First Impressions of Fobus Lighthouse Attachment
The Fobus Lighthouse Attachment promises a simple, yet effective solution for carrying a handgun equipped with a weapon light or laser. Fobus is a well-known name in polymer holsters. This attachment aims to address the challenge of finding a compatible holster for firearms with rail-mounted accessories.
My need arose from wanting to carry my Glock 19 with a Streamlight TLR-7A securely without breaking the bank. Many universal holsters lack the retention and stability I desire. This attachment presented a potentially affordable alternative to custom Kydex options.
Upon receiving the Fobus Lighthouse Attachment, my initial impression was that of functional simplicity. The lightweight, reinforced polymer construction felt robust enough for the intended purpose. The open holster body design clearly caters to accommodating various light/laser systems. I was also happy with its ambidextrous design.
Compared to a dedicated molded Kydex holster, the Fobus Lighthouse Attachment appeared less refined. It also lacked the custom fit of a Safariland ALS holster. However, it was significantly cheaper than both, making it an attractive budget option. I chose this product for its low cost and the promise of universal compatibility. It seemed like the perfect middle ground for experimentation before investing in a more expensive, dedicated light-bearing holster. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would provide a secure and reliable carry solution despite its minimalist design.
Real-World Testing: Putting Fobus Lighthouse Attachment to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Fobus Lighthouse Attachment at my local shooting range. I attached it to my Glock 19 with the Streamlight TLR-7A mounted. The belt loop/slot was easy to thread onto my standard 1.5-inch gun belt.
The open design accommodated the light without issue, and the polymer retaining strap seemed to offer adequate retention. Drawing the weapon felt a bit awkward at first. It required a straight, upward pull as advertised, due to the unique hinge design. There were no issues after a few practice draws.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Fobus Lighthouse Attachment has held up surprisingly well. It has not shown any significant signs of wear and tear. The polymer material seems resistant to scratches and abrasions.
Cleaning is simple. Just wipe down with a damp cloth as needed. Compared to my experience with more complex holsters, the maintenance is negligible. While it’s not the most comfortable or concealable option, it serves its basic function adequately. It offers a secure way to carry a weapon with a light.
Breaking Down the Features of Fobus Lighthouse Attachment
Specifications
The Fobus Lighthouse Attachment boasts several key specifications. It is made by Fobus. The color is black, featuring a smooth finish.
The attachment type is a belt loop/slot, designed to accommodate various belt sizes. It’s ambidextrous, making it suitable for both right- and left-handed users. It arrives in new condition. These specifications highlight the attachment’s simplicity and focus on functionality.
Performance & Functionality
The Fobus Lighthouse Attachment performs its core function: allowing you to carry a handgun with a light or laser attached. It allows a variety of light and laser systems. Its open holster body design enables it to accommodate different sized attachments.
The main strength lies in its affordability and compatibility. The most glaring weakness is the retention strap, which can feel flimsy and requires practice to use effectively. It meets the basic expectation of providing a means to carry a weapon light.
Design & Ergonomics
The Fobus Lighthouse Attachment’s design is minimalist and utilitarian. It relies on reinforced polymer for its construction. The lightweight nature is a plus, but the ergonomics leave something to be desired.
The straight, upward draw isn’t as natural as a traditional angled draw. It takes time to get used to it. The hinge design is unique, contributing to this upward draw motion.
Durability & Maintenance
The Fobus Lighthouse Attachment appears reasonably durable for its price point. The polymer construction should withstand regular use. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring minimal effort.
Simply wiping it clean after use should suffice. The simplicity of the design contributes to its longevity. There are few moving parts to break.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Fobus Lighthouse Attachment does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited. It’s a straightforward attachment designed for a specific purpose.
While you can’t modify the holster itself, its compatibility with various lights and lasers acts as a form of customization. Its open design allows for use with various rail-mounted accessories. This broad compatibility is a key selling point.
Pros and Cons of Fobus Lighthouse Attachment
Pros
- Affordable: The Fobus Lighthouse Attachment is a budget-friendly option for carrying a light-bearing handgun. Its price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Universal Compatibility: Its open design accommodates a wide variety of weapon lights and lasers. This reduces the need for multiple holsters.
- Lightweight: The polymer construction makes it lightweight and comfortable for extended carry. It doesn’t add significant weight to the firearm.
- Ambidextrous Design: Suitable for both right- and left-handed users. Its versatility is a major advantage.
- Easy Maintenance: The simple design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. This ensures the holster remains in good working order.
Cons
- Retention Strap: The polymer retaining strap feels flimsy and requires practice to use effectively. It does not inspire total confidence.
- Non-adjustable: There is no tension adjustment. The draw cannot be fine-tuned to user preference.
Who Should Buy Fobus Lighthouse Attachment?
The Fobus Lighthouse Attachment is perfect for budget-conscious shooters. It is also good for those who need a simple solution for carrying a handgun with a weapon light. It’s well-suited for casual range use and open carry scenarios where concealment isn’t a primary concern. It would also be ideal for someone who owns multiple firearms with various lights and lasers, who is seeking a universal holster solution.
This product is NOT suitable for those prioritizing concealed carry or demanding higher levels of retention. Those who require a more refined and customizable holster should skip this product.
A must-have modification would be a more robust retention strap (if possible) or a bungee cord adaptation for increased security.
Conclusion on Fobus Lighthouse Attachment
The Fobus Lighthouse Attachment provides a functional, albeit basic, solution for carrying a handgun with a light or laser. Its main appeal is its affordability and universal compatibility. While it lacks the refinement and security of more expensive holsters, it gets the job done.
The price is definitely justified for what it offers. The Fobus Lighthouse Attachment is a solid option for those on a tight budget.
I would recommend it to anyone needing a simple, affordable way to carry a light-bearing handgun. Don’t expect premium performance, but it will serve its purpose. Give the Fobus Lighthouse Attachment a try if you need a budget-friendly and universal solution.