SmartCarry - Size Medium
Comfort
To begin this review I'll start by covering the what
I consider the three most important features of any holster.
This is definitely a unique design for a holster and I have had some amazing
revelations once it was worn. Because if its design its only made to be
worn as a pouch over the groin area. This is by far the most comfortable
holster I have yet to review! I was able to wear this holster with a full
size XD-40 while driving, sitting, and typing this review. It can be worn
doing almost anything you want to do except swimming with it. Which I
don't recommend anyway's!
While sitting for extended times I was not bothered by the "Impaling"
of a kidney or an other body part. The only slightly uncomfortable thing
was bending over at the waist.
Body style will not likely be a major factor for many readers.
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Durability
The blue denim portions of the holster is are made of
heavy duty 100% cotton denim. I find this fabric to be tough but nonabrasive
to myself. The white sections on the back are made of Cushmax which is a
water proof barrier that prevents moisture from reaching your gun but still
allows air to pass through so it still "breathes" and doesn't become uncomfortable.
If you are looking for a holster that is super concealable this may be a perfect find. This holster is one of the easiest holster to wear and the most comfortable out of all that I've tried so far. Some people are concerned that the grip prints to much while its worn, I just rotated it around my waist a little more to the left and I couldn't tell it was there, and neither could my fiance'.
Because you do not have to wear a gun belt to wear the holster it can be worn with almost any configuration of clothing you would like. As long as you are wearing pants or shorts it is concealed. This holster does not follow the usual rule of thumb that "You have to dress around the gun." What I'm saying is as long as you aren't wearing skin tight jeans or spandex pants you shouldn't have to make any drastic changes to your wardrobe to easily conceal the holster.
Street Clothes
As you can see there just a tiny bit of printing when looking from head on but it seems much worse when looking down. Keep in mind that you know its there and that's why you notice it the most. Most people won't even notice it even if they know you carry. Now in honesty I haven't bought a pair of jeans in almost three years so this one is two inches tighter around my waist than I'd buy normally anyway's and printing is still very minimal.
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While wearing a button-up shirt tucked in, the gun was not concealed very well but as a habit I prefer a untucked button up shirts for the 1/2 dressed up, 1/2 casual look, which hides almost any perceivable bulge. I also wore my tightest pair of slacks so It'd be comparable to the tight pairs of jeans I was wearing before and found result were even better with the looser pants the bulge diminishes greatly.
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At the time of this review my Tux is at the cleaners getting prepared for my wedding which is 28 days & counting. So unfortunately I wont be able to get pictures for this review until it gets back please check back later.
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Retention
With the way this holster is designed there isn't any direct retention mechanism. I found that the waistband on my pants was more than enough of a retention mechanism than anything. I was able to run jump and pretty much exert myself in anyway way necessary. I was never even concerned with a "Take Away" by another person or opponent.
I know for a fact that a "Take Away" is difficult to perform on the wearer of the holster as I was unlucky enough to get pulled over by a local rookie officer who really treated me like a criminal! Lets just leave it to the fact that he had a hard time getting my firearm out of my holster while he was paranoid that I was going to try to jump him...
Draw speed
The holster is a little different than most holsters and so draw speed was a little slower than most hip or shoulder style holsters. all I had to do was hook my thumb into my waistband and pull away from my body then pull the gun straight up to unholster it. After a little practice this can be accomplished in a pretty quick and efficient manner.
Tactical Reholstering
Because of of the natural properties of cloth and its inability to hold a form,tactical one-handed reholstering isn't possible with the holster. At minimum one hand has to hold out the waist line of the pants and the other hand must be under to secure the pistol into the holster.
Features
Ease of Removal
The holster comes with two built-in elastic straps
each one with velcro attachments. This allows the SmartCarry to be worn
tightly around the hips to keep the holster from sliding off your legs.
This design is specific enough that its easy to remove the holster by
pulling the Velcro ends apart and releasing the holster. However once
removed it is very difficult to put it back on without pulling your pants
down.
Some people may be wondering how hard it would be to use the "facilities".
While this question isn't something I would normally cover in a review
I wanted to point out that the holster can be "dropped" out of the way
and business can be dealt with. For more details there is a section for
this covered on the manufacturers web site I would recommend you visit.
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Cant Adjustability
The SmartCarry is a holster with a very specific design, its not made to be worn on the hips. The holster is made to be worn over the groin as a pouch. No cant adjustability is needed or wanted, it would cause the gun to print. It's pulled straight up, which from the angle that I was standing at was pretty natural.
Because of the nature of the Denim used to make the holster it the fabric is soft and pretty easy on the guns finish.
Sharp Edges
The holster has no sharp edges at all. The fabric is well trimmed and exceptionally sewn.
Product Care.
If the holster becomes dirty, to clean the SmartCarry holster just wash in the washing machine in warm or cold water. It's recommended to wash it by itself or with the Velcro parts connected to prevent it from getting stuff stuck in the Velcro. Do not dry in a dryer or your elastic bands will become damaged. Hang to dry for 1-2 days.
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Because the holster is not specific to a particular gun design many different guns could be carried in the same holster. Make sure that if you plan on carrying any variants that are more than 4" barrel length that you get a "large" size holster or they may not fit properly.
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 | |
Because this holster isn't model specific, this holster would function well with multiple type of firearms and as a slide holster. The 3" sub-compact pistol while yet untested by myself, should work fine in the medium holster as would the 4" service model. If you have a 5" tactical get a "large" size holster or it wont fit.
XD Series Pistol |
Slide Holster Available |
9mm |
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.357 SIG |
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.40 S&W |
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Turnaround Time
My order was placed on 3/31/04. Turnaround time was quick and I received the holster on 4/5/04. So turnaround time was within a week that's a plus in my book.
Customer Service
Orders can be placed online from their web site or can be called in to their toll free number. I spoke to the company president a couple times over e-mail and was impressed! Charles Parrott is a friendly and helpful gentleman and he answered all the questions I had for him and was always very polite.
Warranty
The warranty is a standard one year warranty but they also provide a 60-day trail period as well. (See manufacturers site for details)
Repairs (If Necessary)
No repairs necessary to date.
Value vs. Cost
This is a good holster for the price. It's not as expensive as some of top-line leather or Kydex holsters, but its not too expensive. And would be a great holster to start carrying with for deep concealment because it doesn't require any belt to be purchased or owned.
SmartCarry
