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.
- 6 Models Available
- |
- Electric & Mechanical
- |
- Optical & Arm Barrier
- |
- ADA Gate Integration
- |
- Installed Since 1980
Choose Your Model
Six models covering every application — from portable event turnstiles to state-of-the-art optical speed gates for corporate lobbies.
- EMERGENCY EGRESS
Emergency Egress Ready
The ideal solution for areas where security, high traffic flow and cost are concerns. High quality stainless steel construction with a drop arm feature that allows fast egress in any emergency situation. Compatible with all latest access control equipment.
- Drop arm collapses on emergency or power failure
- DC brushless motor — precise, maintenance-free
- Red/green guidance lights on activation
- Locking cabinet for easy reader placement
- MOST POPULAR
Electric or Mechanical — High Usage
A well-proven means of access control providing accurate passage counts in or out of your facility. Bi-directional units available in mechanical (free entry) or electrical (RFID, scanner, access system) versions. Heavy duty construction ensures years of trouble-free operation.
- Electric or mechanical versions available
- All locking components are hardened steel
- 24V system — simple installation
- Stainless steel lid or full stainless steel
- Temporary & Events
Emergency Egress Ready
The 1100 series on a portable platform — move the turnstile wherever required without mounting to the floor. Bi-directional units available in mechanical or electrical versions with optional counters. Comes with attached railing to create a complete passageway.
- Portable platform — no floor mounting required
- Attached railing creates a full passageway
- Electric counter available for passage count
- Available in powder coat or full stainless steel
- cost effective
Economical One-Way Traffic Control
The 1000 series is an economical and proven method to control any area. This mechanical turnstile allows pedestrian flow in one direction while prohibiting it in the other. When matched with modular posts and rails, it creates a complete entry or exit solution. Helps reduce store shrinkage.
- Drop arm collapses on emergency or power failure
- DC brushless motor — precise, maintenance-free
- Red/green guidance lights on activation
- Locking cabinet for easy reader placement
- Premium Optical
6000 Series — State-of-the-Art Optical
The 6000 series GB-1 swing barrier optical turnstile is ideal for applications requiring state-of-the-art technology with stylish design. Optical sensors and motorized panels provide secure bi-directional control — from company foyers and data centers to government buildings and fitness centers.
- Electric or mechanical versions available
- All locking components are hardened steel
- 24V system — simple installation
- Stainless steel lid or full stainless steel
- Architectural Grade
Emergency Egress Ready
The 6000 series GB-3 combines slim-line styling with one of the industry’s widest passages. Fast throughput, superior barrier deterrence and optical tailgate detection make these turnstiles compatible with any upscale business or institutional environment.
- Slim cabinet — smaller footprint
- Passage widths from 25" to 36" (650–915mm)
- End and middle cabinet reference lights
- Custom glass, polycarbonate, or colour panels
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 | — | |
| 3-Arm (1100 Series) | 3 | Electric / Mech. | Arm | — | — | General indoor use |
| 3-Arm Portable | 3 | Electric / Mech. | Arm | — | ✓ | Events & temp sites |
| 4-Arm (1000 Series) | 4 | Electric / Mech. | Arm | — | — | High-security indoor |
| GB-1 Optical | — | Electric | Optical / IR | — | — | Corporate lobbies |
| GB-3 Optical | — | Electric | Optical / IR | — | — | Corporate- fitness, Manufacturing & Educaction |
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
- Flexible Integration
All models available with ADA/AODA-compliant swing gate integration and NFPA/IBC fail-safe emergency release.
- 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
Corporate Lobbies
Industrial Facilities
Stadiums & Arenas
Retail & Grocery
Transit Hubs
Schools & Universities
Government
Events & Festivals
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 🍁 Proudly Canadian
- Trusted Since 1981
- CSA Certified
- ADA / AODA Compliant
- CANASA Member
- 18-Month Warranty
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 1980. We’ll help you choose the right model for your application, budget, and compliance requirements.