Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 Review

How the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 Changed My Routine

For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of tactical gear, witnessing countless innovations and experiencing firsthand the evolution of law enforcement equipment. Among the vast array of holsters I’ve encountered, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 truly stands out due to its focus on retention, accessibility, and comfortable carry. It’s a system designed to perform under pressure.

Years of open-carry training exercises had ingrained in me the need for a holster that provided rock-solid retention without sacrificing speed. Several departmental policies stressed the importance of Level III retention, especially given the rise in ambush-style attacks against law enforcement. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 promised exactly that.

The Safariland holster arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My first impression was its robust construction and the smooth “Nylon Look” finish; it felt like it could withstand serious abuse. The Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) also struck me as intelligently designed to keep the weapon close to the body.

I had been considering the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 Duty Holster and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7906 Duty Holster, but ultimately, the Safariland won out due to its renowned ALS (Automatic Locking System) and the established reputation of Safariland holsters among my colleagues. The ALS system seemed more intuitive and less prone to accidental release than the Serpa’s push-button mechanism. The Bianchi holster lacked the same level of active retention as the Safariland.

I was cautiously optimistic. Having used other Level III holsters that felt bulky and awkward, I hoped the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 would offer a more streamlined and efficient experience.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at the police academy’s range. I ran drills that simulated various scenarios including foot pursuits, vehicle stops, and close-quarters engagements. The conditions were typical for a late summer day: hot, humid, and dusty.

The ALS system proved to be remarkably intuitive. With minimal practice, I was able to achieve a smooth and consistent draw stroke while maintaining complete control of the firearm. The holster held my Sig Sauer P2022 securely, even during rigorous movement, and the Ride UBL kept the weapon snug against my body, preventing it from snagging on obstacles.

I did experience a slight learning curve in deactivating all three retention mechanisms simultaneously. Initially, I fumbled with the hood guard, but muscle memory developed quickly. Also, the Nylon Look finish held up well against the dusty conditions, showing no signs of scratching or wear after a full day of training.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use on duty and during training exercises, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 has proven its reliability and durability. The holster shows minimal signs of wear and tear, even after being exposed to rain, mud, and the general abuse that comes with daily law enforcement work.

The ALS locking mechanism continues to function flawlessly. The Ride UBL remains secure, and the holster’s close-to-body design has prevented any issues with printing or discomfort. Cleaning is a breeze – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed.

Previously, I used a Safariland 6280 SLS Level II Duty Holster. While that holster was reliable, the 6360‘s additional level of retention provides greater peace of mind, especially in potentially volatile situations. It definitively outperforms the Level II when weapon security is the highest priority.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262

Specifications

• Category: Als Holsters
• Finish/Color: Nylon Look
• Fits: Sig Sauer – P2022
• Type: Left Hand
• Level III Retention: Offers three independent levels of security to prevent unauthorized access to the firearm.
• ALS (Automatic Locking System): Secures the weapon automatically upon holstering.
• Hood Guard: Protects the thumb lever and helps prevent accidental release or tampering.
• Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop): Positions the holster for a mid-ride carry, enhancing comfort and accessibility.
• Nylon Look Finish: Provides a durable and professional appearance.
• Left-Handed Design: Specifically designed for left-handed shooters.

These specifications are crucial for law enforcement and security personnel, as they directly impact safety, weapon security, and operational efficiency. The Level III retention minimizes the risk of weapon disarming, the ALS ensures rapid and secure holstering, and the Ride UBL offers a comfortable and ergonomic carry. The left-handed design ensures proper fit and function for left-handed users.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The holster provides a secure and reliable platform for carrying a Sig Sauer P2022. It offers a smooth and consistent draw stroke once the retention mechanisms are deactivated.

The strength of this holster lies in its retention capability. It provides a high level of security without compromising accessibility. The weakness is that deactivating all three retention mechanisms simultaneously can require practice. It might not be ideal for those who prioritize the absolute fastest draw over maximum security.

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 meets and exceeds expectations for a Level III duty holster. It balances security, accessibility, and comfort effectively.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 features a robust and well-thought-out design. The materials used are high-quality, and the holster feels durable and substantial. The Nylon Look finish is both professional and resistant to wear and tear.

The Ride UBL positions the holster comfortably on the hip. There is a slight learning curve associated with mastering the Level III retention system. The intuitive ALS system requires only a thumb release.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction and materials, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 is expected to last for years with proper care. The holster is easy to maintain; regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism are sufficient.

The ALS mechanism may require occasional replacement parts depending on usage and environment. These parts are readily available from Safariland.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 is compatible with a range of Safariland accessories. These include different belt loops, leg shrouds, and optic-mounted weapon options. The Sentry is an optional accessory to further enhance retention.

The holster is also compatible with many aftermarket accessories designed for Safariland holsters. These may include alternative thumb levers and retention devices.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262

Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262?

This holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention and security. Left-handed individuals carrying a Sig Sauer P2022 will especially appreciate the tailored fit and functionality. This holster is also great for open carry applications.

If speed is absolutely paramount and weapon retention is a secondary concern, this Level III holster might not be the best choice. Those on a very tight budget might also want to explore Level II options. A must-have accessory is the Safariland Sentry, if even more retention is desired.

Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 is an outstanding duty holster that delivers on its promise of security, accessibility, and comfort. The price is justified given the level of protection and the quality of construction.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this holster to anyone who prioritizes weapon retention and needs a reliable and durable duty rig. It has become an indispensable part of my gear.

If you’re a left-handed officer carrying a Sig Sauer P2022 and are serious about weapon security, invest in the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Nylon Look, Left Hand 6360-278-262 – you won’t regret it. Your safety and the safety of those around you could depend on it.