Mixing brands

[CAL]

My duty belt, dual mag pouch, and cuff case are leather made by Gould & Goodrich (thanks Ferret). I'm of course still needing to buy other things such as an additional cuff pouch, baton holder, etc. and some of what I am finding that I like is made by other manufacturers. I'm concerned that if I mix and match that the colors, etc. will not look the same and my duty rig will look like a patchwork quilt. What do you guys think - do I have to stick with G&G or will it be fine to get pouches, etc. from other manufacturers?

[Broke Hoss]

I can't remember, did you go with brown? If so, be cautious, cause manufacturers use different dyes & stamping tools. Brown really seems to show the differences more. I found this out when buying a holster.

If you're wearing black, it won't make near the difference. I prefer my cuff cases to be the same; but my gear is made up of various brands.

[CAL]

No, it's all black leather.

[Broke Hoss]

Shouldn't make that much of a difference then. I prefer to keep my cuff cases looking uniform, but that's just my OCD. Be sure to go for function, what works for you first; then appearance.

[CAL]

I already have a closed top cuff pouch but I think I want to get an open top one for the front of my belt.

[Feet]

Most of the manufacturers are pretty close. Just make sure you get teh same type of finishes. There are some different synthetic ones that look like leather but they are noticeably different.
Worst case scenario, put all your shit on then roll around in the grass for a few minutes to "blend" it in.
ha.:thup:

[DD78]

The key with black finish is to make sure that the button arrangement is the same. Not that it matters a whole lot, it's just my uniformity OCD. All my snappable stuff is silver button. You can also find black button, concealed button, and gold button.

My department policy states that duty gear must be flat black with either concealed button or silver button for Patrolmen. Supervisors and detectives (if in uniform) wear concealed button or gold button gear.

However in the department the next town over they all wear gold button or concealed button. In one of the other border towns they wear black glossy with silver buttons, and in yet another they wear silver button basketweave.

Mixing manufacturers with gloss or flat black shouldn't be a problem. Don't mix finishes though (flat, gloss, basketweave).

[Reno911]

If it's open more crap (I mean foreign objects) can get inside. Same with the holster. My holster is closed on the bottom because I ride. It helps to keep stuff from getting up into it. The down side is that when dirt or sand get in from the top it doesn't fall out the bottom. I blow it out with an air compressor a couple of times a week.

[Shadowcop92]

I go with open top cuff cases and all is clarino, but mixing will not hurt as my brothers here have said. I keep ny case on the left side same spot all the time so that they are there when I need to get them.

[DD78]

If it's open more crap (I mean foreign objects) can get inside. Same with the holster. My holster is closed on the bottom because I ride. It helps to keep stuff from getting up into it. The down side is that when dirt or sand get in from the top it doesn't fall out the bottom. I blow it out with an air compressor a couple of times a week.

Getting foreign objects may be a problem in your job/jurisdiction, but it isn't in mine. I've never had that problem. I don't ride a bike either though.

[Feet]

If it's open more crap (I mean foreign objects) can get inside. Same with the holster. My holster is closed on the bottom because I ride midgets. It helps to keep stuff from getting up into it. The down side is that when dirt or sand get in from the top it doesn't fall out the bottom. I blow it out with an air compressor a couple of times a week.

Fixed it.

I have the open bottom holster to let rain, dirt fall through. I prefer all hidden-snap stuff too. It looks better IMHO.
I do not like all the shiny buttons on my crap, it just mesmerizes the crackheads and draws stoners towards you like a moth to a flame.:thdn: