New ASP Handcuffs

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

Unfortunately these handcuffs are easy to shim (no "anti-shim" feature or close tolerance), and picking the single & double-locks is incredibly easy, even for a beginner.
To make matters worse, as Joe says above - the keyhole is on BOTH sides. This is meant for "officer convenience"....but instead - two keyholes defeats "officer safety" by allowing a prisoner to access either keyhole.
IMHO this is a poorly made/designed handcuff...and Peerless and S&W have nothing to fear.

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

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I agree with Joe Fox: In addition, they do not fit in a standard handcuff case. Discount Handcuffs is currently out of stock. Check the web site before ordering.
Stan

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

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I have a couple of the new ASP handcuffs available, which might be interesting for fellow collectors in Europe. In case you are interested please drop me a line by email.

Best wishes,

Michael

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

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Just watched a short video of an officer popping his Asp handcuffs off with a pocket knife and about 2 seconds worth of effort.

Email me if you want a copy of the Media Player file, it's down right scary.

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

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Saw the video - my department sent it out as an "officer safety" alert. I called ASP. They say the lock has been redesigned and all current production cuffs are not so easily pickable. They are offering a replacement for officers that send their original production cuffs in which I am planning on doing.

That said, anyone that cuffs someone the way it is shown in the video has lots more things to worry about than their handcuffs. I don't believe even the original production models are pickable when double locked (the cuffs in the video are not double locked - look at the red indicator). Obviously if you let someone get to something they can pick these cuffs with due to a sloppy search, they could just as easily retrieve a hand cuff key.

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

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Hello to all, first things first. The short clip of the officer picking the new ASP cuffs lock is very deceptive for numerous reasons. First, the cuffs can only be picked on either cuff through the centered keyhole, which I noticed he made sure was facing out. Next, the cuffs are not double locked. It is not possible to pick them with a pocket knife when they are. We tried. Numerous times. We even used a "resident expert". Third, the knife used was a very pointed blade model. We were unable to get a regular Benchmade or Spyderco Police model in far enough to trip the lock. Lastly, who handcuffs to the front anyway, and gives the suspect a knife?
Incidentally, the "resident expert" was able to unlock the following cuffs, not double locked, in almost the exact same manner, using the same cheap pointed blade knife, a paperclip, and an ink pen. The Smith model 100's, Peerless 300,500,and 700's. American N-100 and Hiatts old style, with the triple retention springs also fell. He was not able to pick the newer Hiatts with the six tooth pawl, nor the Peerless model 400 and Smith model 90's. The Yuil handcuffs were very impressive and he did not even get remotely close. Remember, none of these were double locked.
Basically, what I am saying is I feel the new ASP cuffs have some excellent new features. They are sturdy, easy to apply, and if used properly with correct tactics, a great new tool for police officers. I tire when reading opinions of collectors and "escape artists" who critique how easy it will be to pick the cuffs, or shim them. Any cop worth his salt could apply any name brand cuff to such "experts" and search them, and I am confident there would be no lock picking. There is no magic box nor audience on the streets. The ASP cuffs were designed for easy application to combative subjects. Like the instructions read, they are dsigned for real world situations.
The new cuffs do have some bugs to work out. I am also annoyed that the only cuff cases we have found so far to fit them are made by Safariland and Tex Shoemaker, both rather pricey adventures. The old style cuff strap works well.
Warren, even though ASP says it will replace your current cuffs with new ones, I would suggest hanging onto them. Put them in the original packaging and someday they might be worth something as a collectible. Buy a pair of the improved model. The first run of new cuffs usually has some glitches, and thus not that many get made. Refer to the Peerless 400 and Smith model 200 hinged cuffs.
Just my 2 cents and some change back's worth,
Tim1

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

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I just received ny new Asp cuffs, they are of high quality. The only problem is they are about an inch bigger then traditional Hyatts, Peerless or Smith and Wesson cuffs, they do not fit in my cuff case. Has anyone found a cuff case they fit in?

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

Click to expand...

Hi Tim - interesting "real world" points of view re: the use of these handcuffs. However,wouldn't you agree that having a keyhole on BOTH sides of each cuff...greatly jeopordizes 'officer-safety'? It totally now defeats the whole "keyhole away from the fingers" mode of application. (i.e. let's give a prisoner not one, but two keyholes to access no matter how the handcuffs are put on). True, I am not a police officer, but it seems to me that having a keyhole on both sides of the cuffs - is a serious security blunder...no matter how "improved" the actual locking mechanism may be in the future. Further, these cuffs take a standard key...if a restricted key was issued, then I might even consider the two keyholes to not be as serious a matter...but that is not the case.
But--if the prisoner is PROPERLY searched, cuffed palms outwards,and NOT left unattended...then, in the perfect world these cuffs would suffice. More real-world 'field testing' of these handcuffs is needed. Until then, I'll remain skeptical, but open-minded.

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

Click to expand...

Good Evening Joseph,
Skeptical is good, open minded is a good companion. I agree that the performance of the new cuffs will definately be judged on street encounters, and am also curious as to see how these do in some of the bigger cities where criminals might be more advanced in working cuffs. The main reason the double keyholes don't bother me personally is because I have been through several different handcuffung Instructor's courses where the theories of the postion of the keyholes are actually in conflict with each other.
The PPCT Defensive handcuffing actually instructs the officer to cuff with the keyholes facing OUTWARDS, towards the hands. This course is very centered around officer safety, and the reasoning is when uncuffing, you lean the suspect forward, bringing his hands back together and unlock the cuffs pulling the cuffs to you. Any resistance, and all you have to do is pull the arms up and down he goes. The Tactical handcuffing taught by IAPT still teaches the keyholes away from thee hands, in theory to make picking the locks harder. It is also more vulnerable to assault while uncuffing, and one PPCT trainer had us actually be cuffed behind the back, with a hidden key, and get ourselves out. I found it easier to get the key in the lock with the keyholes facing away, because I could push the key against the cuff until I found the keyhole rather than try to poke it in holding it with the keyway with it facing outward, which was thought to be the best way for years. Try it sometime, it was rather enlightening.
This this rather long explnation of why the double keyways don't seem that big an issue to me. Either technique works just fine, but again, if someone has hidden a key, they will probably save a few seconds because of the dual keyways.
Frank, so far, I have found a couple of cuff cases that do work, the Shoemaker 204 will hold them after some forming, and G&G makes a case for the Smith model 1 that also fits. I have been carrying mine on a cuff starp that I used to carry a pait of Hiatts UL1 cuffs on. The open top cases by G&G and Don Hume for hinge will also work. I have not had any luck with any Safariland case yet without tearing that plastic stuff they are made of.
Oh Shawn, the packet arrived. Thank you muchly, I have thus far not managed to get much open and broke the shorter double lock shim in a pair of Smith 100's. Totally my fault, I am going to have to learn finesse' and patience, as I discovered brute force does not work. They did work beautifully on the 300's, and thus got me a little too confident, and off I went tackling things far beyond my abilities. But, that is how we learn, right
Be Safe, whatever you do in this world.
Tim

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

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I have bought 2 pair of these. The first pair I bought the entire insides came out after the first day. The second pair cracked when I dropped them. We also found out that if you are using a waist chair to transport a prisoner, the prisoner can insert the brass tip and split the cuffs. These are not a good quality item and should not be used for any real law enforcement purposes.

I just received my first pair of the new ASP handcuffs. Since cuffs made in the USA are pretty rare, they are worth noting here. ASP bought out the American Handcuff Co., but their new cuffs have little similarity to the American Handcuff line.



The cuffs have several truly new features. First the two cuffs are the same, no left versus right hand. Normally this would put one key hole on each side of the cuffs, but these cuffs have key holes on both sides. They are off set from each other, one to the side the other toward the middle. They are metal cuffs, but they have a polymer covering, black plastic in the example shown here, but yellow and possibly other colors are coming. The double lock is a via a slot like the S&W cuffs. The bar is red so you can see if the cuffs have been double locked. Another difference from the norm, the bottom of the swivel has a flat spot.

The cuffs seem to be of high quality. In any case from a collecting viewpoint it is nice to see something different.

I bought mine from the Discount Handcuff Warehouse.
http://www.handcuffwarehouse.com/

Joe

Click to expand...

Hi guys,
I do a lot of DT and impact weapon instruction. As such, I have three different tactical thigh rigs set up. All three are built around the Safariland 6004 Special Ops holster and Bianchi Accu-Mold equipement. They're set up slightly differently depending on what I'm teaching. But they all use the Accu-Mold 7300 Cuff case. I did some checking on my own and found that the ASP cuffs do fit into the 7300 double cuff case, but who wants to sit on two double cuff cases? That led to a phone call to Bianchi. It turns out the ASP cuffs fit into a 7300 Accu-Mold case currently available for the Peerless hinged cuffs. The Bianchi part number is 23013. That's the ticket for me, two on order!

Stay safe,
Gabe