Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-73-61 Review

The Final Word on the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-73-61

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless holsters come and go, each promising the ultimate blend of security, accessibility, and comfort. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-73-61 aims to deliver just that, offering Level III retention with the ALS (Automatic Locking System), a hood guard, and the Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) for optimal carry position. My years of experience both on and off duty have taught me to be skeptical of marketing claims, which is why I was eager to put this Safariland holster through its paces.

I needed a duty-grade holster that would provide both superior retention and a comfortable carry position for extended periods. My previous holster, while reliable, sat too high on my belt and lacked the added security I desired in certain high-risk environments. I was looking for a holster that I could trust my life to, one that wouldn’t compromise on speed or accessibility when seconds mattered.

The Safariland 6360 arrived in typical Safariland packaging: functional and no-nonsense. My first impression was that the materials felt robust and well-constructed. The plain black finish gave it a professional look. The weight was substantial, but not excessive, suggesting a good balance between durability and comfort.

I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Safariland 7TS ALS, both popular choices for duty use. Ultimately, the Safariland 6360‘s combination of ALS retention, Ride UBL, and reputation for reliability swayed me. I was excited by the promise of a truly secure and comfortable carry system.

Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-73-61 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Safariland 6360 was the shooting range, followed by several days of wear during training exercises. I wanted to assess its draw speed, retention effectiveness, and comfort during prolonged use. The weather conditions were varied, ranging from dry and sunny to humid and rainy, providing a good test of its all-weather performance.

The ALS system took a little getting used to initially. Releasing the lock required a deliberate thumb movement, but after a few practice draws, it became second nature. The draw stroke was smooth and consistent, allowing for quick and efficient target acquisition. In wet conditions, the grip remained secure, and the release mechanism didn’t exhibit any issues.

One minor issue I encountered was that the hood guard occasionally interfered with the draw stroke during rapid presentations. This was easily addressed by adjusting the tension screw and practicing a slightly modified grip. Overall, the first use was positive, instilling confidence in the holster’s capabilities.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continuous use, the Safariland 6360 continued to perform admirably. The holster showed no signs of significant wear and tear, even after being subjected to rough handling and exposure to the elements. The STX finish proved to be remarkably resistant to scratches and abrasions.

Cleaning the holster was simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth was sufficient to remove dirt and debris. The internal surfaces remained smooth, preventing any unnecessary wear on the firearm’s finish. Compared to my previous holster, the Safariland 6360 offered a noticeable improvement in both retention and comfort, making it a clear winner in my book.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-73-61

Specifications

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-73-61 is a duty-grade holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals. It features Level III retention, providing a high degree of security against unauthorized firearm removal. The holster is specifically molded to fit the Beretta 92F, 92FS, 92G, 96, and 96G handguns.

• Level III Retention: This refers to the holster’s ability to retain the firearm using three independent security mechanisms. This is crucial for preventing unauthorized access or accidental dislodging of the weapon.
• ALS (Automatic Locking System): This internal locking device secures the weapon once holstered. It requires a deliberate thumb release for drawing, adding a layer of security without sacrificing speed.
• Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop): The Ride UBL allows the holster to be worn in a mid-ride position, placing the firearm slightly lower on the belt. This improves comfort and accessibility, especially when wearing body armor.
• Hood Guard: The hood guard protects the release mechanism from accidental activation or interference. It adds an extra layer of security and prevents debris from entering the system.
• Plain Black Finish: The holster features a plain black STX finish, providing a professional and low-profile appearance. The STX finish is also highly durable and resistant to scratches and abrasions.

These specifications are essential because they directly impact the holster’s performance, reliability, and user experience. Level III retention ensures maximum security. The ALS system provides a balance between speed and safety. The Ride UBL enhances comfort and accessibility.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III excels in its primary function: securely retaining and quickly deploying a firearm. The ALS system is intuitive and reliable. The draw stroke is smooth and consistent.

The primary strength of this holster lies in its retention capabilities. The Level III design offers peace of mind in high-risk situations. The Ride UBL also contributes to improved comfort and draw speed. A potential weakness is the initial learning curve associated with the ALS release. The hood guard can, on occasion, interfere with the draw stroke if not properly adjusted or practiced.

The Safariland 6360 more than meets my expectations for a duty-grade holster. It provides a high level of security, comfort, and accessibility.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 6360 is designed with both functionality and ergonomics in mind. The holster is made from a durable polymer material that is both lightweight and resistant to wear and tear. The Ride UBL positions the firearm at an optimal height on the belt, reducing strain on the back and shoulder.

The holster’s design is user-friendly, though the ALS release requires some practice to master. The plain black finish gives it a professional and understated appearance. Overall, the Safariland 6360 is a well-designed and ergonomic holster that is comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6360 is built to withstand the rigors of daily duty use. The durable polymer construction and rugged STX finish ensure long-lasting performance. With proper care, this holster should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is straightforward. The holster can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. The ALS mechanism may require occasional lubrication to ensure smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6360 is compatible with a range of Safariland accessories, including various belt loops and leg shrouds. The optional Sentry device can be added to further enhance the holster’s security. While the 6360 is primarily designed for use with Safariland accessories, some users may find that it is compatible with aftermarket belt attachments as well.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-73-61

Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-73-61?

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high-security, duty-grade holster. It is well-suited for those who carry a Beretta 92F, 92FS, 92G, 96, or 96G and need a reliable and comfortable carry solution.

Those who prioritize absolute speed over maximum security may find the Level III retention system to be somewhat restrictive. Individuals who are unfamiliar with Safariland holsters may require some time to adjust to the ALS release mechanism.

A must-have accessory is the Safariland Sentry, which adds an additional layer of security to the holster. Some users may also benefit from a different belt loop or leg shroud to further customize the carry position.

Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-73-61

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-73-61 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers on its promises of security, accessibility, and comfort. While it may require some initial practice to master the ALS release, the benefits of its Level III retention and ergonomic design far outweigh any minor drawbacks. At $199.99, the price is justified given the holster’s quality, durability, and performance.

I would highly recommend the Safariland 6360 to anyone who needs a reliable and secure duty holster. If you are looking for a holster that you can trust your life to, the Safariland 6360 is an excellent choice. Invest in your safety and peace of mind – you won’t regret it.