Let’s Dive into Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82 is a duty holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals who demand a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable carry. Manufactured by Safariland, a trusted name in the industry, this holster features their Automatic Locking System (ALS) and a Level III retention rating, ensuring that your firearm stays secure until you need it. The addition of the Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) positions the holster for a comfortable mid-ride carry.
For years, I’ve relied on open-carry for duty, but escalating threats demanded a more secure, level III solution. I needed a holster that provided rapid access, while also preventing unauthorized access to my firearm in close-quarters situations. My previous level II holster felt inadequate after a near-incident during a protest.
Upon unboxing the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction and the distinct basket weave pattern. The holster felt solid and well-made, reassuring me of its durability. The internal mechanisms operated smoothly right out of the box.
I considered the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 and the Bianchi Accumold Elite Level 3. Ultimately, I chose the Safariland due to their established reputation for quality, the proven reliability of their ALS system, and the more natural draw stroke it offered. The Safariland felt like a more refined and professional piece of equipment.
My initial impression was positive – this holster felt like a serious piece of gear designed for serious situations. I was excited to test its real-world performance and see if it lived up to the Safariland name. I knew it was going to be a game changer.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82 at my local shooting range, focusing on drawing and re-holstering drills. The weather was moderately humid, typical for my area. The holster performed flawlessly, the ALS system disengaging smoothly with each draw.
The draw felt surprisingly natural, requiring minimal adjustment from my previous holster. Re-holstering was equally smooth, the ALS automatically engaging as the weapon seated. I experienced no issues with the system even with slightly sweaty hands.
There were no surprises, it functioned exactly as expected which was exactly what I needed. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82 performed above expectations.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82 has held up remarkably well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear, only minor scuffs on the basket weave finish from regular contact with my duty belt. The ALS system continues to function smoothly and reliably.
Maintenance has been minimal – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris is all it takes. The basket weave pattern still looks new.
This holster significantly outperforms my previous duty holster in terms of retention, comfort, and durability. It has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82
Specifications
- Retention Level: Level III. This indicates three independent retention devices.
- Material: Safariland’s proprietary SafariSeven™ nylon blend. This material is known for its extreme durability and resistance to heat, cold, and abrasions.
- Finish: Basket Weave Black. This provides a professional appearance and adds a layer of scratch resistance.
- Hand: Left Hand. This caters to left-handed shooters.
- Mount: Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop). This allows for a mid-ride carry position, enhancing comfort and accessibility.
- Weapon Compatibility: Beretta PX4 Storm. This holster is specifically molded for this firearm.
These specifications are crucial for a duty holster because they directly impact weapon security, comfort, and reliability. The Level III retention ensures the weapon stays secure even during physical altercations, and the SafariSeven™ material guarantees long-term durability in harsh environments. The Basket Weave Black finish provides a professional and discreet appearance, essential for law enforcement.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82 excels in its primary function: securely retaining and quickly deploying a firearm. The ALS system is intuitive and easy to operate with minimal training. This translates to faster, more confident draws under pressure.
The holster’s strengths lie in its robust construction, reliable retention, and comfortable carry. A potential weakness is that some users may find the Level III retention system slightly more complex to master initially compared to simpler holsters.
It exceeded my expectations for retention, comfort, and ease of use. The draw stroke is quick and natural.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, using high-quality materials and precise molding. The holster feels solid and secure, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand daily wear and tear. The Ride UBL positions the holster comfortably on the hip.
The design is user-friendly, with the ALS lever easily accessible with the thumb during the draw stroke. There’s a slight learning curve to mastering the release motion, but it quickly becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the construction using Safariland’s SafariSeven™ nylon blend, this holster should last for years of regular use. It’s designed to withstand harsh conditions and resist wear and tear.
Maintenance is straightforward – regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient to keep it in good working order. Lubricating the ALS mechanism periodically can ensure smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The holster comes with a hood guard installed, further enhancing weapon security. Safariland offers an optional Sentry device that can be added to further enhance weapon security.
While the holster itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, it’s compatible with various Safariland accessories, such as different belt loops and leg shrouds. The Basket Black finish can be swapped with plain black, Hi-Gloss, or STX Tactical finishes, though the core functionality remains the same.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82
Pros
- Level III Retention: Provides exceptional weapon security, deterring unauthorized access.
- ALS (Automatic Locking System): Offers a smooth, intuitive draw stroke while maintaining a high level of retention.
- SafariSeven™ Construction: Ensures extreme durability and resistance to the elements.
- Ride UBL Mount: Offers a comfortable mid-ride carry position.
- Basket Weave Finish: Provides a professional and discreet appearance.
Cons
- Level III retention system requires some training to master the draw stroke.
- The holster is specific to the Beretta PX4 Storm, limiting its versatility with other firearms.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82?
This holster is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon retention and a comfortable, reliable carry system. It is suited for duty carry, tactical operations, and range use. The left-hand configuration makes it ideal for left-handed shooters.
Those who prefer simpler, Level I or Level II retention holsters might find this holster overkill. Users who own multiple firearm platforms and want a single, versatile holster should consider a different option.
A must-have accessory is the Safariland Sentry, if maximum weapon security is paramount. Regular cleaning and lubrication are also essential to maintain optimal performance.
Conclusion on Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82
The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – Basket Black, Left Hand 6360-180-82 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers exceptional weapon retention, durability, and comfort. The Safariland name inspires confidence.
At $195.00, the price is justified given the high-quality materials, robust construction, and Level III retention system. It’s an investment in personal safety and professional performance.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this holster to anyone who needs a reliable and secure way to carry their Beretta PX4 Storm. If you are a left-handed shooter looking for a dependable Level III duty holster, look no further. Buy with confidence and stay safe!