Uncle Mikes - Super Belt Slide (Size 30)
Comfort
To begin this review I'll start by covering the what
I consider the 3 most important features of any holster.
Once I started the review I found that two places really felt comfortable
for me, cross-draw on my weak side and at the 3:30 position.
While it was comfortable at those positions in some circumstances I did
have some trouble, sitting inside a vehicle with bucket seats for any
expended period of time could be uncomfortable, however trucks with a
beach seat were not a problem.
I was able to sit in most situations comfortable while carrying the service
size pistol. What many readers will find is that their body shape will
be a major factor on how comfortable a holster is on them.
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Durability
I found that the Nylon body was a very durable material.
The holster is formed of a rougher textured outer shell of larger stitch
Nylon. The inside material is a smoother Nylon that has a tighter stitch,
then a piece of waterproof closed cell foam is sandwiched between the
two to prevent moisture from transferring from the outer layer to the
inner layer. This is a good design who's only real weakness is lack of
any stiff supporting materials.
If you are a person looking for a holster that is super concealable this holster may not be a perfect fit. Why? you ask. It could come from the base material itself. The Nylon while being a tough material and very strong is not necessarily very stiff. The lack of form holding rigidity in the belt loops the holster tends to push away from the body. While some people may find the little bit farther out it sticks immaterial some people want something that will reduce print in every possible way.
For some people this isn't a big deal and for these people this would be a great holster for any one who is very active such as hikers, bicyclists, hunters & fishermen; or anyone who does a lot of strenuous activities, as they are more concerned with durability and the holsters ability to retain the gun itself.
Street Clothes
As you can see there is some printing of the gun from its desire and tendency to "push" outwards. I found that a button-up shirt was best for casual cover up.
While wearing a button-up shirt tucked in, the gun was not concealed at all and would be good for open carry, a vest and/or jacket could probably hide it pretty well but it would still have a decent bit of printing.
While of course this would be rare occasion for most people to be carrying in this configuration the Tuxedo hid the gun the best because of the stiff tuxedo fabric and its resistance to printing.
Retention
I was impressed with the strength of the retention strap it was a very tight well fitted snap once it was closed and ready to go. I was unable to get the gun to come out of the holster even with the most vigorous shakes. Out of curiosity I hooked a coat hanger around the trigger guard and held the holster inverted. I attached a 30-35 pound metal weight to the coat hanger and then lifted the weight off the ground using only the retention strap to keep the gun from falling out. The gun did not budge held it there about 30 seconds before my arm got tired of holding it out straight. Needless to say the velcro and snap retention system held up great and the snap still pops open with a pop of a thumb.
Draw speed
The holster presented very well. During draws I could unfasten the thumb break pretty quickly because of the design of the thumb strap. While it does take a little longer to unfasten it will hold very well. The presentation didn't require a lot of force to pull the gun from the holster once the retention mechanism was unfastened.
Tactical Reholstering
Because of the nature and lack of form holding properties tactical one-handed reholstering isn't an option for this holster. Once the gun has been drawn the shape changes enough to prevent it from getting it reholstered without using both hands.
The holster provides full access to the grip. I didn't have any trouble drawing that would have required me to adjust my grip after drawing.
Features
Ease of Removal
The holster comes with three built in belt loops for
securing the holster. These are not removable and are permanent. These
holster mounts would require the unfastening and/or partial removal of
the belt to remove the holster. If you go to places that restrict the
carrying of a firearm this holster would probably not be the easiest holster
to just unhook and toss in the glove box. However if your hiking, fish
or hunting and need a holster that won't come off the belt, and has excellent
retention then this is an affordable and good choice.
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Cant Adjustability
The Super Belt Slide comes with belt slots cut into the Nylon the slots to provide reinforcement both pieces are then sewn together. The holster doesn't come with many position adjustability options, it does have the option of a standard carry position on the strong side or it can be worn in a cross-draw position on the weak side butt forward.
The holster comes with a Nylon inner and outer shell. The outer shell is a thicker, more rough texture than that of the Nylon on the inner lining. The thicker tougher outer shell is for the durability. The inner shell is smoother and promotes a bit more ease of the guns finish and would help limit it from wearing as much.
Sharp Edges
The holster has no sharp edges whatsoever. The nylon was well trimmed, fitted and sewn together there are no sharp pieces of nylon or plastic to poke and irritate the wearer.
Product Care.
If the holster becomes dirty, to clean the nylon holsters just use soap and water and let them dry.
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Because of the holsters non gun specific design and that fact that its a pretty soft material the holster itself can carry pretty much any size service pistol. The Sub-compact should work well in it as well, but the tactical's slide would protrude about 1 inch out of the bottom of the holster.
You can get this holster to fit the following models.
XD Series Pistol |
Compatible Standard Holster |
| XD 9mm Sub-Compact |  |
| XD 9mm Service 4" | |
| XD 9mm V-10 Ported 4" | |
| XD 9mm Tactical | |
| XD .357 SIG Service 4" | |
| XD .357 SIG V-10 Ported 4" | |
| XD .357 SIG Tactical | |
| XD .40S&W Sub-Compact | |
| XD .40S&W Service 4" | |
| XD .40S&W V-10 Ported 4" | |
| XD .40S&W Tactical | |
These holsters would function as a slide holster, the smaller pistol while untested as of yet should work fine the thumb break would help compensate for the lack of barrel length. if you don't mind the last little bit of the barrel poking out then It would work for the tactical's as well.
XD Series Pistol |
Slide Holster Available |
9mm |
|
.357 SIG |
|
.40 S&W |
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Turnaround Time
My order was placed on 4/1/04 I was to get surprised however. I came home the next day and had a UPS nasty gram! I hadn't been home to pickup a package. Imagine my surprise as I wasn't expecting anything for a few days. Now it might just be because I only live one state over (in Idaho) but that was fast delivery!
Customer Service
I placed my holster order over the Internet via e-mail. Uncle Mikes web site offers call in order placing or you can place orders directly over the internet.
Warranty
The warranty is the standard one year warranty that many manufacturers provide.
Repairs (If Necessary)
No repairs necessary to date.
Value vs. Cost
This is a good holster for the price. This would make a good starter holster for anyone who is getting started carrying and is not ready to put down the type of cash that some Kydex and Leather holsters demand. If you carry as a backup while hunting or sporting this is a good reliable affordable holster.
Uncle Mikes