There are a lot of places where identification or keycards are required to be used or worn frequently. While there are plenty of options to display your badge, few are as convenient as a badge reel, which has a retractable cord that makes it easy to show or swipe anything attached. Read on to see some of the best badge reels available.
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top 3 quick picks for the Best Badge Reels of 2021
- GBC BadgeMates Belt Clip Badge Reels
- GBC Retractable Name Badge Reel w/Clip
- Durable ID/Security Card Holder Set
Criteria for Choosing the Best Badge Reels
The point of a badge reel is to provide a convenient way to wear and use a badge, keys, or other items that you need to be able to easily access. Therefore, to be worth having, certain parts of a badge reel are important, including:
- Cord: The first part of a badge reel that is important is the retractable cord. It is the selling point of most badge reels, so it needs to be strong enough to withstand regular use. It also needs to have a good length, or there is no point in using it.
- Clip: There are a number of clip types, and finding the right one is important when choosing a badge reel. However, regardless of what type of clip it is, it needs to properly secure the badge reel in place. It should also be firmly connected to the frame of the badge reel and not break off easily.
- Attachment Point: The final thing that was looked at for this list is the attachment point. The attachment point is the spot at the end of the cord, and it can be a vinyl strap, a keyring, a clip, or anything else. It is important that these properly keep a hold on the badge, holder, or whatever else is attached.
The overall quality is the most important aspect of badge reels. The tool is simple, but it needs to work, and it will likely need to work while being used multiple times a day. As long as it holds up, it is sure to be a convenient addition.
The 9 of Best Badge Reels of 2021
Badge reels are quite simple, but there are a lot of different options that you might not know about. These options include different attachment points, various types of clips, and frames made from different materials. You will find multiple types of badge reels on the list below, which should give you a better idea of what is out there.
GBC BadgeMates Belt Clip Badge Reels
The first badge reels that you should check out are from GBC. These badge reels are made from plastic and come in four translucent colors: red, blue, black, and clear. They feature a strong nylon cord that reaches 36 inches in length, and at the end of the cord is a clear vinyl strap that can attach to a badge or badge holder.
Another thing to note is that these badge reels have a d-shaped carabiner-style clip. The clip can easily fasten to belt straps, bags, keys, and other objects. The price is quite good as well, making it a reasonable and sturdy choice.
PROS
- These badge reels are quite sturdy
- There are four translucent colors included
- The nylon cord is strong and can stretch up to 36 inches
- The vinyl strap makes it easy to secure a badge to the end
- The carabiner-style clip is convenient for quick attachment and detachment
CONS
- The carabiner-style clip limits where it can be clipped
GBC Retractable Name Badge Reel w/Clip
If you are looking for something with a classic clip style, then GBC has you covered with this badge reel. It is made from plastic like the one above, but it is a solid black color. The nylon cord is the same as well, being strong and dependable. Moreover, it reaches 36 inches in length and has a clear strip at the end for easy attachment to badges.
The clip is what really makes this badge reel different, though. It has a traditional metal clip that is open at one end, making it great for use with belts and pockets. It does not get easier than this badge reel.
PROS
- It is made from durable materials
- The strong nylon cord stretches up to 36 inches
- There is a strip at the end that works great with badges and badge holders
- The clip easily secures to things like a belt or pocket
CONS
- There have been complaints that the metal clips are prone to breaking
Durable ID/Security Card Holder Set
If you want to get a completer set, Durable has you covered with a great holder and reel combination. While the focus is on the set and not the badge reel, the materials used are durable, and the cord is strong and meant to last. Moreover, it comes with a fantastic badge holder to attach to the strip at the end of the reel.
The badge holder that comes with this set is high quality. It is capable of protecting your ID or card, and it also has slots that allow it to be attached vertically or horizontally to the badge reel. Plus, you get both the reel and holder for a fantastic price.
PROS
- The set comes with a high-quality badge reel and badge holder
- The materials are durable and will not break easily
- The badge holder can be attached vertically or horizontally
- You get both a badge reel and holder for a great price
CONS
- The focus is on the badge holder, not the badge reel
AbilityOne SKILCRAFT Retractable ID Card Reel
Another classic badge reel is the one featured here from AbilityOne. It is made from durable plastic. The clip is equally durable, and it is open, which allows it to hook onto belts, pockets, and other things with ease. The vinyl strip is the same, being reinforced to reliably hold ID cards or badge holders.
The badge reels featured here come in a pack of 12, all black in color. They are also designed to be relatively thin and easy to use almost anywhere without getting in the way.
PROS
- The construction of these badge reels is solid
- The clip is open and easily attaches to things like belts and pockets
- The vinyl strip is reinforced for increased durability
- The badge reel is thin enough not to get in the way
CONS
- The part that attaches the reel to the vinyl strip is not the best
COSCO MyID Carabiner-Style Badge Reel
COSCO sells an entire line of MyID products, which include a lanyard, badge holder, and badge reel, so you do not have to worry about finding great products to work with this badge reel. Additionally, this badge reel stands out because it is not made out of plastic, with it being made out of metal instead.
The nylon cord is also strong, and it has a length of around 23 inches. Attached to the end of the nylon cord is a strip that makes it easy to attach badges, holders, and other items. Moreover, this badge reel features a carabiner-style clip that is perfect when you want to securely attach it somewhere, like a bag or belt loop.
PROS
- The reel frame is made from metal
- There is a secure carabiner-style clip
- The strip at the end makes it easy to attach badges, holders, and more
CONS
- The cord is not that long compared to many other badge reels
SICURIX Heavy Duty ID Card Reel
SICURIX is a line of badge reels that you definitely need to pay attention to if you want quality. They have a lot of options, with one of the best being their classic, heavy-duty reel featured here. The frame is metal and plastic, so it is going to last, and because of the design, there is no chance that the clip comes loose or breaks off.
The clip is the classic slide-style, so it secures the reel to things like belts, pockets, and purses. The nylon cord is also quite durable, and since it can extend out to 30 inches, you do not have to worry about having enough length. There is even a high-quality strip for attaching to badges or holders.
PROS
- The frame is made from durable metal and plastic
- The slide-style clip is convenient and secured to the reel
- The 30-inch nylon cord makes it easy to use
- There is a high-quality strip attached to the cord
CONS
- Some people have found the metal clip to be too tight
SICURIX Lanyard Card Reel
Another SICURIX product that is worth paying attention to is this combination of lanyard and badge reel. The lanyard portion has a length of 36 inches, and it transitions seamlessly into the badge reel, which can extend up to 24 inches, giving you a total of five feet of length.
The entire product is high-quality, starting with the flat, woven-style lanyard, which is durable and low-friction. The badge reel is made of plastic, but it is also durable, and the nylon cord and strip at the end are the same. Moreover, due to the design, this badge reel works great with badges, badge holders, and other items like keys and whistles.
PROS
- It is a seamless combination of lanyard and badge reel
- The overall length you have to work with is impressive
- The materials used are high-quality
- The design makes it suitable for a number of items
CONS
- The badge reel itself only extends 24 inches
- There is not much flexibility in where you can wear it
Advantus Reel with LED Light
The Advantus badge reel featured here is a bit different from the other options on this list in that it has a key ring attachment at the end of the 24-inch nylon cord. The keyring still works with badges and badge holders, but it makes this badge reel particularly useful for things like keys.
Additionally, this badge reel has a built-in LED light. When you are trying to slide a card or use keys in a dim or dark environment, an LED light is a godsend. You can turn it on with ease as well, with you only needing to slide your thumb.
PROS
- The carabiner-style clip makes securing it simple
- It features a key ring that is great for various items
- There is a built-in LED light
CONS
- The reel is only 24 inches long
Advantus Lanyards with Retractable ID Reels
Advantus also has a combination lanyard and badge reel that is a great choice for those that want something they can wear around their neck. The lanyard is well made and 36 inches in length, while the plastic badge reel can extend up to 24 inches. Therefore, you get a total of 60 inches of reach.
The combination of lanyard and badge reel is seamless, and it leads into a clip that can hold a badge or badge holder with ease. Moreover, the clip is metal, so it is going to last a long time.
PROS
- The combination of lanyard and badge reel has a long reach
- The transition from the lanyard to the badge is seamless
- The clip is made from quality metal
CONS
- The metal clip might scrape your card
How to Shop for a Best Badge Reels
When you are shopping for a badge reel, you will want to consider quite a few things, especially since something as simple as the type of clip can make a big difference. Therefore, keep these things in mind while shopping:
- Length: Length is a big deal, and you need to have an idea of how far you need your badge reel to extend. If you only need a few inches of reach, you will have no problem finding a great badge reel. However, if you need something close to three feet, the options narrow considerably.
- Clip: Badge reel clips come in various types, from a traditional slide-style clip to a carabiner-style clip. There are also some badge reels that are connected to lanyards. Think about where you want to put the badge reel and go from there.
- Attachment Point: The attachment point is also an important consideration. If you plan to attach a single badge, then a vinyl strap is a great choice. However, if you are looking to hold multiple things or a few keys, then you might want to think about getting one with a keyring.
There are plenty of things to think about, but as long as it makes things more convenient, you cannot go wrong with a badge reel, no matter which one you decide to purchase.
In Conclusion
When you are shopping for a badge reel, you will want to consider quite a few things, especially since something as simple as the type of clip can make a big difference. Therefore, keep these things in mind while shopping:
- Length: Length is a big deal, and you need to have an idea of how far you need your badge reel to extend. If you only need a few inches of reach, you will have no problem finding a great badge reel. However, if you need something close to three feet, the options narrow considerably.
- Clip: Badge reel clips come in various types, from a traditional slide-style clip to a carabiner-style clip. There are also some badge reels that are connected to lanyards. Think about where you want to put the badge reel and go from there.
- Attachment Point: The attachment point is also an important consideration. If you plan to attach a single badge, then a vinyl strap is a great choice. However, if you are looking to hold multiple things or a few keys, then you might want to think about getting one with a keyring.
There are plenty of things to think about, but as long as it makes things more convenient, you cannot go wrong with a badge reel, no matter which one you decide to purchase.
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