What Makes Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride 1.5in. Drop, – 1 out of 11 models Stand Out?
In the world of duty holsters, where retention, speed, and comfort are paramount, the Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride 1.5in. Drop, – 1 out of 11 models aims to be a top contender. This particular model, the 6365-1462-92, is configured for the Springfield Armory XDM .40 with an M3 Tactical Illuminator Light, accommodating a left-handed draw. The combination of Safariland’s renowned ALS (Automatic Locking System) and SLS (Self Locking System) promises Level-III Retention, while the low-ride design seeks to enhance comfort and accessibility.
My search for the Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride stemmed from a frustrating experience with a previous Level II holster that felt bulky and cumbersome during training exercises. I needed a holster that offered superior retention without sacrificing a smooth, rapid draw, especially in dynamic scenarios. The low-ride configuration was also appealing, as I find it enhances comfort and reduces interference with body armor.
Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was of rugged durability. The Hi-Gloss Black finish was flawless, and the materials felt robust, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of daily duty. The weight was substantial but not excessive, hinting at a solid build without being overly burdensome.
Compared to a Blackhawk Serpa Level 2 and a Galco retention holster I’ve used in the past, the Safariland 6365 felt like a significant step up in terms of retention mechanism design and overall quality. While the Serpa offered speed, I always had slight concerns about its trigger finger release under stress; the Galco was secure but slow. The Safariland seemed to strike a better balance.
My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of professional skepticism. Duty gear is only as good as its performance in the field, and I was eager to put the Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride 1.5in. Drop, – 1 out of 11 models to the Test
First Use Experience
The first serious test came during a week-long tactical pistol course held at a demanding outdoor range. The weather varied from sweltering heat and humidity to a brief but intense downpour. Throughout the course, I drew and re-holstered countless times, practicing everything from static drills to dynamic movement exercises.
The ALS/SLS system proved intuitive after a short period of familiarization. Deactivating both releases became almost second nature, allowing for a smooth, consistent draw stroke even under pressure. The low-ride height noticeably improved comfort, especially when sitting in vehicles or wearing body armor.
Initially, the SLS hood felt a bit stiff, requiring a firm push to rotate forward. However, with continued use, it loosened up slightly. There were no malfunctions or unexpected releases during the entire week, which was a testament to the holster’s reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including weekly range sessions and occasional field training exercises, the Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride has held up remarkably well. There are a few minor scuff marks on the Hi-Gloss Black finish, but the holster’s structural integrity remains unaffected. The ALS and SLS mechanisms continue to function smoothly and reliably.
Durability is clearly a strong suit of this Safariland holster. The materials and construction are top-notch, showing no signs of significant wear or degradation. Cleaning is straightforward, typically involving a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth.
Compared to my previous holsters, the Safariland 6365 is in a different league. It provides a superior level of retention, comfort, and durability. It outperforms and instills greater confidence.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride 1.5in. Drop, – 1 out of 11 models
Specifications
- Product Name: Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride 1.5in. Drop, – 1 out of 11 models. The model reviewed is specifically the 6365-1462-92.
- Retention Level: Level-III. This offers a high degree of security against unauthorized removal of the weapon.
- Weapon Compatibility: Springfield Armory XDM .40 with M3 Tactical Illuminator Light. The holster is specifically molded to fit this combination.
- Hand Orientation: Left Hand. This model is designed for left-handed shooters.
- Finish: Hi-Gloss Black. This finish provides a professional appearance and enhances resistance to wear and tear.
- Mounting Style: Low-Ride 1.5in. Drop. This lowers the holster slightly from the belt line for improved comfort and accessibility.
- ALS (Automatic Locking System): This internal locking device secures the weapon upon holstering. It offers a passive retention feature that requires no conscious action from the user during re-holstering.
- SLS (Self Locking System): The rotating hood further secures the weapon and requires a deliberate motion to release. This adds an additional layer of security against accidental or unauthorized removal.
- Optional Sentry: Allows the holster to reach Level IV Retention. Offering enhanced security for high-risk situations.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the holster’s functionality, security, and user experience. The Level-III Retention provides peace of mind, while the low-ride design enhances comfort and draw speed. Weapon-specific molding ensures a secure and precise fit.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride excels in its primary function: securely retaining and quickly deploying a firearm. The ALS and SLS systems work seamlessly together, providing a high level of security without hindering draw speed. The holster rides comfortably and doesn’t impede movement.
A key strength is the intuitive nature of the retention system. Once mastered, the draw stroke becomes fluid and efficient. The low-ride height positions the weapon in an optimal location for a natural grip.
One area for potential improvement is the initial stiffness of the SLS hood. It requires a bit of force to rotate, which could be problematic in high-stress situations. However, this tends to improve with use. Overall, the Safariland 6365 meets and even exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 6365 boasts a robust and well-thought-out design. The materials are high-quality and the construction is solid. The holster feels substantial without being excessively heavy. The low-ride configuration enhances comfort and accessibility.
The holster is generally user-friendly, although mastering the ALS/SLS release sequence requires some practice. Once you are accustomed, drawing and re-holstering becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland 6365 is built to last. The robust materials and construction ensure it can withstand the rigors of daily duty. Minimal maintenance is required.
A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep the holster clean and functioning properly. The longevity of the Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride is impressive.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride comes as a standalone holster. It doesn’t include any accessories beyond what is needed for basic attachment to a duty belt. It does have the option to install a Sentry which can increase retention to Level IV.
The holster is compatible with a variety of Safariland belt mounts and accessories, allowing for customization of ride height and cant. Due to its popularity and widespread adoption, other brands often create accessories that work with Safariland holsters, such as leg shrouds and alternative mounting solutions.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride 1.5in. Drop, – 1 out of 11 models
Pros
- Exceptional Retention: The ALS/SLS system provides a secure Level-III Retention, preventing unauthorized weapon removal.
- Rapid Draw: Once mastered, the ALS/SLS release sequence allows for a fast and efficient draw stroke.
- Durable Construction: High-quality materials and robust construction ensure long-lasting performance.
- Comfortable Low-Ride Design: The 1.5in. drop enhances comfort, particularly when wearing body armor or sitting in vehicles.
- Weapon-Specific Fit: The holster is molded to precisely fit the Springfield Armory XDM .40 with M3 Tactical Illuminator Light.
Cons
- SLS Hood Stiffness: The SLS hood can be stiff initially, requiring some force to rotate.
- Learning Curve: Mastering the ALS/SLS release sequence requires practice.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride 1.5in. Drop, – 1 out of 11 models?
The Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high-quality duty holster with excellent retention and a smooth, rapid draw. It is especially well-suited for those who frequently wear body armor or spend time sitting in vehicles. This holster is also great for those who value durability and reliability.
Those who prefer a simpler, less complex retention system or who are unwilling to invest the time to master the ALS/SLS release sequence should skip this product. Someone who needs a more universal holster may also want to consider other options.
A high-quality duty belt is a must-have accessory for this holster.
Conclusion on Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride 1.5in. Drop, – 1 out of 11 models
The Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride 1.5in. Drop, – 1 out of 11 models is an outstanding duty holster that delivers on its promises of security, speed, and comfort. While the initial learning curve and SLS hood stiffness might be minor drawbacks, the overall performance and durability more than compensate. The price is justified by the quality and features offered.
I would highly recommend this holster to anyone seeking a reliable and high-performing duty holster. If you need a duty holster that provides top-notch retention without sacrificing a rapid draw, the Safariland 6365 ALS/SLS Low-Ride is an excellent choice. Invest in your safety and performance – you won’t regret it.