5.11 Thumb Drive holster
- Thread starter KDX
- Start date
Antoine1906
Member
- Location
- Sherbrooke, Quebec
I have one for my G17. The pistol fits nice and snug, it seems really well made.
I like it, never had any problems with it. Once you get used to it, you're able to draw pretty much as fast as if there was no "thumb drive". I don't really have a use for it anymore as I decided to go with G-Code. Still waiting for it to arrive so can't really compare at this point.
I like it, never had any problems with it. Once you get used to it, you're able to draw pretty much as fast as if there was no "thumb drive". I don't really have a use for it anymore as I decided to go with G-Code. Still waiting for it to arrive so can't really compare at this point.
Antoine1906
Member
- Location
- Sherbrooke, Quebec
Antoine1906
Member
- Location
- Sherbrooke, Quebec
Ok so I had the chance to play with my new G-Code holster and compare it with the 5.11. Here are my first impressions.
I have the XST holster. While both of them require your thumb to disengage the retention system, they are very different. With the 5.11 you need to drive your thumb down and when you're at the bottom of your movement, you lift the gun and it comes free out of the holster. With the G-code, you need to press the switch with your thumb, and then pull the gun out.
While the 5.11 drawing motion can seem a bit complicated, it really isn't. It's intuitive and everything is right where it needs to be. It takes a bit of practice to get the timing right and everything, but it's not a problem at all. For the thumb retention system on the G-Code, I'm having second thoughts. I find the lever to be oddly placed, too far behind. It makes drawing from the XST a bit awkward (for me), it almost feels as if it requires two distinct operations (press switch, pull the gun out) instead of one continuous movement with the 5.11. The thumb lever on the XST also feels flimsy...It moves side to side with not a lot of pressure and makes squeeky sounds, which I don't like. In the future, I'll go with the regular OSH holster. There is no need for that second level of retention in my opinion.
Other than that, both holsters seem really well made. The 5.11 feels and looks good. the G-code is your typical kydex holster, seems very solid. I'd give an edge for the G-code as it seems more durable.
Granted, I didn't have a whole lot of time to practice with the G-Code so these are just my first impressions. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it and be able to draw as fast as with the 5.11. The major thing that leads me to stay with G-Code is it's versatility. The RTI system works flawlessly and makes it really easy to switch holsters/configurations. I'm able to change from one pistol to another in a matter of seconds.
If you plan on using multiple pistols with the same system, I'd suggest going with G-code (OSH). If you just want a holster for one pistol in particular, then I'm sure the 5.11 will fill the bill very well. It's also less expensive than G-Code.
*On a side note for people that own a CZ, I was also looking for a holster for my CZ SP01 Shadow. I contacted G-code to see if they had plans on doing holsters for CZ pistols. They told me that they were on their list, but had no ETA. I did a bit of research and found a post on their facebook account saying that CZ was on their short list. That was almost two years ago. I'm probably going to go with Solely Canadian instead for a custom holster. They can make the holster compatible with the RTI system.
Anyways, depending on what you want to do with it, I don't think you can't go wrong with either of them based on my experience.
Hope this helped, don't hesitate if you have questions!
