~ This article was written by apprentice carpenter Luke Thacker – at Concord Carpenter LLC

Diamondback “The Seven” Deluxe Vest System

Manufacturer: Diamondback
Model number: “The Seven” Deluxe Vest
Price: 579.00

As an apprentice, my mentors are always pushing efficiency. Efficiency is key in our line of work, and finding tools that not only make the job easier but also reduce strain on our bodies is paramount. So I am always looking for the best, most efficient ways to make my job easier, allowing me to produce a better product, while putting less stress on my body.

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to test out Diamondback’s “The Seven” Deluxe Vest System. This system combines the 701 vest, two pouches called the MULE and the SxS (side by side), a hammer holster, and a flat bar holster.

Key Features of “the Seven” Tool Vest Include:

• Lightweight nylon mesh
• Integrated Tightening-Adjustable Belt
• Shock-absorbing elastic back
• 6 Front Attachment Points
• 6 Rib/Hip Tightening Adjustment Straps
• Hook & Loop Adjustable Shoulder Straps
• Storage Loop
• Lumbar/Shoulder Support Pads

First Impressions

Initially, I didn’t expect much more from the vest than additional pockets—which, of course, are always helpful. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s not often you hear a contractor in their prime complaining about back and hip issues. Yet, with traditional waist belts, I could feel the strain on my body after a long day’s work. Bruises on the hips and lower back pain were all too familiar. But after just one day wearing “The Seven” vest, the weight distribution alone made a noticeable difference, relieving the usual discomfort.

Other Benefits of “The Seven” Vest:

• More pockets
• Hammer and catspaw/flat bar holsters
• Speed square slot
• Plenty of places to hook tools

These features set “The Seven” vest apart from traditional tool belts. No longer do I have to cram multiple tools into one pouch due to lack of space. With “The Seven” vest, there’s ample room for all my tools and then some. The addition of holsters for the hammer and catspaw/flat bars was a game-changer. No more hammer smacking against my legs or tools constantly falling out of my bag. The speed square slot also eliminates the hassle of juggling it with other tools. And with numerous spots to hang tools, the vest offers unmatched convenience on the job

Setting up “The Seven” Deluxe Vest System

Setup and Sizing Setting up my tools in “The Seven” vest was a breeze, taking only 15 minutes. The vest’s sizing, with options for M/L and XL, accommodates a wide range of body types.

The sizing of the 701 vest:

The vest is the carry system for the tool bags and accessories, sizing is important as you want this vest to be able to zip over summer and winter clothing.

• The M/L Vest fits waist, torso, and chest sizes 32-44.
• XL fits waist, torso, and chest sizes 42-52.

Despite initial concerns about the waist size (I’m a 30”), the fit with work clothing was perfect. Plus, the vest’s comfortable design ensures no itching or discomfort, even during long hours on the job.

Areas for Improvement

My boss, [Rob]  always asks the question, “how can we improve this process? How can we be better?” In reality, “The Seven” vest leaves little room for improvement, though there are a couple of minor details worth noting:

• Pouches on the front of the vest can sometimes drop bits, sharpies, pencils, and more.
• Adjustable straps may loosen more often than desired.

With the straps, I find myself occasionally re-tightening them to keep them snug, this is really not a deal breaker, but it is a maintenance issue to keep the vest tight to my body. Both Rob [my boss] and Dan [lead carpenter] on our team have also noticed this issue on these vests. Maybe Diamondback can add in something to restrict slippage.

Pricing and Availability

The retail price for “The Seven” Deluxe Vest System is $579 on Diamondback’s website. While it’s a significant investment, the durability and functionality of this system make it well worth the cost for any serious contractor.

When spread over a year, this investment averages out to just $11 per week. If you’re eyeing this tool vest with envy but find the price daunting, consider making small adjustments to your daily expenses. For instance, bringing lunch from home or opting for a travel mug instead of buying coffee can free up funds to afford the vest. Take control of your future; stop letting envy hold you back.

Final Thoughts

It’s only been a few weeks since I started using “The Seven” vest, but I can’t see myself going back to traditional tool belts. Diamondback has truly outdone themselves with this product. The quality and materials ensure a superior product, unmatched by any other brand. As a contractor, having an advanced tool belt like this not only improves performance but also positively impacts my body, promising greater longevity in the trade.

Thank you for reading my first-ever review! I’m excited to continue supporting the advancement of the trades and the #KeepCraftAlive movement.

~Luke Thacker, Apprentice Carpenter on Concord Carpenter Team

Diamondback “The Seven” Deluxe Vest System Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

DiamondBack GRRande Tool Bag System

Diamondback The GRRande

Manufacturer: Diamondback
Model number: GRRande
Price: 454.00

What is more important to a contractor? A better fitting, evenly weight distributed tool belt or a set of bags that you can load up and not have to make a bunch of trips to the reload fasteners or tools? Well, now you do not have to pick one or the other. Diamondback has developed a set of tool bags that does both! Diamondback teamed up with our buddy Kyle Stumpenhost from RRBuildings out of Illinois and created the Diamondback the GRRande.  It was his idea to have a set of bags that could meet the demands of contractors who needed to carry large diameter/quantities of fasteners and the ability to easily access them.

Our crew members have been using Diamondback Tool Belts for quite a long time. We have been evaluating the GRRande bags day in and day out on the job site for a little over a month on several deck builds.  Our decks require large diameter fasteners as well as large quantities of fasteners. Having a bag that can hold what you need, when you need it is worth its weight in gold and Diamondback is just that GOLD!!

The GRRande Break Down

The GRRande tool belt set is made up of Diamondback’s Mule bag (right), Ox bag (left), Hammer Holster, and their 6″ Belt. In total there are 8 pockets, 13 slots, and 4 loops. Additionally, we received the DB Sax, double clip slingshot, utility sheath, and gun loop. There are several other accessories, pouches, and bags you can select from on their website. From full complete bag sets, their new chest rigs, or even small clip-on pouches Diamondback has what you need for all jobs!

The GRRande on the Job

At the beginning of our day, we set out to achieve our work goals, who doesn’t right? Spending time looking for tools or reloading fasteners delays our progress in achieving this goal.  The GRRande offers us the solution of having all we need, where we need it when we need it.

Left Side Ox Bag

The framing phases of our decks require a variety of fasteners. We utilize Timberloks, Headloks, several clips of ring shank nails, hefty carriage bolts, and Thruloks to name a few. We are talking about large quantities of each.  I am right-hand dominant so I like to fill the left side of my bags with fasteners. The Ox bag has 2 large wide open pockets to accommodate tons of fasteners. I also keep some pencils, my speed square, and a nail set on this side. In the top pocket, I am able to keep 20+ clips of 3″ ring shank nails.

In the lower of the two large pockets, I am able to keep 50 probably close to 100 Headloks. We use 4-1/2″ Headloks to secure our joists and our surface mounted posts. The double clip slingshot is also a great resource to add even more fasteners.

Right Side Mule Bag

The Mule bag is where I keep my go-to tools. Again two really wide open pockets to store fasteners or tools. In these bags, I keep a small pry-bar, knife, set of pliers, my hammer, and Tape measure. On the lowest pocket, I keep miscellaneous bits and some extra fasteners as well.  Just behind the bag, I have my DB Sax which secures with a clip to my belt. In there I keep an extra set of gloves and a spare cordless battery. This is also an overflow for some additional hand tools that I may need.

Price and Overall Impression

Here is a cost breakdown of the reviewed Diamondback GRRande Tool Belt and extras

• $450.00 – GRRande Tool Belt
• $30.00 – Right Side Hammer Holster
• $35.00 – Gun Loop
• $115.00 – Deluxe Suspenders
• #30.00 – Utility Sheath
• $28.00 – DB Sax2
• $20.00 – Double Clip Slingshot

The Diamondback GRRande Tool Belt is expensive and yes you can go to your local box store and pick up a tool belt between $50 and $100 versus the $700 here at Diamondback but how long will that rig last? A well designed, durable, and comfortable tool belt is an investment that should last a decade or more, not one season or half a year. Staying on task, reduction of time looking for tools, or stocking up on fasteners are just a couple of the benefits the GRRande Tool Belt offers.

A Diamondback tool belt is a tool that you will wear every day.  On most job sites, it’s the first thing that goes on, and the last thing that comes off.  The Diamondback is a long haul investment that will not disappoint. Built with durability in mind the Diamondback rigs offer the organization and storage space for all my essentials. Gone are the days of suffering through wearing an uncomfortable tool belt. The Diamondback belts are comfortable and sit great on your sides, you’ll forget you’re wearing them.

Diamondback GRRande Tool Bag System Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Diamondback Tool Belt Denali Rig Review

Diamondback Toolbelts Denali Set

5/5

Manufacturer: Diamondback
Model number: Denali
Price: $355.00
Power source: -
Motor size: -
Weight: 5.85Lbs.

Most carpenters consider their tool belt as an extension of their body.  It’s where these craftsman keep their tools that help them complete their day to day tasks.  Every tool has it’s own home within our tool belts and we can reach down and grab them without even looking.  As with all of our tools, tool belts can take quite the beating on job sites day in and day out.  Diamondback Toolbelts have developed a belt that can definitely outstand the rigors of the construction world.  When they asked us if we wanted to try out their Diamondback Tool belt, Denali Toolbelt Set, we couldn’t resist. 

Diamondback Tool Belt – First Look

As soon as I pulled the Diamondback Tool belt Denali Set out of the box, I could tell this was a belt that was built with longevity and durability in mind.  The Denali set includes the Diamondback Belt, Elias Pouch, and the Wrangell Pouch.  An optional hammer holder and flat bar holder can also be added.  The Denali set includes a total of 13 pouches and 4 holders.  I was extremely impressed with how the Denali set felt when wearing it.  It sits very comfortably along your sides, doesn’t feel bulky and sat nice and close to my body, without sacrificing storage.  All of the pouches are easy to grab without having to bend over or reach for. 

Dupont Cordura

Diamondback constructs their tool belts out of a product called Cordura, made by Dupont.  Cordura is a collection of fabrics, mostly nylon, which are woven together to form a strong durable material.  It is often found on backpacks, and luggage.  It is also heavily used in the U.S. Military.  Most of the military’s gear specs are based on Cordura brand specifications.  It is known for it’s resistance to tears, abrasions, and scuffs. 

Durability

Diamondback uses a triple layer sandwich type construction with the Cordura for all of their pouches.  I tested the belt in the remodeling setting.  Some of the tasks I completed while wearing the Denali Set were finish trim, hardwood flooring, framing, and a major demolition project.  The Diamondback Denali set made it through all of these tasks without a flaw.  I couldn’t find any tearing, pulled threads, or scratches on it.  One great feature I love about the Cordura fabric is that it is water resistant.  This makes it very easy to rinse off and keep clean.  The belt design of the Denali is new from Diamondback this year.  It features an all nylon outer layer, keeping Diamondbacks theme of long lasting and durability in play.

Elias Pouch

The Elias Pouch is a great pouch for the small tools.  It features a total of 6 pouches plus a pouch that’s perfect for nail sets.  It also has two holders attached.  I used the smaller holder for a small cat’s paw.  The main part of the Elias Pouch includes a pocket for your tape measure or chalk line, speed square holder, and three other open pouches that are perfect for tools like your knife, pliers, torpedo level, and small chisels.  The last pouch on the Elias features a velcro cover.  I found this pouch to be the best spot for my cell phone.  It is big enough to fit a large smartphone with a case on it.  My Elias Pouch is right side oriented and that’s where I keep my hammer holder as well.   

Wrangell Pouch

The Wrangell Pouch also features six pouches plus two holders.  It has the same pocket near the top as the Elias which is perfect for your tape measure or chalk line.  The upper most pocket is a drill holder.  I am able to comfortably fit an 18V impact gun with an extension attached with no issues.  The gun fits with no movement or risk of it falling out.  The next pocket down has three slots in it which are perfect for screwdrivers, trim bars, or chisels.  The last three pockets are open pouches that are perfect for your screws, nails, and other fasteners.  The Wrangell Pouch also features the same small and large holders as the Elias Pouch.

I attached the optional flat bar holder to the Wrangell Pouch.  This is a great way to comfortably carry a flat bar without having to worry about it scratching finished materials with it sticking out of a regular pouch.

Belt/ Cobra Quick Release Clip

Diamondback has designed their belts to provide proper back support and to evenly distribute the weight of the belt on your waist.  Diamondback’s new design for 2017 features a Nylon outer layer with a Weathermax inner layer.  It is the middle of summer here in New England with those long hot and humid days and I never felt like the feel of the belt on my waist was uncomfortable. 

The belt also features pre-attached loops to connect a set of suspenders to.  The pouches attach to the belt by using a velcro latch system that Diamondback claims is rated for 675Lbs.  This quick release system makes it very simple to interchange pouches with the same belt. 

The Denali Set also has an option of getting the Cobra Quick Release Clip.  It is an all metal clip that simply clicks together, similar to a seatbelt.   To unclip it you simply squeeze the two latches together.  This feature makes the Diamondback belt super easy to take on and off.

Hammer Holder

I used to always keep my hammer on the back of my old rig in the center of my back. The optional hammer holder (which I highly recommend on purchasing) keeps the hammer on the front of your pouch, therefore, making it easier to grab and place back in to the pouch.  Having the hammer holder on the front also reduces on twisting motions needed to reach around for your hammer.  Furthermore, for those guys and gals that like to carry a second hammer or small rubber mallet, there are a total of three spots on the Denali Set that can hold a hammer.

Customization

When I say the hunt for a comfortable toolbelt is over, I mean it.  I tested the Diamondback Toolbelts Denali Set with the 6 inch belt, and it is by far the best belt I have worn to date. 

Diamondback  offers different options for the Denali Set that you can choose from to make this rig exactly the way you want it.  With the belt, you can choose the size that fits you best, thickness of the belt, color, and the buckle.  Once you have your belt squared away, you can choose which side you want each pouch to be positioned for.  Like the belt, you have the option of four colors, black, red, blue, and ranger green. 

There is also an option to upgrade your pouches to the XL size.  Diamondback states on their website that the XL pouches are about one inch wider at the base than the standard pouches.  You can also add on the optional hammer and flat bar holders, and suspenders. 

Overall Impression

I’m giving the Diamondback Toolbelts Denali Set 5 stars.  I am very pleased with the performance of the Denali Set and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great rig that has plenty of options for tool storage.  There wasn’t a single time where I felt like it was in my way or to bulky to be wearing.  Weighing in at only 5.85 Lbs. empty, it is an extremely comfortable belt to wear.  The belt itself sat perfectly on my hips and has just enough support in the lower back to not feel like it’s straining you all day.  I did not test the Denali Set with a pair of suspenders but I’m sure they would make this belt feel weightless.  There aren’t any spots in either pouch that weren’t reachable at any time. 

Cost

You can purchase the Diamondback Toolbelts Denali Set starting at $355.00 on Diamondback’s  website. Note – The tool rig [set] that we reviewed with add-on options costs $440.

Final Thoughts

If you have been searching for a comfortable tool belt that features plenty of storage and long lasting durability then stop here and go get yourself a Diamondback Toolbelt.  I honestly could not find any downfall to the Diamondback Denali Toolbelt Set.  My only word of advice for a future purchaser is if you carry quite a few tools during your work day, invest in the suspenders to go with them.  The design of the belt matched with a set of suspenders will by far make the Denali Set the most comfortable tool belt you have owned.  

Diamondback Tool Belt is a post from Tool Box Buzz