First Impressions of Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment
As a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless magazine carriers come and go. Many promise the world but fail to deliver on the fundamentals of secure carry and quick access. I was intrigued by the Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment due to Alien Gear’s reputation for innovative designs at accessible price points.
My interest in this particular model stemmed from a growing need for a more streamlined carry solution for my Glock 19 and its accompanying spare magazine. My current setup involved separate carriers that felt bulky and cumbersome, especially during training exercises and competitive shooting events. The promise of a modular, compact sidecar system was definitely appealing.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the Photon Mag Carrier’s minimalist design and the robust feel of the polymer construction. It felt solid and well-made, defying its modest price tag. The included belt clips, for both 1.5″ and 1.75″ belts, were a welcome addition, showing forethought in catering to different user preferences.
Compared to standalone Kydex carriers I’ve used from other brands like Blade-Tech and Safariland, the Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment appeared to offer a similar level of retention but with the added benefit of a unified system. I considered options from Tier 1 Concealed, but the Alien Gear offering was significantly more budget-friendly. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – hoping this affordable solution could genuinely deliver on its promise of efficient and reliable magazine carry.
Real-World Testing: Putting Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test run with the Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment was at my local shooting range during a practical pistol training session. I was running drills that involved rapid magazine changes, simulating self-defense scenarios. The carrier was attached to my duty belt, positioned just ahead of my support-side hip.
The magazine retention was immediately noticeable, providing a reassuring “click” as the magazine was seated. Drawing the magazine was smooth and consistent, with minimal effort required. I even deliberately subjected it to some vigorous movement and simulated grappling to assess retention during dynamic situations, and the magazine stayed firmly in place.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and daily wear during my security consulting work, the Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment has proven to be surprisingly durable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear, despite the frequent drawing and re-holstering of the magazine. The polymer material has held up well to the rigors of daily use, resisting scratches and abrasions.
Maintenance has been minimal – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dust or debris. I’ve occasionally used a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth magazine release, but this is more of a personal preference than a necessity. Compared to my previous leather carriers, the Photon’s polymer construction is significantly easier to clean and maintain.
Breaking Down the Features of Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment
Specifications
The Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment is designed to provide a secure and easily accessible method for carrying a spare pistol magazine. It is crafted from a durable polymer blend, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear.
- Manufacturer: Alien Gear Holsters.
- Color: Black.
- Fabric/Material: Polymer.
- Magazine Type: Pistol.
- Gun Make: Universal.
- Gun Model: Universal.
- Caliber: 9mm Luger, .40 S&W.
- Accessory Attachment System: Belt Loop, Belt.
- It is compatible with both single and double stack magazines, accommodating 9mm and .40 caliber rounds.
- Belt clips for both 1.5″ and 1.75″ belts are included, offering versatility in carry options.
- The sidecar attachment allows for seamless integration with Alien Gear’s Photon Holster or use as a standalone unit.
These specifications matter because they dictate the carrier’s versatility and adaptability to different firearms and carry styles. The durable polymer ensures longevity, while the included belt clips cater to various belt sizes.
Performance & Functionality
The Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment performs its primary function of securely holding a spare magazine exceptionally well. The magazine retention is firm but allows for a smooth and rapid draw. The sidecar attachment provides a convenient and streamlined way to carry both the firearm and a spare magazine in a single unit.
One minor weakness is that magazines with thicker baseplates may require some adjustment to achieve optimal retention. However, this is easily remedied by adjusting the carrier’s tension screws. Overall, the Photon Mag Carrier meets and exceeds my expectations for a compact and reliable magazine carrier.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Photon Mag Carrier is simple yet effective. The polymer construction is lightweight and comfortable against the body. The sidecar attachment is flexible, allowing the user to adjust the angle and curvature to their preferred carry position.
The carrier is user-friendly, with no complex adjustments or modifications required. The magazine retention can be easily adjusted using the provided screws. The Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment has a slight learning curve but it is intuitive and doesn’t take very long to get used to it.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction of the Photon Mag Carrier ensures excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. With proper care, it should last for years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment comes with 1.5in and 1.75in belt clips. It includes the sidecar attachment for easy use with a compatible holster. The holster is compatible with a variety of standard 9mm and .40 S&W pistol magazines.
Pros and Cons of Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment
Pros
- Affordable price point compared to similar sidecar systems.
- Durable polymer construction that resists wear and tear.
- Adjustable retention to accommodate different magazine types and user preferences.
- Versatile carry options: can be used as a standalone carrier or with the sidecar attachment.
- Included belt clips for both 1.5″ and 1.75″ belts.
Cons
- Magazines with thicker baseplates may require tension adjustments.
- The sidecar attachment requires some flexing to achieve optimal curvature.
Who Should Buy Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment?
The Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment is perfect for:
- Concealed carriers seeking a low-profile and streamlined carry solution.
- Competitive shooters looking for quick and reliable magazine access.
- Law enforcement and security professionals who require a durable and dependable magazine carrier.
Those who prefer premium materials like leather or all-metal construction might want to skip this product.
Conclusion on Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment
The Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment offers excellent value for its price. The durable polymer construction, adjustable retention, and versatile carry options make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a reliable and affordable magazine carrier.
I personally recommend this product to anyone looking to streamline their carry setup without breaking the bank. It’s a solid performer that delivers on its promises. Take your carry setup to the next level – grab the Alien Gear Holsters Photon Mag Carrier w/ Sidecar Attachment today!