Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 is more than just a holster; it’s a commitment to security, accessibility, and professional performance. Manufactured by Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement and military-grade gear, this holster boasts Level III Retention, ensuring your firearm stays put until you need it. Its sleek, plain black design and drop UBL (Universal Belt Loop) configuration make it a versatile option for duty carry, combining a low profile with enhanced comfort.

My need for this holster stemmed from a recent transition to a role requiring Level III retention. I was looking for a holster that provided superior weapon security without sacrificing a smooth, natural draw. I’ve always valued the reputation of Safariland, and the ALS system appealed to me because of its intuitive operation under stress.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the robust construction and clean lines of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62. The plain black finish is understated yet professional, and the overall weight felt substantial, indicating the use of quality materials. The holster felt like a serious piece of equipment, built to withstand the rigors of daily duty.

Compared to a similar Blackhawk! Serpa Level 3 holster I previously used, the Safariland ALS Level III offers a more intuitive and less finger-dependent release mechanism. Unlike the Serpa, which requires a finger press directly onto the release button, the ALS system allows for a more natural thumb sweep, reducing the risk of accidental discharges under duress. Another competitive product is the Bianchi Accumold Elite, which is good, but lacks the speed and reliable indexing of the ALS.

My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. I felt confident that the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 would provide the level of security and accessibility I needed in a duty holster. The initial feel of the holster and the positive engagement of the ALS system instilled a sense of trust right out of the box.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 was at a local shooting range during a force-on-force training exercise. This environment allowed me to simulate the stress and dynamic movements of a real-world encounter. I subjected the holster to various scenarios, including drawing from seated positions, while moving, and under simulated physical duress.

The Safariland ALS Level III performed admirably in all conditions. The weather was slightly damp, but the holster’s grip remained secure, and the release mechanism functioned flawlessly even with wet hands. The drop UBL positioned the firearm comfortably, facilitating a smooth and consistent draw stroke.

The ALS system required minimal training to become proficient. Within a few repetitions, the thumb sweep became second nature, allowing for a fast and efficient draw. I found the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 to be incredibly intuitive and much easier to master than other retention systems I’ve used.

After the first use, I noticed only minor scuff marks on the holster’s surface from repeated draws, which is to be expected. There were no functional issues, and the retention mechanism remained tight and reliable. The initial experience reinforced my confidence in the Safariland ALS Level III as a dependable duty holster.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 has proven to be a durable and reliable piece of equipment. I have worn it daily during training and patrol, and it has consistently performed without fail.

The plain black finish has held up surprisingly well, showing minimal signs of wear despite constant rubbing against clothing and equipment. The holster’s body remains rigid and retains its shape, and the ALS mechanism continues to engage and disengage smoothly. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS components have kept it in top condition.

Compared to previous holsters I’ve used, the Safariland ALS Level III excels in both security and ease of use. It provides a much higher level of retention than open-top holsters, and the ALS system is significantly faster and more intuitive than other Level III retention designs. The holster has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62

Specifications

• Level III Retention: This is the cornerstone of the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62. The Automatic Locking System (ALS) secures the weapon immediately upon holstering, requiring a deliberate thumb sweep to release.

• Optional Level IV Retention: The Safariland ALS Level III can be upgraded to Level IV retention with the addition of the optional Sentry. This adds another layer of security, making it even more difficult for unauthorized individuals to remove the firearm.

• ALS Automatic Locking System: The ALS system is intuitive and fast. It allows for a natural draw stroke while providing excellent weapon security.

• Hood Guard Standard: The Hood Guard offers additional protection against attempted weapon grabs. This feature provides an extra layer of security without hindering the draw.

• Slim, Compact Design: The holster’s slim profile keeps the weapon close to the body. This minimizes printing and enhances comfort during extended wear.

• Simple Straight Up Draw: Once all releases are deactivated, the draw is straight and smooth. This allows for consistent and efficient weapon deployment.

• 1.5″ Belt Drop UBL: The Drop UBL positions the holster slightly lower than standard belt loops. This provides increased comfort, especially when wearing body armor, and facilitates a more natural draw angle.

• Gun Fit: Springfield Armory XD 9mm, .40, .45 w/ITI M3, M6, TLR-1, TLR-2, Surefire X200, X300, LAS-TAC 2, or Insight XTI Procyon. Important Note: Holster will NOT retain weapon without light attached, BBL 5.00″, XDM 9mm & .40 with ITI M3, M6, TLR-1, TLR-2, SurefireX200, X300, LAS-TAC 2, or Insight XTI Procyon, BBL 4.50″.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the holster’s performance, security, and usability. The Level III retention provides a high level of security for duty carry. The ALS system provides a smooth and reliable draw, and the Drop UBL enhances comfort and accessibility.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 excels in its primary function: securing and providing access to your firearm. The ALS system is incredibly reliable. It engages automatically upon holstering and releases quickly and smoothly with a natural thumb sweep.

The Safariland ALS Level III’s main strength lies in its balance of security and speed. The Level III retention offers peace of mind in potentially dangerous situations, while the ALS system allows for a surprisingly fast draw. One weakness is the requirement for a weapon-mounted light for retention to work, limiting its versatility with other weapons.

The Safariland ALS Level III meets and exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of secure weapon retention, ease of use, and comfortable carry. It has become an indispensable part of my daily duty gear.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 boasts excellent build quality. The materials are durable and rugged, and the overall construction feels solid and dependable. The holster’s weight is noticeable but not excessive, striking a good balance between durability and comfort.

The Safariland ALS Level III is user-friendly, but it does require a bit of practice to master the ALS release. The learning curve is minimal, and after a few repetitions, the draw stroke becomes second nature. The Drop UBL enhances comfort and accessibility, making the holster easy to wear for extended periods.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 should last for many years. The holster’s materials are resistant to wear and tear. The ALS mechanism is robust and reliable.

Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the ALS components are all that is needed to keep the holster in top condition. The Safariland ALS Level III is designed for longevity and ease of maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 is compatible with a range of accessories. The optional Sentry upgrade adds Level IV retention. Different belt loops and attachment options can be used to customize the holster’s ride height and angle.

The Safariland ALS Level III is also compatible with various weapon-mounted lights, provided they are the correct models listed by Safariland for this specific holster model. This customization allows users to tailor the holster to their specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62

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Who Should Buy Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62?

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 is perfect for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and anyone who requires a high level of weapon security and accessibility. It’s an excellent choice for those who carry a Springfield XD or XDM with a weapon-mounted light and need a reliable duty holster. The holster is also well-suited for tactical training and competitions.

Individuals who prefer open-top holsters or those who do not carry a weapon-mounted light should skip this product. Right-handed shooters should also avoid this specific model, as it is designed for left-handed users only.

A must-have modification is the optional Sentry upgrade for Level IV retention. Regular lubrication of the ALS mechanism is recommended for optimal performance.

Conclusion on Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 is a top-tier duty holster that delivers on its promises. It provides excellent weapon security, a smooth and efficient draw, and comfortable all-day carry. The ALS system is intuitive and reliable, and the holster’s durable construction ensures it will withstand the rigors of daily use.

The price of $209.99 is justified by the holster’s quality, performance, and features. It is an investment in your safety and professional readiness.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland ALS Level III w/ Drop UBL – Plain Black, Left 6365-1492-62 to anyone who needs a reliable and secure duty holster for their Springfield XD or XDM with a weapon-mounted light. Don’t settle for anything less than the best – choose Safariland and experience the difference. Invest in your safety and get yours today!