CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster Review

Let’s Dive into CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster

The CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster promises versatility and comfort, aiming to be a jack-of-all-trades solution for 1911 carriers. Designed by CrossFire to work both inside and outside the waistband, it boasts dual clips, a removable comfort panel, and a low-profile design. The promise of all-day comfort and adaptability piqued my interest.

Years of using various holsters, from minimalist Kydex to bulky leather rigs, have left me with a keen sense of what works and what doesn’t. I needed a holster for my 1911 that could easily switch between IWB for concealed carry and OWB for range days. The CrossFire The Cyclone seemed to offer that flexibility.

Upon unboxing, I was initially impressed by the overall construction. The 1680 denier Ballistic Nylon felt rugged, and the padded neck riser was a welcome surprise. My first thought was, “Could this really be comfortable for all-day carry?”.

Compared to my Galco leather IWB and my Safariland ALS OWB, the CrossFire The Cyclone aims to blend the best of both worlds. While the Galco is exceptionally comfortable IWB, it lacks OWB functionality. The Safariland is rock-solid OWB but too bulky for concealed carry. This CrossFire holster attempts to bridge that gap.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The materials felt durable, and the design seemed well thought out. However, the true test would be how it performed in real-world conditions.


Real-World Testing: Putting CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster at an outdoor shooting range and during a several-hour hike. I carried my 1911 both IWB and OWB to assess its comfort and stability in each configuration. The temperature was moderate, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with low humidity.

The holster performed adequately in dry conditions, holding the 1911 securely during range drills. Drawing and reholstering were relatively smooth, although not as crisp as with a dedicated Kydex holster. I did find that drawing from the IWB configuration required a more deliberate motion to clear the garment.

The initial IWB use was comfortable thanks to the padded neck riser. However, I noticed some shifting of the holster when moving dynamically, requiring occasional adjustment. OWB carry, with the comfort panel removed, felt more stable but slightly less comfortable against my skin.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster has shown some signs of wear, particularly around the clip attachment points. The stitching remains intact, but the nylon fabric is beginning to fray slightly in high-friction areas. The holster is overall still useable.

The durability is acceptable, but not exceptional. Compared to my Kydex holsters, which show virtually no wear after years of use, the CrossFire‘s fabric construction is inherently more susceptible to abrasion. The holster cleans easily with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

The CrossFire The Cyclone does not quite outperform my dedicated IWB and OWB holsters, but its versatility is a definite plus. It remains a decent option for those needing a single holster for both concealed carry and range use.

Breaking Down the Features of CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: CrossFire.
  • Hand: Right.
  • Holster Type: Outside the Waistband Holster, Inside the Waistband Holster.
  • Accessory Attachment System: Clip.
  • Application: Concealment.
  • Attachment Type: Clip.
  • The holster is constructed from 1680 denier Ballistic Nylon fabric, chosen for its durability and shape retention.
  • Designed to fit most 1911 style pistols.
  • Equipped with dual clips for secure attachment, whether IWB or OWB.
  • Features a removable comfort panel allowing switching between IWB and OWB configurations.
  • Includes a padded neck riser designed to prevent the firearm from contacting the body, enhancing comfort during IWB carry.

These specifications are vital to the holster’s performance. The nylon provides a balance of durability and comfort. The dual clips ensure stability. The removable panel offers versatility. The neck riser greatly enhances comfort for IWB carry.

Performance & Functionality

The CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster performs adequately as a general-purpose holster. It securely holds a 1911-style pistol and allows for both IWB and OWB carry. However, it excels at neither compared to purpose-built holsters.

Its strengths lie in its versatility and comfort, especially during IWB carry. Its weaknesses include a slightly slower draw compared to Kydex, and slight shifting during dynamic movement. It meets expectations as a budget-friendly, multi-purpose holster, but does not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable, with the nylon fabric and reinforced stitching providing decent durability. The padded neck riser adds significant comfort, and the dual clips ensure secure attachment. The holster is relatively lightweight, which helps with all-day carry.

The holster is reasonably user-friendly, with a simple clip attachment system. The removable comfort panel allows for easy switching between IWB and OWB configurations. There is a slight learning curve to drawing smoothly from the IWB position.

Durability & Maintenance

The holster should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning and avoiding excessive abrasion will extend its lifespan. The holster is easy to maintain and repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster does not come with any additional accessories. It’s designed to be a standalone holster. There are no customization options available, such as adjustable retention or modular attachments.

The CrossFire The Cyclone is compatible with most standard belts used for concealed carry. It will work with various 1911-style pistols. However, it may not be suitable for 1911s with significant aftermarket modifications that alter their dimensions.

Pros and Cons of CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster

Pros

  • Versatile IWB/OWB design, allowing for flexible carry options.
  • Comfortable padded neck riser, enhancing comfort during IWB carry.
  • Durable 1680 denier Ballistic Nylon fabric, providing decent wear resistance.
  • Affordable price point, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious buyers.
  • Secure dual clip attachment, ensuring stability whether carried IWB or OWB.

Cons

  • The fabric construction is more susceptible to wear and tear than Kydex or leather.
  • Drawing from IWB requires a more deliberate motion compared to dedicated IWB holsters.


Who Should Buy CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster?

The CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster is perfect for individuals seeking a budget-friendly, versatile holster for their 1911. It’s a good choice for those who want the option of both IWB and OWB carry without purchasing separate holsters. It can also work for occasional range use.

Individuals who prioritize speed of draw and maximum durability should skip this product. Those seeking a high-performance, competition-ready holster, or those requiring extreme durability in harsh environments will be better served by a Kydex or premium leather option. A good belt is must-have accessory.

Conclusion on CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster

The CrossFire The Cyclone New Comfort Concealed Carry 1911 Holster is a decent option for those seeking a versatile and affordable holster for their 1911. It offers the flexibility of both IWB and OWB carry, coupled with a comfortable design, particularly in the IWB configuration. However, its fabric construction is not as durable as Kydex or leather, and its draw speed is not optimal for competitive shooting.

The price is justified for the level of versatility and comfort it provides. I would recommend it to those seeking a budget-friendly, general-purpose holster. It’s ideal for occasional concealed carry and range use.

If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile 1911 holster that offers decent comfort, give the CrossFire The Cyclone a try. You may be pleasantly surprised by its adaptability and value.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top