Let’s Dive into Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee
The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee might seem like a small piece of gear, but in the world of duty belts and tactical setups, these seemingly minor components can make or break your efficiency and comfort. I’ve spent over a decade fine-tuning my loadouts, always searching for that perfect balance between accessibility, security, and comfort. This sliding dee is designed to attach to your duty belt and allow for connection of a shoulder strap, potentially easing the burden of a heavy loadout.
My journey to discover this particular piece began when I started experiencing shoulder strain from my fully loaded duty belt during extended patrol shifts. The weight distribution was off, and I needed a solution to transfer some of that load to my shoulders without compromising quick access to my essential gear. I was hoping that this dee would provide a sturdy and reliable anchor point for a shoulder strap, effectively redistributing the weight and easing the pressure on my hips.
The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was that the leather felt substantial, and the stitching appeared clean and robust, indicating a solid build. The brass hardware looked durable and promised a secure attachment to my belt.
I considered options from Bianchi and Safariland. Ultimately, I chose the Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee based on its reputation for quality leather goods and the straightforward design that seemed less prone to failure. I was hoping for a simple, durable solution and my initial impressions were hopeful.
I felt cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed good, but only real-world use would determine if this little piece of leather could truly make a difference in my comfort and efficiency on duty.
Real-World Testing: Putting Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee during a standard patrol shift in an urban environment. My duty belt was loaded with my usual assortment of gear: handgun, spare magazines, OC spray, handcuffs, radio, and a multi-tool. The temperatures were mild, but there was a light drizzle.
The immediate difference was noticeable. Attaching a shoulder strap to the Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee distributed the weight more evenly across my upper body, reducing the pressure points on my hips and lower back. I found that the sliding mechanism allowed for a good range of motion, without feeling excessively restrictive.
Initially, I struggled a little to adjust the dee to the optimal position on my belt, finding it tended to creep forward after sitting down in the car. I was concerned about the leather getting too wet from the rain, but I wiped it down after each vehicle use. After a few minor adjustments, the positioning improved, and the discomfort I experienced before diminished.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee has held up remarkably well. The leather has maintained its shape and the stitching remains intact, showing no signs of fraying or loosening. The brass hardware continues to function smoothly, without any corrosion or binding.
Minor scuffs and scratches have appeared on the leather, adding a bit of character. The dee has remained solid, despite repeated adjustments of placement on my belt. I have noticed that conditioning the leather monthly, with a quality leather cleaner and conditioner, seems to keep the leather soft and pliable and helps maintain its water repellency.
The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee outperforms the simple belt keepers that I had been using previously, in both comfort and weight distribution. The difference is night and day, and it has greatly improved my comfort on extended shifts.
Breaking Down the Features of Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee
Specifications
The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee is designed to snap onto a duty belt up to 2.25 inches wide, offering compatibility with most standard law enforcement and security belts. It is made of genuine top-grain leather, known for its durability and resistance to scuffs and abrasions. The hardware consists of solid brass, which is corrosion-resistant and ensures a secure connection.
These specifications are important because they ensure that the Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee can withstand the rigors of daily use in demanding environments. The leather provides the necessary strength and resilience, while the brass hardware offers reliability and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee is to provide a secure and adjustable anchor point for a shoulder strap, enabling weight distribution from the duty belt to the shoulders. It performs this function admirably, effectively reducing strain on the hips and lower back. The sliding feature allows for some freedom of movement, which is essential for maintaining agility and responsiveness.
One of the strengths is its simplicity and ease of use. The design is straightforward, and it snaps easily onto the belt. The brass hardware is reliable and secure. The main area that could use improvement is that the dee placement needs occasional adjustments to prevent it from creeping forward on the belt.
The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort and weight distribution. The initial issue with creep was resolved with belt keeper adjustments. Overall it is an excellent device.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional, with a focus on durability and reliability. The top-grain leather feels substantial and comfortable against the body. The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee is lightweight and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the duty belt.
There is virtually no learning curve to using the Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee. It is intuitive and easy to adjust on the belt. The positioning of the shoulder strap attachment point is well-placed and allows for a balanced weight distribution.
Durability & Maintenance
The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee is constructed from high-quality materials and built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. The leather can be cleaned and conditioned with standard leather care products.
Simple cleaning and conditioning is all it takes to maintain the leather, and the solid brass hardware should not require any special maintenance. The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee appears to be easily repairable, if ever necessary, with readily available tools and materials.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee doesn’t come with any accessories, as it’s a standalone component. However, its purpose is to work in conjunction with a B99 shoulder strap (sold separately), which is essential for utilizing the dee’s weight-distribution capabilities. There are no specific customization options for the dee itself.
The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee is compatible with most standard shoulder straps that feature a snap attachment.
Pros and Cons of Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee
Pros
- Provides significant relief from hip and lower back strain by distributing weight to the shoulders.
- Durable top-grain leather and solid brass hardware ensure long-lasting reliability.
- Simple and intuitive design allows for easy installation and adjustment.
- Compatible with standard duty belts and shoulder straps, providing versatility and convenience.
- Affordable price point makes it an accessible upgrade for any duty belt setup.
Cons
- Requires occasional adjustment to prevent it from sliding forward on the belt.
- Leather requires regular cleaning and conditioning to maintain its appearance and water repellency.
Who Should Buy Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee?
The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who carries a heavy duty belt for extended periods. Those who experience discomfort or strain from their duty belts will benefit most from the weight distribution provided by this product. It’s also a great option for individuals who work in physically demanding environments and need to maintain agility and responsiveness.
Those who prefer a minimalist setup, or who do not carry a significant amount of weight on their duty belt, might not find this product necessary. People who are unwilling to regularly care for leather gear should probably skip this product.
A compatible B99 shoulder strap is a must-have accessory to fully utilize the Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee.
Conclusion on Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee
The Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee is a small but mighty piece of gear that can make a significant difference in the comfort and efficiency of anyone who carries a duty belt. It’s a well-made, durable, and affordable solution to the problem of weight distribution, and it performs its intended function admirably. Despite the need for occasional adjustment, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
The price of $11.11 is more than justified, considering the relief from strain and potential long-term health benefits. This dee has become an essential part of my duty gear.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Gould & Goodrich Sliding Dee to anyone looking to improve their duty belt setup. Invest in your comfort and well-being and give it a try.