Dear friends, here’s a comprehensive turnstiles comparison of swing barrier turnstiles, flap barrier turnstiles, tripod turnstiles, and full-height turnstiles, covering their features, advantages, and ideal applications to help you select the right type for your project.
TURNSTILES COMPARISON OVERVIEW
| Criteria | Swing Barrier | Flap Barrier | Tripod Turnstile | Full-Height Turnstile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrier Type | Swing arms (glass/acrylic/steel) | Retractable flaps (usually acrylic) | Three-arm rotating bars | Full-frame rotating arms (cage-style) |
| Opening Mechanism | Swing open (motorized) | Slide/retract into the housing | Arms rotate 120Ā° per passage | Entire panel rotates around vertical axis |
| Access Direction | Bi-directional | Bi-directional | Bi-directional | Bi-directional or uni-directional |
| Lane Width | 600ā1200 mm (wheelchair-friendly) | 550ā600 mm (standard) | 500ā600 mm (compact) | Single-person passage (usually 600 mm) |
| Security Level | Medium-high | Medium-high | Basic-medium | Very high (anti-climb, anti-tailgating) |
| Anti-tailgating Sensors | Yes (infrared) | Yes (infrared) | Basic or optional | Mechanical separation (no sensors needed) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair, stroller, trolley friendly | Not ideal for wheelchair | Not accessible | Not accessible (standard version) |
| Aesthetic Design | Premium, modern | Sleek, professional | Industrial/basic | Bulky, industrial |
| Installation Environment | Indoors | Indoors | Indoors/semi-outdoor | Indoor & outdoor (weatherproof) |
| Cost Level | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$$ |
ADVANTAGE COMPARISON
| Turnstile Type | Key Advantages |
|---|---|
| Swing Barrier | – Attractive modern design- Wide lane support for ADA compliance- Quiet, smooth motion- Strong integration with modern access systems- Flexible in entrance scenarios |
| Flap Barrier | – Fast throughput- Good anti-tailgating- Sleek and compact- Visual deterrent- Great for medium-security indoor locations |
| Tripod Turnstile | – Cost-effective- Durable, low-maintenance- Compact for limited spaces- Easy installation- Manual fallback option |
| Full-Height Turnstile | – Maximum physical security- Zero tailgating or jumping- Fully mechanical security possible- Ideal for unattended or 24/7 entry points- Strong in perimeter security |
APPLICATION SCENARIOS
| Application / Location | Swing Barrier | Flap Barrier | Tripod Turnstile | Full-Height Turnstile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office Buildings | (modern, aesthetic) | (fast entry, clean look) | (budget zones) |  (not suitable visually) |
| Residential Complexes | (visitor-friendly) | (fast entry) | (cost control) | (too industrial) |
| Subways / Train Stations | (too slow) | (fast flow, secure) | (some stations) | (slows down large flow) |
| Stadiums / Event Venues | (VIP/ADA entry lanes) | (general entry) | (crowd control) | (high-security zones) |
| Industrial Plants / Factories | | | (budget-controlled access) | (ideal for secure perimeters) |
| Data Centers / Server Rooms | (integrated systems) | | | (maximum security) |
| Airports | (passenger flow + access logs) | (boarding control) | | (restricted areas) |
| Construction Sites | | | | (rugged, secure) |
| Military Bases / Prisons | | | | (mandatory) |
Summary
| Turnstile Type | Best For | Not Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Swing Barrier | Corporate offices, premium spaces, ADA | Heavy-duty security environments |
| Flap Barrier | High-traffic indoor access control | Harsh outdoor environments |
| Tripod Turnstile | Budget-friendly security, indoor/outdoor | High-speed or high-security needs |
| Full-Height | Maximum-security, outdoor perimeters | Aesthetic or wheelchair access areas |
The following are STXtek access control turnstiles for your reference, if need further details or solution quotation, welcome to contact us.
ForĀ details or further information about access control turnstiles, if you have project that need turnstile gate, like tripod turnstile,Ā flap barrier,Ā speed gatesĀ orĀ full height turnstiles, please contact us by email stone@stxtek.com or WhatsApp: +8613058082669, we are an experienced multi types of turnstiles supplier who can offer professional solutions to you, your request will be replied within 24 hours.
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Editor: Mr.Stone FanĀ Ā Date: April 10, 2025
