Skywalker505

A heads up that Red Oxx will be introducing an additional shoulder strap this September.

The Red Oxx "Claw" strap is unsurpassed for keeping your bag "glued" to your shoulder. Sometimes, however, such as when carrying a very heavy load, it is just not very comfortable. It also can dig in too much to certain fabrics on your shirt or jacket.

Thus, many of us have turned to the Op/Tech USA "S.O.S." strap or the Tom Bihn "Absolute" strap as an alternative to use with our Red Oxx bags, as well as other gear. The Tom Bihn strap is, of course, based on the S.O.S. strap. As the S.O.S. strap is patented, Tom Bihn has an arrangement with Op/Tech and upgrades the swivel hook hardware for their version.

Red Oxx went the same route - purchasing the main body of the strap from Op/Tech and upgrading the hardware. They are using the latest, curved version, which I prefer. I have been told that the hardware on their strap will be even heavier duty than that used on the Absolute strap (what else do you expect from Red Oxx?). I am looking forward to checking out the new strap!

txflyer77

Finally ^

penguino

I have TB's strap (curved) and found it annoying in that I had to make sure each time I slung the bag on my shoulder that it was oriented correctly. I bought a straight OpTec strap from Amazon and liked it much more, same wonderful give but no upslope/downslope orientation issues on my shoulder. Glad Red Oxx will be offering an option, even if it is the curved version.

chx1975

Let me ask: why do people prefer shoulder straps vs backpack straps? So strange to me.

Skywalker505

I have seen many people incorrectly orienting a curved strap (not implying that you are included; just saying). It may seem counter-intuitive, but the correct way to position a curved strap is to have the shorter, concave side of the strap closer to the bag, rather than your neck.

Skywalker505

Say what?

eeflyer

Cool to see this option now. Does anyone have both the TB and RO versions? I'd be interested to see how the hardware compares in terms of weight and durability.

Buffalondon

Good move - the TB strap was a necessary upgrade when I got the miniboss. When heavy the claw strap was punishing!

Skywalker505

As I said, "A heads up that Red Oxx will be introducing an additional shoulder strap this September"

eeflyer

Oops, didn't read carefully enough as Wimbledon was on at the same time

Skywalker505

Federer caught some lucky breaks in the tournament: Nadal was upset, Murray lost because of an injury, and Djokovic withdrew because of an injury.

freecia

Do you mean a solo shoulder strap where the bag hangs like a satchel/briefcase vs two backpack straps? Sometimes I wear a shoulder bag and backpack at the same time.

I like backpack straps for heavy loads. The backpack can't protrude too much (large depth or too squared off by shoulders and waist) or I end up hitting people when turning in crowds. It can make more sense to wear the backpack in front in crowds or if it is a short distance, two straps slung on forearm, held in front of my midsection.

Shoulder strap mode can look a little more professional and is better for really crowded areas but carrying a heavy load on the single strap for long intervals can hurt my neck and shoulder muscles.

Op/Tech also makes an S.O.S Mini which is useful for small(er) but heavy bags.

WilcoRoger

Good move. The Claw that came with my MiniBoss went to SO's laptop case (she's happy) and I got myself an OpTech for the MiniBoss (I'm happy)

As for backpack straps - backpacks are just not part of any business outfit.

frankmu

I will stowaway my backpack straps on my Skytrain when boarding a plane. Less things to snag, easier to slide overhead.

N1120A

This will be useful on briefcases, though I actually kind of prefer the claw on the Air Boss, for slippage issues. It is kind of hard to pack the Mini Boss so heavy that the Claw is ever uncomfortable, so I'm keeping it on there.