Verified answer

Those are called "flex cuffs" or "zip cuffs". They are lightweight, easy to apply, and you can carry several pair. They are useful when you know you may be cuffing several people.

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&source=imghp&bi...

They have a small ratchet in them, just like regular cuffs do. They are removed by cutting them off with a knife or special tool.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/asp-scarab-tri-fold-ta...

The disadvantage is they are not as strong as metal ones. They are also prone to crack in sub freezing weather.

I agree with both guys except I find flexi cuffs much harder to use on a fighting subject.

The other problem is mass arrest and hostel crowd conditions (where flexis are most commonly used).

We have caught a number of people attending protests who carry cutters that cut off flexis much quicker than trying to use a key to unlock metal cuffs.

Those are flex cuffs or zip cuffs. Their pretty easy to use and lightweight. I don't really see any disadvantages, I doubt a criminal is escaping either way. They are usually cut off.

ban them