chain Peerless cuffs (and a couple keys) on Craigslist for 30 bucks, 35 shipped. They are used but in good shape, and about half the cost of new ones at the cheapest place I could find them. I am pleased.

[Spyder]

I think there was a recent run of Peerless that had some issues. Nothing to back this up besides the fact that I broke three sets in six weeks. They'd double lock themselves and I wouldn't be able to get them on the suspect without unlocking them. Pain in the rear. There were a few other guys that had the same issue with brand new Peerless.

Other than that though, I've always heard good things about them. My older set was always fine, it was only the brand new ones that we had trouble with.