Custom SLR Camera Strap Review

Features
Handling & Performance
Verdict
Specification

San Francisco based Custom SLR looked at conventional strap designs and set about reinventing with their Split Strap. It's a wide strap that's split into two thinner bands and works with the C-Loop and M-Plate to offer a unique system of camera carrying.

Custom SLR Camera Strap Features

The Camera Strap from Custom SLR has a few nifty features. Firstly the wide shoulder pad section is split into two thinner bands with a small gap in the middle. They call this Split Strap technology.

The strap comes with two adjustable length ends that lock into place on the pad with a swiveling buckle. You chose a short or long set or a combination to give the strap the perfect length. The narrow ends are 12mm wide loops that need to be threaded through the designated eyelet, whether on a camera or using the C-Loop.

The shoulder pad has a pattern of Silicone printed logos on the rear which increases the grip on your shoulder.

Attaching strap to C-Loop

Swivel Buckle

Non Slip Pad

Custom SLR Camera Strap Handling & Performance

Shoulder straps are never quite right and it seems Custom SLR not only recognised this but were able to come up with a solution. The split strap means that no matter how bulky the camera or how you wear it (cross chest, round neck or over one shoulder) it distributes the weight evenly on one or both of the strap sides. And it really does work. The Neoprene style material stretches too so the weight is absorbed.

The gripped base also works well. I normally struggle to carry a strap on my shoulder as it slips off too easily, but this one stays in place and I was able to wander around without any discomfort.

I can't see why two lengths of end straps are needed though. A very short piece is a benefit for those who like to remove the main strap, but keep the quick-release connections in place. Tamrac do a strap of this nature. You can shoot with the strap on or off quickly. But with this Custom SLR strap even the short ends are too long to leave dangling if you decide to go strapless. So you may as well stick to one length and that would probably save a few quid on costs.

Also I thought the swivel connectors would adjust the hanging direction but the weight of the camera pulls so they're usually straight, removing any benefit that should arise. This makes me wonder if cutting out the split and adopting the close to the end releases like Tamrac would be a better move.

The only other gripe was the split pad did tangle when picking up and throwing over a shoulder. Like the collar of a shirt, it took a few moments to adjust and spread out. A normal strap won't usually do this.

Strap with M-Plate

Strap In Use

Value For Money

As we saw in our Neoprene strap group comparison a few years ago you can buy a decent strap for about £15. One with quick release clips from Tamrac, N5055, costs £17. But all these options don't have the same comfort nature of the Custom SLR version, even the Optech Pro Strap at £19. This strap clearly leads the way in design.

Custom SLR Camera Strap Verdict

A strap should be comfortable and this one is 100% in that department. I hardly knew I had the camera attached. I've used many straps over the years and this one really does deliver a weight loss. The web site shows different future variations and I'm probably going to get one for the guitar when they become available. The tangling of the pad can be annoying but it's a small price to pay for the comfort. Over the last week I've reviewed three of Custom SLR's products from this system and the strap is by far the best of the bunch.

	A strap should be comfortable and this one is 100% in that department.

Custom SLR Camera Strap Pros

Extremely comfortable
Good value
Brilliant grip

Custom SLR Camera Strap Cons

Pad tangles easily when putting it on.
Strap ends too long when left without strap

FEATURES
HANDLING & PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT