which control description holder?

[InvisibilityEquipped]

I'm new to orienteering, having done 2 events, and want to get a control description holder. I've had a look at what's available and have seen 3 basic styles - classic (one strap), two straps, and tube. Just after some comments about what everyone prefers and why as I'm not sure which to choose.

Thanks!

[madmike]

Having tried numerous over the years my preference is for the 2 straps in this style:

I also have one of the tube/velcro style but find the 2 strapper is more comfortable. One strappers are a bit less comfortable and convenient for me and the plastic one strappers that go around (rather than along) the arm don't seem to last long (work-hardening).

If you have time go to a largish event go and try them on and talk theoptions through with a trader (both Ian - Ultrasport and Rick - Compasspoint have a good selections.

For me the 2 strapper along the arm is best but I suggest you give em all a try before buying.

[Gross]

Transparent packing tapes works perfectly

[madmike]

These are the one that I found didn't last long - extra couple of quid for type above is worth it in the long run.

[Mrs H]

Just to present the balanced view - I prefer the one strap version that Madmike refers to because the control descriptions are presented at an angle easier to read. when I use the two strap (because I've had to give the other to one of my ill-equiped children) I find I have to turn my head sideways to read them I havn't had a wear issue BUT if you are young or habitually do very long courses you might find they are not big enough to hold long control descriptions,

[EddieH]

You might struggle for a long enough holder if you are on course A at the Moray Mix this weekend - there are 46 controls

[Nottinghamshire outlaw]

My home made one is inexpensive, long lasting and can be tailored to whatever length you need - needs a towelling wrist band, couple of safety pins, good quality plastic (of the sort which were used for map bags before waterproof paper!) and some insulating tape.

[IanD]

I don't think there is a consensus on this, which is why both styles have been on sale for a long time. Some people prefer to read along their arm, some across it.

My personal preference is for the cross-arm style that MadMike has illustrated, and I find they last long enough - I probably buy two a year and I do a lot of events. However, there are two variants of this style, one has an extra piece of plastic to keep the main descriptions holder slightly off the arm, and I much prefer this variant.

If the descriptions are too long to fit in, I tear them in half, putting one above the other in the holder (with the earlier descriptions on top obviously). I leave a corner of the top half sticking out, and then just pull it out when I get to the second half of the course.

I would echo the advice to talk to one of the traders and try them on - or make your own to suit your own preferences.

[Ernie_Wise]

I have always used the cross arm style (second picture) with a wrist sweatband. However, long control descriptions have always been an issue and I have never had a solution until now, thanks Ian!!

[Blonde bombshell]

I agree, an ingenious solution. But what do you do with the half you pull out? Tuck it in your trousers?!

[LostAgain]

If the descriptions are too long to fit in, I tear them in half, putting one above the other in the holder (with the earlier descriptions on top obviously). I leave a corner of the top half sticking out, and then just pull it out when I get to the second half of the course.

Great advice/idea , a problem that all who do the Sbrown, Brown or Black courses suffer from and other courses when the planner has used enlarged fonts.

What do you do with the piece of paper you pull out?

Only issue is occassionally it is wet,sweat or rain and then I suspect top and bottom sheets will stick together. Nice idea though .

[andy]

Cross arm; fold descriptions in half, flip the holder when you've done half the controls, works for me!

[madmike]

I find I have to turn my head sideways to read them

May be a bit radical but you could move your arm

[NFKleanne]

I've had one for 2 years now - when it gets sweaty and horrible I stick it on the wash with my O trainers - still seems fine!

Its OLP classic -

The twins have them too - they prefer them to the wrist ones as the velcro is more secure, as the tie slid through the hole.

[roadrunner]

I use one of the two-strap types as in madmike's first posting - but sometimes it can be difficult to slide the descriptions into it and get it back on your arm, especially if it's been folded in half in storage.