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Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead


Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead

Overview : The new DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap features an all grip, non-slip, and detachable Ultra Wide neoprene shoulder pad which is a stretchy material that absorbs the weight of the camera. The DS-Pro has a front metal slider quick adjustment and 3-button snap buckle. The strap also comes with a D-1 wide platform ballhead locknut which will not scratch any camera surface it screws onto. The ballhead is super universal and fits all cameras with standard tripod mount.

Features :
  • All grip, non-slip ULTRA WIDE neoprene shoulder pad
  • Stretchy material, absorb the weight of camera
  • Wide platform ballhead connection
  • Scratch proof, CAN NOT scratch the camera
  • Super Universal, fits all camera with standard tripod mount
  • Front metal slider quick adjustment
  • Detachable shoulder pad
  • 3-Button snap buckle
Package Includes:
  • DS-PRO Strap (Include the Connector) x 1
  • Wide Platform Ball Head Locknut x 1

Quality/Usability : Carry Speed has released an update to their sling straps. Having reviewed the Carry Speed Slim CS-Slim Camera Sling Strap, there isn't much difference in the neoprene straps between the CS-Slim and DS-PRO or even the DS-Slim.

Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead

The DS-PRO and DS-Slim primarily consist of 4 parts: neoprene shoulder padding, nylon webbing strap with buckles and connector and ballhead locknut.

Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead

The DS-PRO neoprene strap is the same as the CS series and FS series. The strap is lightweight and flexible. You barely notice it on your shoulder. What's the difference between the wide and slim straps? Both neoprene straps stretch to accommodate the varying weights of cameras but to me, its mainly based on what your body build is. If you have a big shoulder, you should look into the wide (PRO) straps. If you have a small shoulder or a female, SLIM would be perfect match. If you're of average build, either will work fine but its personal preference. By far, I think neoprene straps are the most comfortable straps when it comes to sling straps. The stitching is nicely done and clean.

Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead
Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead

Main adjustments to adjust the length are made in the back. The model above is 5'11", wears a size L-XL shirt and the strap on the back extended near the bumper. I'm 5'9", size M shirt and when I have the strap, I get excess strap that needs to be folded. But a new feature to the strap (more so to the nylon webbing) is the front quick adjustment. Before the CS series, if you weren't going to use your camera anymore and you needed for it to be stable without it flopping around, you would slide the bumper stopper that was close to your chest and down to the camera. Now, the bumper stopper is gone. The bumper that is in the back that prevents the camera from going behind you is still included. The front quick adjustment is a pull strap that is located on the front of your strap. When pulled, it shortens the length of your strap which makes the camera come closer to your body. To loosen, just pull up. With the front quick adjustment feature working in conjunction with your body, your body is the front bumper stopper.

If you need to use the camera, simply pull on the plastic D-ring or pull your camera up and take a shot. The front quick adjustment will automatically loosen when you pull your camera up. This allows for a quick shoot.

Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead

Typical buckles require you to squeeze the buckle with two fingers and it releases. A thief or prankster can easily use their two fingers to release your strap and cause your gear to drop to the ground or even steal it. Even if you accidentally forget to fully push the buckle in, it can unclip and fall to the ground. One of the unique features that is different from other sling straps is the three (3) button quick release. With Carry Speed's 3 buckle quick release system, it now requires you to use two hands. You still use your two fingers to release the buckle but now you need to press a third button to release the third locking mechanism. This provides added security. Would-be thiefs won't know what hit them when they try to release the clips. They'll also have to work harder for it too.

Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead
New ballhead locknut (left); Old ballhead locknut (right)

To install the ballhead locknut, simply hand-screw it into the tripod socket. Once its hand tightened, you can either use an allen key (not included) to tighten the locknut. But what's different about the new ballhead over the old ballhead is that it has a wider base at the bottom but you can now also use a coin to tighten the ballhead if you lost or don't have the allen key with you. If you're using the allen key, there is no place to store it. You'll have to throw it into your camera bag or a pouch and pray it does not get lost. But even if it does, any allen key will work fine and can be purchased from a hardware store for cheap or as mentioned, you now have an option of using a coin.

What's great about the ballhead locknut is that it works with the Spider Holster. So if you own a Spider Holster or plan on purchasing on, this will work.

Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead Review: Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead

Typical sling straps use a carabiner to attach to fastener on the bottom of your camera. But with the Carry Speed series, it uses its unique locking system. Inside the connector is a hollowed out center that houses the ballhead. To keep the ball from coming out, you simply screw the connector all the way down. The connector itself is totally unique as I have not seen anything like it and is patent pending. Once the locknut and connector has been installed and closed, the connector does not come near the body of your camera. This will not damage or scuff your camera.

Here is a promotional video for Carry Speed:


Conclusion : Overall, the Carry Speed DS-PRO Camera Sling Strap with D-1 Wide Platform Ballhead is an update to the CS series. The neoprene strap is still the same design. Only difference now is that the ballhead has a wider base and gives you the option of tightening the ballhead with a coin in addition to an allen key and the addition of the front quick adjustment that allows you to tighten and loosen your strap quickly and conveniently. For me, the front quick adjustment can loosen your strap a little too easy so once in a while, you'll have to pull down on it to get it tight again.




Manufacturer: Carry Speed
Site: Buy from Carry Speed

DS-Slim: Buy from Carry Speed

DS-2: Buy from Carry Speed


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