What gear to get for CDCR academy?

[roushstage2]

There are a few things on the list that I figured I'd ask for an opinion on from seasoned LEOs here. I'm not looking to break the bank, but I don't want to buy generic stuff that will have to be replaced sooner than later.

• Sam Browne belt or black nylon belt.
  

  Black leather basket weave utility belt (Sam Browne) with brass buckle or nylon utility belt. No mixing of leather and nylon items.

  Black leather basket weave duty belt, 1-3/4-inch width with gold, 2-inch square, four-sided metal buckle and will be worn with the Class B cargo pants, or black nylon duty belt.

• Leather or nylon belt keepers (4)
• Handcuff case, leather or nylon
• P.A.D. case, leather or nylon
• Flashlight (pocket sized)
  I'd like to hear thoughts on something like the Streamlight ProTac 2AA. I'm leaning towards a AA flashlight as I already have rechargable AA batteries. Plus, AA batteries are rather universal so if I needed some "on the fly," they'd be easier to find than CR123s.
• Leather or nylon universal radio carrier with retention strap.
• Black leather weave or nylon key holder with gold colored key clips.
• Black leather basket weave or nylon glove pouch.

While they do sell all of these things at the academy store, I figure some of these things might be better purchased elsewhere.

[debbied123]

Shouldn't basic duty gear be issued?

[roushstage2]

Shouldn't basic duty gear be issued?

This is the gear provided:
The rest is for me to purchase

[Che762x39]

Nylon is better than leather. It is the 21st century.

Streamlight ProTac 2AA is a great choice. That is basically what I carry today. 30+ years ago I made the rookie mistake of getting a giant XL flashlight.

Do us proud

[debbied123]

Nylon is better than leather. It is the 21st century.

Streamlight ProTac 2AA is a great choice. That is basically what I carry today. 30+ years ago I made the rookie mistake of getting a giant XL flashlight.

Do us proud

Nylon would be lighter also, but I think the Sam Browne would be easier to clean.

[socalblue]

If you have a choice go nylon every time. Lighter (Your back will thank you), easier to care for & typically less expensive.

Don't skimp on quality. Go for something along the lines of Bianchi accumold.

[hitman13]

Nylon. I generally use Safariland for my nylon stuff....

[Spyder]

If there's an academy store, I'd recommend buying it all there. It'll keep you from buying stuff that isn't approved!

[cuchillo negro]

Nylon gets faded real fast especially working in the sun. The less you have the better. Remember if you are posted on the yard you will be responding to alarms and having a bunch of extra stuff will hinder you. You would be surprised on how many people drop their **** when running to an alarm.

This is all you really need

1. Belt
2. Baton ring
3. Cuff case
4. Radio holder
5. Key holder

Another thing stay in shape and learn a martial art. The DT stuff they teach is useless. Nothing worse than getting your *** handed to you because you can't fight back or you are too tired. Batons will not stop a determined inmate. Inmates do not respect C/O's that are fat bodies.

[Bobula]

Call me. I have tonnnns of extra gear

[roushstage2]

Nylon is better than leather. It is the 21st century.

Streamlight ProTac 2AA is a great choice. That is basically what I carry today. 30+ years ago I made the rookie mistake of getting a giant XL flashlight.

Do us proud

Thanks! Unless I hear something compelling about why I should get something else, I'll be picking one of those up! It comes with a holster, so it's a combo deal too.

If there's an academy store, I'd recommend buying it all there. It'll keep you from buying stuff that isn't approved!

I wouldn't mind, but what's the quality of it all? I'm genuinely curious. I have friends in the current academy and they said the only things they bought there were the uniform clothing. The belt is like $20. I've been looking at a good belt for concealed carry and the only belts I've seen in that price range are the cheaper nylon "riggers" belts.

Nylon gets faded real fast especially working in the sun. The less you have the better. Remember if you are posted on the yard you will be responding to alarms and having a bunch of extra stuff will hinder you. You would be surprised on how many people drop their **** when running to an alarm.

This is all you really need

1. Belt
2. Baton ring
3. Cuff case
4. Radio holder
5. Key holder

Another thing stay in shape and learn a martial art. The DT stuff they teach is useless. Nothing worse than getting your *** handed to you because you can't fight back or you are too tired. Batons will not stop a determined inmate. Inmates do not respect C/O's that are fat bodies.

Understood, but do I show up to academy without everything I'm supposed to have, or do I just buy the cheaper stuff from them so when I don't use it later on I'm not out extra money?

Call me. I have tonnnns of extra gear

You'll have to PM your number again. I'm not sure where it went. That, or stop by my dept. later, haha.

[Zedrek]

I'm not a officer there but I have a nylon duty belt and gear. Optics Planet has the Heros Pride nylon line of products that seem pretty good. I bought their alarm case here and it fits them perfectly.

[Spyder]

Understood, but do I show up to academy without everything I'm supposed to have, or do I just buy the cheaper stuff from them so when I don't use it later on I'm not out extra money?

I don't know how the CDCR academy is, but if it's anything like mine was, I'd much rather have and not need, than need and not have...

[roushstage2]

I don't know how the CDCR academy is, but if it's anything like mine was, I'd much rather have and not need, than need and not have...

Exactly. That's why I want to get good stuff if it is something I'm going to need, well want, to last for awhile vs. buying cheaper stuff just to make it through the academy with the gear that is required for it.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

If I was going to the academy, I would buy exactly what they specify, and probably from the academy store. You don't want to be a lone wolf during inspections.

Nylon? Yes, when you are out of the academy, off probation, one of the boys, etc. I have never seen or heard of an academy RECRUIT wearing a nylon duty belt when everyone else was wearing leather.