I ran across an unopened pack of Tuff strips that was sitting in my range bag for at least 10 years. Opened up & tried loading ammo in, it’s a no-go. Only other ones I’ve used are Safariland, and those I’d gotten in already used/worn in condition. Is it possible these hardened to the point of being not pliable enough to get ammo into, or am I just too much of a weeny & not using enough pressure to get the rounds to seat? I’ve heard both good and bad reviews on the brand, so I’m wondering if anybody has any ideas/tips.
Tuff strips…
- Thread starter WPSmiths
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You’re not a weeny. I’ve had every tuff strip I own become brittle and break. When they first hit the market bought 4 sets in every size they made. They started to breakdown and get brittle after 2-3 years. I have Bianchi speed strips that a 30 years old and are still going strong.
Some synthetic rubber-type materials last longer than others whether or not they are exposed to UV or chemicals. I have had the best luck with Bianchi myself but I don't think the longevity of the Tuff Strips I own has been unreasonable. Shorter, but not unreasonable.
I had the same thing happen with Tuff Strips that rode in my glove box or center console. This was back in the summer of 2021. I sent them a message through the “contact us” on web page. I ended up emailing with the VP of sales and marketing. I offered to send back the old ones and they appreciated that for R&D. She said they had changed their formulation and sent me new ones no charge. The new ones seem more flexible and so far they are holding up just fine. I have Bianchi also. The nice thing about Tuff is their different models - I use Orange five shot for J frames and black .38 for others. I also have them for .44 and .45 and 10 shot for .22.
Glenn R. McMannly
Member
Don’t like to buy ripoff products.
John Bianchi came up with these and that’s who’d I’d buy from.
John Bianchi came up with these and that’s who’d I’d buy from.
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Yes - they do harden up and subject themselves to hard bullet extraction and cracking too. I have a few that I recently disposed of as they were too stiff ad brittle for practical use.
Again from what they told me Tuff Strips changed their formula and replaced my defective ones. Customer Service was excellent. Filled out the “contact us” link on the website.
I have a lot of the original Bianchi strips and agree with other posters they are excellent. I like the Tuff strips for their different colors and models (i.e. 10 shot .22, orange 5 shot etc).
I have a lot of the original Bianchi strips and agree with other posters they are excellent. I like the Tuff strips for their different colors and models (i.e. 10 shot .22, orange 5 shot etc).
