Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-4192-411 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-4192-411

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-4192-411 is a duty-grade holster designed for law enforcement and security professionals, providing both secure weapon retention and quick access. Manufactured by Safariland, a trusted name in the industry, this holster combines the proven Automatic Locking System (ALS) with a Level III retention design and a convenient ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop). This holster aims to offer a balance between security, speed, and comfort.

For years, I struggled to find a duty holster that truly balanced security and draw speed. Many holsters I’ve used either sacrificed speed for retention or vice versa, leading to compromises I wasn’t comfortable with. The promise of the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III to offer Level III retention without hindering a smooth, quick draw was incredibly appealing.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction. The STX Plain Black finish gives it a professional look, and the materials felt incredibly durable. The holster felt solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand daily wear and tear.

Compared to similar Level II and Level III holsters from Blackhawk and Bianchi, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III stood out due to its refined ALS mechanism and the comfortable ride UBL. Other holsters felt bulky or cumbersome, but the Safariland seemed more streamlined. I chose it because I prioritize both security and accessibility, and this holster seemed to strike the best balance.

My initial reaction was excitement. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III looked and felt like a high-quality piece of equipment, promising to solve the problems I had with previous holsters. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-4192-411 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at an outdoor shooting range, simulating real-world duty scenarios. I practiced drawing and re-holstering drills under various conditions. The weather was typical for a summer day – hot and humid.

The ALS system was initially a little stiff, but it quickly smoothed out after a few draws. Even with sweaty hands, the draw remained consistent and secure. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III felt intuitive, and I quickly adapted to the release mechanisms.

The only initial issue I noticed was a slight snag on the hood guard during the draw stroke. However, after adjusting my technique slightly, this issue disappeared. Otherwise, the first use was promising and instilled confidence in the holster’s performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III has proven to be exceptionally durable. I’ve used it regularly during training sessions, competitions, and even a few security details in demanding environments. There are only minor scuff marks on the STX finish.

The holster has shown no significant signs of wear and tear. The ALS mechanism remains reliable, and the retention is still secure. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean and functioning optimally.

Compared to previous duty holsters I’ve used, the Safariland 6360 ALS Level III significantly outperforms them in terms of both security and speed. Other holsters often require constant adjustments and sometimes fail to retain the firearm securely. The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III provides consistent and reliable performance, regardless of the conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-4192-411

Specifications

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-4192-411 is specifically designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P .45 without manual safeties with ITI M3, M6, TLR-1, Surefire X200, X300, LAS-TAC 2, or Insight XTI Procyon lights. It’s a right-hand holster with an STX Plain Black finish. The holster is categorized as an ALS holster and features Level III retention.

• Level III Retention: This is achieved through the ALS (Automatic Locking System), a rotating hood, and the holster body itself. The Level III retention ensures that the firearm remains securely holstered until intentionally released.
• ALS (Automatic Locking System): The ALS is an internal locking device that secures the weapon once holstered. This provides an added layer of security against unauthorized removal.
• Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop): The UBL positions the holster lower on the hip for increased comfort and easier access, especially when wearing body armor. The mid-ride belt loop enhances comfort and mobility.
• STX Plain Black Finish: The STX finish offers a professional appearance and is relatively resistant to scratches and abrasions. It ensures the holster maintains a clean look even after extended use.
• Hood Guard: This feature helps prevent unauthorized individuals from manipulating the rotating hood. This enhances the overall security of the holster system.

These specifications directly contribute to the holster’s performance and user experience. The Level III retention provides peace of mind knowing the firearm is secure. The ALS allows for a fast and intuitive draw once the release mechanisms are de-activated. The UBL enhances comfort during prolonged wear.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III performs its job exceptionally well. The firearm is secure yet readily accessible. The ALS mechanism is smooth and reliable, providing a consistent draw stroke.

The holster’s strengths lie in its balance of security and speed. It meets and exceeds expectations for a duty-grade holster. The only area for improvement would be refining the hood guard to eliminate any potential for snagging.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is top-notch. The materials feel durable, and the holster is surprisingly lightweight considering its robust construction. The holster is comfortable to wear, thanks to the ride UBL, even during extended periods.

The design is user-friendly. The ALS mechanism is intuitive and requires minimal training to master. The straight-up draw is natural and efficient.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintaining the holster is simple.

Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient. Lubricating the ALS mechanism periodically with a silicone-based lubricant will ensure smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 6360 ALS Level III is compatible with a variety of Safariland accessories. The optional Sentry can be installed to increase the retention level to Level IV. The holster is also compatible with various belt widths due to the adjustable UBL.

While designed for specific weapon-mounted lights, compatibility with other brands may vary. It is recommended to check Safariland’s compatibility chart for specific accessories.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 6360 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL Holster – STX Plain Black, Right Hand 6360-4192-411