Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard Review

My Verdict on the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard

As someone who’s spent over a decade putting gear through its paces in every conceivable environment – from the sterile precision of a lab to the rugged demands of the field – I approach new equipment with a healthy dose of skepticism and a lot of hands-on testing. The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard isn’t a flashy, game-changing piece of tech, but for those operating with Safariland ALS holsters, it addresses a specific, nagging concern: unintended weapon retention release. I encountered this necessity after a close call on the range where an accidental brush against the ALS lever nearly cost me. Considering Safariland’s reputation for robust duty gear, I was keen to see how this seemingly simple add-on performed. My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the material felt durable, and the fit looked precise. While I briefly considered generic stick-on guards, the integration and purpose-built nature of this Safariland offering felt far more reliable. Ultimately, it delivered a quiet sense of security.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing primarily took place at my local indoor shooting range and during some brisk walks on moderately wooded trails where I carry my duty-style sidearm. The primary goal was to see how the guard affected the speed and reliability of drawing the weapon under pressure, while simultaneously ensuring it prevented accidental disengagement. Installation was straightforward, taking less than five minutes. I experienced no issues with the guard impeding my draw; it felt like a natural extension of the holster.

Over the course of several range sessions, I deliberately subjected the holster to various movements, including quick pivots and even a simulated stumble, to test the guard’s efficacy. The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard performed admirably, preventing any unintended operation of the ALS lever. I also noted its performance in dusty conditions at the range, with no significant buildup affecting its function or the ALS lever’s smooth operation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After about two months of consistent use, cycling my sidearm multiple times per range visit and carrying it during my daily routine, the guard shows no signs of degradation. The polymer remains rigid, and there are no cracks or stress marks visible. Its integration with the ALS system has remained seamless, and the holster continues to draw and retain the weapon with the same reliability as before.

Maintenance has been virtually nonexistent; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it has needed to keep it free of dust and debris. Compared to budget-friendly alternatives I’ve seen or used in the past, which often felt flimsy or required frequent adjustments, this Safariland accessory feels built to last. It has proven itself to be a reliable, no-nonsense upgrade that significantly enhances the security of an already secure ALS holster.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard

Specifications

The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is a dual-purpose accessory designed to augment the security of Safariland’s ALS (Automatic Locking System) holsters. It’s essentially two components in one, offering both a hood guard for general protection and an ALS guard to specifically cover the ALS release lever. This accessory is available in black, brown, OD green, and foliage green, allowing for some degree of customization to match your existing gear. The product is designed to be installed into the hood of any open-top ALS holster.

The primary function of the ALS Guard is to prevent accidental or unauthorized activation of the ALS lever. This is crucial for maintaining weapon retention, especially in dynamic situations or when navigating confined spaces. The Hood Guard portion offers a layer of protection against impacts or debris that could potentially interfere with the holster’s mechanism.

Performance & Functionality

In its core function, the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard excels at providing an additional layer of security for Safariland ALS holsters. The ALS Guard effectively shields the lever, making it exceptionally difficult to disengage without a deliberate, two-step motion: first, pressing the hood guard out of the way, and then actuating the ALS lever. This significantly mitigates the risk of accidental weapon release, a concern that can arise from snagging the holster on gear, vehicles, or other obstacles.

The performance here is largely about prevention, and it does so without noticeably hindering a trained draw stroke. The integration is such that once you are familiar with the holster, your draw motion naturally accounts for the presence of the guard. There’s a slight addition to the draw process, but it’s minimal and becomes second nature very quickly.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this accessory is straightforward and utilitarian, as one would expect from Safariland’s duty-grade equipment. It’s molded from a durable polymer that feels robust and capable of withstanding the rigors of daily carry and use. The fit into the holster hood is precise, with no looseness or rattling.

Ergonomically, its impact is designed to be minimal on the draw while maximizing security. The curved profile of the ALS Guard fits snugly over the lever, and the hood portion blends seamlessly with the holster’s existing lines. For those accustomed to Safariland ALS holsters, the transition to using a model equipped with this guard is nearly imperceptible after a few draws.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the durability of the polymer used in the Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is excellent. It’s the same kind of tough, impact-resistant material Safariland uses in its holsters. This means it can take knocks and scrapes without cracking or becoming brittle, which is vital for gear that’s constantly exposed to potential hazards.

Maintenance is as simple as it gets: occasional cleaning with a damp cloth or brush to remove dirt and dust is sufficient. The design doesn’t incorporate any complex mechanisms or nooks that would trap debris, making it exceptionally easy to keep in proper working order. There are no user-replaceable parts, and it’s designed to be a permanent addition to compatible holsters.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is, in essence, an accessory itself, designed to enhance existing Safariland ALS holsters. It is not designed to be used with any additional accessories as it integrates directly into the holster’s hood structure. It’s important to note that this guard is specifically engineered for Safariland’s open-top ALS duty and tactical holsters.

The primary customization option available for this accessory is its color. It comes in black, brown, OD green, and foliage green, allowing users to match it to their tactical or duty attire. While the guard can be ordered with the ALS Guard and Hood Guard already installed on a new holster, it can also often be purchased as a retrofit part for compatible existing holsters.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard

Who Should Buy Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard?

This accessory is an ideal purchase for any law enforcement officer, security professional, or responsible firearm owner who utilizes Safariland ALS holsters and operates in environments where weapon retention is paramount. If you frequently find yourself in situations where your holster might be subjected to snags, bumps, or potential compromises, this guard provides critical peace of mind. It is particularly beneficial for those working in high-risk roles, engaging in dynamic training, or simply seeking to bolster the already strong retention of their ALS holster.

Individuals who should consider skipping this product are those who do not use Safariland ALS holsters or who primarily use their firearms in static environments where accidental snagging is not a concern. If you prioritize the absolute fastest, unhindered draw above all else and are confident in your holster’s standard retention, this add-on may feel like an unnecessary step. For those who do decide to purchase, ensure you are buying the correct model for your specific Safariland holster; compatibility is key.

Conclusion on Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard

The Safariland 6008 Hood Guard & ALS Guard is a testament to Safariland’s commitment to refining user safety and weapon security. For its modest price point of $18.60, it offers a substantial upgrade in preventing accidental weapon release from compatible ALS holsters. While it introduces a minor, easily overcome adaptation to the draw stroke, the benefit of significantly enhanced retention security far outweighs this slight adjustment.

Its durable construction and straightforward integration make it a practical and valuable addition to any professional’s gear. I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone carrying a Safariland ALS open-top holster who values an extra margin of safety. It’s a small investment that delivers considerable confidence in your gear’s ability to keep your sidearm secured when it matters most.