View Full Version : Blade-Tech WRS for Duty Use?
John Hearne
03-12-2017, 08:05 AM
I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on whether the Blade-Tech WRS (their Level 2) is well built enough for duty use? I have someone with really small hands that struggles to release their SLS in one motion and doesn't want an ALS holster. I was thinking that the WRS might work if it was appropriate for duty use.
I was wondering if anyone has an opinion on whether the Blade-Tech WRS (their Level 2) is well built enough for duty use? I have someone with really small hands that struggles to release their SLS in one motion and doesn't want an ALS holster. I was thinking that the WRS might work if it was appropriate for duty use.
I've recently gone back to an SLS from an ALS and was also looking at the bladetech. Interested to hear if anyone uses one of these on duty.
John Hearne
03-12-2017, 08:17 AM
Since the design is very similar, I'd also like to hear opinions on the G-Code holsters as well.
Was the GLS also considered?
No idea on the Blade-Tech WRS, but the retention mechanism looks eerily similar to the G-Code system which is also used by Bravo Concealment.
John Hearne
03-12-2017, 08:29 AM
Was the GLS also considered? No idea on the Blade-Tech WRS, but the retention mechanism looks eerily similar to the G-Code system which is also used by Bravo Concealment.
Our holster policy hasn't been update in 10 or more years. It requires a strap over the hammer or a strap that engages the top of the slide. Also, the target audience is a bit resistant to change because change is BAD!
Our holster policy hasn't been update in 10 or more years. It requires a strap over the hammer or a strap that engages the top of the slide. Also, the target audience is a bit resistant to change because change is BAD!
How do they allow the ALS then?
I have one for my 229/RMR combo that I carried on duty for a while. It's a well made holster. The reason I stopped carrying it wa because I could never get a 100% reliable draw stroke with it. I have short thumbs and that's a problem considering him the hood releases. About 5-10% of the time I'd muff the draw. So back to the ALS I went and the RMR slide came off the duty gun.
It's a RH model. If you want to fiddle with one and have a 229R let me know. I'll send it out. It's just sitting in a box right now.
ST911
03-12-2017, 09:25 AM
I've recently gone back to an SLS from an ALS .Can you say more about that? SLS -> ALS tends to be the trend, but I've seen a few go the other direction.
Can you say more about that? SLS -> ALS tends to be the trend, but I've seen a few go the other direction.
I didn't know that there was a trend back to the SLS. I much prefer the ALS, but it is incompatible with a TLR2.
John Hearne
03-12-2017, 09:28 AM
How do they allow the ALS then?
Yes, ALS is allowed. I've offered to move this person to an ALS only holster but they don't want to change. I was hoping a holster with a bail would be close enough for them to try.
Since the design is very similar, I'd also like to hear opinions on the G-Code holsters as well.
I've been looking at those as well.
nalesq
03-12-2017, 09:43 AM
Can you say more about that? SLS -> ALS tends to be the trend, but I've seen a few go the other direction.
I don't know about trends, but years ago in the Army, some guys I knew had the opinion that if the ALS retention mechanism failed by completely locking up, you were kind of screwed, whereas if the SLS locked up, you were (theoretically) only a knife stroke away from getting the pistol out.
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J.S. Kamp
03-12-2017, 10:35 AM
I am a Blade-Tech fan. I am not a fan of the the WRS though. I have one on a drop leg.
The mechanism is finicky and much harder to release than the SLS. It is spring loaded which I am also not a fan of. My guess is the WRS will be harder for them to run than the SLS.
A swat guy on another forum had an issue with the hood not springing open when he went to release it do to dust and stuff in it.
The SLS/Als us about the best option on the market for retention holsters.
I don't belive the Safariland Gls is duty rated but I do like its release mechanism but it is no light friendly if you issue lights.
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Yes, ALS is allowed. I've offered to move this person to an ALS only holster but they don't want to change. I was hoping a holster with a bail would be close enough for them to try.
Sorry, I meant that given the policy you mentioned, why is the ALS allowed? It sounded like a strap or something must engage the top of the slide.
El Cid
03-12-2017, 11:44 AM
Was the GLS also considered?
No idea on the Blade-Tech WRS, but the retention mechanism looks eerily similar to the G-Code system which is also used by Bravo Concealment.
I've messed with the GLS. I don't like how it offers basically no resistance to a gun grab. Bad guy grabbing at the weapon from the front disengages the retention by merely grabbing the butt of the weapon. We tested it with blue guns. I would never wear one. My kydex holster does a better job of resisting a grab.
I've messed with the GLS. I don't like how it offers basically no resistance to a gun grab. Bad guy grabbing at the weapon from the front disengages the retention by merely grabbing the butt of the weapon. We tested it with blue guns. I would never wear one. My kydex holster does a better job of resisting a grab.
I agree.
I've messed with the GLS. I don't like how it offers basically no resistance to a gun grab. Bad guy grabbing at the weapon from the front disengages the retention by merely grabbing the butt of the weapon. We tested it with blue guns. I would never wear one. My kydex holster does a better job of resisting a grab.
Did you test the "generic fit" big box store version or the gun specific version?
El Cid
03-12-2017, 11:57 AM
Did you test the "generic fit" big box store version or the gun specific version?
It was for the Glock 22/17.
Did you test the "generic fit" big box store version or the gun specific version?
Both.
That Guy
03-12-2017, 01:27 PM
I'm just a tech geek, but I sometimes shoot a local military 3-gun thing and have a Blade-Tech holster for that. Someone mentioned finding the WRS system finicky, in another thread someone had mentioned having some issues with it. My own experiences with my holster are completely opposite. I find it very intuitive and easy to use retention system that, as far as I can tell, appears to be doing a pretty good job at retaining the weapon. I must emphasize though that I am pretty far from being any sort of expert on this topic. Also, a sample of one and all that.
Since the design is very similar, I'd also like to hear opinions on the G-Code holsters as well.
My opinion of the G-Code holster with a spring loaded retention device is that all those holster should be killed with fire!!! Seriously, I think that holster is a joke. Not only did my gun scrape holster material from the holster during every insertion/draw resulting in the gun becoming covered in this plastic fluff, the retention is pretty much a joke. There is no cover for the really huge button, so inserting a hand (or whatever - some folks shooting that local military 3-gun thing have stated their plate carriers pop their holsters open every now and again) between the holster and body of wearer from any angle immediately pops the hood open. Also, at least on my holster, I noticed I could simply push the hood forward by hand, not having to touch the button at all. Carrying a weapon in that holster in any environment where someone might try to take your weapon away is a bad, bad, BAD idea.
(I'm still no expert but I can recognize pure garbage when I make the mistake of buying some. :/ )
I've messed with the GLS. I don't like how it offers basically no resistance to a gun grab. Bad guy grabbing at the weapon from the front disengages the retention by merely grabbing the butt of the weapon. We tested it with blue guns. I would never wear one. My kydex holster does a better job of resisting a grab.
I agree.
There seems to be some mixed opinions on this.
I originally voiced this as a possible concern in the Safariland 537 thread, and Southnarc gave the GLS a thumbs up.
In my coon-fingering with the holster, it seems to me that someone who is gripping the pistol from the front and engaging the lever is likely to be holding onto the lever, meaning they're yanking the holster with the gun. I don't see it as a particularly weak system compared to the ALS w/o the guard.
In any case, I should be getting a Bravo Concealment Level 2 in the next few weeks. While I like the 537, it won't allow me to mount a light......so I'm giving the Bravo Lvl 2 a run. Granted it's a concealment holster, but I could at least play with it and give some feedback on the retention mechanism itself as it seems to be exported by G-Code for use on other company's wares.
There seems to be some mixed opinions on this.
I originally voiced this as a possible concern in the Safariland 537 thread, and Southnarc gave the GLS a thumbs up.
In my coon-fingering with the holster, it seems to me that someone who is gripping the pistol from the front and engaging the lever is likely to be holding onto the lever, meaning they're yanking the holster with the gun. I don't see it as a particularly weak system compared to the ALS w/o the guard.
In any case, I should be getting a Bravo Concealment Level 2 in the next few weeks. While I like the 537, it won't allow me to mount a light......so I'm giving the Bravo Lvl 2 a run. Granted it's a concealment holster, but I could at least play with it and give some feedback on the retention mechanism itself as it seems to be exported by G-Code for use on other company's wares.
I've messed with the 537 and a blue gun and retention was good but the 537 is a pancake style holster so the holster body itself fits tighter than the other GLS models. However the 537 is a concealment holster and not really relevant to the OP's question.
Going back to the OP- since you are considering an ALS only what about a thumb break like the Safariland 200 Top Gun? Similar level of retention and it has the strap over the gun.
Does Safariland still make the 070 ?
Going back to the OP- since you are considering an ALS only what about a thumb break like the Safariland 200 Top Gun? Similar level of retention and it has the strap over the gun.
Does Safariland still make the 070 ?
Safariland does still make the 070, but as of about 8 months ago, it was special order only.
I have the option of 6280 or 070, and made the choice to go 070. I had the 6280, but at the end of a decent brawl I looked down and the hood had rotated, deactivating all retention devices. The only thing holding my pistol in was gravity. This was not a gun grab fight at all, the hood just got bumped/rotated in the course of exertion. After that, I went 070 as it may not be fast (especially on re-holster), but it is without a doubt secure.
I really think ALS and SLS together are greater than their individual parts. Both have strengths and weakness, but together I think they are far and away the best duty holster currently on the market. If I had to choose one or the other (not both), it would come down to the weapon. With a DA/SA, I would go SLS only, while striker/DAO I would go ALS only.
Safariland does still make the 070, but as of about 8 months ago, it was special order only.
I have the option of 6280 or 070, and made the choice to go 070. I had the 6280, but at the end of a decent brawl I looked down and the hood had rotated, deactivating all retention devices. The only thing holding my pistol in was gravity. This was not a gun grab fight at all, the hood just got bumped/rotated in the course of exertion. After that, I went 070 as it may not be fast (especially on re-holster), but it is without a doubt secure.
I really think ALS and SLS together are greater than their individual parts. Both have strengths and weakness, but together I think they are far and away the best duty holster currently on the market. If I had to choose one or the other (not both), it would come down to the weapon. With a DA/SA, I would go SLS only, while striker/DAO I would go ALS only.
I ran the 200 top gun with a SIG P220 back in the day and was powder with it. It was as good or better than the leather thumb breaks my agency issued.
I agree the ALS/ SLS combo is optimal. If I had to pick one or the other it would definitely be the ALS.
The 6280 is just a gun bucket with a hood. I've seen guns come out of 6004's in training and one lost in the TX brush from a 6280.
We had two of our K9 handlers using the Blade Tech WRS holsters on a drop leg platform. Pistols were both SIG P229s.
Both holsters broke within a month of being issued. Both holsters broke off the leg shroud when the handlers fell and hit the holsters on the ground. This occurred in separate incidents.
bravo7
03-12-2017, 04:51 PM
In response to the WRS as a duty holster, I personally would not recommend it. The spring for the hood brook, and even though Bladetech repaired it I don't trust it. Furthermore, after a fair amount of dry practice the hood doesn't seem to lock up like it should anymore.
Paul Sharp
03-12-2017, 08:00 PM
In response to the WRS as a duty holster, I personally would not recommend it. The spring for the hood brook, and even though Bladetech repaired it I don't trust it. Furthermore, after a fair amount of dry practice the hood doesn't seem to lock up like it should anymore.
This. I was digging mine until the spring broke.
Sounds like it might be worth skipping.
How much difference is there between the WRS and the 5.11 thumb drive holster - I understand blade tec makes the thumb drive for 5.11 ?
How much difference is there between the WRS and the 5.11 thumb drive holster - I understand blade tec makes the thumb drive for 5.11 ?
Totally different. No comparison at all. I have both.
WOLFIE
03-12-2017, 11:28 PM
I am currently using a thumbdrive holster and i like it. The guard is made of thick material. It is a very tight fitting holster and i have not noticed any slide discoloration or scratches yet.
Has anyone tried the thumb drive retention with a blue gun ?
I've literally destroyed SERPA's and apparently the GLS other than the 537 have retention issues. It would be good to have at least one alternative to the ALS.
UNM1136
03-13-2017, 04:49 AM
I ran the G-Code for years, and then the WRS, then the ALS. I like the ALS best, with the WRS A close second. I have taken a number of classes with the WRS, including the live fire portion of ECQC and AFHF. The WRS is better engineered. I have had no problems, and am getting ready to purchase another when I go live with the RMR'd glock, unless I can find black ALS locally for less than a brazillion dollars.
I initially thought the WRS was a little flimsy, but I don't baby my gear, and it has held up fine. One of our instructors wanted to carry his new Ruger American on duty, and Blade-Tech WRS was the only holster available for duty use at the time. He is also very happy. I cut my teeth on leather, so the movement of the leaver away from the gun was natural and a no-brainer. Much easier than the G-Code push the lever down, and remove the gun. I have worn both hoslters on duty belts, and on drop rigs, hunting, fishing, camping, and on duty. I used to do a snatch draw like Ron Avery recommended at the turn of the century, and the WRS was much better than the G-Code. Now I have an issue ALS with my M&P, and my snatch draws are a thing of the past.
pat
Paul Sharp
03-13-2017, 10:30 AM
Has anyone tried the thumb drive retention with a blue gun ?
I've literally destroyed SERPA's and apparently the GLS other than the 537 have retention issues. It would be good to have at least one alternative to the ALS.
I've used the thumb drive with a Ti M&P for my version of retention testing. It worked well enough given the design.
Talked to a buddy at Safariland today. Good stuff is coming in the near future, so I think I'm done worrying about the Bladetech stuff. Mixed reviews of duty gear doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy.
TheNewbie
03-13-2017, 09:55 PM
Talked to a buddy at Safariland today. Good stuff is coming in the near future, so I think I'm done worrying about the Bladetech stuff. Mixed reviews of duty gear doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy.
If you can, you probably would have already given us a hint. However, I have to ask. Can you give us any insight? Thanks
If I couldn't carry and ALS on duty, then it would be a thumb break. Nothing else seems to get consistent reviews other than the traditional thumb breaks, and the ALS. If I can't find an ALS for the gun, then I need to find a new gun.
Why is this person so opposed to the ALS? It does not get much more simple while offering good retention, and automatic tension up on holstering.
What I would like is a light bearing ALS holster that did not have a gap in it big enough to get your finger in.
ST911
03-14-2017, 02:42 PM
I didn't know that there was a trend back to the SLS. I much prefer the ALS, but it is incompatible with a TLR2. Sorry, I meant that the trend is converting from SLS to ALS. A smattering of people experience some quirks in the ALS, and go the other direction. Was curious why you switched.
medic15al
03-23-2017, 10:11 PM
I carried the WRS with a Sig P-226 for 6 years and never had a problem. 2 gun grab attempts with one being an absolute hairball fight with the perp hitting the hood repeatedly, twisting it to get it off my belt, and yanking hard. The holster never failed and the pistol drew quickly and easily when I was able to push him off. I was using the 070 Safariland before the WRS.
I had a Bravo Level 2 Concealment holster on order before this thread originated. It arrived last week and I've been playing with it. I find this relevant because now that I'm comparing pictures of the WRS to the Bravo Level 2, it is exactly the same mechanism.
As Tony1911 mentioned regarding the G-Code, the hood on this can simply be rotated with force and if done in one fashion will push the lever outwards, disengaging the mechanism. If done without that, the hood is flexible enough that my SIG P229 can be pulled free with the retention mechanism on the hood still engaged. I guess it's a second chance, but it doesn't seem as reliable a retention mechanism as either the ALS or SLS. Specific to the original post, I can see no reason to carry a duty holster using this mechanism (such as the WRS, or a thigh-mount version of the Bravo) over an ALS or SLS. I bought mine specifically for concealed carry while working protection.
The retention mechanism is not as easy or intuitive to disengage as the ALS (a true gold standard, I'm finding) and feels slower. I'm going to try and get some range time on it soon.
While some of the endorsements of the mechanism are reassuring (specifically Medic15al's), whatever SLG mentioned that Safariland is working on, I hope it's a WML-capable rig with retention that conceals like a pancake holster.
TheNewbie
04-21-2017, 06:20 PM
What I'm hoping for is a light bearing duty holster, light, gun combo that does not leave such a huge gap between the trigger and the holster. I prefer my holsters to better protect the trigger.
The Blade Tech duty holster is junk. We had a lateral from another agency come over with one and wanted to carry it (our policy only allows Safariland Level II and II). I picked him up by his holstered empty gun and the holster popped loose from the mount. You can pick someone up by a Safariland all day long and it stays put.
Needless to say he wasn't allowed to carry it. Stick with Safariland.
TheNewbie
04-21-2017, 06:59 PM
The Blade Tech duty holster is junk. We had a lateral from another agency come over with one and wanted to carry it (our policy only allows Safariland Level II and II). I picked him up by his holstered empty gun and the holster popped loose from the mount. You can pick someone up by a Safariland all day long and it stays put.
Needless to say he wasn't allowed to carry it. Stick with Safariland.
I think the only decent option outside Safariland might be a high quality thumb break holster. However the ALS/SLS combo is much superior.
What I'm hoping for is a light bearing duty holster, light, gun combo that does not leave such a huge gap between the trigger and the holster. I prefer my holsters to better protect the trigger.
I think that's a product of whatever WML you're carrying, not the holster. Whatever the X300 is in diameter, the holster mouth has to be in order to fit it....
I think the only decent option outside Safariland might be a high quality thumb break holster.
For a concealable WML rig that's what I'm thinking as well. JRC is probably going to get a big order from me this year.
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