Understanding the 3 Most Common Types of Crowd Control Stanchions

The methods used to keep crowds in control will vary from venue to venue and business to business; but one thing you’ll find as a staple in the crowd control manager’s toolset are their tried and true crowd control stanchions. Traditional, belted, or extra-long varieties can be found in locations ranging from airports and convention centers to retail stores and banks. Here we explore the most common types of stanchions and their role in queuing, public guidance, and crowd control management.

Traditional Post and Velvet Rope Stanchions

They grace the floors of movie theaters, music halls, museums, amusement parks, and even the Red Carpet – the classic post-and-rope barriers that provide an elegant feel to crowd control and queuing. This traditional stanchion combo serves to direct traffic, maintain order, and block off no-access areas both efficiently and stylishly. Brass, stainless steel, or custom powder coated post finishes combined with standard or customized velvet ropes make it easy to complement existing décor. But make no mistake that while these stanchions may look dainty, there is no need to sacrifice durability or construction. There are many options available with superior construction to weather the “storms” of many crowds.

Retractable Belt Stanchions

The retractable belt stanchion is the best friend of many crowd control professionals. Modern and multi-purpose, retractable belt stanchions can be found in a variety of post finishes and their belts can be embellished with logos, graphics, and/or messaging to amplify the results. Belted stanchions also lend versatility to queue arrangements and crowd management since they can easily expand and retract with the ebb and flow of crowds and waiting patrons. A four-way receptacle atop a stanchion also allows belts to expand in any direction and a universal belt-end can make it easy to add on to an existing queue or crowd control arrangement. When it comes to belted stanchions there are standard single-belted varieties, double-belted (ideal for ADA compliance), and low-level “exhibit height” stanchions that work to block off sensitive exhibits without blocking the view of the display. Also available are all-weather stanchions, made to withstand harsh elements.

Extra-Long Portable Retractable Belt Stanchions

A distinct category of retractable belt stanchions is the extra-long, portable variety. With options to easily cover as much as 260 linear feet (ideal for tarmacs, terminals, stadiums, arenas, parking garages and lots, convention centers, and any large area) these stanchions promise superior coverage and easy deployment. Push cart, shuttle-like carriers are available to transport and store stanchions and belts, which makes it easy for even a single staff member to deploy an extra-long belted stanchion in minutes, and just as easy to retract the belt and store it away. No matter where you find your venue along the spectrum of style, versatility, portability, or “extreme” crowd control coverage, you’ll likely find yourself in need of at least a few of these three most common stanchion varieties. When you do, you’ll know it’s time to call the experts at Lavi Industries. We’re here to help.  Request a sales call.