The Cub and Co XQR system is one that I’m not totally sure I know how to wrap my head around.
I’ve often been a big fan of the things that Cub and Co does, but with the new Cub and Co XQR system I’m scratching my head. This is a product that I’m not exactly sure I understand though I will fully admit that there are things about it that make it innovative and much different from everything else out there. For that, Joel and the folks at Cub and Co should be applauded. But as far as usefulness goes, I’m not exactly sure that I can condone using a system like this.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Well built
- Quick release using magnets, locks and buttons is a first and fantastic.
- The strap wraps around your hand very comfortably for use
- Weather sealing materials
- As long as you’re not using a super heavy camera, the strap is pretty comfortable
Cons
- The bag is weather resistant and yet has a hole in the bottom that is clearly designed to be there
- Bag is way too small to be useful for pretty much anything
- The bag is pretty ugly
- The strap itself is pretty ugly
Tech Specs
Here is the Cub and Co press release
Cub & Company XQR Release
Designed for the modern creator, Cub & Co launches its new modular strap and accessories line — the XQR, for its focus on cross functional and quick release capabilities.
Cub and Company has observed the emergence of modern creators who are expressing themselves through originality, independence and adaptability. These creators are multi-disciplined, constantly reinventing their craft and how they express themselves. They demand gear that offers as much style, originality and flexibility as the lives they live.
The beating heart of the Cub & Co. XQR line is the strap which has been reimagined to serve the lifestyle of the modern creator. At its base, it is a technically advanced camera strap which features an ingeniously designed FIDLOCK magnetic buckle with a brilliant crimson pull tab. When worn cross body, the quick release buckle allows the user to take off the strap by a simple, yet secured pull of the tab, rather than awkwardly over the shoulder.
The system really shows its versatility through its modular design that allows endless solutions to the modern creator’s carry needs. Using the provided attachments, you can swap accessories on the go without sacrificing functionality, making this the most resourceful strap on the market. During the initial drop, the Cub and Co. team will be selling a shoulder bag that will be available to purchase as an add on. More bags, components and collaborations will be available as the XQR system continues to evolve.
Like all Cub & Co. products, quality and durability are key, which is why the XQR line is designed with the toughest components available. Starting with Biothane webbing, a unique polyester webbing with a rubber coating, making the strap not only durable, but waterproof and UV resistant. The strap is finished with mil-spec hardware, metal rivets and reflective dyneema chording boasting a breaking strength 15 times stronger than steel.
The Cub & Co team designed the system to offer specific solutions to modern creator’s needs and be flexible enough to adapt to their different creative phases.
Ergonomics
With the Cub and Co XQR system, you’ve got something that has an interchangeable camera strap and a camera bag. Perhaps this idea comes from Peak Design. However, Peak arguably does a better job of implementing it. The strap you see here is the camera strap which can be attached to the bag and then taken off and switched over to your camera.
Here is the buckle system. It’s very standard and to be honest it sort of scares me. If I attach my Leica onto here, I’m afraid that after prolonged use it may fall out. During my testing this didn’t happen. But there are no extra locks at all to ensure that this isn’t happen.
Here is the magnetic buckle. It loops into itself and stays shut but by ergonomic design and magnets. Plus there is the button.
Here’s what that looks like in action. The above Gif was provided by Cub and Co.
The Cub and Co XQR system has a very nice strap overall. It is made of a sort of rubbery plastic material that I can’t really describe. It’s weather sealed.
Inside the Cub and Co XQR system bag, you’ve got just some pretty empty space.
Turn to the back of the Cub and Co XQR system bag and you’ll see these slots. You can slip them around your belt.
Build Quality
The Cub and Co XQR system strap is fantastic except that in real life use, I found the magnet to stick to the Leica M10P that I was testing it with. That’s a major concern of mine for sure for obvious reasons. The bag is built like a standard Jansport quality bag with a small hole in the bottom perhaps for design reasons. Why Cub and Co didn’t reinforce it with leather at all is perplexing to me.
In fact, the entire Cub and Co XQR system is perplexing as I’m not totally sure I understand why someone would use it.
Ease of Use
As stated, the strap’s build quality is solid. The magnet is an issue if you have a digital camera. But if you’re shooting with film then it probably may not be as much of one. In real life use, I found it easier and more comfortable to simply just lift the camera and strap off of me rather than undo the buckle system.
Conclusions
In all good faith, I can’t really recommend the Cub and Co XQR system unless you’ve got a camera that doesn’t have a whole lot of metal and is lightweight. The bag? No. Not at all.
The Cub and Co XQR system receives two out of five stars.