What Makes Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models Stand Out?
In a market flooded with tactical gear, the Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models aims to be a standout duty holster. Safariland is a name synonymous with law enforcement and military equipment, known for their reliable retention systems. This particular model boasts the Self Locking System (SLS) rotating hood, a low-ride Universal Belt Loop (UBL), and construction from SafariSeven material.
As a gear specialist, I’ve always been on the hunt for the perfect balance of security, accessibility, and comfort in a duty holster. My primary concern was finding a holster that provides a secure Level II retention without sacrificing a smooth, rapid draw. I’ve dealt with holsters that were either too difficult to draw from under pressure or didn’t offer enough retention for active environments.
Upon unboxing, the Safariland 7285 immediately impressed me with its robust construction and clean design. The SafariSeven material felt incredibly durable, and the SLS hood operated with a satisfyingly smooth click. Its weight felt substantial, inspiring confidence, yet not overly bulky.
I was also considering the Blackhawk! Serpa Level 2 Tactical Holster and the Bianchi Accumold Elite 7900 holster. I chose the Safariland 7285 due to its reputation for superior retention and the innovative SafariSeven material, which promised exceptional durability. The Blackhawk! system, while popular, has seen some controversy regarding accidental discharges, and the Bianchi, while comfortable, didn’t seem as robust.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential of the Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models, but I knew the real test would be in its performance under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models was at the local shooting range, followed by drills at our training facility. I wanted to assess its draw speed, retention effectiveness, and overall comfort during extended periods of use. The weather conditions ranged from dry and sunny to light rain, giving me a glimpse into its all-weather performance.
The draw stroke, once I got the hang of the SLS, was surprisingly smooth and intuitive. It required a deliberate thumb movement to disengage the hood, followed by a natural upward draw. During the rain test, I didn’t observe any slippage or reduction in retention strength.
There was a slight learning curve to the SLS system initially. But, after about an hour of practice drills, it became second nature. The low-ride UBL also positioned the firearm in a comfortable and easily accessible position.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the SafariSeven material, even after repeated draws and re-holstering. The SLS hood continues to operate smoothly, and the retention remains consistent.
The holster’s durability has really stood out. I’ve bumped it against doorframes, scraped it against barricades during training, and even subjected it to accidental drops without any damage. Cleaning is a breeze; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to my previous leather holster, the Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models significantly outperforms it in terms of both retention and durability. The leather required constant maintenance to prevent cracking and didn’t offer the same level of security.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models
Specifications
The Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models is designed to fit a wide range of popular firearms; it is offered in multiple variants, each molded specifically for certain models. This review is about the model 1 of 50. It utilizes the Safariland Self Locking System (SLS) rotating hood for Level II Retention. It’s constructed from SafariSeven, a proprietary nylon blend.
The holster features a Universal Belt Loop (UBL) designed to accommodate 2-inch (50mm) or 2.25-inch (58mm) duty belts. It also includes a molded sight track to protect the firearm’s sights. The SafariSeven material is exceptionally heat and cold resistant, maintaining structural integrity from 300°F to -50°F. The holster also features stand-off surfaces in the interior to promote airflow around the firearm.
These specifications are important because they directly contribute to the holster’s security, durability, and ease of use. The SLS provides a reliable Level II retention, preventing unauthorized access to the firearm. The SafariSeven material ensures the holster can withstand harsh environmental conditions without degradation. The UBL allows for comfortable carry on a standard duty belt.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models performs exceptionally well in its primary function: securely holding and rapidly deploying a firearm. The SLS retention system is effective and easy to master with practice. The low-ride UBL positions the firearm for a comfortable and natural draw.
One of its strengths is its consistent retention. Regardless of weather conditions, the SLS hood remains secure until intentionally disengaged. A minor weakness is the potential for the SLS hood to snag on clothing during re-holstering if not done deliberately.
The holster definitely meets my expectations for a Level II retention duty holster. It offers a superior balance of security, accessibility, and durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models has a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and comfort. The SafariSeven material feels robust and provides a secure grip on the firearm. The low-ride UBL distributes weight evenly, reducing strain on the wearer.
The holster is relatively user-friendly, although the SLS system requires some initial familiarization. The molded sight track is a nice touch that protects the firearm’s sights from damage.
Durability & Maintenance
The Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models, thanks to its SafariSeven construction, is built to last. It can withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and abrasion without showing significant wear.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is generally sufficient to keep the holster in good working order. No special oils or treatments are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models can be customized with an optional Sentry device, which adds an additional layer of security to the SLS hood. While Safariland manufactures a wide variety of accessories for their holsters, including leg shrouds and other mounting options, this particular model is primarily designed to be used with the included UBL.
The Safariland holster system is generally compatible with many aftermarket accessories, such as different belt loops or mounting platforms. However, compatibility should be verified before purchase.
Pros and Cons of Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models
Pros
- Exceptional durability thanks to SafariSeven construction.
- Reliable Level II retention provided by the SLS system.
- Comfortable low-ride UBL promotes a natural draw stroke.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Wide range of compatible firearm models.
Cons
- SLS hood can snag on clothing if re-holstering is not done deliberately.
- Some may find the initial learning curve of the SLS system challenging.
Who Should Buy Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models?
The Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who requires a reliable Level II retention duty holster. It’s especially well-suited for those who work in demanding environments where durability and security are paramount.
Those who prefer simpler, Level I retention holsters or those who are not willing to invest time in mastering the SLS system should skip this product. A must-have accessory is the Safariland Sentry, which further enhances the security of the SLS hood.
Conclusion on Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models
The Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models is a well-designed and highly durable duty holster that provides reliable Level II retention. While the SLS system may require some initial training, the benefits of enhanced security and a smooth draw stroke far outweigh the learning curve.
At $139.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials and the proven reliability of the Safariland brand. I would personally recommend the Safariland Model 7285 7TS SLS Low Ride Level II – 1 out of 50 models to anyone seeking a dependable and secure duty holster. Invest in your safety and gear up with the Safariland 7285!