gear

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Sencut ArcBlast

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Sencut ArcBlast Review

  With the prices of so many things going up, the amount of money in your wallet goes down. But if you are looking for a good quality knife that won’t take a massive hit on your wallet, then the Sencut ArcBlast would be a fantastic knife for you. Let’s check out all of the things that this great knife features and how it’s a great bang for your buck.

The Handle:

  The ArcBlast features an aluminum handle with a smooth finish. I normally like to have gripping on the handle. So when I took the knife out of the package and noticed that the handle was smooth, my first thought was “oh I’m not going to like this”. But I actually really like it. I feel like I can get a solid grip on it. One that doesn’t allow the knife to slip in my hand. The handle also has a great shape that fits really comfortably in my hand. Because of the smooth aluminum handle, the knife slides out of the pocket very easily. But not easy enough to fall out, due to the great pocket clip that comes on it. It will stay where you want it!

Opening:

  I’ve used a lot of different pocket knives over the years. Normally thumb studs aren’t my favorite style for opening, but I know it’s good to have different options for opening the knife. But on this knife in particular, I like how quickly the thumb stud deploys the blade. I find myself using the thumb studs more than the flipper. Although the flipper gives it a real quick opening and works fantastically. One thing that definitely helps with this quick opening is that it uses bearings at the pivot point. This gives it a quick and smooth opening.

The Blade:

  The Sencut ArcBlast features a 2.98” drop point blade made from 9Cr18MoV. This is a great steel for this price, and it’s widely used in lots of other knife brands knives. I have been using this blade for a few months now and working in an industrial environment. I use it a lot to cut open boxes, plastic wraps, and various other items. So far… I haven’t needed to sharpen it, but 9Cr18MoV does sharpen very easily. Another reason why 9Cr18MoV is an awesome steel, is that it is corrosion resistant. This is a great material for harsh environments where liquids and other corrosive materials may be present. So you will not have to worry about wrecking your knife.

The Lock:

  I have come across quite a few different button locks on different knife brands, but this is definitely one of the best in my opinion. The ArcBlast uses a standard button lock. This lock is used a lot in the Sencut, Civivi and WE Knives line of knives. They really have designed a fantastic lock, which is probably the reason they use it so much. The lock is great because it is easy to unlock, but not easy enough that it will unlock when you don’t want it to. This is due to the button being flush with the handle. So when you grip the handle, you don’t run the risk of accidentally pushing the button and unlocking it. 

  I have had a couple of Civivi knives, but I haven’t had a Sencut knife before. I definitely like this knife for many reasons. It’s a very sturdy knife with a smooth and comfortable grip. It also has a great 9Cr18MoV blade that has stayed sharp through lots of use. If you are wanting a great quality pocket knife that will not cost an arm and a leg, you should definitely check out the Sencut ArcBlast.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Smaller inexpensive quality folding knife

Target Market:

Anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on an everyday carry pocket knife

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Overall Length: 7.07" / 179.5mm

  • Width: 1.3" / 33.1mm

  • Overall Height (Include Clip): 0.66" / 16.8mm

  • Blade Length: 2.98" / 75.7mm

  • Closed Length: 4.09" / 103.8mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.1" / 2.6mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.46" / 11.6mm

  • Weight: 2.96oz / 83.9g

  • Blade Material: 9Cr18MoV

  • Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC

  • Blade Grind: Hollow

  • Blade Finish: Black

  • Blade Type: Drop Point

  • Handle Material: Aluminum

  • Handle Color/Finish: Black

  • Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, L/R

  • Clip Material: Stainless Steel

  • Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Manual
Opener:
Thumb Stud
and flipper

  • Locking Mechanism: Button Lock

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

There are 4 different color options for this knife, but the materials are all the same. For the black blade you can get a black or red handle. And for the satin finish, you can get a black and blue handle.

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars from Benjamin B. at Sencut.com

A Really Good Knife

I love the simplicity of the button lock. Also I think that the knife looks great and works like it should. Seems like it is very well made and I carry it all the time. I recently purchased another one to use at work. I plan on using my all black one at work because I work in a dirty environment, and the one with the red handle I will use as my e.d.c. when I am not at work.

Link to other reviews:

Stassa23 Knife Therapy  

Price point:

MSRP = $55.00

Retail = $46.75 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Sencut or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • It’s a fantastic knife for the price

  • Comes with tons of goodies and a case

  • It’s a very well made knife that holds an edge for quite some time. 

Cons:

  • I did accidentally bend the pocket clip when I sat down in a chair, but I was able to bend it back into place very easily.

  • A good amount of the anodizing around the top of the knife (opposite end from the clip) came off within 2-3 months. But that doesn’t affect the functionality of the knife at all.

Score: 8.50 Great

KORE Essentials Battle Belt

  If you go to the range a lot, or need something to hold a bunch of gear around your waist, a battle belt may be what you need. The battle belt gives you a great way of holding all the gear that you need around your waist. Like a holster, magazine carriers, IFAK, etc. Kore Essentials sent me one of their new Battle Belt kits, plus a hanger for when it’s not in use. 

  The Kore Battle Belt system comes with 2 belts, an inner and an outer, both of which are adjustable. The inner belt is 1.5” wide and has soft loop velcro on the outer side. The outer belt is 1.75” wide and has the hook loop velcro on the inner side. This is so you can put the inner belt through your belt loops like normal, and then just put the outer belt over it. This hook and loop style system has been in use for years and works extremely well. Now for the adjustable part. The inner belt just velcros onto itself for tightness adjustments. However, the inner belt has a portion of hex material. This Hex section is thinner than the rest of the belt, but still strong. The hex portion is made so that when you tighten the outer belt, it can flex and make the outer adjustment possible.

  Kore Essentials outer belt is where all the real magic happens. First, it has a track system that mates with an adjustable buckle. Yes, that’s correct, an easily adjustable outer belt. There are 20 little tracks inside the belt that the buckle can grab onto. Each track is ¼” apart. So essentially you have 5” of adjustment, or 2.5” in each direction. This adjustment is what sets the Kore Essentials Battle belt apart from the rest. It is super easy to adjust while wearing it. To loosen the belt, there is a little tab on the top of the buckle that you push away from your body. Just push it and either loosen the belt, or take it off completely. To tighten the belt, just push the belt in and the buckle ratchets over the tracks. It then holds tight when you find the right adjustment. The loosening tab can take a little getting used to, it can be hard to find when the belt is cinched up. There is also a velcro keeper that keeps the extra belt tang contained.

  The outer belt is stout. As Kore Essentials says "Outer Battle Belt is Nylon Web flanked by two rows of Molles, a Super-Fiber inner lining & proprietary Reinforced Power-Core™ center". What does that mean for you? Well, it’s super strong and not flexible, just what you probably want in a battle belt. The MOLLE allows you to easily attach all the goodies like magazine carriers, first aid kits, etc. The reinforced core lets you hand lots of weight on the belt without it flexing in the wrong way. Kore says it can handle up to 20 pounds of gear. I’m running a holster, IFAK, 2 AR mags, 3 pistol mags, and a dump pouch without any problems.  

  With most battle belts, you must decide what size to purchase, not the Kore Essentials one. Because of the way Kore Essentials does this battle belt, it comes large enough to fit a 48” waist. The Kore Battle Belts are made to be cut down to your specific size using their supplied measuring tape system. Just line up the tape with the end of the belt that has the track on it. Then cut the outer belt to your pant size and the inner belt to 1” less than your pant size. I did this first using my pant size that I carry IWB with, the belt was a little long, so I cut it down 2” to my actual pant size. The belts fits me great. The belts are pretty tuff, so use something really sharp, or really sturdy scissors. I used tin snips. Then hit the ends with a lighter or heat gun to keep them from fraying. Now that the belts are cut, you can install the buckle. Put the buckle on the outer belt, where you cut it, clamp it on and then install the screws to keep it super secure. Kore also gives you a crimp on end for the inner belt. I couldn’t get it to crimp on properly, it just wouldn’t stay. So I threw the metal clip away and just wrapped some duct tape around it.

  I have been using the Kore Essentials battle belt on most of my range trips. It really is a nice piece of gear. My biggest complaint, and it’s not just from Kore, is that the MOLLE isn’t spaced properly for most stuff to fit tightly. This is a 1.75” belt problem in general, not just the Kore Essentials one. My favorite part of the Kore battle belt is that it can be adjusted on the fly.  They also sent me a closet hanger, which is pretty neat. The buckle just clicks onto it and you can hang the belt in your closet.

  The Kore Battle Belt system is really that, a system. The two belts work seamlessly together. Having the ability to adjust your battle belt on the fly is great and Kore’s ratchet system works well for this. Being able to buy it as a one size fits most, is also pretty cool. The price is reasonable for what you are getting also. If you are in the market for a battle/duty belt, give Kore Essentials a look.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable Battle/Duty belt with inner velcro belt

Target Market:

Those needing a rugged, heavy duty range belt with MOLLE

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Adjustable sizing

  • 2 belt system (inner & outer)

  • 1.75” wide outer belt

  • 1.5” wide inner belt

  • Holds up to 20 lbs

  • 24”-48” sizing

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Coyote and Ranger Green

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars @koreessentials.com

BEST BATTLE BELT I'VE EVER USED.

FRANCIS C.

As a security officer and firearms instructor I run through a lot of equipment. I 1st came across the Kore Essential belt systems about 3 years ago loved the idea of the ratchet system on the EDC belts been hooked on them ever since and that's all I've used. Then came the battle belt and I was more impressed than ever these belts are not only tough but they make your equipment float around your waist it's like you're wearing nothing at all. Although the belts are rated to carry 20 pounds you would have to carry a whole bunch of stuff to fill any kind of weight at least that's how I feel. I love these belts, good job Kore Essential, you hit another home run!!! I turned my students and other security officers on to your belt systems, they all love them, no bad reviews yet.

Link to other reviews:

The Armory Life 

Price point:

MSRP = $139.95

Retail = $139.95 at Glock Store

I need it now! Availability:

Kore Essentials 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Stiff - in a good way

  • Adjustable 

  • MOLLE compatible 

  • Inner/outer belt system

  • Holds all my gear easily 

Cons:

  • MOLLE spacing isn't quite correct

  • Buckle latch can be odd to use

  • Frays where cut (lighter took care of this) 

  • Inner belt, crimp on end clamp sucks

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Gun Guys Garage

Brash Tactical

  Brash Tactical has come into the gear/accessory market with a bunch of products. These products are made in the USA with mostly American sourced materials. Brash Tactical sent the Gun & Gear Podcast crew a bunch of stuff to try out. We have been using the stuff for some time now.

  The products Brash Tactical sent us were belts and slings. We will have a short section discussing the products each of us received.

Chad:

Double Duty + Kydex Leather Belt - Black: $49.99

  This belt, as the name says, is a double layer, 1.5” wide, leather belt with a kydex insert for stiffness. The belt uses 2 layers of 8 oz American steer hide that is also tanned in America. Brash Tactical then sews these two pieces over the kydex. The US made steel roller buckle is attached in place by looping the outer layer of leather through it and then riveting the leather to hold it in place. Brash Tactical uses ¾” hole spacing on the adjustment holes.

  I have been wearing this belt everyday since it arrived. It is a beast of a leather belt! The belt is around 5/16” thick. I really do like the thickness, it will hold up just about any pistol you decide to carry on it. Where the buckle attaches, there is only a single layer of leather, this makes it easier to use, as well as not making it as thick where the tail rides. The one problem I have with the belt is that the kydex seems to have either set or cracked, where it makes a sharp turn around my IWB holster. It doesn’t affect the belt any, it just looks a little odd. The belt still looks very good and is comfortable to wear. Next time, I’d probably opt for just the non kydex double duty belt, or the Hybrid like Zane and Rob received. 

Deluxe Quick-Adjust 2 Point Sling - Multicam black w/QD’s: $19.99 

  Brash Tactical’s Quick-Adjust sling is a 1” wide, mil-spec webbing, 2 point sling. It comes in a variety of colors or patterns, they sent me Multicam Black with the optional QD’s. This sling uses a quick release steel cam buckle. With the paracord handle that is attached to the cam buckle, you can easily make the sling shorter or longer. Just pull the tab away from you to lengthen the sling. Or pull the buckle up and in toward you, to make the sling shorter.

  The Quick-Adjust sling is easy to use. I found that it works better if the attachments (QD’s) are spaced farther apart on the rifle. So one up by the muzzle, and the other at the rear of the stock. This sling is a little awkward if the mounting points are close together. However, the sling does what it is supposed to do. The 1” wide webbing is a little narrow for my liking, or it needs padding. But for a US made sling for $20, you honestly can’t go wrong.

Loop-Adjust Sling - Black w/QD’s: $17.99 

  The Loop Adjust Sling is also a 1” wide, mil-spec webbed, 2 point sling. The difference is the hand loop that is used to adjust the length. Just pull/slide it up or down to shorten or lengthen the sling. It really is that simple.

  Brash Tactical Loop Sling is one of the easiest slings to adjust. I really do like this sling. Its adjustments are just so easy and intuitive. I was worried that because it was so easy to adjust, it would loosen up. That was not the case, it is very tight when in use. Yes, it also uses the 1” webbing, so it can dig into your shoulder a little bit, but that’s only after extended use. For a $18 US made sling with QD’s, how can you really go wrong.

 Rob:

Hybrid Leather and Nylon +Kydex Belt: $39.99

  When I received the belt, the buckle prong was on the wrong side of the frame.  This meant that you could not insert the belt through the punch holes.  I reached out to Chris, sent him a few photos, and he sent me a return receipt to send the belt back.  A little over two weeks later I had the replacement with the prong on the correct side,

The belt felt strong and fit well. I have been using this belt for two months and have no major complaints so far. The kydex insert supports full size pistols with ease and this is a solid belt. 

  My main issue with this is the kydex stops just before the punch holes.  My experience with similar belts is, after time, the holes will start to open (stretch) causing the belt to slide down.  My personal preference is their double duty belt, where the Kydex takes up the full length of the belt, but that is just a preference. (Editorial note: The kydex doesn’t run through the holes on the Double Duty belt, but it is two layers of leather, which can help with this)


Tony:

Loop-Adjust Sling: $17.99 

Single Point Sling: $29.99

  I received the Brash Tactical Loop Adjustable sling and their Single Point Bungee sling. The 2 point sling was installed on my Hi Point 995 carbine in a High Tower Armory MBS 95 chassis. The sling worked well with the bullpup design, the adjustment allowed the gun to be brought tight into my body when needed. It's easy to manipulate. 

  The con for the Brash Tactical 2 point slings is it lacks width. That lack of width causes the 9 pound carbine to quickly become (at first) annoying and eventually irritating on my shoulder. Taking an all day class or carrying it for a few hours would become distracting if not painful. It needs to be wider, thicker and maybe have some padding. For short range trips it won't bother most people. 

  The single point bungee sling was way too long and had no adjustment in the bag for length. I installed it on my 10/22 in the High Tower Armory 90/22 chassis that I use to introduce kids to firearms. The sling suspended the firearm below my belt buckle. Regardless of placement it hung too low to be of any practical value. If there's a method of shortening the sling it would work well. 

  For multi hour use, I wouldn't recommend either due to the negatives.


Zane:

Zane’s stuff will be added at a later date, or when he finishes it.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

American made gear

Target Market:

Those wanting American made gear at an affordable price

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Belts, slings, and gun cases

What others are saying?:

Mixed reviews on Amazon

Link to other reviews:

Amazon

Price point:

MSRP = See Brash Tactical’s website

Retail = See Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Brash Tactical or Amazon

Score: Somewhere between a 6.00 and a 7.50 - It really depended on the product

Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 IWB Holster Review

Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 IWB Holster The market for inside the waistband (IWB) holsters has seen a surge of innovation in design and materials in the recent years. At first glance they may all seem the same in form and function, but anyone who carries concealed on a regular basis will know the difference on the hip. Each concealed carrier has a different frame, and can be themselves a variable as to what brand of holster fits best. A lightweight holster with the right combination of materials can be the solution that fits wider (and thinner) range of people.

Enter the 'Cloak Tuck 2.0' from Alien Gear Holsters.  This IWB holster stands out from the pack with a unique composition. Technically referred to as a hybrid, the lightweight design has a soft Neoprene backing that is thinner and more flexible than traditional leather backings, and provides a better conforming fit and comfort to your body. The Neoprene material is completely waterproof, which will prevent corrosive sweat from soaking in and reaching your pistol. The secret to the backing is an internal ABS polymer core that gives flex but is strong enough to not sag down with the weight of a hefty handgun.

Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 IWB Holster

The Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 IWB Holster has a plastic handgun half-shell that is fully swappable for versatility with other guns in your collection. The shell is made in a quicker fashion than most other 'boutique' kydex holsters, and this simplicity in the manufacturing process trickles right down to the price tag for the end user. By no means is this a poor quality holster, just the responsibility for retention is shared amongst the belt, waistband of the belt, and the user's hip. I know it's far from rocket science, but sometimes the simpler solutions are the best.  The half shell reduced the overall profile of the holster, and thus prevents factors that cause imprinting of the firearm through clothing.

The Cloak Tuck 2.0 holster comes equipped either with Alien Gear's standard nylon clips, designed for 1 .25" to 1.5"  inch belts, or their steel clips that fit belts up to 1.75" inches. For enhanced conceal-ability, there are nylon "C" clips and "J" clips are also available on the website as add-on items. These clips would be ideal for anyone who tucks their shirt over the pistol, and does not wish to have obvious clips exposed over the top of the belt. The "C' or "J" clips go beneath the belt and hook under the edges, which gives a more innocuous look. The holster also includes a parts pack containing multi sized screws and rubber spacers, along with one T Nut, Finish Washer, and 3/32 Hex Key.

Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0 IWB Holster

I ordered this holster for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, to really get a sense of concealability of a single stack defensive pistol. Borrowing a friend's Shield, we were both able to test the holster by drawing in the standing, sitting, and walking positions. After comparing notes, we both agreed the Cloak Tuck 2.0 had a better feel than other holsters we both respectively have tried in the past. The Neoprene was soft on the skin and keeps your skin from feeling sweaty, irritated or suffocated at the end of the day. The thinness and flexibility also made inserting and removing the holster from the pants easier than rigid leather-backed holsters. This, along with the lightweight, may also fit your regularly sized pants instead of having a designated pair thats one size up to accommodate an IWB holster.

The only factors I took as a trade-off with this holster are two-fold:  When reholstering the firearm, the flexible backing will deform instead of guide your muzzle downward into position. I found that reholstering from a slight angle caused this issue to repeat, and the slide could come out of battery. Leather offers more resistance that would guide the gun into position easier, but during an altercation the holstering is the slowest and least critical part anyways.  The second issue I found was more of a personal preference. Instead of grommeted or regular holes for adjusting the ride height, Alien Gear had installed all 6 nuts, leaving 4 exposed. While this makes for initial configuration faster and easier, removing the unused nuts with barbed backings would be more troublesome than leaving them installed, leaving them exposed WILL wear on your clothes overtime.

** I've decreased the rating to 6.5 since initially reviewing this holster, as issues and wear have shown more over time. Also, the positioning of the shell put the rear of the pistol's slide off center from the sweat guard. Modification to the screw holes was necessary to shift the gun over slightly so the slide and sights didn't jab my side when seated.**

Because the overall for the price point, this holster is hard to beat. Other brands on the market reaching as low as $60 or $50 dollars make compromises in either plastic vs kydex, or leather quality, or stitching reinforcement. For almost half that price, you can get a quality holster from Alien Gear that accomplishes exactly what and IWB holster should do, without abducting your paycheck!

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Our 'Cloak Tuck 2.0' Neoprene Composite Holster is our most comfortable and stable holster yet. 

Target Market: Concealed Carry

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Lightweight design
  • Soft neoprene body-side layer
  • Inner ABS polymer core
  • Completely waterproof
  • Fully swappable handgun shell for versatility.
  • Comes equipped either with standard nylon clips, designed for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inch belts, or steel clips that fit belts up to 1 3/4 inches.
  • For enhanced conceal-ability, nylon "C" clips and "J" clips are also available as add-on items.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black

What others are saying?: "Alien Gear has nailed it. The simple design means the cost comes in below most other holsters–$35.88.  New pieces and parts are available as needed. New Kydex shells, too. If you aren’t someone who owns a lot of guns, there’s always the shell-swap option.  All told, this holster is comfortable, dependable, easy to conceal, and modular. I’d pay a lot more than $36 for that."

Price point:

MSRP = $35.88

I need it now! Availability on aliengearholsters.com

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • The back layer of neoprene is very soft and didn't get excessively sweaty
  • Completely waterproof
  • Lightweight & comfortable for all day carrying
  • Slim profile reduces printing, can make IWB 1911 carry possible
  • Easy to get into pants
  • Includes varying sizes of nuts and spacers and the allen tool

Cons:

  • Neoprene backing is quite flexible, and reholstering at the wrong angle can hang up the process, cause slide to come out of battery
  • Logo artwork was wearing off (may have been temporary marking for short run of Clock 2.0)
  • Nuts are pre-placed and exposed, as opposed to one set of nuts to disassemble and adjust (removing nuts would cause damage to backing)
  • Position of the slide was off center from sweat guard and required modification of the shell
  • Others users have experienced rusting on the back's exposed screws, and even comfortable skin wear

Score: 6.5

 

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

Firing Line Review

Alien Gear Holster Cloak Tuck Review

IMG_1528-1By James M. Smith IMG_1523In search for a high quality and good value holster I did a lot of looking and research before making a decision. When I came across Alien Gear Holster I was immediately intrigued. They offer, what appeared to be, a good quality holster at an exceptional price. They as offer their holster with a lifetime warranty. Of course, with a company that is only a couple years old that doesn't mean much, but hopefully they will stay around for a long time. I decided to go ahead and give Alien Gear a shot. For under $40 shipped I got the tan leather holster for my Full-Size M&P9. I was comparing this with the Crossbreed holsters and getting one of those with the horsehide and the “combat cut” would have been pushing $100. Is the Crossbreed worth the extra cost? I don’t know as I haven’t had any personal experience with them.

At the time that I ordered, shipping times were about three weeks and they were able to meet that deadline. The holster arrived in a nice padded shipping envelope and inside that was the start to a beautiful relationship. The holster was bagged in a cool black bag with Alien Gear's logo on it. This was a really nice touch for such a budget priced item.

The leather seems to be of high quality and had the edges are nicely smoothed. So, I unloaded my gun and inserted it into the holster and tightened the retention screws to make it snug. Now, as with most IWB holsters, you don’t get full retention until it is inside the waistband and your belt snugged up around it. Knowing this I made sure to make it snug but it was still loose enough that it will fall out if you do the standard retention test of turning the holster upside down. While doing these initial adjustments and inspections, I noticed one thing I do not like about the Alien Gear Holster. The leather and the kydex do not fully cover the trigger guard by the grip. Is this a huge issue? I don’t really think so. The trigger itself is fully covered and if anything were to get in there it would still be behind the trigger, so accidental discharges should not be an issue. It is just my pickiness that makes me even mention it. I feel that they can and should make a change to their molds and leather cutting process to get it fully covered. I don’t think it would affect the ability to get a good grip on your firearm for drawing. On that note I’m glad that I went with a combat cut holster. The combat cut has the leather cut really close to your firearms grip, so it is possible to get a firing grip while the gun is still holstered. This makes it so that you don’t need to do a lot of adjusting of your hand hold after it is out to the holster.

I don’t have much to compare with, but I find this holster to be very comfortable. It does not rub or pinch. I have not tested it in extreme heat yet, as I got it in March, but I have not experienced hot spots or anything. The only time I’ve really experienced any discomfort is when I am riding in my car. I have a hard time getting completely comfy in that car anyway. It is just a matter of finding the position.

Concealability. I think this is more of a factor of the firearm I carry. I carry a Full-Size M&P9 and with the large full-size grip it is hard to get good concealment. Even with the holster set at its lowest setting I have a hard time keeping the grip under my shirts.

IMG_1521

IMG_1522

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Quality hybrid IWB holster at an affordable price.

Target Market: Anyone who wants to carry IWB.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Iron Clad triple guarantee
  • 30-day money back test drive
  • Lifetime shell trades
  • Forever Guarantee
  • Adjustable cant and ride height
  • Adjustable retention
  • Thick sweat proof leather
  • Tuckable
  • Combat Cut

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? Natural or Black dyed leather. There are many different gun shells available. Now available in an OWB configuration and combo kit (IWB and OWB). They also have leather belt loops available instead of the steel spring clips. All of these options are available from Alien Gear Holster's website.

What others are saying?:Concealed Nation "Best Holster Ever“ 

Price point: 

I need it now! Availability: The Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck can be purchased directly from Alien Gear Holsters. Facebook

Our Rating

Pros:

  • Low Cost
  • Comfortable
  • Great warranty, test drive, and shell exchanges
  • Tons of shell selections

Cons:

  • Doesn’t fully cover the trigger guard on my FS M&P
  • Not a huge selection of holsters for guns with lights or lasers

 Score: 8.080

Ares Gear Ranger Belt Enhanced Review

10014542_761862520510884_917937920_n By Gary Taylor

The most important, and often overlooked, part of any EDC firearm rig is not the gun itself, or even the holster, it’s the belt!  A good belt can make all the difference in the world in how comfortable a concealed carry weapon is going to ride on your hip.  You can have your favorite gun inside the best holster money can buy, but if you put it on a crappy belt, then you will be cursing your rig before the end of the day.  Over the years, I have found a few belts that work okay and a decent leather belt that works fairly well. However, the Ranger Belt by Ares Gear is, hands down, the most comfortable belt that supports my firearm.

The exact version I have is the “Enhanced” version of the Ranger Belt, which means that it is a little stiffer than their normal Ranger Belt. A quick test for any belt you pick up is to see how easy it is to fold the belt over from the top edge to the bottom edge. If it folds, then the belt will give when you place the weight of a firearm on it. I doubt the Ranger Belt would even start to fold if you put the damn thing in a vice! The belt is so stiff that I can wear my Glock 19, with a Surefire X300 Ultra attached, in an OWB Raven Concealment Holster in complete comfort. No sag. No Drop. No Bend. On hot summer days, when I want to wear just a t-shirt as a cover garment, my Glock 26 in an OWB Raven Concealment Holster, completely disappears on my hip to the point I do not even notice it is there. The belt is so stiff, but yet comfortable, it balances the weight of the gun perfectly.

Outside of how stiff it is and the overall quality of the belt, another great feature is the buckle itself. The Ranger Belt uses a QR Cobra buckle that allows for exact customization of exactly how tight you might want to run your belt. It is also very easy to make quick adjustments for those times that you might have eaten too much for lunch or are sitting in the car for a long period of time. Then, when you need to make the belt a little tighter, give it a quick tug and you can snug up the belt just the way you need it. When you first get the belt, you might wonder how to thread the QR Cobra buckle through your pants belt loops since the buckle itself will not fit through your belt loops.  It really is very easy. Just remove the female end and then clip it into the male end (just to free up your hands). Snake the belt through your pant loops and holster, then reconnect the buckle.  Once you do it a couple of times it becomes quick and easy.

Overall, this is a fantastic belt and a great investment. As with all good quality products, you get what you pay for and the price point on this one is not cheap, but it is worth it as the belt wears very well over time. Order yours early as the lead time is still running about 4 weeks. They offer a range of color options for the belt and the buckle so you can customize it to fit your needs. Be honest with yourself when it comes to ordering your size!!!  You want to make sure the belt is going to fit you right, especially if you plan on carrying IWB.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Best CC Belt on the market!

Target Market: Concealed Carry

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Excellent Stiffness
  • Wide range of Colors
  • Great Buckle System

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Ares Gear Ranger Belt Enhanced is available in many colors and patterns, including black, coyote brown, blue, red, OD green, desert tan, digital desert, digital woodland, multicam, and urban grey.

What others are saying?: “Best belt I’ve ever had I have tried others and nothing beats Ares. I use all my gear hard and this belt his not let me down.” - Robert, Ares Gear Customer Review

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can get these belts from a few retailers, including LaRue Tactical, Weapon Outfitters, and directly from Ares Gear.

Our Rating: + Very stiff + Great buckle

- Pricy - Long wait time

Score: 8.5 Great85

 

Pelican 1015 Micro Case Review

TJG Pelican 1015 Main Pelican Products is one of the most bragged upon brands of gear cases advertising “the toughest airtight and waterproof protective cases on the planet”. I got this size case to replace a cheaper case that I kept in the front pocket of my Maxpedition Fatboy VersipackTJG Pelican 1015 Open. The case claims to be crushproof, which I can attest to. Another reviewer put that claim to the test by parking his car on top of it. His came out fine, but mine wasn’t so lucky. The case was not crushed, but the hinge cracked a little. It is still completely usable, but it’s just a little cracked up, now(but still water resistant). Pelican does not state this case as waterproof, but water-resistant. I have seen a few tests that make me confident that this case truly is waterproof. There is a pressure relief valve on the case, which means that you can carry or pack it on an airplane without the pressure change crushing the case. There are two loops that you could thread a strap through and a ring where you can put a carabiner or cord for multiple carrying options. If anyone needs a heavy-duty, water-tight, crushproof case for any gear, I would highly recommend Pelican Cases. They are available in larger and smaller sizes to accommodate many needs.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Water-resistant, crushproof and dust proof

Target Market:  Boaters, hikers and anyone that has small valuables to protect.  

FNBs: (Features & Benefits of this product)

  • Water-resistantTJG Pelican 1015 Car
  • Crushproof
  • Dust proof
  • Rubber-lined interior
  • Pressure release valve
  • Easy-open latch
  • Carabiner and belt loops
  • USA made

 What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Pelican only shows this case available in clear with different color liners, but when I received mine from Amazon, it was all black. There are multiple liner colors available, like black, blue, red, and yellow. I would say “Buyer Beware” as I’m honestly not sure whether you would get a clear or colored case. There is even a version specifically for iPhones that has a waterproof headphone cable and a cord management system.                                                                                                       

What others are saying?: “Does sure hold up to a lot of abuse.” - Quinn That Snazzy iPhone Guy

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: The Pelican 1015 Micro Case is available from Amazon.

Our Rating:

+ Heavy-duty + Water-resistant + Crushproof + Dust Proof + Pressure release valve

- Hinge cracked when I parked my car on it. (sort of a lot to ask of something, though)

Score: 9.0 Amazing90

Gut Level Gear - Holster Review

Gut Level Holster Review

I had decided to take a low light handgun class this year and wanted to train with both weapon mounted and handheld flashlights. This put me on the search for a holster for my M&P 9 and a tlr-1s Streamlight. Luckily for me, the Gut Level Gear Holster came on line. After looking over the product line, I decided to order one up from Steve Griffin the owner.  A little background on Steve. Steve served in the Army for 11 years, a police officer for 20 years and has shot in various forms of competition for over 30 years. That's quite a resume for making a holster that truly works. The years of serving the public as a police officer probably aids in his ability to listen and evaluate your needs for your holster.

On to my holster. I decided on a Guardian Kydex outside the waistband holster. This holster is offered with or without light and with a few different mounting options. You can choose from tek-loc, Safariland ELS or belt slide. I chose the belt slide which seems to work the best for me. Fit and finish were great, granted its not hand tooled leather but nice none the less. Its a clamshell design with two tension screws on trigger guard side. There is no distortion in the bend and all edges are clean and smooth. Belt slide mounting hardware is well away from the gun so no worries of contact. Retention is on the flashlight, mine was perfect no adjustment needed. I carried the empty holster to work for almost two weeks, and gun and holster for 3 weekends. Overall impressions were great. It was well balanced, tucked close to the body and rock solid. Draws were quick and re-holstering was easy. His experience shows through in quality and practicality. The M&P with the light is not my daily carry, but could be thrown into rotation anytime with this holster. I'm definitely ready for my classes now.

Gut Level HolsterFirearms Inside Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: High quality, durability and custom construction.

Target Market: Concealed carriers, sportsmen, competition shooters and armed professionals.

FNB's (Features and Benefits of this Product):

  • Thick Kydex
  • Solid platform
  • Quick delivery

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, but most other colors are available by order.

What other are saying: As mentioned above, this company is brand new.  No others reviews out there yet.

Price Point:

  • $60 (with light)
  • $50 (without)

I need it now ! Availability:  Contact Gut Level Gear at info@gutlevelgear.com, Facebook, or (502) 548-1729.

Our Rating:

+ Nice heavy gauge Kydex + Excellent fit/finish + Great service + Many styles of holsters

- Has the most popular gun molds now, but may need to order mold for some guns

Score: 9.5  Amazing

The quality of work and customer care are top notch. I've since gone back for 2 more, 1 of which was a custom holster for my 2.5" Crimson Trace S&W 642. Highly recommend, its where I spend my money now for Kydex holsters.

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