First Thoughts on the Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain
The Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain from Boston Leather is a seemingly simple accessory, but for those of us who rely on our Streamlight Strion flashlights daily, it can be a crucial piece of gear. It promises to provide a secure and accessible way to carry your light, keeping it ready for immediate use.
I’ve always struggled to find a good carrying solution for my Strion. Pocket carry leads to scratches and accidental activation, while belt clips often feel flimsy and prone to breaking. I was looking for something robust, reliable, and discreet that wouldn’t add unnecessary bulk.
Upon receiving the Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain, my initial impression was that it was a no-frills, utilitarian piece. The leather felt sturdy, though a bit stiff at first. The plain black finish gives it a professional look that blends well with duty belts and everyday carry setups. Compared to some nylon alternatives I’ve used, this leather loop felt significantly more durable, promising a longer lifespan. I was excited to see if this loop holder could finally provide the reliable carry solution I’ve been searching for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain during a night training exercise at a local shooting range. The exercise involved navigating a darkened course, identifying targets, and engaging them under low-light conditions.
The loop holder was easy to attach to my duty belt and held my Strion securely throughout the exercise. Drawing and re-holstering the flashlight was intuitive and fast, even with gloves on. During some light rain, the leather didn’t seem to be negatively affected, though I made sure to wipe it down afterward. There were no immediate issues, and the holder performed as expected, keeping my flashlight readily available.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of daily use on patrol and during various outdoor activities, the Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain has proven to be surprisingly durable. There are no signs of tearing or excessive wear, even with constant use and exposure to different weather conditions.
The leather has softened slightly over time, making drawing and re-holstering even smoother. Maintenance is minimal; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth occasionally and apply a leather conditioner to keep it supple. Compared to previous nylon holders I’ve used, this leather option feels significantly more robust and reliable. The Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain has exceeded my expectations, providing a dependable and long-lasting carry solution for my flashlight.
Breaking Down the Features of Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain
Specifications
The Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain is designed specifically for the Streamlight Strion series of flashlights. It features a:
- Plain Black Finish: Offers a professional, low-profile appearance.
- Top Grain Leather: Provides durability and longevity.
- 1″ Leather Loop: Allows for secure attachment to belts up to 1 inch wide.
These specifications are important because they ensure a secure and durable carrying solution. The top grain leather guarantees the holder can withstand daily wear and tear, while the size of the loop accommodates standard duty belts.
Performance & Functionality
The Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain performs its job admirably. It securely holds the Strion flashlight, allowing for quick and easy access. Its greatest strength is its simplicity and reliability; it does exactly what it’s supposed to do without any fuss.
The only potential weakness is that it only fits belts up to 1 inch in width, which might be limiting for some users with wider belts. However, for standard duty belts and everyday carry setups, it works perfectly. It meets my expectations for a simple, durable, and functional flashlight holder.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain is excellent. The top grain leather feels substantial and well-stitched. Its simple design makes it very user-friendly.
There’s no learning curve; simply slide your belt through the loop and insert your flashlight. The holder is lightweight and doesn’t add noticeable bulk to your belt.
Durability & Maintenance
Given that the Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain is made of top grain leather, it should last for years with proper care. Occasional cleaning and conditioning will keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out.
Repair should be relatively straightforward if needed, as leather is a repairable material. The simple design also minimizes potential points of failure.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain itself doesn’t have many customization options. It is a simple loop holder. However, because it’s made of leather, it could be dyed or treated with different finishes.
It is designed specifically for the Streamlight Strion and doesn’t require any additional accessories. The focus is on simple, reliable functionality.
Pros and Cons of Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain
Pros
- Durable Top Grain Leather Construction: Ensures long-lasting use.
- Secure Hold: Keeps your Strion flashlight firmly in place.
- Simple and User-Friendly Design: Easy to attach and use, no learning curve.
- Professional Appearance: Blends well with duty belts and everyday carry setups.
- Affordable Price: Great value for a quality leather holder.
Cons
- Loop size might not accommodate very wide belts.
- Plain design might not appeal to those seeking more tactical or customized options.
Who Should Buy Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain?
The Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who relies on a Streamlight Strion flashlight for daily tasks. It’s ideal for those seeking a simple, durable, and reliable carry solution without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Those who prefer more tactical-looking holders with MOLLE compatibility or those with very wide belts might want to skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be a quality leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking over time.
Conclusion on Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain
The Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain is a simple yet effective accessory that provides a secure and reliable way to carry your Streamlight Strion flashlight. Its durable leather construction, ease of use, and affordable price make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who depends on their flashlight.
At $11.99, the price is more than justified for the quality and durability you receive. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a dependable and discreet flashlight holder. If you need a no-nonsense, reliable way to carry your Strion, the Strion Loop Holder | Black | Plain is an excellent choice.