Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82 Review

A Close Look at the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82 is a duty-grade holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who demand a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. Made by Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the holster industry, this holster features the Automatic Locking System (ALS) and a Level III retention rating, providing peace of mind in demanding situations. The addition of the Universal Belt Loop (UBL) further enhances its versatility.

My journey to this holster began with a growing unease about the security of my existing open-carry setup. I needed something that offered significantly more retention without sacrificing speed and ease of draw when I needed it most. I wanted a holster that could withstand the rigors of daily duty.

My first impression upon unboxing the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82 was one of solid construction and professional aesthetics. The basket weave finish adds a touch of class. The weight felt substantial, indicating robust materials.

I considered the Blackhawk Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900, both popular choices in the duty holster market. However, the Safariland ALS system’s reputation for reliability and speed, combined with the adjustability of the Ride UBL, ultimately swayed my decision. The Blackhawk felt bulky in comparison.

My initial excitement stemmed from the promise of enhanced security and retention, critical factors for my peace of mind during patrol. The holster looks and feels incredibly robust. I was eager to test it in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82 at the range during a departmental firearms training exercise. The training involved various scenarios, including drawing under stress, re-holstering quickly, and weapon retention drills. The weather was typical for that time of year; hot and humid.

The holster performed admirably in all conditions. The ALS system engaged automatically upon holstering, providing an audible and tactile confirmation of secure weapon retention. I needed a short period to adjust to deactivating the ALS during the draw, but the motion quickly became natural. There were no malfunctions or unexpected releases during the training.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of daily use on patrol, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82 has proven exceptionally durable. There are minor scuff marks on the basket weave finish, but the holster’s structural integrity remains intact. The ALS mechanism still operates smoothly.

Maintenance is straightforward: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is typically sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the ALS mechanism every few weeks to ensure smooth operation. This Safariland holster definitely outperforms cheaper, less robust holsters I’ve used in the past.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82

Specifications

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82 is specifically designed for the Sig Sauer P229R DAK W/ Bobbed Hammer and the P229R DASA W/ Full Size Hammer. It is a left-handed holster with a basket black finish.

The holster features Level III Retention thanks to the Automatic Locking System (ALS) which secures the weapon once holstered and the Hood Guard which protects the release mechanisms. The Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) allows the holster to ride in a mid-ride position, enhancing comfort and accessibility. The ALS system is paramount for retention, ensuring the weapon stays secure during physical altercations.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82 excels in its primary function: securely retaining and allowing for a quick, efficient draw of the weapon. The ALS system is intuitive and reliable. The “straight up draw once all releases are de-activated” is smooth and natural.

The holster’s strengths lie in its robust construction, secure retention, and comfortable carry. The basket weave finish may be susceptible to scratches over time. It definitely meets and exceeds my expectations for a duty holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is exceptional, with durable materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The holster is surprisingly comfortable for its size and level of retention. The basket weave finish adds a touch of professionalism.

The holster is user-friendly, although it requires some initial practice to master the ALS release. The Ride UBL positions the weapon for a natural and ergonomic draw stroke. The ALS mechanism is intuitive once you get used to it, and the UBL provides a comfortable ride.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82 is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty and should last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the ALS mechanism is all that is required to keep it functioning smoothly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The holster includes a Hood Guard to help prevent accidental release of the ALS. Safariland offers an optional Sentry device for increased security and converting it to Level III+ retention. The Ride UBL is compatible with other Safariland belt attachments. The ability to add the Sentry device is a major advantage for officers working in high-risk environments.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-744-82