Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2 Review

The Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2 and What It Taught Me

The Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2 represents a common challenge in the world of duty gear: maximizing space without sacrificing accessibility. Designed by Safariland, this ambidextrous pouch aims to consolidate two essential items – spare magazines and handcuffs – into a single, streamlined unit. It’s a seemingly brilliant concept, promising to declutter the duty belt and improve overall efficiency.

My journey to finding the Safariland 72 stemmed from a simple, yet persistent problem: belt space. As a seasoned officer, my duty belt was already burdened with a sidearm, radio, OC spray, baton, and other necessities. The constant struggle to find room for everything while maintaining easy access became increasingly frustrating, so I sought a solution.

Upon unboxing the Safariland 72, my initial impressions were positive. The SAFARIL-LAMINATE material felt rugged and durable, promising to withstand the rigors of daily use. Its plain black finish offered a professional, low-profile aesthetic that blended seamlessly with my existing gear.

Compared to separate magazine and handcuff pouches, the Safariland 72 appeared to offer a significant space-saving advantage. I considered alternatives like stacked magazine pouches or smaller handcuff cases, but the Safariland 72’s all-in-one design seemed like the most elegant solution. My initial excitement was fueled by the potential to alleviate belt clutter and improve my overall comfort.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Safariland 72 took place during a standard patrol shift in a high-activity urban environment. I wanted to assess its performance under pressure, simulating scenarios where quick access to both magazines and handcuffs might be critical. The adjustable angle positions sounded promising for optimizing draw angles.

Under dry, relatively mild conditions, drawing magazines proved to be fairly smooth, although the top flap did require a deliberate, two-handed motion initially. However, accessing the handcuffs was a different story. The positioning of the cuff pouch relative to the magazines felt awkward, requiring an unnatural twisting motion to retrieve them quickly. The bulk of the magazines seemed to get in the way of accessing the handcuffs efficiently.

The initial experience revealed a key issue: while the Safariland 72 saved space, it compromised the speed and efficiency of accessing the handcuffs. This was a significant concern, as precious seconds can make a difference in critical situations.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continuous use, my assessment of the Safariland 72 remained largely unchanged. While the pouch held up admirably to the daily grind, showing minimal signs of wear and tear, the ergonomic challenges persisted. The magazine tension screw did allow for some adjustment, but it did not address the core issue of handcuff accessibility.

Durability wasn’t a concern; the SAFARIL-LAMINATE construction proved to be exceptionally resilient, resisting scuffs, abrasions, and the general abuse that duty gear endures. Maintenance was also straightforward, requiring only occasional wiping down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. Cleaning was easy and quick.

Compared to my previous setup with separate magazine and handcuff pouches, the Safariland 72 offered a mixed bag of results. It certainly reduced belt clutter, but the compromise in handcuff accessibility ultimately outweighed the benefits. My previous setup, while bulkier, allowed for faster and more intuitive access to both magazines and handcuffs.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2

Specifications

The Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2 is designed to accommodate two magazines and one pair of standard-size chain or hinged handcuffs on a 2.25″ (58mm) duty belt. The pouch is constructed from rugged SAFARIL-LAMINATE, offering excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. Its ambidextrous design caters to both left- and right-handed users, providing versatility in positioning on the duty belt.

The adjustable angle positions integrated into the belt loop allow for both vertical and horizontal carry, offering users the flexibility to customize the pouch’s orientation based on their individual preferences and needs. The magazine tension screw, located between the two magazine pouches, enables easy adjustment of magazine retention, ensuring a secure and reliable fit. The compatibility with a variety of handgun magazines and handcuffs is good, but not universal.

These specifications are critical for duty gear because they directly impact performance and safety. Durability ensures that the pouch can withstand the rigors of daily use. The ambidextrous design and adjustable angle positions allow for personalized customization, while adjustable retention contributes to the secure and reliable carrying of essential equipment.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 72 performs adequately in securing magazines and handcuffs, but its functionality is limited by its design. The magazines are held securely, and the tension screw allows for fine-tuning of retention. The handcuff pouch functions as intended, but it is slower and less intuitive to access compared to dedicated handcuff pouches.

The main strength of the Safariland 72 is its space-saving design. Its primary weakness is the compromised accessibility of the handcuffs. It meets the basic expectations of holding the required gear, but falls short in providing optimal access speed and efficiency.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 72 features a reasonably well-thought-out design, but its ergonomics are questionable. The SAFARIL-LAMINATE material is robust and provides a professional appearance. Its weight is reasonable, but its bulk can be noticeable on the duty belt.

The pouch presents a moderate learning curve. While drawing magazines is relatively straightforward, accessing the handcuffs requires practice and adaptation to the somewhat awkward positioning. The ambidextrous nature of the pouch is nice for left-handed users.

Durability & Maintenance

The SAFARIL-LAMINATE construction of the Safariland 72 ensures excellent durability, promising a long service life under typical duty conditions. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. Repairing the pouch, if necessary, may require specialized tools and expertise, but the robust construction minimizes the likelihood of needing frequent repairs.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 72 does not come with any additional accessories beyond the pouch itself. Customization options are limited to adjusting the magazine tension and belt loop angle. The pouch is compatible with standard-size chain or hinged handcuffs and a range of magazines, including those for Glock 17, 22, 31, 34, and 35, Heckler & Koch USP 40C and USP 9C, Sig Sauer SP2340, and Smith & Wesson 40C, 40F, 9E, 9mm, Sigma 9C, SW40V, SW99, and SW9V. The fit is not universal, and some magazine types may require adjustment of the tension screw.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2

Who Should Buy Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2?

The Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2 is perfect for law enforcement officers or security personnel who prioritize space-saving solutions on their duty belts and are willing to accept a slight compromise in handcuff accessibility. It is also suitable for individuals who prefer a low-profile, professional-looking pouch constructed from durable materials. Those who may find it useful work in environments that require the use of both handcuffs and spare magazines.

This product might not be ideal for users who require lightning-fast access to their handcuffs or who prefer a more streamlined, minimalist setup. Officers or security professionals in fast-paced situations may be better served by separate, dedicated pouches for magazines and handcuffs. Users with larger hands might find the handcuff compartment too tight.

A must-have modification would be experimenting with different belt positions to find the optimal angle for handcuff draw. Aftermarket retention devices could also be considered to further secure the magazines.

Conclusion on Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2

In summary, the Safariland 72 Mag/Cuff Pouch, Top Flap – Plain Black, Ambidextrous 72-83-2 offers a practical solution for consolidating essential duty gear. Its durable construction, space-saving design, and adjustable features make it a viable option for those seeking to declutter their duty belts. However, the compromised handcuff accessibility remains a significant drawback.

The price is justified for the quality of materials and construction. However, the ergonomic challenges may make it a less compelling option for some users. Would I personally recommend it? With reservations. If space is a paramount concern and the user is willing to adapt to the handcuff draw, the Safariland 72 can be a worthwhile investment.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Safariland 72 depends on individual priorities and operational needs. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, consider your own requirements for speed and efficiency, and choose the setup that best supports your mission.