NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red Review

The NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red Made a Bold First Impression

The NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red arrives with a splash, literally. Its bright red faux leather immediately sets it apart in a world of tactical black and subdued earth tones. NcStar aims to provide functional gear at an accessible price point, and this bag certainly fits that bill.

I’ve been searching for a discreet and affordable CCW option that doesn’t scream “tactical.” Many concealed carry bags are either too bulky or too obviously designed for firearms. The NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red promised a blend of everyday purse aesthetics with the necessary functionality for secure carry, which piqued my interest.

My initial impression was mixed. The faux leather feels surprisingly decent for the price. The construction appears adequate, although not exactly premium. I was immediately drawn to the size; it’s compact without feeling too small. Compared to the pricier, leather concealed carry purses from Gun Tote’n Mamas, or the more tactical options from 5.11 Tactical, the NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red is significantly less expensive, though potentially less durable. It is also far less expensive than other more fashionable brands like Coach or Kate Spade. Ultimately, I chose this bag because of its price point and the promise of basic CCW functionality. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would provide a reasonable balance of form and function.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red at my local indoor shooting range. My goal was to assess the accessibility of my firearm and the overall comfort and practicality of carrying it this way. I carried a compact 9mm handgun inside the included universal holster.

The range environment provided a safe space to practice drawing from the bag. The dual zipper pulls allowed for quick access, but I noticed the faux leather did create a slight snag during the draw. Despite the initial snag, I found the draw to be manageable. I also used the bag for a day of errands around town. The adjustable shoulder strap was comfortable enough for a few hours of wear. I was pleased with the bag’s ability to blend in without drawing undue attention.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red has held up surprisingly well, considering its price. The faux leather shows minimal signs of wear, although I’ve avoided exposing it to harsh conditions. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth has kept it looking presentable.

The stitching on the bag appears sturdy, but I did notice a slight loosening around one of the carry handle attachments. So far, it hasn’t worsened. Compared to my experience with higher-end leather bags, the NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red requires more frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance. However, for the price, I’m satisfied with its performance.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red

Specifications

The NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red is specifically designed as a CCW handbag. It includes several key specifications:

• Draw Hand: Right/Left. This means it’s ambidextrous in its design, allowing both right and left-handed individuals to draw with relative ease.

• Color: Red. The bright red color provides a bold aesthetic choice, contrasting with typical tactical gear colors.

• Dimensions: 11.5″H X12.5″W X 5.0″D. These dimensions make it compact enough for everyday carry while providing sufficient space for a handgun and essential items.

• Weight: 17.5 oz. The lightweight design helps to avoid adding extra bulk when carrying essential gear.

The universal holster compatibility is a major selling point. This ensures it can accommodate a wide range of compact and sub-compact handguns. The dual zipper pulls are also important. These contribute to quick and easy access to the firearm in a self-defense situation.

Performance & Functionality

The NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red performs its primary job reasonably well. The CCW compartment is easily accessible, and the universal holster secures the handgun effectively. Its main strength lies in its discreet design and affordability.

However, there are weaknesses. The faux leather can snag during the draw, and the overall durability may be a concern with long-term heavy use. It meets expectations for its price point but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red leans towards a classic purse aesthetic with a tactical twist. The faux leather gives it a reasonable look, and the dome shape adds a touch of style. The ergonomic carry handles and adjustable shoulder strap enhance comfort during extended carry.

There is a slight learning curve to mastering the draw from the concealed compartment. It requires practice to ensure a smooth and efficient motion.

Durability & Maintenance

The NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red‘s durability is a potential concern due to the faux leather construction. Time will tell how well it withstands daily wear and tear.

Maintaining the bag is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth should keep it looking presentable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red comes with a universal holster with hook fastener patches on both sides. This holster is designed to fit most full, compact, and sub-compact handguns. There are no further listed customization options, but the loop fastener patch allows for potential aftermarket holster upgrades. It’s compatible with any hook-and-loop fastener holster.

Pros and Cons of NcStar Small Dome Cross body Bag Red