Waist-High
Secure Solutions
When crowd control and security are required, our outstanding lines of waist-high and optical turnstiles provide the perfect solution — from mechanical 3-arm models to state-of-the-art optical speed gates.
Choose Your Model
Six models covering every application — from portable event turnstiles to state-of-the-art optical speed gates for corporate lobbies.
Model Comparison at a Glance
| Model | Arms | Operation | Barrier Type | Emergency Egress | Portable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Arm Drop Arm | 3 | Electric / Mech. | Arm | ✓ Drop Arm | — | Emergency egress sites |
| 3-Arm 1100 Series | 3 | Electric / Mech. | Arm | Fail-safe | — | High-usage, bi-directional |
| 3-Arm Portable | 3 | Mechanical | Arm | — | ✓ | Events & temporary sites |
| 4-Arm (1000 Series) | 4 | Mechanical | Arm | Breakaway header | — | Retail shrinkage control |
| GB-1 Optical | — | Electric | Optical / Glass | Fail-safe open | — | Corporate lobbies |
| GB-3 Optical | — | Electric | Optical / Glass | Fail-safe open | — | Premium environments |
The Case for Waist-High Turnstiles
Cost-Effective
Lower acquisition and installation cost than full-height turnstiles while providing effective deterrence for medium-security environments.
High Throughput
Waist-high turnstiles process up to 40 passages per minute per lane — ideal for high-traffic peak periods at stadiums, transit, and corporate facilities.
Compact Footprint
Small physical footprint allows multiple lanes to be installed side-by-side, maximising throughput in limited floor space.
Flexible Integration
Compatible with all major access control platforms — card readers, RFID, biometrics, mobile credentials, and barcode scanners.
Compliance Ready
All models available with ADA/AODA-compliant swing gate integration and NFPA/IBC fail-safe emergency release.
Proven Reliability
Rated for millions of cycles with minimal maintenance. Hardened steel locking components and self-centering mechanisms ensure consistent operation.
Where Waist-High Turnstiles Are Used
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a waist-high turnstile and a full-height turnstile?
A waist-high turnstile provides a barrier at approximately hip height (around 1 metre), deterring casual unauthorized access while allowing easy passage for authorized users. A full-height turnstile provides a floor-to-ceiling barrier that physically prevents anyone from passing without authorization — the gold standard for maximum-security environments. Waist-high turnstiles are better suited for medium-security, high-throughput applications; full-height turnstiles are used where absolute access control is required.
What is the difference between a 3-arm and a 4-arm turnstile?
A 3-arm (tripod) turnstile has three arms spaced 120° apart. A 4-arm turnstile has four arms spaced 90° apart. The additional arm in the 4-arm model provides more complete barrier coverage at each rotation position, making it slightly more effective against tailgating. Both models share the same hardened steel components and 24V operating system.
What is the difference between a mechanical and an electric turnstile?
A mechanical turnstile operates without any electrical connection — it can be coin/token operated or simply free-spinning. An electric turnstile connects to an access control system (card reader, RFID, biometrics) and locks/unlocks the rotation mechanism electronically. Electric turnstiles provide full audit trails and remote management capabilities.
What is an optical turnstile?
An optical turnstile (such as the GB-1 or GB-3) uses infrared sensors to detect the passage of individuals through a lane, rather than a physical rotating arm barrier. The sensors detect tailgating attempts in real time and trigger an alarm. Optical turnstiles are the premium choice for corporate lobbies and high-profile environments where aesthetics and security must coexist.
Can waist-high turnstiles be used outdoors?
Most waist-high turnstiles are designed for indoor use. For outdoor applications, we recommend the full-height turnstile range, which is rated for outdoor environments and Canadian climate extremes (-40°C to +70°C). The portable turnstile can be used outdoors for short-term temporary deployments.
Are waist-high turnstiles ADA/AODA compliant?
Waist-high turnstiles themselves are not ADA/AODA compliant for wheelchair access. However, all models can be paired with an adjacent ADA-compliant swing gate to provide an accessible entry lane. This combination satisfies ADA and AODA requirements for accessible entry.
Request a Free Quote
Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you within one business day with pricing, lead times, and installation options.
Not Sure Which Model Is Right for You?
Our team has been specifying and installing waist-high turnstiles across Canada and the United States since 1981. We'll help you choose the right model for your application, budget, and compliance requirements.