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Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2


Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2

Overview : The RS-Sport-2 is the latest in BlackRapid’s line of R-Straps. A slimmer version of our popular RS-Sport strap, the RS-Sport-2 combines the extra stability of a built-in underarm strap with a lower-profile pad. It’s perfect for active shoots when that bit of extra security is needed.

The BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Extreme Sport Strap is designed to hold and keep an SLR camera and lens steady in even the most strenuous shooting situations. Slide the camera up the strap to grab that perfect shot. The strap has an under arm safety tether that keeps the camera secure. It includes a CR-2 connector-2, FR-3 fastener-3 and a BRAD MOD that secures the camera to the strap.

Features :
  • The RS-Sport-2 will keep your gear safe and steady, even in the most strenuous situations
  • Slide your camera up the strap to grab the perfect shot
  • With it's sturdy design and under-arm safety tether, the RS-Sport-2 isn't going anywhere, even if you are.
  • Slim Design

Quality/Usability : This review will be more of a comparison review to see what is the difference between the original RS-Sport and the new RS-Sport 2. For our full review on the original RS-Sport, go HERE.

People have asked, "Which is better?", "Which should I get?" or "How does it feel?". We're here to help answer any questions or concerns that you might have and to be your eyes before you purchase.

Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2

Right off the bat, the RS-Sport 2 looks exactly like its older brother, the RS-Sport, but slightly different. First thing you'll notice is the size. The new RS-Sport 2 is smaller and has a thinner width. It comes with the FastenR-3 and ConnectR-3 as well as the BRAD underarm mod. But how does it feel? Since there is less padding, I definitely don't notice it as much as the RS-Sport. Even though its thinner, it still feels comfortable. With the smaller size, it looks less noticeable. Despite the size difference, the padding has the same thickness to provide the same level of comfort.

Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2 Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2

As stated before, the design is pretty much similar except for size. The images below is a comparison of the front and back between the RS-Sport (left) and RS-Sport 2 (right).

Front :
Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2 Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2

Back :
Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2 Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2

The purpose of the BRAD (BlackRapid Arm Defense) mod is designed to give a more secure fit during those action packed shoots. Worn under the arm, the BRAD will make sure that your strap stays put, right where you like it. I'm not the type of person that likes things under my armpit. I'm sure there are others that feel the same. Honestly, once you have the strap on, you don't notice it. If it really bothers you, you can remove it from the strap. The BRAD definitely keeps your camera from moving. For example, during a friends BBQ, I used the bumpers to lock my camera in place by my side. In one hand, I was holding a drink and catching/throwing a frisbee with the other hand. When I had to pick up the frisbee off the ground, my camera not only stayed in place thanks to the bumpers but the strap did not shift because I had the BRAD mod strapped on. If I did not have it, the camera would of swung in front of me or worse, to the ground.

Something that I didn't notice right away was the BRAD mod strap. The size is definitely shorter on the RS-Sport 2 version. With the BRAD mod on the original RS-Sport, there was a lot of excess webbing. With the newer BRAD mod there isn't. This is good because you won't have extra webbing coming lose and dangling. However, if you're big person, there might not be enough. Is this a new design for the BRAD mod or just something for the RS-Sport 2? This is something we'll have to ask BlackRapid and get an accurate answer (response from BlackRapid below).

Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2 Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Slim Camera Sling Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2

Conclusion : Overall, the BlackRapid RS-Sport 2 Camera Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2 works just as good as the original RS-Sport. Although the size is smaller, the thickness of the padding has stayed the same as well as the price ($69.95). With the smaller size, it was less noticeable on the shoulder when worn and didn't move as much when I lifted my shoulder. If I lifted up my arm up, you can hear/see the RS-Sport move towards closer to my neck since its close to the edge of my shoulder and the strap is wider. Where as with the RS-Sport 2, it sat further in on my shoulder and did not move too much. Even though both moved, I didn't have to adjust it.

The shorter BRAD mod strap may be a downfall for bigger photographers. There was approximately 5" left on the shorter BRAD strap and 9" on the older BRAD strap.

So the $1 million question is, which would I keep, get or suggest? It's a though decision. Both RS-Sports feel great but if I really had a choice, I would choose the RS-Sport 2 based on the fact that it's smaller. But your decision should be based on your body frame. If you have a small body frame, RS-Sport or RS-Sport 2 would do fine but if you have an average build or bigger, RS-Sport is highly recommended.


RESPONSE FROM BLACKRAPID:
The RS-Sport comes with the original built-in BRAD. The RS-Sport 2 comes with a shorter built-in BRAD. The original BRAD can also be purchased separately to add on to any R-Strap you already have.

The design of the RS-Sport 2 is sized down all around specifically with people with smaller body builds in mind. For example, for an average build man or woman, we recommend the RS-Sport. For a petite woman or small-framed man, we recommend the RS-Sport 2 so that the length of the straps are not too long, or the padding too thick on the shoulder area. The same for our RS DR-1 and RS DR-2 systems.


Manufacturer: BlackRapid
Site:
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