First Thoughts on the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue
The world of tactical gear is a constant balancing act between security, accessibility, and modularity. Pouches, in particular, need to be adaptable enough to handle various situations and firearm platforms. Enter the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue, a product promising to bridge that gap with a universal design and duty-grade construction. Manufactured by High Speed Gear, this pouch aims to offer a secure and readily accessible platform for extended pistol magazines, batons, flashlights, and more, all while maintaining a low profile.
I was seeking a reliable solution for carrying extended pistol magazines on my duty belt. My previous pouches were either too bulky, platform-specific, or lacked adequate retention. The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue piqued my interest with its promise of universal fit and compatibility with both MOLLE and standard belts.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the distinctive LE Blue color. The color is an obvious nod to law enforcement applications. The nylon material felt rugged and well-stitched, and the hidden bungee system offered a sleek, modern aesthetic. The weight was surprisingly light, which is always a plus when adding gear to a duty belt. Compared to my existing Kydex pouches, the Taco felt more flexible and less rigid. I chose this pouch over others because of its stated universal compatibility and the High Speed Gear reputation for quality tactical gear.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The design seemed well-thought-out, but the true test would be how it performed under real-world conditions. I was eager to see if it lived up to its claim of universality and whether the internal bungee system provided sufficient retention for various items.
Real-World Testing: Putting Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue was at the shooting range. I was running drills with my Glock 17 and a variety of extended magazines, including 17, 19, and 33-round models. The pouch was mounted on my duty belt, positioned for easy access with my non-dominant hand.
In dry conditions, the pouch performed admirably. Magazines were easily inserted and extracted, and the retention was secure enough to prevent them from shifting during movement. I also tested it with a Surefire G2X flashlight and a ASP baton; both were held securely. The Taco allowed for a smooth and efficient reload process.
However, the true test came when I introduced moisture. After simulating rain with a spray bottle, I found that the retention decreased slightly. While the magazines still stayed in place during normal movement, a more aggressive sprint or a sudden change in direction caused them to shift slightly within the pouch. The baton also experienced a similar effect.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue has proven to be a generally reliable piece of gear. The stitching has held up well, and there are no signs of fraying or material degradation. I’ve used it in various conditions, from the dry heat of the range to the dampness of early morning patrols.
The pouch has shown some signs of wear, particularly around the edges where it rubs against other gear on my belt. This is to be expected with regular use. Cleaning is relatively simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. For more stubborn dirt, I’ve used a mild detergent with no adverse effects.
Compared to my previous Kydex pouches, the Taco offers greater versatility and comfort. It accommodates a wider range of items and conforms better to my body, reducing pressure points. However, the Kydex pouches provided slightly more secure retention, especially in wet conditions. The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue is a solid performer that handles a variety of items well.
Breaking Down the Features of Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue
Specifications
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue is constructed from durable nylon material. It is designed to accommodate most extended pistol magazines, submachine gun mags, extendable batons, large flashlights, suppressors, and more. It utilizes a universal mounting system with High Speed Gear clips that are compatible with both MOLLE and belts up to 2 inches wide. The pouch features a hidden internal bungee system for adjustable retention. It is available in LE Blue and weighs approximately 3 ounces.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The nylon construction ensures durability and resistance to abrasion. The universal mounting system allows for easy integration with existing gear setups. The adjustable retention system ensures that a wide range of items can be securely carried. Finally, the lightweight design minimizes added bulk and weight on the duty belt.
Performance & Functionality
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue performs its primary function – holding magazines and other similarly-sized items – reasonably well. It offers a good balance between retention and accessibility. Magazines can be quickly drawn and re-inserted, and the bungee system provides enough tension to keep them secure during most activities.
However, the retention is not as strong as dedicated Kydex pouches. This can be a concern in more dynamic situations or in adverse weather conditions. The pouch’s versatility is both a strength and a weakness. While it can accommodate a wide range of items, it may not be the ideal solution for any single item. The universal nature means it’s a jack-of-all-trades, master of none, when compared to specialized pouches.
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue largely meets my expectations as a versatile and adaptable pouch. However, its retention capabilities could be improved for enhanced security in demanding environments.
Design & Ergonomics
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue boasts a sleek and streamlined design. The LE Blue color is professional and blends well with other law enforcement gear. The pouch is relatively lightweight and doesn’t add excessive bulk to the duty belt.
The internal bungee system is a clever design choice, as it eliminates the need for external straps or flaps. This results in a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. The High Speed Gear clips are easy to use and provide a secure attachment to both MOLLE and belts. There is a slight learning curve to adjusting the bungee cord to achieve optimal retention for different items.
Durability & Maintenance
The nylon construction of the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue suggests that it will last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The stitching is reinforced in key areas, and the material appears to be resistant to abrasion and tearing. The pouch is easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Regular inspection of the stitching and the bungee cord is recommended to ensure optimal performance and longevity. With proper care, the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue should provide several years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue does not come with any specific accessories. However, its modular design allows for compatibility with a wide range of belts and MOLLE platforms. The retention can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the internal bungee cord.
It is compatible with a variety of popular mounting solutions from other brands. The High Speed Gear clips can be replaced with MALICE clips or other similar attachment systems for increased security. The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue offers limited customization options beyond retention adjustment and mounting configuration.
Pros and Cons of Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue
Pros
- Versatile design accommodates a wide range of magazines and accessories.
- Universal mounting system is compatible with MOLLE and belts up to 2 inches.
- Durable nylon construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Sleek and low-profile design minimizes bulk on the duty belt.
- Lightweight won’t weigh you down during long shifts.
Cons
- Retention is not as strong as dedicated Kydex pouches, especially in wet conditions.
- Universal design may not be optimal for any single specific item.
Who Should Buy Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue?
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and private security professionals who require a versatile and adaptable pouch for carrying extended pistol magazines, batons, flashlights, or other similar-sized items. It is also a good option for competitive shooters who need a pouch that can accommodate a variety of magazine types.
Those who require the absolute highest level of retention, especially in extreme conditions, should skip this product and opt for dedicated Kydex pouches.
A must-have modification would be to potentially add a secondary retention strap or clip for increased security in dynamic environments.
Conclusion on Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue
The Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue offers a compelling combination of versatility, durability, and a low-profile design. It is a solid performer that can accommodate a wide range of items, making it a valuable addition to any tactical gear setup. While its retention capabilities are not as strong as dedicated Kydex pouches, its universal design and adaptability make it a worthwhile trade-off for many users.
At $45.00, the price is justified for the level of quality and versatility offered. While not perfect, it delivers on its promises of universal fit and duty-grade construction.
I would personally recommend the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue to anyone looking for a versatile and adaptable pouch for carrying a variety of items on their duty belt or MOLLE platform. It’s a great tool that offers plenty of options in the field. If you’re looking for a flexible carry option, give the Duty Extended Pistol Taco Univ Mount | LE Blue a shot!
