Safariland Ballast: The Most Advanced Duty Holster for Law Enforcement

CADRE Dispatch

Safariland unveil the Ballast duty holster, at the 2025 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, January 21-24. Designed with the safety and efficiency of law enforcement professionals in mind, the Ballast is the culmination of decades of user feedback and cutting-edge engineering.

The modular design of the Ballast accommodates a range of firearm lengths and configurations, including handguns equipped with lights, optics, or other attachments.

Built for Durability and Performance

The Ballast holster is crafted to withstand the most demanding conditions. Its lightweight yet durable design features a proprietary crush-resistant structure, protecting internal components from external forces. One of its standout innovations is the Ingress Guard, a new feature that mitigates access to the inside of the holster, adding an extra layer of protection for officers in high-pressure situations.

Eric Gasvoda, Vice President and General Manager of Duty Gear for Safariland, emphasized the focus on officer safety in the Ballast’s design:

“Ballast was created with the safety of law enforcement and patrol officers in mind. We took decades of feedback into consideration when creating the Ballast, and know we have created our most advanced duty-rated holster.”

Safariland’s new Ingress Guard further protects the trigger inside the holster.

Key Features of the Ballast

  • Open Muzzle Design: Allows debris to pass through easily, maintaining functionality in harsh environments.
  • Removable RDS Optic Lid: Protects red dot sights from impact and debris, ensuring optics remain functional in the field.
  • Red Dot Sight Compatibility: Fully supports firearms equipped with red dot sights.
  • Extreme Temperature Tolerance: Remains structurally sound in temperatures ranging from 160°F to -50°F.
  • Minimalist Footprint: Maximizes duty belt space, enabling officers to carry full-sized firearms without compromising efficiency.

Enhanced Ergonomics and Customization

The Ballast holster incorporates several innovative features aimed at enhancing user comfort and adaptability. Its internalized ALS lever lock spring protects the holster’s core security mechanism, while the textured ALS lever improves thumb contact and ergonomics, ensuring a smoother and more reliable draw.

For added versatility, the Ballast includes a redesigned cantable UBL belt mount, which allows officers to adjust their holster to multiple carry angles—15 degrees forward, rearward, or vertical—offering maximum comfort and an efficient draw stroke tailored to individual preferences.

Designed for seamless integration, the Ballast is compatible with all Safariland 3-hole pattern holster mounts and accessories. Its modular design accommodates a range of firearm lengths and configurations, including handguns equipped with lights, optics, or other attachments, making it a highly adaptable solution for law enforcement professionals.

Shipping is set to begin in March 2025, making this revolutionary holster available to law enforcement agencies worldwide.

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