How the Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates Surprised Me
As someone who’s spent over a decade outfitting myself and others with the right gear for everything from dusty workshops to demanding fieldwork, I’ve learned to be discerning. When the need arose to quickly and reliably swap essential equipment on my tactical vest and belt setup, I started looking for a robust, versatile solution. The Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates caught my eye immediately due to its promise of modularity and quick attachment. I had been using a mix of Velcro, strap systems, and less integrated solutions, which were always a compromise. My initial impression upon unboxing these units was positive; they felt solid, the polymer robust, and the locking mechanism surprisingly secure. While I briefly considered some other proprietary systems, Safariland’s reputation for durable law enforcement and military-grade equipment gave me confidence. My first reaction was one of pragmatic satisfaction, knowing I likely had a tool that would streamline my gear setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds for the Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates were primarily my tactical range vest and my duty belt. I attached the receiver plates to various pouches – a spare pistol magazine carrier, a multitool pouch, and a small IFAK. The locking forks then found their homes on the respective accessories. The process was surprisingly intuitive; clicking the fork into the receiver plate felt secure with a distinct tactile and auditory confirmation. I tested this setup through a full day at the range, involving rapid movement, drawing and re-holstering, and even some prone shooting. The equipment remained firmly attached throughout all maneuvers, without any unintended disengagement.
The true test came during a long training weekend where I needed to adapt my loadout daily. I swapped a pistol holster for a tactical flashlight attachment, and later, a dump pouch for a radio carrier. This ability to reconfigure my gear in minutes, rather than fumbling with straps or screws, was a significant improvement. Even with the added vibration and occasional bump against doorways and equipment, the locking mechanism held its ground. I did notice that attaching a heavily weighted item, like a full canteen pouch, to a receiver plate mounted on a flexible material like a MOLLE vest required careful consideration of the mounting point to prevent excessive torque on the plate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates have proven their worth many times over. My primary loadout now relies heavily on this system for magazines, tools, and even my sidearm holster. I’ve taken them on several extended field exercises, where they’ve endured dust, moderate rain, and significant temperature fluctuations without any degradation in performance.
The durability is impressive; I’ve yet to see any cracks, stiffness, or weakening in the polymer components, even after countless attachments and detachments. Dropping a fork with a loaded magazine attached onto a concrete floor didn’t faze it one bit; it remained perfectly functional. Maintenance is virtually non-existent, a quick wipe down with a damp cloth if they get dirty is all that’s needed. Compared to the various Velcro-based systems I’ve used in the past, which tend to lose their grip over time or become clogged with debris, these Safariland units offer a far more reliable and long-lasting solution. They’ve definitely set a new standard for how I approach equipment modularity.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates
Specifications
The Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates comes with a total of two ELS 34 Locking Forks and two ELS 35 Receiver Plates. Each fork is designed to securely engage with the receiver plate, creating a robust connection. The plates themselves are relatively compact, designed to minimize their footprint when mounted. This kit is often available in finishes like Coyote Brown, which provides a good aesthetic match for many tactical or outdoor setups. The overall construction utilizes a durable, high-strength polymer that feels substantial.
The Quantity: 1 Pack means you get the specified two forks and two plates in a single purchase. This amount is adequate for outfitting a few essential pouches or one primary piece of gear with a swapping capability. The Manufacturer: Safariland is a significant indicator of quality, given their long history in the protective equipment industry. The design principle here is simple yet effective: one part (the fork) attaches to the accessory, and the other (the plate) mounts to your platform, allowing for rapid, secure engagement and disengagement.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of the Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates is to facilitate quick and secure attachment and detachment of accessories. In this regard, the system performs exceptionally well. The locking mechanism is positive and reassuring, with a firm click that confirms a secure lock. I haven’t experienced any accidental releases, even when subjected to vigorous movement or sudden impacts.
The main strength of this system is its modularity. It allows for near-instantaneous swapping of equipment. For instance, I can switch from a duty belt setup with my sidearm to a range setup with multiple magazine pouches in a matter of seconds. A slight weakness might be the bulk added by the fork and plate combination compared to direct attachment methods, but this is a trade-off for the modularity it provides. For its intended purpose of quick gear changes, it exceeds expectations and offers a level of flexibility that is hard to match.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Safariland ELS system is remarkably straightforward yet effective. Both the locking forks and receiver plates are molded from a dense, durable polymer. The finish is typically matte, which is ideal for reducing glare in tactical or outdoor environments.
The ergonomics are also well-considered. The locking fork has a slightly textured surface or a defined edge that makes it easy to grip and disengage, even with gloves on. The receiver plate is designed with multiple mounting holes, allowing for flexibility in how and where it’s attached. The overall feel is one of robust construction; these are not flimsy plastic pieces that feel like they’ll break under stress. The small receiver footprint means it doesn’t add excessive bulk to the accessory it’s attached to.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my extensive use, the Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates are built for longevity. The high-strength polymer resists impacts and abrasions extremely well. I have not observed any signs of stress cracking or material fatigue, even with heavy, everyday use.
Maintenance is minimal, which is a significant advantage in demanding environments. A quick rinse with water and a wipe down is usually sufficient to keep them clean and functional. There are no small springs or complex mechanisms that are prone to failure or difficult to clean. The main point of caution would be ensuring the mounting screws used to attach the receiver plate to the accessory remain tight, as vibration can sometimes loosen them over time. However, this is a common concern with any mounted accessory, not a flaw of the ELS system itself.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates includes the essential components for creating a modular mounting system. The kit provides two locking forks and two receiver plates, sufficient for equipping two accessories. The receiver plates are designed to be mounted using standard screws, typically found in a 100-pack bulk set of hardware from many manufacturers, allowing them to be attached to various pouches, holsters, or directly to MOLLE platforms with the use of an additional MLS 16 Locking Fork (sold separately).
While the kit itself is basic, it serves as the foundation for significant customization. You can purchase additional forks and plates to outfit numerous accessories. The true customization comes from what you attach to the forks and where you mount the plates. This system integrates seamlessly with other Safariland products and can be adapted to nearly any gear setup requiring quick attachment.
Pros and Cons of Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates
Pros
- Incredibly secure locking mechanism: Once engaged, accessories stay put, providing peace of mind in dynamic situations.
- Rapid attachment and detachment: Allows for quick gear changes, significantly improving operational flexibility.
- Durable, high-strength polymer construction: Built to withstand harsh environments and repeated use without showing wear.
- Versatile mounting options: Receiver plates can be attached to belts, vests, or directly to MOLLE loops.
- Minimal maintenance required: Easy to clean and requires no special care to remain functional.
Cons
- Adds slight bulk to accessories: The fork and plate combination is larger than direct attachment methods.
- Requires additional hardware for mounting: Screws for attaching receiver plates are not included in the kit.
- Investment can grow: While the initial kit is affordable, outfitting many accessories requires purchasing additional forks and plates.
Who Should Buy Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates?
This Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates is an excellent choice for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and serious shooting sports competitors who frequently change their gear configuration. It’s also ideal for anyone in tactical or security roles who values rapid adaptation of their loadout. Security professionals working in varying environments or requiring specialized tools on demand will find immense utility.
Those who should perhaps skip this might be individuals looking for a permanent, fixed attachment for their gear, as the ELS system is designed for interchangeability. If extreme weight savings or the absolute slimmest profile on an accessory is paramount, alternative mounting solutions might be considered. For those starting out or only needing to outfit one or two items, the price of $39.99 for the starter kit is reasonable, but expanding the system can become an investment. I’d strongly recommend purchasing a 100-pack bulk of appropriate screws and washers for mounting the receiver plates, as you’ll likely need them to outfit more than just the two included accessories.
Conclusion on Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates
The Safariland Equipment Locking Kit, ELS Locking Forks/ Receiver Plates is a testament to smart, practical design in gear management. It delivers on its promise of secure, rapid modularity without compromising durability or ease of use. For anyone who needs to adapt their equipment on the fly, from the shooting range to operational deployment, this system is a game-changer. The initial investment for the starter kit is modest, and the system’s ability to grow with your needs makes it a worthwhile long-term solution.
Considering the robust construction, reliable performance, and significant flexibility it offers, the value proposition is strong. I absolutely recommend this kit to anyone looking to enhance their gear’s adaptability. If you’re tired of wrestling with fixed attachments or inefficient swapping methods, the Safariland ELS system provides a professional-grade solution that will streamline your loadout and boost your operational effectiveness. It’s a small addition that makes a massive difference.