Glide Split Strap Overview : The Glide Strap with Split Strap Technology is designed to make it easy to draw the camera from your side. The camera glides up the strap so your are ready to shoot quickly. This strap works with the C-Loop and is compatible with the hardware from most camera sling systems. Includes everything you need to attach it to the C-Loop.
Glide Split Strap Features :
- Split Strap Technology™: Distributes weight evenly to reduce pain/fatigue and provides superior ventilation
- Unique Ergonomic Design: Conforms to shoulder for unparalleled comfort
- Swiveling Quick Release Buckles: Rotates for maximum flexibility and detaches for increased mobility
- Silicone Print: Reduces slippage
- High Quality Material and Construction
- American Design and Innovation
C-Loop Features :
- Eliminate Strap Interference: Quicker access, flexibility and improved handling.
- Smooth Rotation: The C-Loop swivels 360° degrees to reduce tangling and for smooth panning
- Low Profile: Makes it easier to transition from landscape to portrait shots
- Increased Security: Lens comfortably tucks away making mobility easy in tight or crowded areas
- Compatibility: Works with existing camera straps and all devices with a tripod mount
*NOTE: This review will be split up into two reviews; Glide Strap and C-Loop.
Custom SLR Glide Camera Split Strap
Quality/Usability : Majority of people may not have heard of the company, Custom SLR. That's because they're a new and upcoming company. They started off on KickStarter, which is a site that helps companies get the funds need to make the products that they do not have. These "investors" such as yourself can pledge money to help fund the project. Once the goal is met, the company can start to make the product and will send you the product. Don't worry, if the goal is not met, you don't get charged. You only get charged if the goal is met. The funding for the Split Strap completed on March 8, 2011.
Majority of straps if not all, have a one piece design. What makes Custom SLR's Split Strap different is exactly in the name...there is a split in the middle as well as the swiveling buckle. The buckle swivels according to your movement. This is something you do not see on other camera straps. With the split on the strap, it allows the weight to be distributed evenly and contour. The strap can be worn like a traditional camera strap where the camera hangs in front of you or across your body with the camera hanging by your side.
The Glide Split Strap comes with the following:
- Split Strap
- Glide Strap
- (2) Stoppers
- Swivel Buckle
- Strap Holder
- Male and Female Quick Attach Buckles
- (2) Connector Loops
The Split Strap is made of neoprene material. Not only is it light in weight, it's also stretchable. The stitching on the Split Strap is very clean and well done. The underside of the shoulder pad has custom printed CSLR rubberized logo that prevent the strap from sliding around either on your neck or shoulder.
The Glide Split Strap has the same intentions as other camera sling straps on the market. It comes with everything you need to attach it to your C-Loop. The strap is also compatible with the existing hardware from most sling systems.
The Glide Strap operates the same like any other sling strap on the market. But instead of a 1-piece strap, it's 2 (Glide Strap and Split Strap). Not to mention, there are no metal pieces, everything is plastic. So there is no fear of scratching your screen or damaging your camera body. For a strap that contains no metal pieces, it glides fairly smooth but it does make a little bit of sound with the plastic from the buckles rubbing against the nylon webbing.
Included are two (2) stoppers; rear (pre-installed) and front. The front is optional but I highly recommend installing it as well. But what is the purpose of these stoppers? The rear stopper helps stop your camera by your hip but at the same time, it also helps re-adjusts the Glide Strap to its natural position on your shoulder. When the front stopper is brought down to the bottom by your hip, it prevents the camera from moving forward. This is great if you're not using the camera and want it to stay by your side. If you need to use your camera, simply slide the front bumper back to your chest and slide the camera up and begin to take photos.
My Glide Strap was already pre-installed except for the front bumper. Below are instructions to install the Glide Split Strap and to the C-Loop:
- With the Glide Strap laying flat and buckle facing up, slide the front stopper (optional) through the webbing. The front stopper would be facing out (lever in). I had problem with this as the webbing got caught on the inside of the stopper.
- Take the same webbing and weave it through the top slot of the male quick attach buckle.
Note: If you have other sling straps or wanted to make your own, you would slide the carabiner instead. - Install the rear stopper. This time, the rear stopper would be in (lever out - opposite of front stopper if installed). This is highly recommended but optional as well.
- The strap holder helps prevent any excess strap from slapping around. Simply slide the webbing through the holder.
- The last piece to install is the swivel buckle end piece. Slide the webbing through the top hole and through the bottom. This will complete the Glide Strap.
- Attach both connector loops to the C-Loop.
- Slide the connector loops on to the quick attach buckle bar and press firmly to close.
Note: The quick attach buckle opens by pressing the bar down and pressing the end outwards. - Mount the C-Loop on to your camera.
- Attach the camera to the strap by snapping the connectors together.
- Adjust the length of the strap as needed by simply pulling on the nylon webbing to your desired length. It maybe necessary to cut the length of the webbing if it is too long. To do so use a pair of scissors and burn the ends with a flame to prevent fraying.
- Once you have settled on your desired length, insert excess webbing through the strap holder.
- Adjust the travel of the camera by adjusting the stopper. The additional stopper can be installed to limit travel when leaning down or crouching.
Conclusion : Overall, the Custom SLR Glide Camera Split Strap is just like any other sling strap on the market. What makes it unique and different from the competition is the Split Strap design, swiveling buckle and C-Loop. I love the fact that I can install my own clip such as a carabiner. This may also be a cheaper solution to other sling straps or if you're not fond of the C-Loop and want to customize your strap. Spend $35 plus shipping for the Glide Split Strap and another $20 or so for the carabiner and mounting screw.
I must say, the Split Strap design is probably the most comfortable strap. It's light weight, made of neoprene and stretchable. It contoured my shoulder even when the strap was near my neck.
Since the quick attach buckles are made of plastic, I was afraid that it wouldn't be able to hold the weight of my gear. Having done a little tug-o-war extreme test myself with one person pulling the strap and another pulling from the camera, I'm happy to report that there was no damage to my gear or the strap and parts itself. I was hesitant on doing such a thing but I did not have a second camera body but I had to take the chance.
What I would like to see is a underarm band. This would definitely keep the strap from moving off your shoulder when you bring the camera up to shoot. This would be ideal for more active shooters.
Custom SLR C-Loop
Quality/Usability : The funding for the C-Loop completed on December 14, 2010. The C-Loop is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and anodized. There is a neoprene washer on the bottom of the C-Loop that acts as a cushion between the C-Loop and the bottom of your camera. Unfortunately, this neoprene washer is not glued to the C-Loop so you can pull it off. Upon shaking it, it doesn't come off as easily but it may over time.
Installation is really simple. Attach either the Split Strap or Glide Strap to the ends of the C-Loop as instructed above. This will attach the nylon cord to the C-Loop. Attach the straps to the Split Strap and on the C-Loop, lift up the "C" shaped handle and screw the C-Loop into the tripod socket of your camera. Once its tight, you can push the handle back down to make it flush. That's it! Now your camera can spin around freely without getting tangled up. The C-Loop also works with existing camera straps and all devices with tripod mounts.
Here is a close-up video look at the C-Loop (courtesy of Custom SLR):
If you use the C-Loop vigorously and you noticed that it doesn't spin as smooth as when you first got it, there is a solution for this. As per Custom SLR instructions, flip up the handle and put a drop of your favorite lubricant (Tri-Flow, WD-40, etc) in the gap between the top portion and the body (see picture). Give it several rotations to make sure the lube has penetrated most of the surface under the gap since the tolerance is so tight. To wipe off the excess: press a napkin/tissue against the top of the body with your finger (handle still up) and twist the body. Repeat until the top of the body is free of lube. Once done, the C-Loop will spin smoothly.
Conclusion : Overall, the Custom SLR C-Loop Camera Strap Mount Solution is a well made design. The design itself is very creative with how they incorporated their CSLR logo and 360° degree swivel. Usually, sling straps have a fixed tripod screw and the only thing that spins freely is the carabiner clip.
The weight of the C-Loop is very light but very sturdy. However, the price of the C-Loop itself is a bit pricey if you want to purchase a second one to place on another camera.
Manufacturer: Custom SLR
Site: Buy from Custom SLR (Glide Split Strap) / Buy from Amazon / Buy from B&H Photo (Glide Split Strap) / Buy from Custom SLR (Combo)
C-Loop
Site: Buy from Custom SLR / Buy from Amazon / Buy from B&H Photo / Buy from Adorama
Site: Buy from Custom SLR (Glide Split Strap) / Buy from Amazon / Buy from B&H Photo (Glide Split Strap) / Buy from Custom SLR (Combo)
C-Loop
Site: Buy from Custom SLR / Buy from Amazon / Buy from B&H Photo / Buy from Adorama