As a brand dedicated to making photographers’ lives easier (and more comfortable), we love when real pros put our gear through its paces in the field. That’s exactly what sports photographer Corinne Joye Votaw did in her recent in-depth review of the BLACKRAPID Double X Extra Comfort harness.
After years of testing everything from basic flat straps to rope slings and heavy leather harnesses, Corinne declares the BLACKRAPID system a total game-changer—especially for anyone carrying heavy gear for long hours on the sidelines.
From “These Suck” to “Perfection”: Her Strap Journey
Corinne starts by being refreshingly honest about her past experiences:
- Flat fabric straps → “These suck.” They dig in and become painful fast.
- Rope-style straps → Fine for casual walks or lighter cameras like her Leica Q3 or Fuji X100, but not built for serious work.
- Leather straps → She found single and especially double leather harnesses heavy, confusing to adjust, prone to pulling hair, and uncomfortable with big lenses.
Then she discovered BLACKRAPID.
Her first single BLACKRAPID strap felt like night and day: half the weight of leather, beautifully contoured, and incredibly comfortable right out of the box. She used it for months without issues.
When she needed to carry two cameras for the Rugby World Cup, she picked up a BLACKRAPID Double Harness in London. It handled the heat, the crowds, and the heavy pro bodies + telephotos without complaint. Even better? The double setup quickly converts to a single strap when you only need one camera—maximum versatility.
Why the Double X (Extra Comfort) Stands Out
Corinne upgraded to the Double X Extra Comfort version (with its signature orange accents and extra padding) and calls it a 9.9–10/10 for comfort.
In her real-world test:
- She shot an 8-hour soccer tournament with heavy setups (Sony A1 + 300mm prime on one body, another body with 70-200mm).
- At the end of the day, the cameras still felt light and her shoulders/back felt fresh.
- She said the time “felt like it was cut in half” compared to her old straps.
Key advantages she highlights:
- Breathable, padded design that stays comfortable even in heat and with prolonged use.
- Lightweight yet extremely durable — built to last for years of professional abuse.
- Patented double-harness system that lets you carry two full camera rigs like a backpack, or detach and use as a single sling.
- Practical for sports & event photography — fast access, no neck strain, no digging in.
- Beats traditional neck straps, leather options, and casual slings in every category that matters for working pros.
Her verdict?
“BLACKRAPID has created the most comfortable, practical, and reliable camera strap system I’ve ever used… This might be the ultimate strap for photographers who carry heavy gear for hours.”
She’s now switched to the BLACKRAPID system and says she’d happily buy the Double X Extra Comfort.
Who Is This For?
If you’re a:
- Sports or event photographer
- Wedding or portrait shooter doing long days
- Anyone tired of neck pain or uncomfortable straps with pro gear
…then the BLACKRAPID X Extra Comfort (especially the double version) deserves a serious look.
Ready to upgrade your strap game?
Check out the BLACKRAPID Double X Extra Comfort – double camera harness.
Have you tried BLACKRAPID yet? Drop your experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear how it’s changed your shooting days!
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