Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX FDE Brown, Left 6360-73-552 Review

Let’s Dive into Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX FDE Brown, Left 6360-73-552

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX FDE Brown, Left 6360-73-552 is more than just a holster; it’s a critical piece of duty gear designed for professionals who demand both security and rapid access to their firearm. Safariland, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the law enforcement and military communities, has once again delivered a product that prioritizes safety and efficiency. Featuring the ALS (Automatic Locking System) and a Level III retention rating, this holster offers peace of mind while maintaining a smooth, intuitive draw.

My department recently updated its carry policy, requiring all officers to transition to a Level III retention holster. I needed a holster that met the new standard, provided a secure carry, and wouldn’t slow me down during critical moments. The Safariland ALS system’s reputation for both retention and speed made it a natural choice.

Unboxing the Safariland holster, I was immediately struck by the robust construction and quality of the STX FDE Brown finish. The material felt durable and ready to withstand the rigors of daily duty. The fit and finish were excellent, and the included Ride UBL (Universal Belt Loop) felt solid and well-engineered.

I considered a few other Level III holsters from competing brands like Blackhawk and Bianchi. Ultimately, Safariland’s reputation for reliability and the proven track record of the ALS system swayed my decision. The intuitive nature of the release mechanism, coupled with the comfortable carry offered by the Ride UBL, sealed the deal.

My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Safariland ALS Level III felt like a serious piece of equipment, built to perform under pressure. 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 ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX FDE Brown, Left 6360-73-552 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at the police department’s training range. I practiced drawing and re-holstering drills for several hours in a controlled environment. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing comfortable conditions for familiarizing myself with the holster.

The ALS system proved remarkably intuitive. Once the thumb release was depressed, the draw stroke was smooth and natural. The firearm cleared the holster quickly, allowing for a rapid presentation to the target. Re-holstering was equally efficient; the weapon locked into place automatically with a reassuring click.

There were no immediate issues. The holster felt secure, and the Ride UBL provided a stable platform for drawing and firing. The initial training session instilled confidence in the Safariland ALS Level III’s ability to perform under pressure.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of daily use on patrol, the Safariland ALS Level III has proven its worth. It’s been exposed to rain, dust, and the general wear and tear of law enforcement duty. Despite these challenges, it has maintained its integrity and functionality.

The holster shows minimal signs of wear. The STX FDE Brown finish has held up well, with only minor scuff marks in high-contact areas. The ALS mechanism continues to function flawlessly, providing consistent retention and release.

Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. Occasionally, I’ll apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the ALS mechanism to ensure smooth operation.

Compared to my previous Level II holster, the Safariland ALS Level III provides a significant increase in security without sacrificing speed or accessibility. The peace of mind knowing my firearm is securely retained is invaluable. It has exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX FDE Brown, Left 6360-73-552

Specifications

The Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX FDE Brown, Left 6360-73-552 is a duty holster designed for left-handed users. It boasts a Level III retention rating, with the option to upgrade to Level IV with the addition of an optional sentry. It features Safariland’s ALS (Automatic Locking System), which secures the weapon automatically upon holstering.

This model includes a standard hood guard for added security. Its slim and compact design allows the weapon to ride close to the body for enhanced concealment and comfort. The draw is simple and straight up once all releases are deactivated.

The holster comes equipped with a Ride UBL, which provides a mid-ride carry position. This configuration positions the firearm lower on the belt, improving comfort and allowing for easier access, especially when wearing body armor. It is finished in STX FDE Brown, a durable and aesthetically pleasing tactical finish.

This specific model (6360-73-552) is designed to fit Beretta 92/96 Vertec M9A1 (4.70″ BBL), 92D (4.90″ BBL), 92DS (4.90″ BBL), 92F (4.90″ BBL), 92FS (4.90″ BBL), 92G (4.90″ BBL), 96 (4.90″ BBL), 96 D (4.90″ BBL), 96 DS (4.90″ BBL), 96 G (4.90″ BBL), 96 G SD, 92G SD (4.90″ BBL), 96F, 96FS (4.90″ BBL), and M9 (4.90″ BBL) handguns.

These specifications are critical for several reasons. The Level III retention provides a high degree of security, crucial for law enforcement and military personnel. The ALS system offers a balance between retention and rapid accessibility. The Ride UBL enhances comfort and allows for a more natural draw stroke.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland ALS Level III excels in its primary function: securely retaining the firearm while allowing for a quick and efficient draw. The ALS system is reliable and consistent, providing a positive lock that gives the user confidence. The hood guard adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

The draw stroke is smooth and intuitive. Once the thumb release is activated and the hood is cleared (if present), the firearm can be drawn straight up without any unnecessary movements. Re-holstering is equally straightforward; the weapon locks into place automatically, eliminating the need for manual manipulation.

One potential weakness is the learning curve associated with the Level III retention system. It requires practice and training to master the release sequence and develop muscle memory. However, once proficient, the draw speed is comparable to that of lower-level retention holsters.

Overall, the Safariland ALS Level III meets and exceeds expectations. It provides a high level of security, a smooth draw stroke, and a durable construction. It is a reliable and effective duty holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland ALS Level III features a slim and compact design that minimizes bulk and enhances comfort. The holster rides close to the body, reducing printing and allowing for greater freedom of movement. The STX FDE Brown finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

The build quality is excellent. Safariland uses high-quality materials and construction techniques to ensure that their holsters can withstand the rigors of daily use. The holster feels solid and well-made, inspiring confidence in its reliability.

There is a slight learning curve associated with the ALS system. However, once mastered, the draw stroke becomes second nature. The holster is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, even under stress.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariland ALS Level III is built to last. The durable materials and robust construction ensure that it can withstand the demands of daily duty. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. The ALS mechanism may require occasional lubrication to maintain smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland ALS Level III comes standard with a hood guard and the Ride UBL. The Ride UBL can be replaced with other Safariland belt attachments to customize the carry position. An optional sentry can be added to upgrade the retention level to Level IV.

The holster is also compatible with a wide range of accessories from other brands, such as weapon lights and optic mounts. This allows users to customize their setup to meet their specific needs and preferences. Many aftermarket parts are available to fine tune the draw, retention, and look of the holster.

Pros and Cons of Safariland ALS Level III w/ Ride UBL – STX FDE Brown, Left 6360-73-552