Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49 Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49

As someone who has spent over a decade navigating the practicalities of gear across diverse environments—from the dusty workshop and sterile lab to the demanding field—I’ve learned that the seemingly minor components often make or break a system. The Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49 falls into this category. It’s not the spray itself, but the crucial interface for carrying it. My need for a reliable, quickly accessible OC spray holder arose from requiring a secure and immediately deployable option during outdoor survey work in areas where unexpected encounters were a possibility. While I considered generic nylon pouches, the known quality of Safariland’s duty gear made their specific offerings the primary focus. My initial impression was one of solid, no-nonsense construction; it felt precisely engineered, promising a secure fit for the canister and quick access when seconds count.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this Safariland holder focused on its integration into my everyday field carry setup. I attached it to my duty belt during a week-long geological survey expedition in a moderately rugged environment. The holder sat comfortably at a mid-ride position, allowing for easy access without impeding movement or snagging on vegetation. Performance was consistent even with light dew and dust accumulating on its surface; the STX Hi-Gloss finish proved surprisingly resilient to minor scuffs. Its open-top design facilitated an incredibly intuitive draw, requiring no complex manipulations, which was crucial when I needed to quickly scan my surroundings or access other tools.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months of regular use, including frequent deployments during site inspections and even a few accidental bumps against equipment, the Safariland holder has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of stress fractures, stitching degradation, or loosening of the attachment mechanism. The STX Hi-Gloss finish, while bearing some minor surface marks from regular contact, has maintained its integrity and hasn’t chipped or peeled. Cleaning is as simple as a wipe-down with a damp cloth, keeping it looking and functioning as new. Compared to previous budget nylon holders that often stretched out or lost their retention, this unit demonstrates superior longevity and consistent performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49

Specifications

This Safariland OC spray holder is designed for optimal compatibility and accessibility. Its core specifications include an Open top for quick access, ensuring immediate deployment of the canister. The holder’s dimensions accommodate various OC spray canisters, specifically noting it fits Defense Technology MK3 1.47 oz. and 2 oz. canisters, as well as MSI MKIII OC/CS 2 oz. and Pepper Mace MKIII 5.5% 2 oz. canisters. The quoted diameter is 1.5″ (38mm), and it accommodates canisters from 4″ to 4.5″ (10.16cm-11.43cm) in height. The STX Hi-Gloss finish is a key aesthetic and protective feature, offered here in a classic Black color. The mid-ride design positions the holder lower on the belt than a high-ride, but higher than a drop-leg, balancing accessibility with weapon retention compatibility.

These specifications translate directly to practical usability. The specified fit ensures that compatible OC spray canisters are held securely without being overly difficult to draw. The open-top design is critical for rapid deployment, a feature I’ve come to rely on heavily in dynamic situations. The STX Hi-Gloss finish not only looks professional but also offers a degree of resistance to abrasion and moisture, common challenges in various work environments. The mid-ride height is a deliberate design choice, aiming to provide a balance between ease of reach and maintaining a lower profile compared to other mounting options.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49 is to securely and reliably hold an OC spray canister for immediate access. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The canister sits snugly within the molded polymer, and the open top allows for a swift, unhindered draw. I experienced no instances of the canister becoming dislodged, even during vigorous movement or when brushing against obstacles. Its main job is simple but executed with precision.

The strengths lie in its secure retention and the user-friendly open-top design. Weaknesses are virtually nonexistent for its intended purpose; it’s built to do one thing and does it perfectly. Considering its price point and the robust construction, it not only meets but arguably exceeds expectations for a duty-grade accessory.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of this Safariland holder is immediately apparent. It’s constructed from a rigid, injection-molded polymer that feels substantial and durable. The STX Hi-Gloss finish provides a professional sheen that has, thus far, proven quite resistant to minor abrasions. Ergonomically, the mid-ride design is a significant advantage. It positions the spray canister at a natural drawing angle, easily accessible without requiring awkward reaches or contortions.

The molded contours are smooth, preventing snagging on clothing or other gear. There’s no perceived learning curve; the design is inherently intuitive. The lack of complex retention mechanisms, inherent to the open-top design, simplifies its use significantly, which is paramount in high-stress scenarios.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its polymer construction and STX Hi-Gloss finish, this Safariland holder is built for durability. For its intended purpose, which typically involves regular, albeit not constant, deployment, it’s likely to last for many years. Maintenance is practically non-existent. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep it clean and presentable.

There are no obvious potential failure points that I’ve observed. Unlike softer fabric pouches that can fray or develop loose stitching, the rigid polymer construction offers a level of robustness that suggests it will withstand significant wear and tear. The attachment mechanism, presumably designed for a standard duty belt, also appears robust and secure.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49 comes as a standalone unit, focusing on its primary function. There are no additional accessories included, nor are there inherent customization options for the holder itself, beyond its color and finish variations. Its strength lies in its focused design and compatibility with specific OC spray canister sizes. While it doesn’t offer the modularity of some other systems, its purpose-built nature ensures a precise fit for its intended contents.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49

Who Should Buy Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49?

This Safariland holder is an excellent choice for professionals who carry OC spray as part of their standard duty or field gear and require rapid, reliable access. This includes law enforcement officers, security personnel, park rangers, and outdoor professionals who frequently operate in environments where personal safety is a consideration. It is particularly well-suited for those who value a streamlined, no-fuss design that prioritizes speed of deployment.

Individuals who should consider alternatives are those who need to carry OC spray canisters outside the specified dimensions or require a holder with an additional active retention mechanism for extremely high-risk environments. While simple and effective, this model might not suffice if a secondary lock is a non-negotiable requirement. A must-have accessory would be a compatible OC spray canister; beyond that, ensuring your belt system is robust enough to properly support the mid-ride holder is advisable.

Conclusion on Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49

The Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-4-49 is a testament to Safariland’s reputation for producing high-quality, functional gear. It excels at its core task: providing secure, accessible storage for specific OC spray canisters. The blend of durable construction, a well-chosen mid-ride position, and the crucial open-top design makes it a reliable tool for anyone prioritizing quick deployment. At its price point, the value proposition is strong, offering a level of build quality and performance that justifies the investment for those who depend on their equipment. I would readily recommend this holder to any professional who carries a compatible OC spray and values speed and reliability in their gear. It’s a simple, effective solution that performs precisely as intended, day in and day out.