What's the difference between the hardware?
RAINBOW / ROSE GOLD / BLACK / BRASS-PLATED / SPECIAL COLOURS
GREAT FOR:
• A fun fashion statement but yet functional choice.
• Made of zinc alloy.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
• Must be cleaned of debris & dried off
• Rinse carefully if exposed to saltwater.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
• Can lose colour over time.
• Will rust over time if frequently exposed to water & moisture.
SILVER
GREAT FOR:
• A classic look yet functional.
• A lighter-weight solution than brass and stainless steel.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
• Requires to be dried off.
• Rinse carefully if exposed to saltwater.
• Remove any dust or debris.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
• This is our most popular hardware choice!
• Will rust over time if frequently exposed to water & moisture.
BRASS
GREAT FOR:
• Holding up well against the elements.
• A classic look.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
• If you don't like the look of patina, polish to restore the shine.
• Rinse carefully if exposed to saltwater.
• Remove any dust or debris
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
• The finish will tarnish itself and other objects over time if frequently exposed to water and moisture. The patina that results is a natural tarnish that forms on the surface of brass and other metals over an extended period of time. Some folks really love the look and purposely try to speed up the process or 'age' the brass by means of chemicals.
STAINLESS STEEL
GREAT FOR:
• Durability. This is our most durable hardware.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
• Low maintenance! Just rinse if exposed to saltwater.
• Remove any dust or debris
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
• Rust-proof but eventually does rust over a longer period of time than zinc alloy.
• Higher cost than other hardware.
METAL PIN BUCKLE VS. QUICK-RELEASE BUCKLE: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
There are pros and cons to each style of buckle. Here are some tips to consider which one suits you dog in which scenario best.
Metal pin buckles
Typically made of metal or brass it's a buckle like a human belt that goes into different holes.
Pros:
-Classic look-
-More secure than the Quick-release buckle
-If metal, typically longer lasting than a plastic Quick-release buckle
Cons:
-A bit more effort to put on and remove, especially difficult if dog is wiggly
-Cannot be removed easily in the event of an emergency (ie dog gets it caught on another dog's mouth or an object)
- The holes sometimes in some collars may to far apart so one hole might be too tight and one hole up might be too loose.
Quick-release buckles
Typically made of a black plastic and sometimes metal, they have two buttons on the side to release the buckle using pressure.
Pros:
-Much easier to put on and remove (ie going out for a quick potty or removing it on/off for dog sports)
-Can be removed easily in an emergency situation if the collar is caught on another dog or object
-Has a more gradual adjuster where you can find the perfect fit
Cons:
-Because it comes off a bit easier than the metal pin it, as it only needs pressure on both sides of the buckle, it it not as secure
-If plastic, can weaken over time under wear and tear and should be inspected/replaced more often than collars with metal pin buckle
-The adjuster may move over time and may need to be readjusted occasionally since it's not secured in a hole like a metal pin buckle.
Overall, metal pin buckles are more secure, but in an emergency situation it cannot be removed quickly, and such requires more effort to put on and off. Quick-release buckles are less secure due to how easily it releases by squeezing the sides but can be removed easily in an emergency situation, and super convenient for a quick on/off.
Unfortunately, neither of these buckles are suitable for unsupervised tie outs. There is a wealth of information online regarding setting up secure unsupervised tie outs using other types of dog gear so definitely do your research.
Our designs are made to be under supervision while walking, training, doing nosework or any other dog sports.
Weigh out the trade offs, and figure out which collar style suits your scenario best!