First Impressions of the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92 promises a blend of secure weapon retention and rapid accessibility, crucial for law enforcement and security professionals. This Safariland holster, with its Automatic Locking System (ALS) and Level III retention, aims to provide peace of mind without sacrificing speed in critical situations.
My quest for a reliable duty holster began after witnessing a colleague’s near-miss incident involving an unsecured sidearm. I needed a holster that would provide superior retention but still allow for a smooth, efficient draw under pressure. The Hi-Gloss Black finish also appealed to my preference for a professional, clean look.
Unboxing the Safariland 6360, I was immediately struck by the robust construction and the glossy finish. The holster felt substantial, reassuringly solid in hand. The materials appeared to be of high quality, and the build quality seemed impeccable, promising long-term durability.
Compared to other Level III holsters I’ve used, like the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 or the Bianchi Accumold Elite, the Safariland 6360 stood out due to its intuitive ALS mechanism. While the others rely on more cumbersome release methods, the ALS seemed simpler and potentially faster. I chose this over others for its reputation of balancing security and speed, and the high-gloss finish for its professional appearance.
Initially, I was excited but also cautiously optimistic, knowing that real-world performance is the ultimate test. I had high hopes given Safariland’s reputation, but wanted to personally test how well it lived up to the hype regarding both retention and draw speed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92 at a controlled shooting range, simulating various stress scenarios. This included drawing under time constraints and while moving.
The Safariland 6360 performed admirably even in humid conditions; the ALS mechanism remained smooth and reliable. The holster required a bit of practice to master the draw stroke, as it involved simultaneously defeating the hood and disengaging the ALS. After some repetitions, the draw became fluid and intuitive, proving the design efficient for rapid deployment.
There were no immediate issues during the initial testing, but the high-gloss finish showed fingerprints quite easily, a minor aesthetic concern. I was surprised by how quickly I adapted to the ALS system, even with the Level III retention.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use in both training exercises and active duty, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92 has proven to be a reliable piece of gear. It continues to perform consistently without any degradation in retention or draw speed.
The holster shows minimal signs of wear and tear, demonstrating its robust construction. The Hi-Gloss Black finish has held up well, with only minor scratches, easily buffed out. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a wipe down with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism.
Compared to my previous experiences with other duty holsters, the Safariland 6360 significantly outperforms them in terms of retention reliability and draw speed under pressure. It balances security and accessibility better than any other Level III holster I’ve used.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92
Specifications
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92 is designed for duty use, prioritizing weapon security and rapid access. It features Level III Retention, incorporating the ALS (Automatic Locking System) and a rotating hood.
This particular model fits the Heckler & Koch P2000, is designed for left-hand users, and has a Hi-Gloss Black finish. The UBL (Universal Belt Loop) allows for mid-ride carry, offering a comfortable balance between concealment and accessibility. The combination of features and design ensures both officer safety and ease of use in dynamic situations.
The ALS automatically secures the weapon upon holstering, preventing unauthorized removal, and the hood adds another layer of security. These specifications are critical because they ensure that the firearm remains secure during physical altercations, while still being readily available when needed. The mid-ride UBL enhances comfort, especially during extended wear.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92 excels in its primary job: securing and deploying a firearm quickly and reliably. Its performance is particularly notable in high-stress scenarios.
The ALS and Level III retention work seamlessly to prevent unauthorized access, while the intuitive release mechanism allows for a smooth, fast draw. The strengths are the simplicity and reliability of the ALS, providing a distinct tactical advantage. A minor weakness might be the initial learning curve required to master the draw stroke, which can be mitigated with practice.
The holster undoubtedly meets and exceeds expectations for a Level III duty holster. Its balance of security, speed, and durability is exceptional.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6360 is built from durable SafariSeven™ nylon blend, providing both strength and flexibility. The build quality is top-notch, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of the holster’s construction.
The mid-ride UBL positions the firearm comfortably on the hip, allowing for a natural draw stroke and reducing fatigue during extended wear. The design is user-friendly once the release mechanisms are understood.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92 is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. Constructed from high-quality materials, it’s designed for long-term reliability.
Maintenance is simple: regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS mechanism is sufficient to keep it functioning optimally. Minimal repair is generally needed, thanks to the robust design.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6360 is compatible with a range of Safariland accessories, including various belt loops and leg shrouds, allowing customization for individual preferences. It includes a hood guard for added security.
It is also compatible with Safariland’s optional Sentry device, which adds another layer of security to the hood release. While it doesn’t offer extensive modification options like aftermarket grips, its modular design allows for personalized carry configurations.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92
Pros
- Exceptional Level III Retention: The ALS system provides excellent security, preventing unauthorized weapon removal while allowing for a rapid draw.
- Durable Construction: Built from high-quality SafariSeven™ nylon blend, the holster is designed to withstand daily duty use.
- Comfortable Mid-Ride Carry: The UBL positions the firearm comfortably on the hip, reducing fatigue during extended wear.
- Smooth and Fast Draw: Once mastered, the draw stroke is smooth and efficient, enabling rapid weapon deployment.
- Professional Appearance: The Hi-Gloss Black finish provides a clean, professional look.
Cons
- Hi-Gloss Black finish is prone to fingerprints.
- Initial Learning Curve: Mastering the draw stroke requires practice.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92?
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone requiring a secure, reliable, and accessible duty holster. Its Level III retention makes it ideal for those in high-risk environments.
Those prioritizing maximum concealment or needing a holster for concealed carry might find this model too bulky. Also, if ease of initial use is paramount and the user wants to avoid a learning curve, they may want to explore simpler holster options.
A sturdy duty belt is a must-have accessory to ensure proper support and stability. Additionally, consider purchasing the optional Safariland Sentry for enhanced security.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Hi Gloss Black, Left Hand 6360-97-92 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers on its promises of security, accessibility, and durability. While the initial price of $212.60 may seem steep, the long-term value and peace of mind it offers are well worth the investment.
I would personally recommend the Safariland 6360 to any professional requiring a Level III duty holster. Its reliable retention, comfortable carry, and smooth draw make it an excellent choice for demanding environments. Equip yourself with the Safariland 6360 and experience the confidence that comes with knowing your firearm is secure and readily accessible when you need it most.