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06-13-2013, 11:58 AM
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Alien Gear Holster Review
Just got an Alien Gear Holster in from Alien Gear Holsters.
The very first thing I did was loosen the tension screws and slide my Shield in there. Too tight. I even took all the hardware off and worked the leather some to break it in. It got a bit better. But, was still pretty tight. I whipped out the bag of extras that came with it to see if there were any longer screws and rubber grommets (which are just rubber hosing). I lucked out. They aren't that much longer. But they worked to loosen it up.
Here is the Shield in its new home, for now.
I must say the re-holstering, comfort and design of the Crossbreed style IWB has this thing beat, by far. Don't get me wrong. This holster is pretty decent... just not what I expected. The leather is great quality. It's super thick. Too think IMO. The tension screw and rubber grommet attachment of the kydex piece is not a design that I care for. Great concept. But, it tends to create a wide, less forgiving tuck for smaller guys and gals.
Leather thickness and screw/grommet design.
What you have to contend with, when re-holstering.
I will give this holster it's well deserved chance. Hopefully it breaks in quickly. The wide kydex portion I will have to adapt to. I'm not sure I will. It makes the fit of my pants around the waist area feel pretty awkward. If this thing doesn't workout for me, I will still keep it. It will then be used as a guide to make my own, versus sending it back for a refund. I mean it was only $29, plus shipping, after all.
Last edited by Atticaz; 06-13-2013 at 12:06 PM.
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06-14-2013, 12:08 AM
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Maybe it's meant to be worn on a planet with zero gravity.
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06-14-2013, 09:40 AM
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Looks really cool and secure. Everything else about it looks like a pain in the *** though. But someone on here had to take the plunge right?
Hopefully it breaks in for you! Im not as confident at throwing money at new products, just bought 2 more holsters from cross breed.
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06-14-2013, 10:08 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sipowicz
Maybe it's meant to be worn on a planet with zero gravity.
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HAHAHA. My belt is tight in that pic. Like I said, awkward for small waists.
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06-14-2013, 10:29 AM
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I usually find the retention loosens a bit with wear. But I have made a couple holsters that the retention was way too tight, and I had to hit the kydex with a heat gun to loosen it up. Now I pre-bend all my leather and kydex so I can get the retention closer to what it will be after break in.
I also prefer horse hide because it is thin and sweat resistant.
Good luck with that holster and let us know if it gets better.
.
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06-14-2013, 11:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost Lake
I usually find the retention loosens a bit with wear. But I have made a couple holsters that the retention was way too tight, and I had to hit the kydex with a heat gun to loosen it up. Now I pre-bend all my leather and kydex so I can get the retention closer to what it will be after break in.
I also prefer horse hide because it is thin and sweat resistant.
Good luck with that holster and let us know if it gets better.
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The kydex part has too much surface area to wear comfortably. FYI: 32 waist. I'm sure it is great for larger framed peeps.
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06-14-2013, 12:15 PM
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I decided just to sell it. For anyone interested. http://*******/1bBZmvH
Last edited by Atticaz; 06-14-2013 at 12:18 PM.
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06-14-2013, 07:41 PM
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If you don't mind something made by a carbon based life form, check out the rig my brother uses for his shield.
Lobo runs in the family
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06-14-2013, 09:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sipowicz
If you don't mind something made by a carbon based life form, check out the rig my brother uses for his shield.
Lobo runs in the family
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That's fine looking holster for sure.
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08-17-2013, 12:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lost Lake
I usually find the retention loosens a bit with wear. But I have made a couple holsters that the retention was way too tight, and I had to hit the kydex with a heat gun to loosen it up. Now I pre-bend all my leather and kydex so I can get the retention closer to what it will be after break in.
I also prefer horse hide because it is thin and sweat resistant.
Good luck with that holster and let us know if it gets better.
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Lost Lake I have a question for you, I was thinking of getting this brand holster for my Sigma but my gun has a Crimson laser on the trigger guard. I was thinking of reheating the kydex and reforming the shape...think this would work?
Update.....yes it did work.
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02-01-2014, 08:40 AM
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I wear mine across my back, right above my back pocket. I'm a bigger guy, and I'm carrying a much bigger full-sized 5906. This thing makes that brick of a pistol disappear inside my waistband. I cannot even tell it is there. I love it! If you wear it as prescribed, this thing is awesome!
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02-13-2014, 01:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Atticaz
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How long did it take you to get your holster? I ordered one 3 weeks ago and never heard anything from them as far as a shipping confirm #, so I decided to email their CS. They finally got back to me with "Sorry, but we are currently backlogged 4-5weeks" It would have been nice to post something like this on the website at the time of ordering. I don't even have it yet and im already irritated. Geeez
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02-13-2014, 01:05 PM
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It took me 3 weeks and a threatening email to get info. That's the one unfortunate part. I had a friend order one for his XDS based on my experience and he had the same issue. I told AG they should probably inform people on their website that there's a wait but apparently they didn't take my advice. Truth be told, you really can't order any holster and expect to get it quickly. It seems most of them are made to order and require a few weeks. Be patient, as hard as it is. This turnaround is normal in my experience thusfar.
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02-14-2014, 12:29 AM
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I have one for my 45c and I like it. I carry it right above the right side of my back pocket . I'm not a big person and have no problem concealing the gun in that position. They must be getting busy it only took 10 days for them to get my holster to me. Now days seems most of your better holster makers are 3-5weeks I'm waiting 5-7 weeks for my Lobo holsters for my shield but what I have read about Lobo it will be worth the wait.
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02-14-2014, 11:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Atticaz
Just got an Alien Gear Holster in from
I must say the re-holstering, comfort and design of the Crossbreed style IWB has this thing beat, by far. Don't get me wrong. This holster is pretty decent... just not what I expected. The leather is great quality. It's super thick. Too think IMO. The tension screw and rubber grommet attachment of the kydex piece is not a design that I care for. Great concept. But, it tends to create a wide, less forgiving tuck for smaller guys and gals.
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Are you comparing to this:
SuperTuck® Deluxe | CrossBreed® Holsters - SuperTuck® Deluxe
I just ordered my AlienGear - have not yet received it. I had high hopes til I read this and saw your pictures.
Q: How tight do you wear your belt when it collapses like that?
I don't know about you but it seems like AlienGear still makes about the best Hybrid. Is that not true? I wonder if the rubber hose/spacers contribute to the problem? If they were more directly attached might reduce the bending of the leather and the collapse of the kydex.
Lots of links to holster mfgs here:
Holsters
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02-14-2014, 11:48 PM
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Don't be discouraged. I personally love mine. The op doesn't like his. Everyone has a different opinion on what they prefer so don't let one way of thinking, good or bad, sway your decision.
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02-15-2014, 11:42 AM
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Atticaz - after seeing your photo of the compressed holster, I cancelled my order.
But I've always got my wheels spinning.
If you could get your hands on a Blade-Tech or similar shell (completely wraps around the gun) and attach it to the leather you may have a very workable holster.
You have all the parts (leather, belt clips, hardware) other than the shell. I've exhausted my looking and determined the only way to get a shell is to order a complete holster like the paddle style for the least money. Remove any belt attachments from the shell and attach it directly to your leather. Drill big holes for a screwdriver in the front of the shell and small holes in the back where it will attach to the leather.
Like this - only problem they are about $35.00 + shpg:
Last edited by wittmeba; 02-15-2014 at 11:56 AM.
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02-15-2014, 12:34 PM
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Theis holsters
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02-16-2014, 08:58 AM
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I have an Alien Gear holster for my 9mm Shield and a Crossbreed SuperTuck for my 9c. The Crossbreed is by far superior in comfort and re-holstering even though it is used with the larger 9c. Please don't take this as bashing Alien Gear but only my honest opinion.
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02-16-2014, 09:47 AM
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mmracing, thanks for posting your opinion. Always good to get info from a user.
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02-18-2014, 08:50 AM
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decipher - I agree with your post above - I should wait and judge for myself.
I have learned the AG holster has shipped (another story I think) so I will receive it and can assess for myself.
I may use all their hardware, leather & clips and replace the shell with a Blade-Tech (I like them) and see if it doesn't make the "Perfect" IWB holster.
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02-19-2014, 02:57 PM
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I have 2 IWB holsters. An SHTF hybrid for my Steyr and an Alien Gear for my 9c. I looked at Crossbreed holsters but at the time their wait was months and I did not want to wait that long. Plus they were more expensive than other hybrids. My youngest got me my AG holster for Christmas. It took about a month to get here. It fits my 9c like a glove though and even wearing it without the gun I did not have it collapse.
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02-20-2014, 12:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AGoyette
I have 2 IWB holsters. An SHTF hybrid for my Steyr and an Alien Gear for my 9c. I looked at Crossbreed holsters but at the time their wait was months and I did not want to wait that long. Plus they were more expensive than other hybrids. My youngest got me my AG holster for Christmas. It took about a month to get here. It fits my 9c like a glove though and even wearing it without the gun I did not have it collapse.
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I hope you are right. They hay have increased the shell thickness. I'm not sure but they are good people to work with.
I do like all their pieces and hope if nothing else I can modify to make them all work well.
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02-21-2014, 10:01 AM
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I'll over another favorable view of the AG holsters.
I ordered my first one b/c the wait for the Crossbreed was 12+ weeks. That, plus the cost (less than half) made me take the chance. I ordered one for my Ruger LC9 (with CTC). It's an unusual gun so finding holsters can be tricky. Took about two weeks to get the holster. It definitely seems to be designed to position the pistol at the 4:00/4:30 position. As one poster said, it works best placed over the back pocket. I found the adjustable tension to be nice. Holster came with a bag of extra spacers and screws. Nice touch. I ordered mine with the leather loops. I'm not a fan of metal clips. The adjustable cant and depth was also nice. The holster was nice enough, that my wife asked when I was getting a new one since she was taking that one.
I did finally get my Crossbreed. I'd actually forgotten about ordering it. I found the leather to be thicker and didn't break in as nice. The metal clips seemed to have very sharp edges and tore up one of my leather gun belts pretty quick. I switched back to my second AG holster.
One nice thing about the AG is that you can swap/return or order additional shells without replacing the entire holster. I've returned a shell for a Ruger SR9c (with CTC) and they sent me the shell for a S&W Shield. The first one they sent me wasn't quite formed properly (a little too flat), I called them and they immediately sent me another one at no charge. Works like a charm.
The cons i've discovered...the holster seems designed to place the pistol further around the back (the 4:30 position or even closer to the 6:00). I prefer something closer to the 3:30 position. BUT that's a personal preference. My wife prefers the placement of the AG. C'est la vie.
I've never had an issue with their CS. It's always been responsive and professional.
I suspect that as word of their product (and cost) has spread, they're getting swamped. But I've had the same experiences with more traditional holster makers/companies.
I would not hesitate to deal with AG again.
And with the way I buy and sell handguns, I'm sure I will.
Aloha,
Doug
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02-21-2014, 10:04 AM
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Ordered one of these a week ago, while contact with maker leaves something to be desired, I am still excited for it to get here. When ever that may be! Just waiting... I may get the holster before i get an email response, ha!
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02-21-2014, 10:26 AM
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It's worth the wait. Just like anything else in life, I may love something that the next person hates. When it comes to something as important as a concealed handgun and rigging, it all comes down to finding what you love. Even positioning is everything. Doug, above, couldn't position the holster where he wanted it exactly. You'll see in my pic that I could.
At the end of the day, this is a quality holster at a great price. If you find it doesn't work, you're not out that much money. Selling it off probably won't be an issue either. I feel like there's nothing to lose here and if you're like me, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the quality.
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02-25-2014, 06:27 PM
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Finally got a response, 3-4 weeks.
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02-25-2014, 07:04 PM
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...and? What did they say?
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02-25-2014, 07:39 PM
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That was it, gonna take 3-4 weeks to get. Sorry for the confusion.
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02-25-2014, 07:44 PM
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Wow. That's insane but again, worth the turn around.
I adjusted my holster so it rides lower in my pants and I totally love it.
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03-06-2014, 07:59 PM
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Received it in the mail today. Pretty comfy. Gonna take a bit to find the best carry spot. So far, I like it.
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03-06-2014, 08:15 PM
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Great to hear! Keep us posted.
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03-15-2014, 10:42 PM
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well
I just got my AG setup a couple of days ago for my 1911 Commander...I cannot get it tight enough..... I have a ComTac Minataur for my SIG 229 I like better. I will have to tinker with it ...but for the price, hey
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03-17-2014, 01:40 AM
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Some of the old guard love to hate the kydex holsters.
Yep, got a few too, but I see what the old timers mean.
it's difficult to draw discreetly from kydex while the old school full leather gear can be dead silent.
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03-18-2014, 08:49 AM
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Love my Alien Gear holsters. Have 2 of them 1 for 1911 commander & 1 for M&P40. They do take a little bit to break-in but just wear it a lot. They also take a little bit of playing with to get the adjustments just right. A trick to keep the screws tight is put some locktite on them. You can't beat their price.
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03-18-2014, 08:48 PM
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One of the most amusing threads I have read since I joined this forum in 2005.
Cheers;
Lefty
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03-19-2014, 05:26 PM
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Based upon this thread, I purchased one for my Shield. Had it for 2 weeks now. I do have a CrossBreed for my FS. The AG has thinner, more flexible leather, as compared to the horsehide CB. As I am not a thin guy I find my gut presses the leather into the holster cavity.
For daily carry, this is not an issue. The pistol fits and can be drawn without issue.
But for competition, like IDPA, it could be an issue. I know the solution is to loose some weight. I believe if I met the government guidelines for BMI this would not be an issue. But if you are portly like I am, keep this in mind. Some SO/RO might have issue after a LAMR command. You have to push the gut back in order to holster, and while I feel safe doing this, the SO could think different. No one would want to be DQ'd for this. See post number 1, bottom picture.
I am pleased with the AG for daily carry and will continue to use it.
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03-20-2014, 12:05 PM
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I ordered my AG holster for my Shield 40 last night... so we will see what I think as soon as it gets here. I am pretty excited.
For reference, I am 5'9" and 180lbs
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03-20-2014, 12:21 PM
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Gonna take about 3 weeks to get to you. Im checking in at 6ft and 215, fits great. Takes a bit to find that just right position, since i have the handles and such, took a bit longer. Love the thing now, forget its even there most of the time.
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