Thinking of trying a diff holster for my Glock. What's your opinion of the Blackhawk Serpa CQC (trigger finger release) versus the Safariland ALS (thumb release) design? Will be used for range days and especially IDPA (and IPSC but only to get more trigger time)
New holster - CQC or ALS?
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I prefer Blade tech personally. But out of the two, the Safariland I think is better for this simple reason is there is no possibility to strain your trigger finger if something happens to the release (only your thumb). The other if a problem occurs could possibly (and only slightly) strain the trigger finger, maybe. Just my $1.05.
ALS, no question...I have a Serpa. It ranges from passable to suck.
Safariland build MUCH better holsters and the ALS system is better than the Serpa.
There is no reason to go with the brackhawk on this. There are only downsides.
Safariland build MUCH better holsters and the ALS system is better than the Serpa.
There is no reason to go with the brackhawk on this. There are only downsides.
300Spartans
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I have a CQC. It's OK, but the release takes a little getting used to. I'm not familiar with the ALS. I am actually thinking of going to a Bladetech.
I haven't tried the Safariland but I use a CQC for my M&P and I'm very happy with it. For me atleast... there was nothing to get used to as the trigger finger break comes naturally. You're finger is already there. Minimal pressure is needed to release it.
Although if so many people are saying the ALS system is better... I ought to give it a try.
Although if so many people are saying the ALS system is better... I ought to give it a try.
Actually, usually the opposite. The Safariland liner holds onto fine crud even with regular dusting. The Blackhawk or Bladetech smooth types are easier to clean.
Both have their uses and strong points. I have used Safariland, went to Blackhawk, back to Safariland and still have both types for different wearing.
ALS works well for Sig/Glock/M&P type barrel/ejection ports....for stuff like 1911s, there are lots of variables.
For simple level one retention requirement, ie for 99% of users here, kydex type holsters are hard to beat, be it BladeTech(not 5'11 garbage), Raven, etc.
I tried the ALS... (after ten years of a more "conventional" retention holster). It was just too weird for me, and I couldn't find a decent exercise regime to build up my thumb strength enough to run a decent range day without feeling like I'd need a splint and ice pack on my thumb.
The CQC, on the other hand, while needing a little conscious effort to overcome the extreme bad feeling of using trigger finger to initiate draw, worked awesome for me after about an hour of practice.
Your mileage may vary.
Blade tech makes a decent holster, but I have yet to see a level 2 version in the flesh. They look a little hokey on the website photos.
The CQC, on the other hand, while needing a little conscious effort to overcome the extreme bad feeling of using trigger finger to initiate draw, worked awesome for me after about an hour of practice.
Your mileage may vary.
Blade tech makes a decent holster, but I have yet to see a level 2 version in the flesh. They look a little hokey on the website photos.
300Spartans
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Canada of course
Thumb strength builder: fingertip push ups on five fingers and fingertip pushups on thumb, index and middle fingers when you're a little stronger. I did them for several years when I was into karate and although I never got into fingertip striking a whole lot, my fingers got pretty strong and so did my volleyball game! 
I use a Serpa holster and I have no complaints. I find the trigger finger button intuitive as your finger is supposed to rest along the length of the frame (off the trigger) anyway. But I can see what people mean when they say they are used to using the trigger finger for pressing the trigger and nothing else, so it could get confusing.
Though I am actually surprised by people saying Serpa sucks and ALS is way better. I am going to check it out, maybe I don't know what I'm missing.
Though I am actually surprised by people saying Serpa sucks and ALS is way better. I am going to check it out, maybe I don't know what I'm missing.
The Serpa requires use of your trigger finger. The ALS uses your thumb. And who uses the Blade-Tech retention holster, anyway?
I've tried both the Serpa and the ALS; the ALS is the better of the two, IMO.
On the other hand...Todd Jarrett likes the Serpa.
I've tried both the Serpa and the ALS; the ALS is the better of the two, IMO.
On the other hand...Todd Jarrett likes the Serpa.
The Serpa requires use of your trigger finger. The ALS uses your thumb. And who uses the Blade-Tech retention holster, anyway?
I've tried both the Serpa and the ALS; the ALS is the better of the two, IMO.
On the other hand...Todd Jarrett likes the Serpa.
I'll reiterate my post. Both find their users. I have used both and still own both for different pistols.
The ALS doesn't work so well for 1911s or rather, suitability will vary a lot. However, the now 'old school(?)' SLS is still effective.
I don't see a problem with BladeTech or Raven or any kydex level one retention holster. Most people don't even need level two.
If you are talking about the BladeTech ThumbDrive system...I don't know, a discussion topic nowadays, never touched one personally. It's a pseudo Serpa/ALS bastard child type retention though.
