Alien Gear Holster Review

Atticaz

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Just got an Alien Gear Holster in from Alien Gear Holsters.

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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.

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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.

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Leather thickness and screw/grommet design.

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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.
 
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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.
 
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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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.
 
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.

.

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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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!
 
I actually love my holster for my Shield. It broke in quickly and is extremely comfortable. This thing is hard to beat for the price. For those considering an IWB holster, give it a shot. I'm 6'0", 195 and it works great for me. Easily concealed even with tighter t-shirts.

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I decided just to sell it. For anyone interested. http://bit.ly/1bBZmvH

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
 
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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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.
 
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.

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
 
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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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:

BladeTechShellMod.jpg
 
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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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