BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards Review

Taking the BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards for a Spin

The BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards represent a simple, yet crucial piece of gear for anyone concerned with weapon retention. BlackHawk is a trusted name in tactical equipment, and this lanyard promises to keep your sidearm secured without hindering your movements. As a gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless retention solutions, and I approached this one with a healthy dose of skepticism mixed with hope.

My primary reason for seeking out a pistol lanyard was to enhance the safety and security of my sidearm during training exercises. I needed a solution that wouldn’t interfere with my draw stroke but would prevent accidental drops or, worse, unauthorized removal of the weapon. The compact design and coiled nature of the BlackHawk lanyard appealed to me, promising a low-profile solution.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of utilitarian simplicity. The black rubber exterior laminate over the coiled wire felt robust, albeit a little stiff. The included BTS loop for belt attachment seemed practical, and the gutted 550 cord for weapon attachment appeared adequate, though not particularly confidence-inspiring.

I considered other lanyards like the Safariland Quick Release Lanyard and the Blue Force Gear Single Point Sling, but I chose the BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards primarily for its simplicity and non-swivel design. Some lanyards have too many bells and whistles that add bulk and potential failure points. I was hoping for a no-nonsense, reliable solution.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It felt solid enough and looked like it would do the job, but I reserved judgment until I could put it through its paces.

Real-World Testing: Putting BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards at an outdoor shooting range during a force-on-force training scenario. The weather was mild, but I made sure to expose the lanyard to some simulated rain to assess its performance in wet conditions. My primary concern was whether the coiled wire would become excessively stiff or unwieldy when wet.

The initial setup was straightforward; attaching the lanyard to my duty belt using the BTS loop was quick and easy. Securing the lanyard to my Glock 17 using the provided 550 cord was a bit more fiddly, requiring some careful knot-tying to ensure a secure connection. During drills involving movement, transitions, and simulated combat scenarios, the lanyard performed reasonably well. The coiled design provided sufficient freedom of movement for drawing and firing the weapon, and the tension was noticeable but not overly restrictive.

However, after a few hours of use, I noticed some minor fraying of the 550 cord where it attached to my pistol. This raised some concerns about its long-term durability under more demanding conditions. There were no major issues, but the fraying on the 550 cord was a red flag.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use during training and range sessions, the BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards have shown some signs of wear and tear. The rubber laminate has held up well, showing no cracks or abrasions. However, the 550 cord attachment point remains a weak link.

I’ve had to replace the 550 cord twice due to fraying and weakening. I’ve switched to using higher-quality paracord for a more durable connection. The coiled wire itself maintains its elasticity, but I’ve noticed a slight decrease in its ability to retract fully after being extended repeatedly.

Compared to my previous experience with a similar lanyard from a different manufacturer, the BlackHawk lanyard is marginally better in terms of overall construction and durability. However, the reliance on 550 cord for weapon attachment is a significant drawback.

Breaking Down the Features of BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards

Specifications

• The BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards are constructed from coiled telephone-type wire with a black rubber exterior laminate. This provides flexibility and durability while maintaining a low profile.
• It features a modular attachment system to your belt using a BTS loop for easy on and off. The modularity allows for quick attachment and detachment as needed.
• The lanyard attaches to the weapon via gutted 550 cord. While lightweight, its durability is questionable under heavy use.
• It allows for full extension shooting, ensuring the user can maintain a proper grip and stance. The coiled design provides enough length for full extension without excessive slack.
• The lanyard weighs approximately 3 oz, keeping it lightweight and unobtrusive. The light weight minimizes any added burden on the user’s gear.

These specifications are crucial for tactical applications because they balance weapon retention with freedom of movement. However, the reliance on 550 cord as the primary weapon attachment point is a potential weakness.

Performance & Functionality

The BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards performs its primary job of weapon retention adequately, preventing accidental drops or loss of the firearm. The coil design allows for a full range of motion while shooting, without excessive tension or slack.

However, the longevity of the 550 cord attachment point is a concern. It requires frequent inspection and replacement, especially under rigorous use.

Overall, the BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards meets the basic expectations for a pistol lanyard but could benefit from a more robust weapon attachment system.

Design & Ergonomics

The BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards features a simple, utilitarian design. The black rubber exterior laminate provides a non-slip grip and protects the coiled wire from abrasion.

The BTS loop is easy to attach and detach from the belt. It allows for quick donning and doffing of the lanyard.

The lanyard is lightweight and relatively unobtrusive, adding minimal bulk to the user’s gear. The stiffness of the coil can be slightly annoying at first, but it becomes more manageable with use.

Durability & Maintenance

The coiled wire and rubber laminate are reasonably durable, showing minimal wear and tear after weeks of use. However, the 550 cord weapon attachment point is a weak link that requires frequent replacement.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe down the lanyard with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.

Replacing the 550 cord is a simple task that can be done with basic tools. However, it would be preferable to have a more durable attachment system from the outset.

Accessories and Customization Options

The BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards does not come with any additional accessories beyond the BTS loop and 550 cord. There are no inherent customization options, though users can replace the 550 cord with a stronger alternative, such as high-grade paracord or a metal ring.

The BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards is generally compatible with most pistols, provided the user can find a suitable attachment point on the weapon. The BTS loop is compatible with most standard-sized duty belts.

Pros and Cons of BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards

Who Should Buy BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards?

The BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and military personnel who require a basic weapon retention system. It is also suitable for recreational shooters and airsoft enthusiasts seeking an affordable and low-profile lanyard.

This product might not be ideal for users who require a highly durable and reliable lanyard for demanding tactical applications. Users who prioritize a robust weapon attachment system should consider alternatives with metal rings or reinforced connections.

A must-have modification is replacing the provided 550 cord with a higher-quality paracord or a metal ring for enhanced durability.

Conclusion on BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards

The BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards is a decent, budget-friendly option for basic weapon retention. Its simple design and ease of use make it a suitable choice for users who prioritize affordability and low-profile functionality.

However, the reliance on 550 cord for weapon attachment is a significant drawback that limits its overall reliability and durability. While the price is justified for its basic functionality, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations and consider upgrading the weapon attachment point for enhanced performance.

I would recommend the BlackHawk Coiled Tactical Pistol Lanyards with reservations, primarily due to the weak link of the 550 cord. If you’re on a tight budget and understand its limitations, it’s an acceptable choice, but be prepared to make some modifications to improve its reliability.