I have run Safariland holsters for over 30 years in the military, as a police officer, and off duty. I have used them on patrol, SWAT, and when assigned to administrative duty. I have also used Safariland holsters in competition and while concealed carrying. That has taught me what most of the world already knows: Safariland is the gold standard, especially for Duty Rated holsters.
Look at the majority of the holsters on any police/court/corrections officer, federal agent, or US service member’s hip, and the overwhelming majority of them will be Safariland. That could easily lead to Safariland coasting on their reputation, but they don’t. The company continues its efforts to improve products, innovate, and keep up with technology.
Enter the Ballast Holster.
If you are looking for a robustly designed duty holster that is not only crush-resistant but packed with features, look no further than the Safariland Ballast Holster.
A crush-resistant duty holster is super important if you find yourself in a violent altercation with a suspect, and you take a hard fall with the holster landing on concrete or asphalt. You want that confidence and peace of mind, knowing that your duty holster can take the impact and still maintain full retention of your duty weapon.
All Safariland duty holsters are rigorously tested to ensure they can withstand the harsh reality of military and law enforcement use. Jumping, rappelling, gun grabs, or hard falls, Safariland Duty Holsters take the abuse and keep going strong. The Ballast Holster is no exception.
Available in the single and triple retention options you have come to know from Safariland, it is currently available for a variety of Glock and Shadow Systems models. Like most Safariland duty holsters, options include no optic, standard optic such as an RMR or Holosun 507, large open emitter optics similar to the SRO and RMR HD, and large enclosed emitters like the Aimpoint Acro (my personal favorite).
There are also a variety of weapon-mounted light options. Simply go to the Ballast product page and enter your weapon, optic, and light combo to find the SKU number you need.
Ingress Guard
Something I appreciate about Safariland is that they listen to end-user feedback to give you what you need. The Ingress Guard does just that.
Whether further protecting the trigger from a suspect’s finger during a gun grab, a dangling handcuff key on your vest, or a branch while moving through a heavily wooded area, the Ingress Guard is added insurance that your trigger is protected while the firearm is holstered.
Textured ALS Lever
No more aftermarket ALS mods. While some folks like adding accessories and modifications to their gear, this is one area you don’t have to. The Ballast Holster comes standard with a textured ALS lever that improves thumb contact and ergonomics, ensuring positive deactivation and a faster and more efficient draw—especially with gloved hands.
Cantable Universal Belt Loop (CUBL)
A redesigned Cantable Universal Belt Loop (CUBL) Mount comes standard on the Ballast Holster. This allows the end user to select a 15-degree forward or rearward cant, or a straight up and down (no cant), position for maximized efficiency of your draw, tailored to you.
Integrated AXON Signal Sensor Port
If your agency is currently using or looking to adopt the Axon Signal Sensor (formerly Signal Sidearm), this is the holster for you. The Signal Sensor is a wireless alert to Axon body cameras in the area to begin recording the moment your weapon is drawn. The Ballast Holster comes Axon Signal Device ready.
Installation is quick and easy, and you do not even have to remove the belt mount from the holster. Gone are the days when you don’t have time to activate your body camera during a lethal force encounter. Simply draw your firearm, and you are recording.
Open Muzzle Design
One of my favorite features is the open muzzle design of the holster. It not only allows for the pass-through of debris, but it also allows me to use one holster for several firearms.
I ordered the holster with the large light and the large enclosed emitter options. With that combo, I can fit:
- My duty gun, a Glock 17 Gen 5 with an Aimpoint Acro P2 and Surefire X300
- A Glock 45 with an SRO and KKM barrel and comp (or my threaded factory barrel) and Surefire X300
- My Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS with a Delta Point Pro, suppressor height sights, and a Streamlight TLR 7A
- And my Glock Gen 5 19 with Agency Arms optic cut/Aimpoint Acro, suppressor height sights, and a Surefire XC2.
This is one holster that fits several of my guns.
Vertical UBL (VUBL)
With the SKU that I ordered, my size and duty vehicle/console setup, I need to use the vertical universal belt loop (VUBL) do to the flashlight section of the holster resting against the seat and console. With the VUBL, I simply and quickly adjust the ride height of the holster when getting in and out of the car.
Other accessories and Attachments
The Ballast Holster is compatible with all of the standard Safariland Holster accessories and attachments that you know, such as the TACTICAL MOLLE ADAPTER (TMA), QUBL, VUBL, TQ holder, and the belt width adapter.
conclusion
If you like what you have read so far, don’t take my word for it. Pick up a Safariland Ballast Holster and try the Safariland Ballast for yourself.
