Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01

The Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01 is a duty accessory designed to securely hold a standard portable police radio. Safariland, a trusted name in law enforcement gear, engineered this carrier for durability and ease of use. Its key features include a formed protective pouch and an adjustable bungie cord tiedown.

As a seasoned gear specialist, I’ve struggled with radio carriers that are either too bulky or not secure enough. My search for a reliable, low-profile radio solution led me to the Safariland 761. The initial impressions were positive, noting the compact design and the promise of a secure radio hold.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the sturdy feel of the SafariLaminate material. It felt robust and capable of withstanding daily wear and tear. The build quality seemed top-notch, a signature of Safariland products.

Compared to other radio carriers I’ve used, like nylon pouches with hook-and-loop closures, the Safariland 761 felt more professional and secure. I’d previously used a generic leather radio carrier, but the Safariland’s molded design seemed far superior in retaining the radio. Ultimately, I chose this carrier for its reputation for reliability and its streamlined design.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The carrier looked promising, but I needed to put it through its paces in real-world scenarios to determine its true worth. I was excited to see how it would perform under pressure.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Safariland 761 during a week-long firearms training course at a local range, simulating law enforcement scenarios. The carrier was attached to my duty belt, holding a standard-sized Motorola radio. I subjected it to various movements, including running, kneeling, and drawing my sidearm.

The Safariland 761 performed admirably in these conditions. The radio stayed securely in place, thanks to the adjustable bungie cord. It was raining for a portion of the training, but the SafariLaminate material seemed unaffected by the moisture.

Using the carrier was straightforward. I needed minimal time to adjust the bungie cord to the correct tension for my radio. After the first few draws and re-holsters, the process became second nature.

There were no immediate issues after the first use. The carrier did exactly what it was designed to do: securely hold my radio while allowing for quick access. I was impressed with its initial performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 761 has held up incredibly well. I use it daily for my security consulting work, which involves a lot of movement and outdoor exposure.

The carrier shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The SafariLaminate material has resisted scratches and abrasions, maintaining its professional appearance. The bungie cord still functions perfectly, with no signs of fraying or stretching.

Maintenance is simple: I occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. The SafariLaminate material cleans easily and doesn’t require any special treatment. It’s a stark contrast to my old leather carrier, which required regular conditioning.

Compared to my previous experiences with other radio carriers, the Safariland 761 significantly outperforms them in terms of durability and security. Other carriers often stretched out or became loose over time. This one, however, remains as reliable as the day I bought it.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01

Specifications

• Category: Duty Accessories, indicating its primary purpose for law enforcement and security personnel.
• Finish: Plain, offering a professional and understated appearance. This is important for maintaining a low profile and avoiding unnecessary attention.
• Color: Cordovan, a rich brown that complements many duty belts and tactical gear setups.
• Material: SafariLaminate, Safariland’s proprietary material known for its exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. This ensures the carrier can withstand harsh conditions.
• Retention: Adjustable bungie cord tiedown with a snap closure, providing secure retention and quick access to the radio.
• Design: Formed protective pouch, custom molded to fit most standard portable police radios.

These specifications are crucial for ensuring the Safariland 761 performs effectively in demanding environments. The durable material and secure retention system guarantee the radio stays in place during rigorous activities. The plain finish and Cordovan color maintain a professional appearance.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland 761 excels at its primary job: securely holding and providing quick access to a portable radio. The adjustable bungie cord offers excellent retention, preventing the radio from accidentally falling out, even during strenuous activity.

One of the strengths is its simplicity. The design is straightforward and functional, with no unnecessary frills. A potential weakness might be that it is not a universal fit for ALL radio sizes; very large or unusually shaped radios may not fit perfectly.

Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations. The carrier delivers on its promise of security, durability, and ease of use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland 761 boasts a streamlined design that minimizes bulk on the duty belt. The SafariLaminate material is rigid enough to maintain its shape but flexible enough to conform to the body.

The carrier is lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. There is no significant learning curve. The bungie cord adjustment is intuitive, and the snap closure is easy to operate with one hand.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the robust construction of the SafariLaminate material, the Safariland 761 is built to last. I expect it to provide years of reliable service with proper care.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean. The carrier’s construction allows for easy access to all areas for cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland 761 is designed as a standalone radio carrier and doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited, primarily involving the attachment method to the duty belt.

It is compatible with various belt attachment systems, including Safariland’s standard belt loops and other MOLLE-compatible platforms. Safariland also offers different variations of the 761 that accommodate different belt widths and attachment styles.

Pros and Cons of Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01

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Who Should Buy Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01?

The Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and other professionals who rely on portable radios for communication. Its durability and secure retention make it ideal for those working in demanding environments where radio security and accessibility are critical.

Individuals who prioritize a universal fit for various radio sizes or extensive customization options might want to explore alternative carriers. Those on a very tight budget might also find cheaper, though likely less durable, options.

A must-have modification for some users might be upgrading the belt attachment system to a more specialized MOLLE-compatible option for greater versatility. A larger bungie cord can also be useful for those who need to accommodate larger radios than the carrier was originally designed for.

Conclusion on Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01

The Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01 is a reliable and durable duty accessory that delivers on its promises. Its robust construction, secure retention system, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for professionals who depend on portable radios.

The price is justified by the quality of materials and the long-lasting performance it provides. Cheaper alternatives may exist, but they often lack the durability and security of the Safariland 761.

I would personally recommend the Safariland 761 to anyone seeking a dependable and professional radio carrier. If you value security, durability, and ease of use, this carrier is an excellent choice. Invest in your peace of mind and ensure your radio is always secure and accessible – grab the Safariland 761 SafariLaminate Radio Carrier 761-XX-01 today!