Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17 Review

First Impressions of Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17

The Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17 promised a blend of security and speed. As someone with over a decade immersed in the tactical gear world, I’ve seen countless holsters come and go. The combination of Safariland’s ALS (Automatic Locking System) and an open-top design intrigued me, promising a fast draw with retention I could trust.

I needed a reliable OWB (Outside the Waistband) holster for my Glock 17 that balanced concealment with rapid access. My current OWB offered speed, but lacked adequate retention for rigorous training scenarios. Others provided retention, but were too bulky for comfortable concealed carry.

Upon unboxing, the Solis felt lightweight, primarily due to the Safariseven nylon blend. The texture felt durable, but lacked the reassuring rigidity of Kydex. It was designed for Glock 17 Gen 3-5, Glock 17 MOS Gen 3-5 models.

I also considered the Blackhawk Serpa and the Safariland 7378RDS. I chose the Solis hoping for a slimmer profile than the Serpa and better red-dot compatibility than the 7378RDS. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The lightweight construction was appealing, but I wondered if it would compromise durability and retention in the long run, especially at the $90.50 price point.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17 at my local outdoor shooting range. It was a sunny day, about 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. I ran several drills, focusing on drawing and re-holstering under time pressure.

The ALS system was intuitive, requiring a natural thumb swipe to release the firearm. However, I immediately noticed the holster had a catastrophic flaw. While dry-firing and getting acquainted with the mechanism (and with no firearm present), I inadvertently pushed the ALS thumb release the opposite direction it was designed to be pushed.

I immediately noticed a problem. The retention spring popped out of its housing, rendering the holster useless. Without the spring, the ALS system couldn’t engage, and the firearm would simply fall out.

Extended Use & Reliability

The initial failure with the ALS retention spring made further testing pointless. I considered attempting a field repair, but the spring’s delicate nature and the holster’s construction made it impossible. The Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17 failed before it even had a chance to prove its reliability.

Given the design flaw, durability is a moot point. The lack of a failsafe or a more robust retention mechanism design makes this holster unsuitable for duty or serious defensive use. This experience was profoundly disappointing. I expected much higher standards from Safariland.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17

Specifications

• The Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17 is constructed from Safariseven, a proprietary nylon blend. This material is designed to be weather- and temperature-resistant.
• It is built specifically for Glock 17 Gen 3-5 and Glock 17 MOS Gen 3-5 models. It is also compatible with most compact red dot sights and subcompact lights.
• The holster utilizes Safariland’s ALS (Automatic Locking System) for retention. This system is intended to secure the firearm automatically upon holstering.
• The open muzzle end allows for debris removal and accommodates threaded barrels. This feature is useful for firearms with aftermarket modifications.
• The holster is designed for outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry. This is not an IWB (inside-the-waistband) holster.

These specifications are important because they dictate the holster’s compatibility, durability, and security. The red dot compatibility is a significant selling point for modern shooters. A robust retention system is paramount for safety and peace of mind.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17, in theory, should perform well. The ALS system provides a level of active retention. The open-top design should allow for a fast, unencumbered draw.

However, the catastrophic design flaw negates any potential strengths. The easily dislodged retention spring renders the ALS system useless, eliminating the holster’s primary function. This holster fails to meet basic expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Solis is lightweight and relatively slim, contributing to comfortable OWB carry. The Safariseven material has a smooth finish that minimizes friction against clothing.

The design is user-friendly in terms of draw stroke, but the flawed ALS mechanism betrays the design intent. The placement of the thumb release is intuitive, but its fragility is a significant drawback.

Durability & Maintenance

The Safariseven material is advertised as durable and weather-resistant. However, the overall durability is compromised by the faulty ALS design.

Maintenance would likely be minimal, involving only occasional cleaning. However, the holster’s Achilles’ heel – the retention spring – makes long-term durability questionable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17 does not come with many accessories. It is designed to be compatible with various mounting options.

Aftermarket light and optic compatibility expands its utility. However, the core design flaw overshadows any potential for customization.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17

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Who Should Buy Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17?

The Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17 is NOT suitable for anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense or duty use. Given the potential for the ALS system to fail, this holster is simply not trustworthy.

I would advise everyone to skip this product until Safariland addresses the design flaw. There are no must-have accessories or modifications that can overcome the fundamental problem with the retention mechanism.

Conclusion on Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17

The Safariland Solis Als Concealment Owb Holster For Glock 17 is a deeply disappointing product. Its core design flaw – the easily dislodged ALS retention spring – makes it unreliable and potentially dangerous.

At $90.50, the price is simply not justified given the holster’s shortcomings. I cannot recommend this product.

Avoid this holster until Safariland redesigns the ALS mechanism to be more robust and reliable. Your safety depends on it.