billingham shoulder pad?

back alley

back alley

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is it worth it?

considering the price of billingham's bags...there isn't a shoulder pad included with the L2...

so i'm wondering if, for the extra 40 bucks, is it worth it?

i've read some reviews that rave about it and how it allows one to keep it on the shoulder without fear of it falling off or the need to wear the bag across one's chest...
 
I like them. I have two Billighams - a large one which I use on aircraft for "bulk carriage of kit when travelling and a smaller "daybag" - one of the Hadley range and I ended up getting pads for both. The pads are available in different sizes. While they are very expensive for what they are, they do help if you are in the habit of carrying a large load. They spread the weight over a larger area making it a bit more comfortable. Also the underside is a grippy rubber or silicone substance which helps grip the shoulder and this lessens the chance that the strap will slide off allowing the bag to fall. As I tend to carry my bag lung over my left shoulder (not with the strap diagonally across my body which is more secure) I think they are a must.
 
Well, thanks to Kuvvy, I got a used Billingham shoulder pad with the lovely copper/brass buttons that polish out and shine then take on a nice patina. At first the pad was hitting me right on some pressure point giving me a lot of pain (cross the chest style). Then, I made a few adjustments, took out a bit of gear to lessen the weight and spent November, December and the first part of January carrying that bag with the pad. Used it for a pillow and carried personal care items in it with only one camera.

Turns out that I now prefer the pad!

Did I get used to it? Did I get the adjustments right? I dunno. Either way, I happen to love that pad now and carry the Leica R4 kit with two lenses..not light but the weight is distributed pretty well now. Go figure.:angel:
 
Even the lightest bags are a discomfort on my shoulder after a while, but especially my Hadley Large, so I'd say its well worth the extra $40, especially if you plan on carrying the bag for any extended period of time. At the end of a day carrying a camera bag I really have new found admiration the women in my life that carry heavy tote style bags all day every day
 
depends on the way you wear it:

-worn like a messenger bag its a PITA. hurts your shoulder way worse than without it

-worn on the same side of the body where the bag sits against your waist it offers convenience as the bag wont slip off the shoulder

having said that it is nice made but I only put it on when definitely not wearing the bag bandolero style
 
Yes it's worth it.

I have two Billingham bags, an older one with the neoprene pad, and a Hadley Pro with the new style pad. They both look great, matching the style of the bag, and since these bags aren't cheap, I wouldn't recommend skimping on this detail. Personally, I prefer the older neoprene pad.

Steve
 
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