First Impressions of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster promises a blend of speed, adjustability, and security for competitive shooters wielding Springfield Armory pistols. Its key features like the aluminum ball joint and adjustable retention screws immediately suggest a holster built for customization and performance. I’ve been in the outdoor and tactical gear world for over a decade, and a well-designed holster can make or break a competition.
My need for a new competition holster stemmed from a desire to improve my draw speed and consistency. My old holster, while functional, lacked the adjustability needed to fine-tune the draw angle for optimal performance. I was specifically looking for a holster that offered a secure hold, a fast draw, and the ability to easily adjust the holster’s position.
Upon unboxing the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster, I was immediately impressed by the robust construction and the quality of the materials. The Kydex holster shell felt solid and well-formed, while the aluminum components looked and felt incredibly durable. The matte black finish gives it a professional and serious look.
Compared to other competition holsters I’ve used, like those from Safariland and Blade-Tech, the Black Scorpion offers a similar level of build quality but with a more intuitive adjustment system. I was particularly drawn to the Black Scorpion because of its ball joint design, which seemed to offer a greater range of adjustment than the fixed-angle options of other holsters. The other holsters felt limited in their ability to adjust the angle.
My first impression was definitely positive; I was excited to get this holster onto my competition belt and see how it performed on the range. The potential for a truly customized draw stroke seemed very promising. I was eager to see if the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster at my local shooting range during a practice session for an upcoming USPSA match. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing the holster’s draw speed and retention. My focus was on achieving consistent draw times and ensuring the holster provided a secure hold during movement.
The holster performed admirably, providing a smooth and consistent draw stroke with minimal snagging. The adjustable retention screws allowed me to fine-tune the holster’s grip on my Springfield Armory pistol, ensuring a secure fit without sacrificing speed. I initially spent about 30 minutes adjusting the ball joint to find the perfect angle.
One minor issue I encountered was that the initial adjustments to the ball joint required a bit of trial and error to get just right. However, once I found the optimal position, the holster felt like a natural extension of my body. The adjustments took a little longer than I had expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on either the Kydex holster shell or the aluminum components. The build quality appears to be top-notch.
Maintaining the holster is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or grime. The ball joint mechanism has remained smooth and free of any sticking or binding. I’ve been impressed with the holster’s ability to maintain its settings even after repeated use and adjustments.
Compared to my previous competition holsters, the Black Scorpion offers a superior level of adjustability and a more consistent draw stroke. The improved draw speed has resulted in noticeable improvements in my stage times. This holster has exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend it to serious competitors.
Breaking Down the Features of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster
Specifications
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster is designed for Springfield Armory pistols and comes in black. It is a right-hand, outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster made of Kydex. The holster features a belt loop accessory attachment system and is compatible with 1.5” competition belts.
The matte black anodized aluminum belt attachment provides a secure and durable mounting platform. The 2.3” slot allows for adjustable ride height, enabling users to customize the holster’s position for optimal comfort and accessibility. The aluminum ball joint offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing for seamless customization of the holster’s angle.
The premium Kydex holster shell, made from .08” Kydex, guarantees exceptional strength and reliability. Manually adjustable retention screws allow users to tailor the retention level to their individual needs. It also accommodates any optic and the tapered, open muzzle end accommodates threaded barrels, providing greater adaptability. These specifications directly impact the holster’s performance, allowing for a customized fit and faster draw times.
Performance & Functionality
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster excels at its primary function: providing a secure and accessible platform for a Springfield Armory pistol in a competitive shooting environment. The adjustability, retention, and overall design contribute to a smooth, fast, and consistent draw. The secure hold minimizes the risk of accidental dislodgement.
One of the holster’s greatest strengths is its adjustable ball joint, which allows users to fine-tune the draw angle to match their shooting style. The adjustable retention screws also allow users to dial in the perfect level of grip on the firearm. A minor weakness is that the initial setup can be time-consuming, requiring careful adjustment of multiple parameters.
The Black Scorpion holster meets and often exceeds expectations for a competition-grade holster. Its blend of speed, security, and adjustability make it a valuable asset for any serious competitive shooter. It makes a significant difference in terms of speed and accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster boasts a sleek and functional design, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use. The Kydex shell is molded to the precise contours of a Springfield Armory pistol, providing a snug and secure fit. The aluminum components are lightweight yet robust, contributing to the holster’s overall durability.
The holster is surprisingly comfortable to wear, even during extended periods of movement and activity. The adjustable ride height allows users to position the holster in a way that minimizes discomfort and maximizes accessibility. There is a slight learning curve associated with adjusting the ball joint and retention screws, but the process is straightforward once understood.
Durability & Maintenance
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster is built to withstand the rigors of competitive shooting. The combination of Kydex and aluminum ensures long-lasting durability, even under heavy use. With proper care, this holster should last for many years.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The smooth surfaces of the Kydex shell and aluminum components resist dirt and grime. No special tools or cleaners are required. The holster is designed for easy disassembly and reassembly, making it simple to clean and maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster comes with the necessary hardware for mounting it to a competition belt. The open top design allows for any optic to be attached to the gun. The open muzzle end is designed to accommodate a threaded barrel.
While the holster itself does not offer a wide range of customization options, its compatibility with standard Springfield Armory pistols and accessories allows users to personalize their setup. Users can swap out the factory belt attachment for aftermarket options, although the stock attachment is very high quality. No additional accessories are needed to begin competing.
Pros and Cons of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster
Pros
- Incredibly adjustable thanks to the aluminum ball joint, allowing for a truly customized draw stroke.
- Durable construction using high-quality Kydex and aluminum components ensures long-lasting reliability.
- Manually adjustable retention screws provide a secure and customizable grip on the firearm.
- Compatible with optics and threaded barrels, offering greater versatility.
- The matte black anodized aluminum belt attachment seamlessly integrates with 1.5” competition belts.
Cons
- Initial setup and adjustment can be time-consuming.
- The price point of $149.99 may be a barrier for some budget-conscious shooters.
Who Should Buy Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster?
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster is perfect for competitive shooters who demand speed, adjustability, and reliability from their gear. It is especially well-suited for those who use Springfield Armory pistols and want a holster that can be customized to their specific shooting style. Anyone wanting to improve their speed in competition should purchase this holster.
This product may not be ideal for casual shooters or those who primarily use their firearms for concealed carry. Those individuals would not fully benefit from the features. Individuals looking for a simple, fixed-angle holster may find the Black Scorpion’s adjustability unnecessary.
A must-have modification would be to upgrade the belt attachment to suit your exact preferences. This can further fine-tune the holster’s positioning on your body. Make sure to use a high-quality belt!
Conclusion on Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster
The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster is an outstanding piece of gear that delivers on its promises of speed, adjustability, and security. Its robust construction, intuitive design, and compatibility with Springfield Armory pistols make it a valuable asset for competitive shooters. This holster stands above the competition.
While the price of $149.99 may seem high, the holster’s performance and durability justify the investment. The holster offers great value.
I would highly recommend the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear Springfield Armory Pro Ball Joint Competition Holster to anyone serious about competitive shooting. It’s a well-designed, well-built, and highly functional holster that will help you improve your performance on the range. Take your shooting to the next level with the Black Scorpion holster!