FOG HORN
April 2020 Twobirds Flying Publications
Alien Gear ShapeShift Shoulder Holster
Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Alien Gear ShapeShift Shoulder Holster Alien Gear Holster
ShapeShift
Shoulder
By: Sal Palma
2020
In the simplest form, it is a holster system that can be easily reconfigured to go from IWB to OWB to Appendix, to Ankle or to any carry option that floats your boat. The company’s latest configuration using the ShapeShift architecture is their Shoulder Holster and subject of my review. Shoulder holsters haven’t been flying off the shelves; candidly, they are usually dated designs that are both bulky and overly expensive. A leather shoulder holster rig goes for $250 to $300 depending on the design. Furthermore, you buy it for one gun. I personally don’t like a leather system because it retains moisture and that’s not any way to treat your sidearm. Your mileage may vary but that’s my personal opinion; as a result, I migrate to Kydex holsters. My position was recently changed after the introduction of Alien Gear’s shoulder holster. So, let’s take a look under the hood.
If there was ever an inventive and innovative company, Idaho’s Alien Gear Holsters is it. This small company has designed and manufactured some of the most flexible and comfortable holster systems on the planet - no pun intended. Holsters, for most people, are a colossal dilemma. If you want to carry your weapon with a light you need a type A holster, if you want to take your light off then you need type B. Manufacturers may not make both A&B configurations, so by the time you’re done you’ve got $300 in holsters for just one of your 5 pistols. The folks at Alien Gear Holsters have solved that problem with their innovative holster designs. Its latest development was their ShapeShift Modular Holster system introduced at Shot Show 2018. They began shipping June 2018. So, what’s a ShapeShift Modular Holster system?
The pistol is carried in an injection-molded polymer half shell that’s bolted to a reinforced base covered in CoolVent™ Neoprene for comfort against the body. This is a Level III Holster featuring three optional retention strategies: adjustable passive retention, thumb release and a thumb break. I elected the thumb release which works extremely well.
Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Alien Gear ShapeShift Shoulder Holster
2020
That same arrangement is used on the magazine carrier. The beauty of this approach is that you can easily configure the rig to carry two pistols, one on each side, or two magazine carriers, one on each side.
After choosing the retention system, I next adjusted the holster draw angle. This was a very straight forward process.
The back of the holster base provides a series of attachment points for the shoulder straps and belt strap. Using this arrangement you can adjust the draw angle by simply changing the shoulder strap attachment points to give you the desired angle.
The magazine buckets are available in a number of calibers and are equipped with customizable retention so you can adjust the magazine for a quick draw or a more secure draw. Simply loosen or tighten the retention screws with the hex key provided as desired.
Every strap on this shoulder holster is independently adjustable, and by devoting a little bit of time you can adjust it to meet any body shape. I wore this rig around the house for 8 hours and it has to be the most comfortable shoulder holster I’ve ever worn. Unfortunately, this coronavirus lockdown kept me away from the range, but that’s life.
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
Alien Gear ShapeShift Shoulder Holster In closing, imagine a superbly comfortable shoulder holster, which is readily configurable for any desired carry option; along with its ability to holster any other pistol by simply purchasing the appropriate shell, warrantied for life and at an M.S.R.P. of $133.88. The Alien Gear ShapeShift Holster is yet another example of the great innovative work being done by Alien Gear Holsters year over year.
2020
Features
Universal Fit—Adjusts to virtually any body style in a few simple steps Customizable Design—Optimize your retention and draw angle in seconds Breathable Comfort—Stay cool and comfortable with breathable CoolVent™ Neoprene.
If you want to add a shoulder holster to your collection, I can highly recommend that you check out Alien Gear’s ShapeShift Shoulder Holster, it’s made in the U.S.A. and you can test drive it for a full 30 days. I think you’ll love it as much as I do. -SP
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved