New Baton Material

For the past several years we’ve been using PVC pipe with caps and a radiator hose clamp for the baton. After a visit to Trusty Cook’s factory, (described in an earlier Blog) a better solution emerged: Polyurethane. This is the same material that is used to make the dead-blow shot mallets. Unlike PVC, it will not break when dropped. Plus, the color runs through the entire thickness so they require no maintenance. They are virtually indestructible.

The prototypes were used at the FDIC event and several suggestions were made for improvement and incorporated into the current design. With a square design, the radiator hose clamp is removed. This is good because the stainless steel tail was sharp and could cut the ungloved hand or turnout coats. The square design will not roll. The overall length is the same ≈12” (30cm). The weight is 9 ounces.

When we see an opportunity to improve the Firefighter Combat Challenge, we do so, especially when there are no negatives and only improvements in safety. It would be foolish to wait until next year when the clear benefits to everyone could be made immediately.

We are ordering up a supply and will sell these for $20 in the store as soon as they are made available.