Just about every where you go these days you are going to run into someone wearing some type of an identification card. It is bound to happen. It might be in a grocery store, retail outlet or even a government office. Identification cards are worn every where from hospitals to schools and beyond. Typically we will see these cards held in a variety of badge holders. One of the more popular methods is the lanyard but there are also holders that are attached to uniforms with clips, magnets and pins. One of the more special badge holders is the badge reel. This holder is in a league all its own.

The badge reel may sound like some type of fishing pole but it is not. Actually it is a very unique and special way of carrying your identification card. This type of card holder is very popular in sensitive government offices. The reason for this is quite simple. Let's take the Federal Bureau of Investigation for example. Some of these agents may not want their cards out in the open all the time like with a lanyard for example. Sometimes there is sensitive information on theses cards that should not be viewed by just anyone.

The reel is a great place to store your identification card. Your card is attached to a retractable cord that coils back into a small compartment. The reel is normally attached to a belt. This method is very convenient for protecting the identification card and permitting it to be pulled out at a moments notice to be examined or to be swiped through a card reader. Once you have presented it you can allow it to retract right back into its holder. These holders, like all the others can come in different styles and colors.

These reels are great for carrying an HID card or proximity card as they are often referred too. This type of proximity card is most often used for access control and security purposes. The card is embedded with a metal coil that is able to hold an incredible amount of data. When this card is swiped through a HID card reader it can allow or deny access. These are great for sensitive areas of access that need to be controlled. These cards and readers are part of a complete ID system that includes a home computer destination. You would definitely find this kind of system in any secured government facility.

Obviously this type of badge holder is going to be more expensive than a plastic or vinyl holder but being a metallic holder it is more durable and will save wear and tear on the identification card for much longer. Not every business or organization can afford these types of card holders in their budget. In most cases the average holder like the lanyard is fully capable of protecting the identification card and making the ID process simple. The badge reel just takes it up a notch.