13 Zulu’s React custom kydex holster….is “da bomb”. That’s
the executive summary, so let me back up to the beginning. I ran across 13 Zulu
on facebook a few weeks ago, as I looked through the great gallery of photos I
had to wipe the drool from my chin. I am a gun geek and knew at that point I
had to have one. I’ve been wearing 13 Zulu’s “React” holster for a week now,
I’ve worn it to the range where we shot carbine and pistol making many
transitions from long gun to pistol. I’ve worn it as a conceal carry rig on
several outings around town, I’ve worn it to work, I’ve worn it during dry fire
practice. A week is about the minimum time I give something before I’ve made up
my mind if it’s going to work or not. I can usually tell earlier, but let’s not
rush to judgment, the media does a good job of that, but this is important
stuff.
My Holster is a 13 Zulu “React” Alpha package. It’s a belt
attached pancake style kydex holster which means the belt attachments are
pushed to the edges for a wider distribution of the pistol’s weight. 13 Zulu
does not market this holster for conceal carry, they have other models for that
application, but strong side external is how I wear for conceal carry and in
competition. Mike, the CEO of 13 Zulu, used my own words, “take your belt
through the first loop, then through your belt loop, and out the other
attachment for 3 points of contact on the belt”. I’ve used the exact statement
in numerous conceal carry classes. Following these instructions insures the
holster is in the same place every time, secure, and ready for use.
Why 13 Zulu’s holster? I’ve owned Galco Kydex, and more
recently a Blackhawk Serpa paddle holster. I left the Galco because of the
smaller size of the paddle they were using. The larger paddle of the Serpa and
the security of their Level 2 locking device was a step up over the Galco. The
belt attachment for the Serpa was a nice add on, but you can tell that not too
much thought was put into it. The Serpa belt attachment is dated technology, it
harkens back to the single point of contact against the belt, while the single
point is wide, it’s nowhere near as wide as the React holster and after many
hours of wear the comfort factor definitely tilts in favor of the React. Next
let’s look at the dimensions of both the React and the Serpa. The React is form
fitted on the curve to fit closely to the hip. I index the front belt loop on
the holster near the belt loop on my pants so that the majority of the pistol
rides at 3:30 on the clock face (just beyond the hip point). The widest part of
the React holster is from the edge of the belt loop to the center of the
outside kydex sheet, and measures roughly 1.5 inches on
the React.
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| 13 Zulu React holster Photo courtesy Double Tap |
This same measurement is 2 inches on the Serpa with a paddle
attached! That’s a 25% slimmer
fit on the profile for the React.
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| Blackhawk Serpa Photo courtesy Double Tap |
The retention is a friction type that is
custom fit to your gun. You need a crisp, purposeful pull to unseat the gun,
you’ll have a harder time easing the gun out of the holster, though that is
possible with a constant pull and good security on the belt. Typical running
and gunning will not jostle your gun out of this retention.
13 Zulu markets their holsters as a custom holster, they
offer features that are not found on off the shelf kydex rigs, such as a sweat
guard. The sweat guard brings the sheet of kydex higher between your body and
the gun, keeping your gun dry and sweet smelling when you smell like a dead
coyote that’s been left in the sun. I’ve not seen belt attachments pushed out
to the sides, pancake style, on any other kydex holster. 13 Zulu also offers
attachments to make their line of holsters compatible with MOLLE systems if
that option is needed. It is solid retention. Other customizations include
custom cant angles, custom belt loop sizes. The cant can be adjusted by the
screws holding the belt loops, or you can have the holster molded with a 10 or
15 degree cant. Lastly, there are many kydex colors available, not just basic
black, the MARPAT camo rocks and I see one in my future.
In my opinion holsters are about comfort and function.
Poorly designed holsters end up in a bin in the closet that I take to class and
say , “don’t buy one of these, it’s a POS”. The holster I wear in class is a
different story, this is the holster that is the most comfortable I have found,
doesn’t pinch, keeps my gun securely in place and at the end of a 10 hour day has
not added to my discomfort in any measurable way. I foresee wearing the React
for many classes to come, starting next weekend (June 10 NRA Basic).
In closing there are many reasons to check out 13 Zulu
holsters, I’ve mentioned criteria that are important to me. We all have
different criteria we use to measure the success or failure of a piece of gear,
and I’ve got limited space to write a review and keep your attention. In the
week I’ve been wearing this product, it has measured up to my criteria. It has
stayed in place, it has held my gun comfortably, I’ve been able to reholster my
pistol immediately as if I’ve been wearing it for a year. If you have
additional questions about the fit or function let me know, I’d be happy to
respond.
13 Zulu, made in the USA ( here in Northern Colorado), from
parts made in the USA, by Vets for sheep dogs, LEO’s and the guys and gals in
the far parts of the world doing the work of the country. Take 10 minutes from
your day and go give them a “like” and check out the photos of their work, and
if you need a holster by all means give them a shout.
