Badge Reels

One of the most ingenius id accessory is the retractable badge reel. This gadget revolutionized the id supplies industry. It allowed people to display their id cards without the hassle of detaching the card for scanning or security inspection. With a badge reel, a gentle tug extends the id card to a range of about 2 feet. Let go of the id card and it retracts back to your badge reel.

Most badge reels on the market are round shaped. While it makes sense that a badge reel would be round with a round reel inside, it is not the ideal shape for custom printing logos.

One way to stand out in the crowd when everyone is using round badge reels is to just be square. It can also be easier to accomodate certain logos or text on a square badge reel.

Show off the inner workings of your badge reel by choosing a translucent badge reel. There's no need to hide the magic happening inside your badge reels.

Make your badge reels shine like jewelry by choosing a badge reel with a chrome finish. Why choose a solid color, when you can go chrome?

The average badge reel may not hold up against careless use or heavier loads. Sometimes you may need a heavy duty badge reel that uses a wire or chain instead of a nylon cord.

Normal badge reels use a vinyl strap clip to attach your id card to the badge reel. In a reinforced badge reel, the vinyl strap is manufactured with criss-crossing threads that add strength and durability to the strap.

Most badge reels clip onto your belt with a slide type belt clip or a sping clip. While this keeps them secure for light usage, it is not very secure if you have to use your badge reel frequently. A carabiner badge reel provides a much more secure attachment.

Another way to keep badge reels more securely attached is to use a swivel back badge reel. The swivel back allows the badge reel to rotate as you pull on your id card. This prevents the badge reel from falling off when you pull the opposite direction of the clip.

A smart reel is like a tape measure. It automatically retracts, but it also has a button to lock the cord at a set length. Press the button again and the cord is released and retracts. Sometimes you just don't want the reel to automatically retract.

Most people prefer to attach a badge reel to their belt, but that is not always possible. Sometimes you may need to attach the badge reel to a lanyard worn around your neck. You can either buy a badge reel with a lanyard already attached or you can buy a badge reel with a lanyard slot to attach to your own lanyards.