ASP Sentry Cuffs with Exo-S Case: Try It To Believe It

ASP is a powerhouse in the law enforcement world and handcuffs is one of their specialties. One of their newest models is the Sentry Cuffs for law enforcement and corrections. But they didn’t just stop with the cuffs, they also introduced the new Exo-S Case to carry them.

I’ve been in Law Enforcement for more than 17 years and was excited to try out this new duo. Let me stop and clarify that statement. I’m not excited to arrest someone, but excited to try something that makes our job safer and more reliable.

ASP S100 Handcuffs — The handcuff case for the S-100 handcuffs makes retrieving them fast and easy. [Photo: Jason Mosher]

I believe that all Law Enforcement personnel should have safe and effective tools to use while on the job. It doesn’t matter if they are on the streets or working in the jails and prisons. Most of my career has been on the patrol side. And I have come across moments where things went wrong when I attempted to handcuff someone in a high stress situation. Trying to open a handcuff case and retrieve your cuffs in the middle of the struggle doesn’t help things any.

On one occasion, the button on my leather handcuff case had slightly rusted, which in turn, made it very difficult to open the case. I have never personally been too keen on Velcro, as it tends to wear out after repeated use. Nothing is more annoying than having your handcuffs fall out during a foot pursuit because the Velcro was worn and did not properly secure your handcuffs. I tried this new set by ASP in the hopes of finding a more reliable pair. but how practical are they?

The ASP S-100 double-locking handcuffs. [Photo: Jason Mosher]

Let’s look at the case and cuffs to see if they are a good match for police.

Exo-S Case: different from other cases?

The price for the Exo-S Case is slightly higher than many leather and Velcro options at $48.00 MSRP (the street price is typically around $39). But it’s still affordable for most law enforcement personnel when you consider the quality. They are lightweight and relatively easy to use as well. By easy to use, I mean the case can be put on your duty belt with a handy adjustable snap-lock adapter. This makes it compatible with most duty size belts.

The polymer case seems to be durable enough to withstand most LE related tasks. I threw it down with the handcuffs in it several times and it did not break. One of my co-workers wore it and rolled over it during firearms training so it can take a beating. There is a handcuff key stored on the back of the case, ensuring that you always have a key.

The ASP S-100 handcuffs are a solid and will hold up to everday abuse on the road. {Photo: Jason Mosher]

I noticed during firearms training; the case opened as the button was pushed while rolling around on the ground. I’m not sure if this was from the ground or pushed by the body armor I was wearing. This could be an issue if a Law Enforcement Officer were to get into a scuffle with a suspect and the button gets pressed. The handcuffs could be released and fall out. That would be of some concern, however, that is also not completely uncommon with other types of handcuff cases out there.

One thing I like about the hard Exo case is that it can be cleaned much easier than other cases. After firearms training, there was dirt everywhere, which was easily cleaned due to the open design of the case.

The handcuff case/holder can be taken on and off the belt in a matter of seconds. It keeps the handcuffs from closing too far while wearing on your belt. [Photo: Jason Mosher]

What the Exo-S case does that others do not

Nothing is more annoying than having to mess with your handcuffs because the bow has moved or gotten hung up. With that in mind, I like the carrier design of the Exo-S case because it prevents the bows from moving. This happens often in other cases. You want the handcuffs to always remain in a “pre-load” configuration. This means when you pull them out, they are ready to put on someone’s wrists. If they get squeezed too tight in the holster, they are harder to put on.

Another benefit of the Exo case is that you can attach it to MOLLE instead of a belt. Many agencies now allow officers to carry their gear on an outer carrier vest to keep weight off their back. Being able to move the case means you won’t have to buy more than one case.

ASP Sentry Cuffs

Now on to the Sentry Cuffs chain link handcuffs from ASP. The beefy pair of cuffs are a little heavier than the aluminum models, but they do feel strong. I currently carry a pair of aluminum cuffs and the ASP Sentry Cuffs are much heavier than that pair. But the ASP Sentry Cuffs are by no means the heaviest pair of handcuffs that I have used either.

I noticed that the ASP Sentry Cuffs have an ambidextrous keyhole, that is always a positive for me. I can’t say I like it when the keyhole is on one side only because this makes it hard to unlock them at times. Anyone who has been in the Law Enforcement knows the keyhole is always on the wrong side. Just this feature helps make the Sentry Cuffs stand apart.

Along with the keyhole, the ASP Sentry Cuffs also have an ambidextrous double lock actuator as well. You can double lock them and unlock them from either side of the cuffs.

ASP placed the key-hole and double locking feature on both sides of the S-100 handcuffs. [Photo: Jason Mosher]

Compared to the pair that I currently carry, the Sentry Cuff’s hinge moves with far more ease. I didn’t realize how much friction was on my current pair until I compared them with the ASP Sentry Cuffs. My current pair has a rivet that fastens the single strand with the double strand. But ASP uses a roller bearing pivot, which makes the swing smoother.

Worthy for law enforcement?

Overall, I think that the ASP Exo-S case is a good option to use. The case was comfortable and easy to access the cuffs when needed. I like that the case is designed to keep the cuffs in the “ready” position and doesn’t allow them to close inside the case.

Another feature I really like is the quick release belt attachment, which makes it easy to move the case when needed. They are practical for use in Law Enforcement as they are easy to use, and durable. When you factor in the price, the Exo-S case and ASP Sentry Cuffs are a better option than many other handcuffs on the market.

Who is Travis Cole?

Travis Cole is a veteran law enforcement officer that has served in many roles during his career. Travis gradutated fro Eastern Gateway Community College where he earned a degree in law enforcement. He currently serves as a Captain in his agency and continues to fight crime and train new officers entering the field. When he is not wearing a uniform, he enjoys coaching basketball and cooking out with his family.