Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster Review

The Good, the Bad & the Real of the Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster

The Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster is a nylon duty holster designed for law enforcement and security personnel, specifically those who spend a significant amount of time seated. Made by Bianchi, this holster is intended to offer comfort and accessibility while keeping a sidearm secure. It’s a high-ride holster, meaning the pistol sits higher on the belt, supposedly making it easier to access while seated in a vehicle or at a desk.

My journey towards the Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster started with a common problem: discomfort. I was tired of my duty weapon digging into my side while driving and needed a holster that prioritized comfort during extended periods of sitting. I had heard about high-ride holsters being a solution, and the Bianchi name carried a certain weight of reputation.

Upon unboxing the Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster, I immediately noticed the nylon construction. It felt sturdy but not overly rigid, which was a good sign for comfort. The stitching appeared solid, and the Coptex lining was a welcome touch, hinting at a smooth draw and re-holstering process.

I was considering the Safariland 7378RDS 7TS™ ALS® Concealment Paddle & Belt Loop Combo Holster and the Blackhawk! SERPA CQC Holster before settling on the Bianchi. I chose the Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster because it had the right balance of retention, ride height, and material. The Safariland was too bulky for my needs, and the Blackhawk’s retention system has always made me a little nervous.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It felt well-made, but I was uncertain about the nylon material compared to the leather holsters I’d used in the past. Only real-world testing would reveal its true strengths and weaknesses.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster at the shooting range during a standard qualification session. The range was outdoors, and the weather was hot and dusty. I wanted to see how the holster performed under typical duty conditions.

The holster performed reasonably well, with a decent draw speed. The high-ride design did make drawing while seated in my vehicle slightly easier than with my previous mid-ride holster. However, I had to adjust my grip slightly to avoid bumping the seat. I found it fairly easy to draw and reholster my Glock 17, but I had to get used to drawing from a higher position.

After the first use, I noticed that the nylon material attracted dust easily, but it didn’t seem to affect the holster’s function.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster daily, I have a better understanding of its durability and comfort. The holster has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The stitching remains intact, and the nylon hasn’t frayed.

I work in a variety of environments, from air-conditioned offices to outdoor patrol in varying weather. The holster has been exposed to rain, sun, and extreme temperatures. I found it easy to clean and maintain, I typically just wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Compared to my previous leather holster, the Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster is significantly more comfortable while seated for extended periods. However, it’s not as form-fitting or aesthetically pleasing as leather. Overall, the comfort outweighs the aesthetic drawbacks.

Breaking Down the Features of Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster

Specifications

The Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster features a high-ride design, positioning the firearm close to the body. It is constructed from Nylon and lined with Coptex, which protects the firearm’s finish. The holster features an adjustable thumb break for secure retention.

• Manufacturer: Bianchi
• Color: Black
• Holster Type: Belt Holster
• Holster Material: Nylon
• Accessory Attachment System: Belt Loop
• Finish: Plain
• Application: Duty
• Fastener/Closure Type: Thumb Break
• Holster Finish: Plain
• Fabric/Material: Nylon
• Belt Loop: Fits up to 2.25″ (58mm) belts

These specifications translate into a holster that is lightweight, durable, and relatively comfortable. The high-ride design makes it easier to access the firearm while seated, while the nylon construction offers resistance to wear and tear. The thumb break is essential for retaining the firearm securely, particularly in a duty environment.

Performance & Functionality

The Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster performs its primary job of securely holding a firearm adequately. The adjustable thumb break provides a decent level of retention, but it’s not as robust as some of the more advanced retention systems found in other duty holsters. The draw is relatively smooth, thanks to the Coptex lining.

The holster’s strengths lie in its comfort and accessibility while seated. Its primary weakness is the nylon material which, while durable, doesn’t offer the same level of security or aesthetic appeal as leather. It meets expectations for a basic duty holster, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster has a simple, functional design. The nylon material is lightweight and relatively comfortable against the body. It is comfortable in-hand and has no major learning curve, which means there is minimal time to adjust.

The holster is generally user-friendly. The thumb break is easy to operate, and the high-ride design makes it easy to access the firearm while seated.

Durability & Maintenance

The nylon construction of the Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster suggests that it will last a reasonably long time. Nylon is a durable material that resists wear and tear. Maintenance is easy; the holster can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

I don’t foresee any major repair issues with the holster. The stitching appears to be well-done, and the nylon is unlikely to rip or tear easily.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster doesn’t come with many accessories. However, the adjustable thumb break offers some customization in terms of retention. It’s compatible with standard 2.25″ duty belts.

Beyond that, customization options are limited. The nylon construction doesn’t lend itself well to modification, and there are no readily available accessories specifically designed for this holster.

Pros and Cons of Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster

Who Should Buy Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster?

The Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and administrative staff who spend a significant amount of time seated in vehicles or at desks. It is an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and accessibility over advanced retention features.

This product should be skipped by individuals who require a high level of weapon retention or prefer the traditional look and feel of leather. Also, skip this holster if you need to carry a revolver.

A good quality duty belt is a must-have accessory for this holster.

Conclusion on Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster

The Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster is a solid, functional duty holster that excels in comfort and accessibility while seated. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing or feature-rich option on the market, it offers a good value proposition for those who prioritize comfort and durability. At around $87.00, the price is justified for what it offers.

I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking a comfortable, reliable, and affordable duty holster for seated duty. If you’re tired of your holster digging into your side while driving, the Bianchi 7105 Cruiser Duty Holster is worth a look. Give it a try and experience the difference a high-ride holster can make.