Holster w/Light: Blade-Tech vs. Side-Armor [Archive]

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SonRunner

02-20-2005, 05:47

Any thoughts on the Kydex holsters that accepts an under-barrel light made by Blade-Tech vs. the one made by Side-Armor?

(1) Particularly, do these “click” in/out or do they slide in/out with even tension? I like to hear the click .. it gives some degree of assurance that the gun is all the way in.

(2) Blade-Tech’s looks to appear thicker than SideArmor’s. Anyone find this true or have any thoughts along this line? Did Blade-Tech’s seem unnecessarily thick?

(3)Were there any problems with Blade-Tech’s tension? Could you adjust Blade-Tech’s tension?

(4) Side-Armor’s has a spring-loaded isometric tensioner, Anyone have any thoughts about Side-Armor’s adjustable tension?

(5) Similarly, I think Safariland also makes their 6281 with an under barrel light. But Safariland’s 6281, good or bad, does not click in/out, but does have a hood.

Group 9

02-20-2005, 06:07

[SonRunner]Any thoughts on the Kydex holsters that accepts an under-barrel light made by Blade-Tech vs. the one made by Side-Armor?
(1) Particularly, do these “click” in/out or do they slide in/out with even tension? I like to hear the click .. it gives some degree of assurance that the gun is all the way in.

I have a Blade-Tech paddle for a G22/M3 attached. There is a slight "click", but adjustable tension is what keeps it in.

(2) Blade-Tech’s looks to appear thicker than SideArmor’s. Anyone find this true or have any thoughts along this line? Did Blade-Tech’s seem unnecessarily thick?

I've never seen a Side Armor. The Blade Tech doesn't appear to be any thicker than leather holsters I own. It doesn't seem to be appreciably thicker than my Safariland 6004.

(3)Were there any problems with Blade-Tech’s tension? Could you adjust Blade-Tech’s tension?

Yes, but minor. I shaved down the two little rubber washer things with a utility knife so that I could tighten mine down a little more. Doing that, you can adjust it so that it takes exactly how much force to remove it as you want.

(4) Side-Armor’s has a spring-loaded isometric tensioner, Anyone have any thoughts about Side-Armor’s adjustable tension?

Don't know about Side Armor

(5) Similarly, I think Safariland also makes their 6281 with an under barrel light. But Safariland’s 6281, good or bad, does not click in/out, but does have a hood.

I am pretty sure the 6281 is just the higher riding model of the 6004, which I use for raids, or when wearing my larger set of body armor. The 6004 is pretty much the gold standard as far as a drop leg holster goes. It is hard to imagine the 6281 not being a good quality design and build.

The Blade-Tech is great for plainclothes and would win in a super speed draw, but if you are assigned to uniform patrol, there is no doubt the 6004/6281 has more security.

BDDuke

02-20-2005, 13:09

I don't know much about the Bladetech or the Sidearmor holsters, but I love my Safariland 6280. I added the additional switch which ups the holster to a level three and you definitely know that your gun is secure.

SonRunner

02-20-2005, 13:59

Thanks for all the information.

Yes, 90% of the time, I'm in plain clothes. The other 10%, I'm raid gear. I was given the Safariland hooded drop with out Under Barrel Light (UBL), and may be purchasing the Safariland hooded drop with a UBL ... for raids, that is. I'm just not sure about what to use for plainclothes.

I do like the "click" sound mainly that it gives me an audible verification that the gun has been fully placed back in the holster.

Any other insights would be gretly appreciated.

Joe Friday

02-21-2005, 21:21

You know I'm all up in the SideArmor. I use the G22 Model that allows for the X200 light; which I carry daily without issue. I think I'll need to go with the G26 or G27, sans light come summer.

No real click per se. You will hear a thump when the gun is all the way into the hilt. It's a friction fit with adjustable tension. No problems.

But - since you're running around in shorts and tee-shirts in Hawaii full-time, I'd get rid of that G22 boat anchor.

Warmest regards.

SonRunner

02-22-2005, 01:15

Hey, it's my buddy Joe Friday,

I hope you are doing well.

Did you (or anyone) compare Blade-Tech vs. Side-Armor? What made you choose Sidearmor?

Yes, I've just qualified with my 23, and have my 27 coming in on order.

Joe Friday

02-22-2005, 18:21

SR - you are quite the Dead-Eye. Enjoy your new toys!

SonRunner

02-23-2005, 11:56

Regarding Blade-Tech:

(1) What is the difference between the “SR (belt loop for added stability) on the “Tactical Holster w/light attachment (loops attachment)” and the belt loop on the “Level 2 Tactical Holsters w/light attachments (Loops)”?

Answer: They are very similar In their purpose, however the new S.R loop has a wider platform for stability and it brings the weapon closer to the body. I recommend our new S.R loop.

(2) Also, on the “Level 2 Tactical Holsters w/light attachments (Loops)”, can the thumb-snaps be removed?

Answer: Yes!!! All you would have to do is unscrew the attaching hardware, you may no have to; due to our thumbreak snaps in place out of the way.

(3) Do these holsters “click” in? The clicking sound assures me that the gun is completely holstered.

Answer: Yes!! These holsters do click in place, even with a tactical light holster.

Also, on the phone, they said that without the light, the gun is loose in the holster. And the G27, and G23 fit the G22 holster.

PS Dumb question: What is a "dead-eye"?

Joe Friday

02-26-2005, 21:10

Slang for you being a good shot, Mr. Modest.

netman1019

02-26-2005, 22:17

Just wanted to say a quick hi to Sonrunner and JoeFriday. So Son's a dead-eye eh? How'd you do guys do on your final quals?

SonRunner

03-01-2005, 00:37

Joe Friday

03-01-2005, 19:49

netman1019, I hope you are doing well.

Hey, Joe Friday. You are a great shot. Didn't you shoot 100% on the shotgun, as well as receive a whole lot of accolades from our legandary and world renouned shot gun instructor.

Yeah, in between getting yelled at by said renouned instructor...haha. That guy really shook me up. I think all the DEA guys know who I'm talking about.

So - did you decide on which holster to get?

Netman - I'll be seeing you on the 14th or the 21st. I guess I have to show up on the 1st day of a pay period...

Joe Friday

03-01-2005, 19:51

BTW - if in doubt on getting the X200 light - DO IT! I got to use mine in a "real world" application and it's worth twice it's weight in gold.

SonRunner

03-02-2005, 12:22

I just ordered the Blade-Tech because it "clicks" in, and the sound gives some assurance that the gun is fully holstered.

http://www.blade-tech.com/frontend?command=ProductMatrix&iProductId=5864&iSectionId=47014

I'm also planning on getting the FIST 22K Secret System #2:

http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/k1/22.htm

netman1019

03-02-2005, 19:21

Yeah, in between getting yelled at by said renouned instructor...haha. That guy really shook me up. I think all the DEA guys know who I'm talking about.

So - did you decide on which holster to get?

Netman - I'll be seeing you on the 14th or the 21st. I guess I have to show up on the 1st day of a pay period...

Joe and Sonrunner,

Also had my share of being yelled at by aforementioned instructor. It's all good, he's a great instructor, and I learned a lot from those him.

Joe Friday

03-03-2005, 08:16

SonRunner

03-03-2005, 12:28

Hee, hee. Yeah, it's tuck-able, cant-able, and made with very thin kydex. FIST even makes tuckable mag holders (single and double) , and I think cuff pouches. But imagine with all that stuff in your pants waist band...your pants would need to be like six inches larger.
SR,
Why am I not surprised that you're buying something called the FIST 22K Secret System?
Enjoy the new toys.

Actually, it's the FIST 22K Secret System #2. (;

They'll even make a version that accepts an under barrel light.