Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 is more than just a holster; it’s a meticulously engineered piece of equipment designed for professionals who demand the highest level of security and accessibility. Crafted by Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement gear, this holster combines their renowned Automatic Locking System (ALS) with a Level III retention rating, providing unparalleled firearm security. The basketweave brown finish offers a classic, professional look, while the left-hand configuration caters specifically to southpaw shooters carrying a Sig Sauer P229R with specific light attachments.
My journey to this particular holster began with a need for enhanced retention and a preference for a mid-ride carry. After several years in uniform patrol, I was searching for a holster that would offer both confidence in retention during foot pursuits and a comfortable draw stroke. The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 promised both, and the mid-ride UBL seemed like the perfect platform for all-day comfort.
Unboxing the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 revealed the quality I’d come to expect from Safariland. The basketweave finish was clean and consistent, the polymer felt robust, and the overall construction appeared solid. The holster had a reassuring heft, hinting at the durability required for daily duty use.
Compared to my previous Safariland Level II holster and a competitor’s Level III offering, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 stood out for its streamlined design and intuitive ALS mechanism. While the other holsters felt bulky or cumbersome, this one seemed to strike a perfect balance between security and accessibility. I chose this one primarily due to Safariland’s proven ALS system and reputation for quality, as well as the specific compatibility with my firearm and light combination.
My first impression was excitement tempered with a hint of apprehension. The retention felt incredibly secure, but I knew I’d need to dedicate some time to mastering the draw stroke. The combination of ALS and the hood guard gave me confidence, but required practice to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 at the shooting range during a force-on-force training scenario. This environment allowed me to realistically simulate the stress of a real-world encounter and evaluate the holster’s performance under pressure. The weather was dry and warm, providing ideal conditions for practicing my draw stroke and assessing the holster’s retention capabilities.
The draw stroke required some initial adjustment due to the Level III retention. However, after a few hours of dedicated practice, I found the ALS release to be intuitive and the overall draw motion to be smooth and efficient. The mid-ride UBL positioned the firearm perfectly for my natural grip, enhancing my draw speed and accuracy.
After the first use, I discovered that the hood guard, while adding to the retention, also slightly hindered my draw if I didn’t deactivate it properly. Addressing this required further dedicated practice, specifically focusing on ensuring a deliberate and complete disengagement of the hood before initiating the draw stroke. Despite this, I appreciated the added layer of security it provided.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use in a law enforcement capacity, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 has proven to be exceptionally durable and reliable. It has endured countless draws, foot pursuits, and exposure to various weather conditions without any significant issues. The finish has held up remarkably well, with only minimal wear and tear visible on the basketweave pattern.
The holster requires minimal maintenance; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or debris. I occasionally apply a silicone-based lubricant to the ALS mechanism to ensure smooth operation, but this is only necessary every few weeks. The holster outperforms my previous duty holsters in terms of both retention and comfort, providing a secure and comfortable carry throughout my shift.
Compared to my previous experiences with other Level III holsters, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 stands out for its superior design and construction. The ALS mechanism is more intuitive and reliable than other locking systems, and the mid-ride UBL provides a more comfortable and ergonomic carry. The overall quality of the holster is evident in its durability and performance, making it a worthwhile investment for any law enforcement professional.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072
Specifications
Retention Level: Level III (Level IV with optional Sentry installed) provides a high degree of security, resisting unauthorized access to the firearm. The optional Sentry further enhances security, making it virtually impossible for someone to draw the weapon without the user’s explicit action.
Automatic Locking System (ALS): Secures the weapon automatically upon holstering, offering a tactile and audible confirmation that the firearm is locked in place. This automatic engagement provides an immediate and positive retention feature, crucial in dynamic situations.
Hood Guard: Standard on 6360 holsters, the hood guard protects the ALS release lever from accidental activation or tampering. This added layer of security prevents unintended release of the firearm during strenuous activities or close-quarters encounters.
Slim and Compact Design: Allows the weapon to ride close to the body, minimizing printing and maximizing comfort. This design feature aids in concealment and reduces the likelihood of the holster snagging on clothing or other equipment.
Simple Straight Up Draw: Once all releases are deactivated, the draw is simple and natural, allowing for a quick and efficient presentation of the firearm. This straightforward draw motion minimizes unnecessary movements, facilitating a smooth and consistent draw stroke.
Mid-Ride Belt Loop (UBL): Positions the holster at a comfortable mid-ride height, enhancing ergonomics and accessibility. The UBL provides a stable platform for the holster, distributing weight evenly and minimizing discomfort during extended wear.
Finish/Color: Basketweave Brown provides a professional and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The basketweave pattern also adds a subtle texture, enhancing grip and reducing the risk of slippage.
Gun Fit: Sig Sauer P229R with ITI M3, TLR-1, Surefire X200, X300 or SSL-, BBL 3.9″. This specific fit ensures optimal retention and smooth operation with compatible weapon light configurations.
Hand: Left-hand configuration, catering to left-handed shooters. This dedicated design ensures the holster is ergonomically optimized for left-handed users, providing a comfortable and efficient draw stroke.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 performs its job exceptionally well, providing unparalleled firearm security while maintaining a reasonable level of accessibility. The ALS system works flawlessly, ensuring the weapon remains securely holstered until deliberately released. The draw stroke, while requiring practice, becomes intuitive with repetition, allowing for a quick and efficient presentation of the firearm.
The strength of this holster lies in its robust retention system and comfortable carry. The Level III retention provides peace of mind in high-risk situations, while the mid-ride UBL enhances comfort during extended wear. The primary weakness is the initial learning curve associated with the Level III retention system.
This holster meets and exceeds my expectations, providing a secure, comfortable, and reliable platform for carrying my duty weapon. The combination of ALS, hood guard, and optional Sentry provides a level of security that inspires confidence, while the mid-ride UBL ensures all-day comfort.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 is exceptional, reflecting Safariland’s commitment to quality and durability. The materials used are robust and well-suited for the rigors of daily duty use. The holster is lightweight enough to be comfortable, yet heavy enough to feel substantial and durable.
The design is user-friendly, although the Level III retention system requires some initial familiarization. The ALS release lever is easily accessible, and the draw stroke becomes intuitive with practice. The mid-ride UBL positions the firearm perfectly for my natural grip, enhancing my draw speed and accuracy.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 is built to last, with high-quality materials and robust construction. The holster is designed to withstand the rigors of daily duty use, ensuring long-term reliability. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
The holster is easy to maintain and repair, with readily available replacement parts. The durability and ease of maintenance make this holster a worthwhile investment for any law enforcement professional.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 comes standard with a hood guard. An optional Sentry is available for Level IV retention. This holster is compatible with a wide range of Safariland accessories, including different belt loops, thigh rigs, and other mounting options.
The holster is designed to accommodate specific weapon light configurations, allowing for customization to meet individual needs. The availability of accessories and customization options enhances the versatility and adaptability of this holster.
Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072
Pros
- Exceptional Level III retention provides unparalleled firearm security.
- Automatic Locking System (ALS) ensures the weapon is securely holstered at all times.
- Mid-Ride UBL offers comfortable and ergonomic carry.
- Durable construction ensures long-term reliability.
- Basketweave Brown finish provides a professional appearance.
Cons
- Initial learning curve required to master the Level III retention system.
- Hood guard can slightly hinder the draw if not properly deactivated.
Who Should Buy Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072?
This holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high level of firearm security. It is also suitable for those who prefer a comfortable mid-ride carry. This product is ideal for anyone carrying a Sig Sauer P229R with a compatible weapon light.
Those who prefer a simpler Level II retention system or who are unwilling to dedicate time to mastering the Level III draw stroke should skip this product. Someone needing a very low-profile concealed carry holster may also want to look at other options.
A must-have accessory for this holster is the optional Sentry, which further enhances the retention level. I also recommend purchasing additional belt loops or mounting options to customize the holster to your specific needs.
Conclusion on Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072
Overall, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 is an excellent holster that provides unparalleled firearm security, comfortable carry, and exceptional durability. The price is justified by the quality of the materials, the robust construction, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your firearm is securely holstered.
I would highly recommend this holster to anyone who requires a high level of firearm security and is willing to dedicate the time to mastering the Level III draw stroke. The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – Basketweave Brown, Left 6360-7442-072 is a worthwhile investment that will provide years of reliable service. If you’re looking for a top-tier duty holster, look no further than Safariland.