Occidental Leather5055 Stronghold Suspension System

I chose this model because it came with rivets to set the straps in place once it’s been adjusted.I read several reviews about the difficulty level of adjusting the straps, and while they are stiff it really wasn’t difficult at all. I actually think the clasps are better than the average buckle or strap style. I’m 5’9” and I had no problems getting them adjusted to my height and I can still raise or lower them several inches if ever needed. Super comfy and distributes the weight evenly. Absolutely love them and we’ll worth the money.

These are simply a great product from a great company. You cannot go wrong with occidental leather. I also own the sheepskin lined leather tool belt, and this is the perfect addition. My toolbelt was not designed to go with these suspenders so they did require some minor modification in order to use them. My pouches do not have a continous belt so the loops that the suspenders come with do not just slide on. I had to drill out the rivits on the loops and drill some holes in my pouches and rivit the metal part of the loop to my pouches. I placed the rivits slightly out of center as to favor my left-side pouches. I use that side more so it is very convienient. All the other guys on the site are extremely jealous. These pouches (combined with my tool belt) scream "Professional". They are a little stiff in the beginning but feel incredibly durable. I had already started to experience some severe lower back pain at times and these suspenders really take the pressure off of the lower back. My lower back dosen't feel as fatigued at the end of the day and it actually seems to make my upper back and shoulders stronger. They feel worked-out, but in a good way.One piece of advice is to follow the instructions. They come with a pair of screw rivits to affix the leather straps to the canvas material near the middle back area. This is so that black part of the harness does not slide back or forth on the leather straps. WEAR THEM FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, before securing the straps with the screw rivits. It just takes a little while to determine exactly where you want them.

I just started my first union job. I have the occidental bags, all leather. The leather belt was killing me my first day, my waist was totally bruised because they weren’t broken in. The straps help immensely and I no longer am in pain.Something about owning the Occidentals makes me feel more confident about being a carpenter, I look like a carpenter and feel like a carpenter. I’m doing shoring right now, it’s physically demanding so a good set of bags is a must. The build quality is impeccable, these I’m sure will last years, and I’ve heard their customer service is incredible, they’ll fix em for you. I can’t wait until they’re broken in, these bags are a game changer.

First of all I’m 5’10 225# so I’d figure I’m average size maybe a little fat, that being said the adjustment was a little rough I ended up having to punch a few holes past where the factory holes stopped but the unit is very very high quality and with time I imagine the leather will form to me more and be spot on. Happy with my purchase would recommend to anyone with back and hip problems in the trades I’ve had a back surgery and hip surgery so I’m excited to see how these help with my tool belt weight

I cried when I forked over the $$ for these, but when I started to use them...They really work and work well. I have been using them for eight years, usually five days a week. My previous suspenders were the nylon clipons. I was always tugging at them. One side would be slack, or the other. Never comfortable.These are very comfortable and well built. After the break in period, I fastened the straps to the yoke with binder posts (included). I am 6'0 and wear the bags not at waist level, but below the pants belt (like a gun belt).I normally wear the Stronghold Framer bags with built-in suspender rings.However, I have five other Occidental bag systems plus some non-Oxy systems. I have the suspender loop kits on all of these, secured with binder posts (Home Depot).The suspenders move from bag to bag as needed. On the left strap I have a pair of pot magnets bolted down. They are superb for holding fasteners and nails. Nice to have a place to put that screw when you are 12' a ladder in a shirt with no pockets. On the right strap I have a Home Depot pencil pull yo-yo (what a great device!) with a half pencil. Grab, mark, release.

It was comfortable for working in front or below myself but found overhead work to be uncomfortable no matter how I adjusted the yoke. The padding on the yoke is very stiff and would dig into my neck when lifting my arms up at or past my shoulders. I’m an electrician by trade and my work consists of lots of overhead work. Would like to see softer cushioning on the yoke itself. I do like the design of it and being able to get it on and off easier than the all leather suspenders which is what I ended up getting instead and found to be better for overhead work. I also like the built in d-ring for hanging up at the end of the work day.

This was a replacement to one that I had terrorized for years, cutting it up and abusing it. I wouldn’t have any other set up than Occidental. I also bought the belt that goes with it the stronghold belt I believe. The bags I have are still good after eight years and I don’t take care of them either so good Quality stuff. I would give six stars if allowed.

Was the perfect match to my Occidental Leather tool bags. Holds the bags perfectly, don’t even have to tighten the belt up.