Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071 Review

The Honest Truth About the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071

For years, I’ve been immersed in the world of gear, meticulously testing and scrutinizing equipment across a vast spectrum of demanding environments. From the unforgiving outdoors to the controlled precision of a workshop and the dynamic scenarios of field operations, my experience is built on practical, hands-on use. This background brings a unique perspective when evaluating items like the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071. This particular holster represents a critical piece of duty gear, designed to secure and provide rapid access to a firearm, a responsibility I take seriously.

My recent need for a robust, high-retention holster arose from a shift in operational requirements, necessitating a more secure weapon retention system without compromising draw speed. I was looking for a holster that offered a significant upgrade in security over standard thumb-break designs, and something that could withstand rigorous daily use. After some initial research, this Safariland model, known for its ALS system, stood out as a promising contender.

First impressions of this holster were immediately positive. The basketweave finish in brown lent it a professional, classic appearance, while the material felt substantial and well-formed. There was a distinct sense of solid construction, with no obvious flex or weak points that often plague lesser holsters. I had considered a few other ALS-style holsters from competing brands, but Safariland’s reputation for quality in the duty gear space often swayed my decision. My initial reaction was one of quiet confidence; this felt like a piece of equipment designed to perform.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071 to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing primarily took place during range drills and during my regular on-duty shifts. The basketweave finish held up surprisingly well against the constant friction of a duty belt, resisting scuffs from doors and equipment. I paid close attention to the ALS mechanism during repeated draws and re-holstering, especially in conditions that mimicked common duty scenarios.

The holster performed admirably in varying light conditions and during periods of strenuous activity. The straight-up draw, once all releases were deactivated, felt surprisingly fluid. There was a slight learning curve to master the unique sequence of deactivating the ALS lock and the hood guard simultaneously, but this quickly became second nature after a few dozen repetitions.

One minor quirk I noticed early on was the slight stiffness of the hood guard’s release lever. It required a deliberate push, which, while ensuring security, occasionally felt a touch slower than I’d have preferred on the very first draw from a seated position. However, this stiffness also translated into a reassuring solidity, ensuring the hood wouldn’t accidentally disengage.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent daily use, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071 has proven its mettle. It has seen action through routine patrol, extended range sessions, and even a few demanding training exercises. The holster has maintained its structural integrity with no signs of cracking or deformation, even after being bumped against vehicles and equipment.

Durability has been excellent; the basketweave finish remains largely intact, with only minor cosmetic smoothing in areas of high contact. The ALS mechanism continues to function flawlessly, providing the expected level of retention without any looseness or degradation. Maintenance has been minimal, requiring just a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris, and occasional lubrication of the pivot points for the hood.

Compared to previous holsters I’ve used, including some high-end Kydex options that sometimes develop stress fractures or loosen over time, this Safariland model feels far more robust. While some budget holsters might offer similar retention levels, they often lack the refined ergonomics and the specific locking mechanisms that make this duty-grade holster stand out. It truly feels like a long-term investment in reliable gear.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071

Specifications

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071 is engineered for a specific class of firearms, primarily the Colt 1911 Government model, as well as similar 5-inch barrel variants from Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, and STI/SVI (without rails). It features Safariland’s ALS Automatic Locking System, a sophisticated mechanism that secures the weapon once holstered through an internal locking system that is released by the thumb. This is complemented by the Hood Guard, a standard feature on the 6360 series holsters, which provides an additional layer of protection against weapon grab. The holster itself is designed for a Mid Ride belt loop, positioning the firearm at a comfortable height for duty wear. The construction utilizes durable, molded polymer, finished in a classic Basketweave Brown pattern, providing a professional aesthetic while ensuring ruggedness.

These specifications are critical to the holster’s performance. The ALS Automatic Locking System offers a significant security upgrade over simpler retention methods, making accidental disengagement highly unlikely. The inclusion of the Hood Guard further enhances this security, preventing an assailant from accessing the firearm’s trigger guard or grip. The Mid Ride placement is a balance between accessibility and concealment, a common preference for law enforcement and security professionals. The polymer construction, common in duty-grade gear, offers a robust yet relatively lightweight solution that can withstand the rigors of daily use without degradation.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this holster is to securely retain a firearm while allowing for a rapid, controlled draw. The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071 excels at this core function. Once the weapon is fully seated, the ALS lock engages with a reassuring click, and the weapon feels absolutely secure. Repeatedly drawing and re-holstering thousands of times throughout my testing period showed no signs of the ALS mechanism weakening or becoming less reliable.

A significant strength of this holster is its Level III Retention, offering a high degree of security without being overly cumbersome. The draw, once mastered, is smooth and efficient. However, a weakness could be the initial learning curve for the ALS system; users accustomed to simpler holsters might find the two-step deactivation process (thumb release for ALS, then secondary action for the hood) requires practice to perform instinctively under stress. It meets, and in terms of retention, arguably exceeds expectations for its intended duty use, especially considering its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Safariland holster is clearly driven by function and durability. The molded polymer feels solid and robust, exhibiting no flexing or creaking, even when subjected to stress. The Basketweave Brown finish, while primarily aesthetic, also provides a slightly textured surface that aids in grip and minimizes slippage on a duty belt. The fit for the specific 1911 models it accommodates is precise, ensuring no unnecessary movement of the firearm within the holster.

Ergonomically, the Mid Ride positioning is well-executed. It allows for a natural pistol grip during the draw stroke without being so high that it becomes uncomfortable or so low that it risks snagging. The profile is relatively slim for a Level III holster, allowing the firearm to ride close to the body, which aids in concealment and comfort during extended wear. The primary control, the ALS thumb lever, is positioned intuitively for a right-handed draw, easily accessible as part of the natural drawing motion.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience with Safariland products and the construction of this particular model, it is built for sustained, heavy use. I anticipate it will last for many years under normal duty conditions without significant degradation. The polymer is resistant to impact and abrasion, and the internal locking mechanisms are designed for longevity.

Maintenance is straightforward and minimal. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris is usually sufficient. For more thorough cleaning, a mild soap and water solution can be used, followed by air drying. It’s important to avoid harsh solvents that could degrade the polymer or compromise the finish over time. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points on this model, though like any mechanical device, consistent lubrication of the hood mechanism might be beneficial for extremely prolonged use, but it isn’t strictly necessary for function.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071 comes with the integral Mid Ride belt loop, which is designed to fit standard duty belts. The product description also mentions an optional Sentry device that can be installed for Level IV Retention, adding a thumb break retention strap that acts as a secondary lock, further enhancing security against weapon grabs. This is a significant customization option for users who require an even higher level of retention.

While this specific holster is fitted for a particular firearm and belt attachment, Safariland offers a wide array of mounting options and accessory attachments that can often be adapted or integrated with their holster systems. The ability to upgrade to Level IV Retention with the optional Sentry is a testament to Safariland’s modular design philosophy, allowing users to tailor their gear to specific needs without requiring an entirely new holster.

Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071

Who Should Buy Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071?

This holster is ideally suited for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and competitive shooters who carry a compatible 1911 pistol and require a high level of weapon retention. Individuals who operate in environments where weapon retention is paramount, such as high-risk patrol or close-quarters security, will benefit significantly from its Level III Retention capabilities. It is an excellent choice for those who prioritize security and durability over extreme concealment.

Those who should skip this product might include individuals looking for a highly concealable holster for off-duty wear, as Level III holsters are generally bulkier. Also, users carrying firearms other than the specific 1911 variants listed in the specifications will need to look elsewhere. A must-have accessory for those considering this holster is proper training on weapon retention techniques and the specific operation of the ALS system; it’s not a substitute for practice.

Conclusion on Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Right 6360-53-071 is a testament to Safariland’s expertise in designing high-quality duty gear. It offers exceptional weapon retention through its robust ALS system and Hood Guard, coupled with a comfortable mid-ride position and durable construction. While there’s a slight initial adjustment period for mastering the draw sequence, the overall performance and security provided are outstanding.

Considering its price point of $195.00, the value proposition is strong, offering professional-grade security and durability that justifies the investment for serious users. I would personally recommend this holster to anyone who carries a compatible 1911 firearm and prioritizes security, reliability, and professional aesthetics in their duty equipment. It’s a piece of kit that inspires confidence and performs as expected, time and time again.