APPRECIATE SOME INPUT ON GEAR

[walker2713]

It's been a number of years since I've been involved in LE, and my duty gear went out with the tide in August of 2005.

I'm in the process of becoming a reserve deputy with the sheriff's department here and will soon have to think about re-acquiring some basics. I always used the Safariland holster with the hood, 6280 I think.

Granted this is not a very critical issue, but could someone school me on the "hi ride" versus "low ride" options on duty holsters? Pros and cons?

Is there a better option than the lowest common denominator S&W hinged cuffs?

What light?

Many thanks....

George

[Paul Sharp]

It's been a number of years since I've been involved in LE, and my duty gear went out with the tide in August of 2005.

I'm in the process of becoming a reserve deputy with the sheriff's department here and will soon have to think about re-acquiring some basics. Welcome back! Are you nuts?


I always used the Safariland holster with the hood, 6280 I think. Safariland is still good to go. Check out holstersops.com for some decent deals. The SLS/ALS combo meal is the heat for most street guys here. I have that holster as well, and I'm digging it. I wear an outer carrier so just the SLS will not work for me.

Granted this is not a very critical issue, but could someone school me on the "hi ride" versus "low ride" options on duty holsters? Pros and cons? Hi/Med ride worked for me when I was wearing an inner carrier. I prefer a low ride for the last few years as I've had the outside carrier. It can be a PITA in the vehicle but otherwise it's not an issue.

Is there a better option than the lowest common denominator S&W hinged cuffs? I never used hinged cuffs so have no opinion.

What light? That's a wormhole... I would only offer this, pick up a rechargeable one that has the USB charger option. When my light starts to go I can plug it into the MDT to charge.

Many thanks.... Seriously, best of luck dude. Be dangerous.

George

[txdpd]

Unless you're carrying a 1911, H&K w/thumb safety or something of the like, I'd definitely look into the ALS/SLS holster. The ALS/SLS is also easier to off hand draw from than a properly adjusted 6280. I really like the 7TS material, it never looks great, but is never looks bad because it doesn't show much wear. You can also wash it in a sink with a brush and dish soap.

I don't like the low ride holsters because they don't work with any of our car seats. If you don't like one or the other a new shank is around $15.

I think the old shim proof Hiatts are the best around. (I've hear the new Hiatt/Safariland cuffs are junk). Outside of that it's hard to go wrong with S&W. S&W cuffs are like little puppies, if you turn your back on them for a second they'll get lonely and go home with someone else, at least they're cheap and easy to replace.

Edited:

What pistol are you carrying and what are you looking for?

[walker2713]

G17 gen4

[jnc36rcpd]

As you probably know, the trend is toward smaller lights. As Paul suggested, I'd look for one with a USB charging option. You might also consider a dual fuel light that has a rechargeable battery stick, but also takes 123 batteries if need be.

[karmapolice]

Paul offered solid advice per usual.

I have on caveat as a dude who spent 90% of my patrol time on nights I don't like rechargeable flashlights. That said I kept a streamlight stinger led longer rechargeable in the car that I used on traffic stops and could get out with. On my belt I carried a surefire g2x that fit into one of the older surefire light holsters made for a G3 that held three spare batteries. I also had a surefire eb1 backup on me and an x300u (previous models too) on my pistol. I always had dudes with out lights in the city and would loan my issued stinger. The batteries always get messed up in rechargeable lights. I like to be able to change batteries on the fly that I have on me and have a functional light and have had to do so on the job.


For holsters definitely safariland I'd stay with a 6360 or the 7360 which is the same thing as the first but made of the new material and manufacturing process and it doesn't have sued lining like the 6360. Those holsters come with mid ride ubl (belt loop) but you could order the others fairly cheap on holsters op to try as well.

As far as cuffs all I have ever used in smith model 100 chains but that's because my first agency mandated that and I just kept my m&p melonited versions when I went to my current agency.

Also don't over look the belt, if you can rock nylon I'd check out Jones Tactical, Volund gear works, or ares for a good two inch duty belt.

[schüler]

Paul offered solid advice per usual.

I have on caveat as a dude who spent 90% of my patrol time on nights I don't like rechargeable flashlights.
...

I hear you and 100% agree, but there may be a work around.

Back when the incandescent UltraStinger was the brightest I could find (c. 2006?) I had 3 of the rechargeable battery sticks in my duty bag. Dunno if the new lights have easily replaced battery modules. Might be an option.

OP, you might check with e&e guys on cuff recommendations. Ed Calderon is the first to come to mind.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

[Beat Trash]

The issue the Safariland 6360 holster. I'd stay with that. We've T&E'd the newer Safariland 7360 holster. But the draw is less forgiving in that it needs to be straight up or the gun may hang up slightly.

I recently retired my Streetlight Stinger LED HD for a Streetlight Strion model. About the same light and about half to one third the weight and size.

I've always liked the S&W hinge cuffs. Many prefer chain cuffs. I've seen too many thin suspects have too much movement and ability to access front pockets when cuffed form the rear with chain cuffs. At the end, it's a, "Ford vs. Chevy" thing.

Hi ride vs. Low Ride has more to do what body shape. Many female officers with short torsos need a low ride holster or the butt of the pistol will be in their arm pit. For a normal male officer, the Safariland holster as it comes out of the bag is about right.

[Lon]

I'll be the dissenting opinion on the ALS/SLS holster. Hate it. I use a 6395 with the added hood guard to make it a level 2. It's a low ride. Works good for me. Don't have problems with the car seats. I can still draw from it with my seat belt on if needed.

I've always preferred Peerless hinged cuffs.

I use a Surefire G2x and a Fenix PD20 for lights. G2 on my belt and PD20 clipped between the buttons on my polo. I have a rechargeable in my bag but haven't used it in I don't know how long.

[Coyotesfan97]

I'm currently carrying a ALS 6390 in a low ride with the hood. I have the Quick Locking System on it so I can transfer it to my thigh rig during SWAT calls. I'm assigned a Tahoe and I have no issues with the low ride. I don't remember any issues when driving the spare Crown Vic.

I've always carried Peerless cuffs. In patrol I carried hinged and chain for smaller folks. I currently only carry hinged because I don't cuff that many people and the hinged work for most people.

I'm old school so I carry a Maglite rechargeable LED light. I also carry a Estrela Night Reaper on my vest. I use the Maglite on traffic stops and contacts. The Estrela when I'm working my dog. I have a TR1 light on my pistol.

[Cypher]

As you probably know, the trend is toward smaller lights. As Paul suggested, I'd look for one with a USB charging option. You might also consider a dual fuel light that has a rechargeable battery stick, but also takes 123 batteries if need be.


https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-uc35-rechargeable-led-flashlight/?gclid=CILhx7OEo9QCFQKTaQodVK0MYQ

This cost me 90 bucks but I've saved at least that much not having to buy batteries over the last two years.

[Olim9]

https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-uc35-rechargeable-led-flashlight/?gclid=CILhx7OEo9QCFQKTaQodVK0MYQ

This cost me 90 bucks but I've saved at least that much not having to buy batteries over the last two years.

What are your thoughts on its durability? Have you encountered any issues with it in those two years? I was always skeptical about USB charged lights but the near 1,000 lumens along with it being dual fuel has me interested.

[Cypher]

What are your thoughts on its durability? Have you encountered any issues with it in those two years? I was always skeptical about USB charged lights but the near 1,000 lumens along with it being dual fuel has me interested.

I carry this at work (mostly nights) and it gets used nightly. I've dropped it and fallen on it a couple of times. I charge it a couple of times a week with normal use. And when it gets low on charge the selector lever turns red.

[john c]

I have a 6365 holster on my duty belt. I prefer the low ride. I think shorter officers prefer the mid ride, since the low ride is uncomfortable sitting in the car. I'm 6-01, and the low ride works for me. I prefer the 6360/6365 holster (ALS/SLS) for better retention than the 6280 (which is our issued holster). The draw, if done correctly, isn't any slower in the 6360 versus the 6280.

If you get a mid or low ride holster and end up wanting the other, Safariland sells the belt slides for $20, so you can change back and forth with minimal hassle.

I wouldn't buy any duty light that didn't use Li-ion batteries. These charge fast, and don't have any of the hassles of the ni-cad or nimh batteries. The Streamlight Strion LED lights are excellent. I personally use a Fenix duty light, and it's good to go. I got a model that uses a cradle to charge, rather than USB cable, but that's just me.

[Paul Sharp]

... I personally use a Fenix duty light, and it's good to go. I got a model that uses a cradle to charge, rather than USB cable, but that's just me.

Does your agency allow you to mount the cradle to the interior of the car? If so how are you doing it? Ours did in the past but went to a different cage and now guys can't screw/bolt anything to the new cage. I've seen some guys used industrial strength velcro to mount the cradle however, it seems those fall off over time.

[peterb]

I've seen some guys used industrial strength velcro to mount the cradle however, it seems those fall off over time.

My experience with self-adhesive Velcro:
1) Clean the surfaces. Rubbing alcohol is a good low-residue cleaner.
2) Make the piece on the fixed surface larger than the piece on the part being mounted. This decreases the local stresses and makes it less likely to lift.
3) Make round corners when you cut the pieces. Sharp corners will be the first places to lift.

[Paul Sharp]

My experience with self-adhesive Velcro:
1) Clean the surfaces. Rubbing alcohol is a good low-residue cleaner.
2) Make the piece on the fixed surface larger than the piece on the part being mounted. This decreases the local stresses and makes it less likely to lift.
3) Make round corners when you cut the pieces. Sharp corners will be the first places to lift.

Good points. I use acetone to clean surfaces I'm going to velcro. Now I just put whichever light is charging in my bag on the passenger seat. Since I'm using a USB rechargeable I can just drop the light into a pocket on my bag, and throw my spare light on my vest while the other light charges.

[txdpd]

Regular industrial velcro, like the stuff from the hardware store, has a 120 degree operational temperature. There's 200 and 220 degree velcro but it's expensive by the foot. RTV will work and if you can let it cure overnight. Most car upholsterers have two sided tapes that will never melt in the heat.

[john c]

Does your agency allow you to mount the cradle to the interior of the car? If so how are you doing it? Ours did in the past but went to a different cage and now guys can't screw/bolt anything to the new cage. I've seen some guys used industrial strength velcro to mount the cradle however, it seems those fall off over time.

We have pool cars, which are frequently rotated between beats/officers to even out the mileage. Leave your gear in a car, even over night, and you're not seeing it again.

We've always used our personal chargers, even in the SL-20 days, and taken them with us at the end of shift. It's never been an issue to plug them in and let them charge between the seats.

Since I've gone to Li-ion battery lights, I've never had to charge a flashlight on duty. My light is a Fenix UC-50. The turbo mode is frankly too bright for regular use, so I keep it on the high level, just below turbo. It lasts 2 hours and 45 min on a charge, with full brightness the entire time. That's way more than a shift's worth of light, for me. If I was stuck somewhere where I needed more than 2:45 of light, I could step it down one more level for 8:30 of light. This level is brighter than the old SL-20. The new version of my light, the RC-20, provides 9:50 of light on medium level.

Another added benefit of Li-ion batteries is that they don't self discharge. So if you're coming back to work after a weekend, you light is still fully charged. I leave the charger in my POV, along with my duty gear, and charge my light when not working.

[fwrun]

What are your thoughts on its durability? Have you encountered any issues with it in those two years? I was always skeptical about USB charged lights but the near 1,000 lumens along with it being dual fuel has me interested.

I have used this light for the last two years as well. Fantastic light. It's wonderful on traffic stops and running through the woods too. I use it to knock on doors occasionally too. The rubber door covering the charging port WILL come off if you use a belt pouch (I picked up a Bianchi). The USB charging is a game changer and it's a great sized light.

On traffic collisions or pre-established crime scenes (burglaries, death investigations, etc.) I bust out the issued Stinger DS LED to save the juice in the UC135.

[fwrun]

Regarding which holster, just go with the ALS/SLS option that fits your gun. Use the factory hanger on it. It will be a good compromise, as the low is too low, and the high makes you a kimura-magnet (it's pretty high up there). Then again, I wear my belt right at my belly button, and don't sag like 80% of the guys my age at work do.

As far as handcuffs go: big big believer in hinged cuffs. I keep a set of ASP hinged in the front of my belt, right around where I AIWB off duty. I keep a set of chained ASP Ultra (full metal) 3 inches behind my pistol as a back-up. I also hang the single issued nickel chained S&W's from my spotlight, and the blued S&W I received as a graduation-from-the-academy gift. I have been in a couple jams where I needed to use every set of cuffs I have, plus the two on my beat partner's belt. It's nifty to have several sets at hand when you arrest the car full of druggies, if you are into that sort of thing.

I am a huge fan of ASP cuffs. They come at a premium, but they are less likely to disappear than the S&W, Hiatt, or Peerless options, especially the Ultra cuffs, as they are pretty new. They are allegedly coming out with hinged Ultra cuffs, which I will purchase. I have several friends that love their S&W hinged, and I wouldn't feel bad about using them, I just like the way the ASP's absolutely fly on.

If you don't want your cuffs shimmed/picked, double lock and use hinged.