BlackRapid Curve Breathe Camera Strap Review
The BlackRapid Curve Breathe is an innovative camera strap that's comfortable, breathable and highly ergonomic. Read our full review.
Camera straps are the lifeline to our most essential gear. They’re also a tool that can make life as a photographer a lot easier.
BlackRapid is one brand that has become a giant in the market, with professionals all across the globe singing their praises.
Innovative shoulder strap on a mission to solve all your ergonomic problems.
One of their more recent additions is the BlackRapid Curve Breathe – a 3-point slinger camera strap aimed specifically at the emerging mirrorless market.
Let’s see how it performs in the real world.
Table of Contents
BlackRapid Curve Breathe Specs
- Comfortable
- Build quality
- Speed of use
- Fits my Fuji camera system perfectly
- Value for money
- Looks
The BlackRapid Curve Breathe is a cross-body sling recommended for mirrorless cameras like those by Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic and Olympus.
Features include:
- Ergonomic shoulder pad
- Built from TPE foam and air mesh
- Adjustable length nylon webbing with buckles
- Integrated underarm stabilizer
- Connector, fastener and connector cover
- Strap length: 167cm (65.75″)
Build & Appearance
In terms of quality, the BlackRapid Curve Breathe is very impressive.
There’s so much technology and deliberate design built into this thing that the features deserve individual attention.
First, the nylon webbing that makes up the meat of the strap. It is LIGHT and SOLID.
No risk of tearing or fading, even under extreme weather conditions. I owned one of their original straps (no longer in production) with the same material, and it lasted me five solid years with no sign of giving in.
Next, the padded mesh that touches your shoulder. This feels engineered for space travel. The TPE foam and air mesh work together to create a durable yet highly comfortable combo – and the stitching that binds it all together is impeccably done!
Lastly, the connector system. BlackRapid pioneered this design, and have built on it ever since. The Connector screws onto your tripod mount, which then hooks onto a carabiner worthy of a rock climber and seals shut with a connector cover, just in case.
As an emerging professional photographer, I feel safe that my camera is never falling off me.
In terms of appearance, there are straps out there that, in my opinion, hold more sex appeal. The relentless focus on speed, comfort and durability has left the BlackRapid Curve Breathe with a rather peculiar look. This is a tool, not a fashion statement. Personally, I don’t mind it at all though.
Ease of Use
Okay, I’ll say it. This strap feels INCREDIBLE to wear!
It’s soft where it matters and solid where it matters.
I have yet to find another company that out-performs BlackRapid in this department. The strap fits perfectly across my shoulder, and the adjustable length means I can finetune exactly where on my hip the camera sits.
The cross-sling design means I can let my camera go, let it slide down to my hip and instantly grab it back up to my eye. I can’t even express how much of a difference this makes!
It was a true revolution in strap design back when it was released, and the BlackRapid Curve Breathe is a brilliant version of this technology for the new decade.
Say goodbye to the sore neck from traditional camera straps – this thing is COMFORTABLE.
Value for Money
At around $75, this strap sits in the medium-high range for camera straps.
Compared to other manufacturers, BlackRapid delivers an innovative design, high-end technology and brilliant durability. In my book, this strap is well worth the price tag.
BlackRapid Curve Breathe Review | Conclusion
In summary, the BlackRapid Curve Breathe is a wonderful continuation of the BlackRapid legacy. In this emerging market of mirrorless cameras, it fills a much-needed gap between heavy-duty DSLR straps and small compact camera straps.
A someone who has recently made the switch from Canon DSLR to Fuji mirrorless, I am a big fan of this new edition.
Consider me a fanboy, but until something better comes along, the Curve Breathe has earned a permanent spot in my camera kit.
If you’re a mirrorless user, or even own a smaller DSLR, this strap is a true winner.
Innovative shoulder strap on a mission to solve all your ergonomic problems.
Erik photographs the icons of our time. Based in Gold Coast, Australia, he operates a headshot & portrait studio, while travelling on assignment for Thought Leaders, Entrepreneurs & Change-Makers.
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