Let’s Dive into Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01
The Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 is a no-frills, duty-grade piece of kit designed for law enforcement, security professionals, and anyone else who carries OC spray as part of their daily loadout. Manufactured by Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and reliability in the law enforcement equipment arena, this holder promises quick access and secure retention. It’s a simple design, but in the world of tactical gear, simplicity often equates to effectiveness.
My agency recently mandated the carry of OC spray for all patrol officers. Existing universal pouches were bulky, slow, and didn’t offer the secure retention needed for active duty. I needed a dedicated holder that would keep the spray readily available but wouldn’t inadvertently deploy during a struggle or foot pursuit.
Upon unboxing, the Safariland holder felt solid and well-constructed. The molded polymer had a reassuring rigidity, and the mid-ride position seemed like a perfect balance between accessibility and concealment. It’s lightweight, which is always a plus when you’re carrying a lot of gear.
I considered similar open-top holders from Bianchi and Uncle Mike’s, but the Safariland’s reputation for durability and compatibility with their duty belt system ultimately swayed my decision. Plus, the mid-ride height was exactly what I was looking for. The price point was also reasonable for a Safariland product.
My initial impression was positive; this looked like a serious piece of gear built to withstand the rigors of daily duty. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the Safariland name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 during a week of patrol in a busy urban environment. This included foot patrols, vehicle stops, and responding to a variety of calls for service. I needed to ensure the holder could withstand the stresses of regular movement and potential physical encounters.
The holder performed admirably in both dry and mildly wet conditions. Even with heavy rain, the OC spray remained securely in place. The open-top design allowed for a swift, confident grip and deployment of the canister during training exercises, which is vital in high-stress situations.
The fit felt natural and intuitive. The mid-ride height was comfortable whether seated in a patrol vehicle or running after a suspect, making it easy to access the OC spray quickly.
One slight issue was that the initial draw was a little tight; the OC canister required a firm tug to release. This improved after a day or two of use, but a little break-in period was definitely needed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use, the Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 has held up incredibly well. There are no signs of cracking, deformation, or any other type of wear and tear. This speaks volumes about the quality of materials used by Safariland.
The holder requires virtually no maintenance. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it needs to keep it clean, even after exposure to rain, dust, and the general grime of urban policing.
Compared to a previous nylon pouch I used, the Safariland holder is vastly superior in both retention and ease of access. The open-top design wins hands down when speed and efficiency are paramount. It’s become an indispensable part of my duty gear.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01
Specifications
The Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 is specifically designed for OC spray canisters. It features an open-top design for rapid access. The holder is ambidextrous, catering to both right- and left-handed users.
It has a plain black finish. The manufacturer is, of course, Safariland. The fastener/closure type is Open Top and it sits in the mid-ride position on the belt.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The open-top design ensures that the OC spray can be deployed almost instantaneously in a critical situation. The ambidextrous design makes it a versatile choice for all officers, regardless of their dominant hand.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 performs its primary function exceptionally well: providing quick and reliable access to OC spray. The retention is secure enough to prevent accidental deployment during strenuous activity. However, the OC canister can be drawn quickly when needed.
The primary strength lies in its simplicity and robust construction. It is incredibly easy to use and provides a secure and reliable carry method for OC spray. The only area for potential improvement might be a slight adjustment to the initial retention force, making the draw slightly smoother right out of the box.
The holder definitely meets and exceeds expectations for a duty-grade OC spray carrier. It’s a no-nonsense piece of equipment that does exactly what it’s supposed to do, without any unnecessary bells and whistles.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 boasts a simple, functional design. The molded polymer is robust and feels like it can withstand a great deal of punishment. The mid-ride height positions the OC spray canister comfortably on the duty belt.
The holder’s open-top design makes it extremely user-friendly. There is no learning curve; it’s intuitive to use from the first moment. The ambidextrous nature of the holder is also a smart design choice.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its heavy-duty polymer construction, the Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 should last for years under normal duty conditions. The simplicity of the design also means there are fewer points of failure.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth as needed to remove dirt and grime. The robust polymer construction is resistant to most common cleaning agents.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 itself does not come with any accessories. It’s a standalone holder designed for direct attachment to a duty belt.
It is compatible with Safariland’s range of duty belt accessories and mounting systems. However, given its specific purpose, customization options are limited. It’s designed to hold a standard OC spray canister and doesn’t require additional modifications.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01
Pros
- Rapid Access: The open-top design allows for near-instantaneous deployment of OC spray in critical situations.
- Durable Construction: Built with heavy-duty polymer, the holder can withstand the rigors of daily duty use.
- Ambidextrous Design: Suitable for both right- and left-handed users, increasing its versatility.
- Secure Retention: Holds the OC spray canister securely, preventing accidental deployment.
- Minimal Maintenance: Easy to clean and requires little to no ongoing maintenance.
Cons
- Break-In Period: The initial draw can be a little tight and may require a short break-in period.
- Limited Customization: Offers few customization options beyond its intended function.
Who Should Buy Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01?
This holder is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who carries OC spray as part of their professional duty. The Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 is an excellent choice for those who prioritize quick access and reliable retention.
Someone looking for maximum concealment or a more discreet carry method might want to skip this product. This is a duty-grade holder designed for open carry on a duty belt.
A must-have addition would be ensuring you have a compatible duty belt for the mid-ride attachment. Also, having a readily accessible OC spray canister (obviously!).
Conclusion on Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01
Overall, the Safariland 37 OC Spray Holder, Mid-Ride, Open Top 37-3-01 is a solid and reliable piece of gear. It provides exactly what it promises: quick access to OC spray and secure retention in a durable package.
The price of $39.99 is justified given the Safariland name and the quality of construction. This is an investment in your safety and effectiveness.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this holder to anyone who needs to carry OC spray as part of their daily duty. It’s a simple but effective tool that can make a real difference in critical situations. Don’t compromise on your safety; choose Safariland!