Let’s Talk About Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els
The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els is a seemingly simple but profoundly useful piece of gear. It promises to bring a new level of modularity and adaptability to your tactical setup. Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement and military gear, aims to deliver a system that allows for rapid and secure swapping of essential equipment. I was intrigued by the promise of quickly reconfiguring my loadout without fumbling with screws and cumbersome attachments.
My current setup relies heavily on MOLLE, which, while secure, is slow to adjust. The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els presented itself as a solution to this problem. I needed a faster, more efficient way to transition between range training, duty carry, and competition scenarios. The thought of swiftly moving my holster from my belt to a thigh rig, or attaching a magazine pouch to a vest in seconds, was very appealing.
Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the design. The kit includes two ELS (Equipment Locking System) Locking Forks and two ELS Receiver Plates, all finished in a Coyote Brown color. The build quality feels robust, the materials are durable, and the injection molding is clean. There’s a distinct sense of quality that I’ve come to expect from Safariland products.
Compared to other modular systems, like Blade-Tech’s Tek-Lok or G-Code’s RTI system, the Safariland ELS distinguishes itself with its small footprint and straightforward mechanism. I chose this system over others primarily because of Safariland’s reputation for reliability and the wide availability of compatible accessories. While other systems may offer similar functionality, the ELS seemed the most mature and widely supported.
My first impression was a blend of excitement and cautious optimism. The system looked promising, but I was eager to see how it would perform under real-world conditions. Would it be truly secure? Would it be easy to operate with gloves on? I couldn’t wait to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els took place at my local shooting range. I set up a simple configuration: my Safariland 7TS ALS holster mounted to a thigh rig using one set of ELS components. The other set was used to attach a double magazine pouch to my belt. This allowed me to quickly switch between a low-ride thigh setup and a traditional belt carry for reloads.
The range environment provided a perfect setting to assess the system’s functionality. The weather was dry and sunny, which didn’t present any environmental challenges. However, I deliberately introduced some “stress tests,” such as drawing and reholstering quickly, performing speed reloads, and generally moving with purpose. The ELS performed admirably. The locking mechanism felt secure, and there was no noticeable wobble or play in the attachments.
The ease of use was a definite highlight. After a few practice runs, I was able to swap my holster and magazine pouch between platforms in a matter of seconds. This was a significant improvement over my previous MOLLE-based setup, which required significantly more time and effort. I experienced no issues or surprises after the first use, which was very encouraging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els continues to impress. I’ve used it in a variety of scenarios, including weekly range sessions, a day-long tactical training course, and even a weekend camping trip where I needed to quickly reconfigure my gear for different tasks.
The durability of the system has been excellent. Despite being subjected to considerable stress and wear, there are no signs of damage or degradation. The Coyote Brown finish has held up well, with no noticeable scratches or fading. The locking mechanism remains tight and secure.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or grime. I occasionally apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the locking mechanism to ensure smooth operation. This is quick and easy and helps to keep the system functioning optimally.
Compared to my previous experiences with other modular attachment systems, the Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els is a clear winner. It’s faster, more secure, and more durable than anything else I’ve used. It truly outperforms my expectations and has become an indispensable part of my tactical gear.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els
Specifications
The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els comprises two key components: the ELS Locking Fork and the ELS Receiver Plate. The Locking Fork is designed to attach to your holster, magazine pouch, or other accessory. The Receiver Plate, in turn, is mounted to your belt, thigh rig, MOLLE vest, or other platform.
- The kit includes two ELS Locking Forks and two ELS Receiver Plates.
- Material: High-strength injection-molded polymer. This ensures durability and resistance to impact and abrasion.
- Color: Coyote Brown. This is a neutral color that blends well with a wide range of tactical gear.
- Compatibility: Designed for use with Safariland holsters and accessories, as well as many other brands that utilize a similar mounting pattern.
- Mounting holes: Standard three-hole pattern. This allows for versatile mounting options.
- Weight (per set): Approximately 2 ounces. Minimal weight added to your overall loadout.
- Profile: Low-profile design. The slim design prevents snagging on other gear or the environment.
These specifications are essential to the performance and user experience of the Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els. The high-strength polymer ensures durability and reliability. The Coyote Brown color blends seamlessly with most tactical gear. The standard mounting holes provide compatibility with a wide range of accessories.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els excels at its primary function: providing a secure and rapid method for attaching and detaching equipment. The locking mechanism is robust and reliable. It inspires confidence that your gear will stay in place, even under demanding conditions.
- Security: The locking mechanism provides a secure and wobble-free attachment.
- Speed: Equipment can be swapped between platforms in a matter of seconds.
- Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of Safariland and other brand accessories.
- Ease of use: Simple and intuitive operation, even with gloves on.
The main strength of the Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els is its speed and security. The ability to quickly reconfigure your loadout is a game-changer, especially in dynamic and rapidly evolving situations. The only area for potential improvement might be the tactile feedback of the locking mechanism, which could be slightly more pronounced. However, this is a minor point.
The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els meets and even exceeds my expectations. It provides a level of modularity and adaptability that I previously thought was only possible with more complex and expensive systems.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els boasts a simple yet effective design. The materials used are high-quality and durable. The Coyote Brown color is aesthetically pleasing and blends well with a wide range of tactical gear.
- Build quality: The injection-molded polymer is strong and resistant to damage.
- Weight: The low weight of the system ensures that it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your loadout.
- Comfort: The low-profile design minimizes interference with movement.
The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els is remarkably user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve. The locking mechanism is easy to operate with one hand, even while wearing gloves.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els is built to last. The high-strength polymer is resistant to impact, abrasion, and environmental factors. I expect this system to provide years of reliable service.
- Durability: High-strength polymer construction.
- Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Occasional lubrication of the locking mechanism is recommended to ensure smooth operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els is designed to be used with a wide range of compatible accessories. This includes Safariland holsters, magazine pouches, and other gear.
- Compatibility: Compatible with Safariland holsters, magazine pouches, and other accessories.
- Customization: Allows for quick and easy reconfiguration of your loadout.
The ELS system is also compatible with many popular accessories from other brands that utilize a similar three-hole mounting pattern. This versatility further enhances the value of the Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els.
Pros and Cons of Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els
Pros
- Rapid Equipment Changes: Enables incredibly fast swapping of gear between different platforms.
- Secure Locking Mechanism: Provides a solid and reliable attachment that instills confidence.
- Durable Construction: Built from high-strength polymer, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Safariland products and many other brands.
- Simple to Use: Intuitive operation, even with gloves on.
Cons
- Locking Mechanism Feedback: The tactile feedback of the locking mechanism could be slightly more pronounced.
- Cost: While not exorbitant, purchasing multiple kits for different setups can add up.
Who Should Buy Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els?
The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els is perfect for:
- Law enforcement officers who need to quickly transition between duty carry and tactical deployments.
- Military personnel who require a modular and adaptable load-carrying system.
- Competitive shooters who want to optimize their gear setup for different stages.
- Tactical trainers who need to demonstrate different equipment configurations.
Who should skip this product? Individuals who only use a single, fixed gear configuration and have no need for modularity.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A Safariland holster and magazine pouch are essential. Consider purchasing additional ELS Receiver Plates to mount your gear on multiple platforms.
Conclusion on Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els
The Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els is a well-designed and highly functional piece of gear that delivers on its promise of rapid and secure equipment changes. Its durability, versatility, and ease of use make it an excellent addition to any tactical loadout.
The price of $37.99 is more than justified by the enhanced efficiency and adaptability that this system provides. It’s an investment in your performance and safety.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els to anyone who needs a modular and reliable equipment attachment system. It has transformed the way I configure my gear, and I’m confident that it will do the same for you. Upgrade your tactical setup today with the Safariland Kit1 Equipment Locking Kit,, 2 Els and experience the difference!