By Michael A. Black | Contributing editor
With the recent upheaval in our nation the importance of concealed carry has taken even more significance.
Alien Gear products has a new variation available for their Gear Shape Shift 4.0 IWB holster, the Sport Tuck Belly Band. It allows you to comfortably and unobtrusively wear your firearm while casually dressed or even in sweat pants.
The holster itself is designed for maximum concealability and comfort. It has a patented steel core that offers enhanced retention and is fitted to a perforated neoprene cushion thatconforms to your individual waist area and requires no break-in time. Wearing this holster is so comfortable that’s it’s barely noticeable, and now, as stated above, no belt is needed with the new Sport Tuck Belly band.
The Gear Shape Shift 4.0 IWB holster comes with two half shells that can be locked together to fit into other expansion categories, such as an ankle, shoulder, thigh, or waist holster. To use it with the Sport Tuck Belly Band, you need to slide the two halves together and slide the holster lock into the connector lock into the holster connector and secure them using the plastic twist lock attachment. The twist lock fits over nubs on each edge of the pieces and fastens the two halves with a reassuring firmness. The lock rotates clockwise, just like the cylinder of a Colt revolver, to secure in place. To unlock it, rotate it counterclockwise, in the same manner as the cylinder of a Smith & Wesson revolver.
The Sport Tuck Belly Band is a thick, nylon belt that has reinforced pockets to house the holster clips, and one side with a Velcro adhesion strip to allow the belt to be fastened together more securely. First, secure the holster by placing the clips into the reinforced pockets on the inside of the belt. With the holster on the inside, you then thread the belt through the closest metal loop, fold the belt over and thread it back through the second metal loop, and pull it to assure a comfortable secure position. One then secures the belt with the metal hook and the Velcro strip threads.
It fits snugly around the waist and hugs the contours of the body making it practically unnoticeable once covered by a T-shirt. There’s no sagging of your pants on one side due to the pistol weighing your belt down, and it’s secure enough to engage in athletic activities while wearing armed. Naturally, the proper amount of caution should be used when inserting a sidearm into the holster, making sure there is no excess clothing that might snag the trigger. Once fitted into the holster, the firearm secures with a reassuring snap.
The person who did my field test with the Belly Band reported that she was very satisfied with both the comfort level and the fact that her handgun felt both secure and well-concealed. She wore it with a sports outfit, which had no belt, and found it was perfect for a walk in the woods or a run in the park.
Her comments were as follows:
“I found this Sport Tuck Belly Band and Alien Gear holster both adaptable and comfortable. It came with various clip-on pieces that will allow you to adapt it to your respective clothing choices. These plastic clip-on pieces are rugged, and not easily removed, which is good in allowing the wearer to feel confident that your sidearm is staying where it is supposed to be, even when doing various activities. It gives you the ability to wear a gun when dressed down in sweat pants, athletic shorts, or even pajamas, although I don’t anticipate wearing it to bed. It offers some new options that were never available before for the concealed carrying public. I like it.”
The holster system is adjustable and allows the user to tighten the hard-shell side until you feel that the handgun is secure. You can feel the pop as the pistol is seated firmly when you twist the plastic tool in the appropriate port.
Alien Gear has more variations on the way with their Shape Shift Expansion Packs, which allow the Gear Shape Shift 4.0 IWB holster to be connected to several different modular carrying systems including shoulder, ankle, MOLLE, tactical, and more. Whichever option you choose, Alien Gear strongly recommends that you practice drawing the pistol while wearing it, and pay particular attention on assuming the correct twist of the wrist while drawing it. Such practice will allow you to develop the proper accompanying muscle memory for a smooth draw, and show you the best retention settings.
Naturally, for safety reasons, this practicing should always be done with an unloaded firearm.
Both the 4.0 IWB Holster and the Sport Tuck Belly Band come with a small booklet with photographs and illustrations explaining the assembly and usage procedures. with both an internet site (AlienGearHolsters.com/how-to) and a phone number (208-215-2046).
Alien Gear also offers and iron clad guarantee which includes a 30-day test period after which they will buy back the holster from any dissatisfied customer. Also included in this guarantee is a forever warranty offering free replacement of parts or repairs in the unlikely event that something breaks. The price of the 4.0 IWB Holster is $49.88. The Sport Tuck Belly Band is priced at $37.88.
More information on this and other products can be found at AlienGearHolsters.com.
