First Impressions of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster immediately caught my eye with its promise of unparalleled adjustability and speed for competitive shooters. This holster, designed specifically for STI International 2011 5in Full Dust Cover models, boasts a premium Kydex shell, an aluminum ball joint, and a matte black anodized aluminum belt attachment. Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear aims to deliver a holster that enhances performance on the range, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
For years, I’ve struggled with finding the perfect holster angle for my draw. My current setup felt stiff and limited my movement, affecting my speed and accuracy. The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster seemed like the answer to my prayers, offering complete customization and a rapid draw.
Unboxing the holster, I was struck by the solid feel of the Kydex and the robust construction of the aluminum components. It felt substantial without being overly heavy, and the matte black finish gave it a sleek, professional look. The adjustable retention screws were easily accessible, hinting at the level of customization to come.
I had been considering the Safariland 5198 and the Red Hill Tactical Competition Holster, both reputable names in the competition world. However, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster‘s ball joint adjustability seemed a cut above the rest, offering a wider range of motion and a truly customized fit. Its price point also made it an attractive option.
Initially, I was excited by the potential of the ball joint and impressed by the overall build quality. But I also held a healthy dose of skepticism. Could it really deliver on its promises? Would the ball joint hold its position under the stress of rapid draws and movements? I was eager to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster was at my local shooting range during a practice session for an upcoming USPSA match. I ran several drills, focusing on drawing quickly and engaging targets at various distances. The range conditions were sunny with a slight breeze, ideal for testing the holster in a relatively controlled environment.
The first thing I noticed was how much easier it was to establish a consistent grip on my pistol before drawing. The adjustable ride height allowed me to position the gun exactly where I needed it, and the ball joint made fine-tuning the angle a breeze. Even with gloves on, adjustments were quick and simple. The draw stroke was smooth and effortless, allowing for faster target acquisition.
Initially, I found myself slightly over-adjusting the ball joint, leading to a few awkward draws. However, after about an hour of experimentation, I found the sweet spot – the perfect angle and ride height for my body and shooting style. Once dialed in, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster delivered a significant improvement in my draw speed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including multiple range sessions and one actual competition, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster has proven to be remarkably durable and reliable. The Kydex shell shows no signs of cracking or warping, and the aluminum components remain solid and secure. Even after repeated adjustments, the ball joint continues to hold its position firmly.
I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 90°F, and the holster has performed consistently. It’s been exposed to dust, dirt, and even a light rain shower, and it continues to function flawlessly. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all it takes.
Compared to my previous competition holster, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster offers a noticeable improvement in both speed and comfort. The adjustability is a game-changer, allowing me to fine-tune the holster to my exact preferences. It also eliminates the discomfort I often experienced with my old holster, which tended to dig into my side during extended periods of movement. This has significantly reduced fatigue during competitions. It exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear.
- Color: Black.
- Gun Make: STI International.
- Gun Model: STI International 2011 5in Full Dust Cover.
- Holster Type: Outside the Waistband Holster.
- Holster Material: Kydex.
- Accessory Attachment System: Belt Loop.
- Quantity: 1.
- Belt Attachment: Matte Black Anodized Aluminum, designed for 1.5” competition belts.
- Ride-Height Adjustment: 2.3” slot allows for adjustable ride height.
- Ball Joint: Aluminum for customizable holster angle.
- Holster Shell: .08” Kydex.
- Retention: Manually Adjustable Retention Screws.
- Compatibility: Accommodates any optic and tapered/open muzzle end accommodates threaded barrels.
These specifications are critical for competitive shooters. The Kydex material ensures durability and retention, while the aluminum components provide strength and adjustability. The optic and threaded barrel compatibility make it versatile for various setups.
Performance & Functionality
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster excels in its primary function: providing a fast, reliable, and customizable draw for competitive shooting. The adjustable retention screws allow for fine-tuning the draw resistance, ensuring a secure fit while still enabling a rapid presentation. The ball joint is the standout feature, offering unparalleled adjustability in holster angle.
Its strengths lie in its adjustability, durability, and comfortable fit. The weakness, if any, might be the initial learning curve of dialing in the perfect angle. However, once set, it performs flawlessly.
It definitely meets and exceeds expectations. I’m faster, more comfortable, and more confident with this holster than with any other I’ve used.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster is clearly geared towards functionality and performance. The build quality is excellent, with high-quality materials and precise construction. The Kydex shell is molded perfectly to the STI 2011 frame, providing a secure and snug fit. The aluminum components feel solid and well-machined.
It is incredibly user-friendly. The only learning curve is finding your optimal angle and ride height, which is easily accomplished with the adjustable ball joint and retention screws.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of materials and construction, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster should last for years with proper care. The Kydex is resistant to cracking and warping, and the aluminum components are corrosion-resistant.
Maintaining the holster is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is typically sufficient. Periodically checking and tightening the screws is also recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster itself doesn’t come with a wide array of accessories, but its compatibility with various optics and threaded barrels offers significant customization potential.
It’s designed to work seamlessly with standard 1.5″ competition belts. Because it is built to accept any slide mounted optic, shooters can customize the type optic they prefer. This holster is ready for anything.
Pros and Cons of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster
Pros
- Unparalleled Adjustability: The aluminum ball joint allows for a truly customized holster angle, optimizing draw speed and comfort.
- Durable Construction: The .08” Kydex shell and aluminum components are built to withstand the rigors of competition.
- Fast and Smooth Draw: The adjustable retention screws and low-cut design facilitate a quick and effortless draw.
- Optic and Threaded Barrel Compatibility: Accommodates a wide range of accessories, making it versatile for different setups.
- Enhanced Comfort: Adjustable ride height minimizes discomfort and fatigue during extended use.
Cons
- Initial learning curve with the ball joint adjustability, requiring some experimentation to find the optimal angle.
- Specifically designed for STI International 2011 5in Full Dust Cover models, limiting its compatibility with other firearms.
Who Should Buy Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster?
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster is perfect for competitive shooters who demand speed, adjustability, and reliability from their gear. If you shoot an STI 2011 5in Full Dust Cover and are looking to gain an edge in your performance, this holster is an excellent choice.
Those who should skip this product are shooters who use different gun models or who prefer a more traditional, fixed-angle holster. Also, if you are not interested in competition shooting, the features might be overkill for recreational shooting or concealed carry.
A must-have modification might be upgraded mounting hardware if you are particularly hard on your gear, though the stock hardware is quite robust. Also, ensuring you have a rigid 1.5″ competition belt is essential for optimal performance.
Conclusion on Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster is an outstanding piece of gear that delivers on its promises. The innovative ball joint adjustability, combined with durable construction and a focus on speed, makes it a top contender in the competition holster market.
At $149.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials, the level of customization, and the performance gains it offers. It’s an investment in your shooting skills that will pay off with faster draw times and improved accuracy.
I would absolutely recommend the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear 2011 Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster to any competitive shooter who wants to take their performance to the next level. It has significantly improved my draw speed and comfort, and I am confident it will do the same for others. Go ahead and give yourself the competitive edge you deserve.