By Michael A. Black
This model is designed for the Glock 43
I recently given the opportunity to test a concealed carry holster from Alien Gear products dubbed the Alien Gear Shape Shift 4.0 IWB, designed for concealment and comfort.
Its patented steel core offers enhanced retention and is fitted to a perforated neoprene cushion that conforms to your individual waist area and requires no break-in time.
The test model was molded to accommodate the popular off-duty Glock Model 43 handgun. This model 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.
In the half-shell configuration, the holster is designed principally to be worn inside the pants with the belt loop going over the bulge to help secure it place. This configuration also requires that a trigger guard attachment be affixed. The trigger guard attachment is a narrow molded polymer piece that slides into place on the inside of the half shell. It is then secured by a plastic twist lock that fits over nubs on each edge of the pieces and fits together to secure the pieces with firmness. Also included in the holster kit is an additional twist lock, should one be lost.
The half shell is then locked onto the holster connector, which is another piece of molded plastic. This connector has three holes and connectors that allow for the angle of the holster to be adjusted. An Allen key is provided in the assembly kit for loosening and tightening the screws in the connector when securing it to the padded holster base.
Alien Gear recommends the best carrying position to be at an oblique angle for a quick, easy draw. As far as positioning the holster, the recommendation here is to consider your waist as a clock, with your belt buckle at the 12 noon position. The holster should then be at the 4:30 position. This allows for the perforated, padded neoprene section to fit flat against your side, maximizing both comfort and accessibility.
The holster is designed to be worn inside the pants.
Carrying inside the waistband greatly increases the holster’s retention factor. This retention should be tested by the wearer so that appropriate final adjustments can be made. Two adjustable clips are affixed to the top of the padded holster base and need to be placed over your belt. These clips can also be removed to adjust the cant and ride height of the holster. They twist on and off and snap in place
Alien Gear also strongly recommends the wearer practice drawing the pistol while wearing it, and concentrating on assuming the correct twist of the wrist while drawing in that this may factor into your best retention settings. For safety reasons, this practicing should always be done with an unloaded weapon.
Should you wish to use the expansion mode, you need to remove the half shell holster portion from the padded holster base section and then slide it onto the rails of the other half-shell configuration. Once again, these two sections fit together on corresponding interlocking rails and can be secured with the plastic twist locks. The aforementioned trigger guard portion must first be removed from the corresponding half shell that had been attached to the padded holster base. The second half shell has a pre-installed adjustable retention unit that firmly secures the weapon in place by locking onto the trigger guard. A plunger must then be depressed to draw the weapon from the holster.
The 4.0 IWB Holster comes with a small booklet replete with photographs and illustrations explaining the assembly and usage procedures. In fairness, I should add that I found it a bit of a chore to follow these directions, but help is available to the less-than-mechanically-inclined people like myself with both an internet site (AlienGearHolsters.com/how-to) and a phone number (208-215-2046).
After completing the assembly, the Alien Gear holster was ready for a field test. My test subject, retired Chicago Police Lieutenant Dave Case, wore the holster for several days in the concealed carry mode. He reported that its comfort level was fine and the he liked the way it adhered to his body. The concealability factor was a big plus in that the weapon and holster were not readily perceivable when Dave was wearing it. What follows is his actual and honest assessment of the product.
The holster is very narrow and the gun fits close to the body for maximum concealment.
“It was a pain in the ass to adjust,” he said, “relative to cant, depth of carry, position on the body (believe it or not, it doesn’t slide once tucked in). I fully expected to not like it. But, after wearing it around today, I do like it. First, there is something just sort of a click that secures the weapon in place, and it doesn’t just pop out. It’s not security level, but it wouldn’t just fall out which was always my worry. Second, it does definitely make a huge difference in concealment. You couldn’t tell I had a weapon on me, unlike with the more conventional holster. I’d have to practice the draw, as it is a bit awkward, but training would definitely overcome that issue. It also took some time to get used to the holstering, as the body compresses the neoprene over the opening for the weapon. In all honesty, my love handle was probably more at fault than the design, but it was an adjustment nonetheless and I had to be careful holstering. I’m going to keep trying it, but I’m definitely pleasantly surprised.”
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 should anything break. This particular model costs $55.88. More information on this and other products can be found at AlienGearHolsters.com.
