Roughly two years ago Safariland was kind enough to host a group of media types out to their California "base" to share the latest (at the time) grouping of new products. One of the items was the 7TS Holster. Just today the same company came out with 30 MORE fits.
This announcement reminded me that I was holding onto one of these. It originally came to me in specific packaging: a full bag of water sloshing around with a handful of jagged rocks. The idea behind this was to demonstrate that even after the trip it took through the delivery service it would stand up to being underwater for the entire time. Wait, strike that, would stand up to being whacked by these stones for the entire time. It did. Peering through the plastic bag there were no scratches, no dents, just - you know - really wet. (Cue the point: this would survive the rain storm in which you might get caught. Shouldn't all holsters?)
Ok. And? How far can I push this thing? What can I do to up the ante? So I put this on hold ... in my basement ... in my freezer ... in a block of ice ... for two years.
Let's find out what happened to it, shall we?
Nothing. That's what. The laminate still holds a bit of flex which explains survival of my "unboxing." There's a video attached to this where you can watch as my hammer almost bounces off. Can you say resiliency? It might be worth mentioning here that the video you see is the third take and that there was roughly 45 seconds prior to beginning the shot of full hits. Again, you'll see the result.
The 7TS includes a set of set screws to tighten and loosen the fit. Even after the time in water then ice there's no rust or loosening. I figured at least the ice would expand them a bit and put the shape out of alignment. I was wrong. How can ice move my concrete sidewalk but not these fasteners? Perhaps this is indicative of the holster's weather-proofing.
There are scratches. I'll be honest. But if it takes a claw hammer of straight-on beating ... So if you're asking if it'll survive your day on patrol - there's a good chance.
Now what?
So what shall we put this through next? Suggest a torture test in the comments or email and I'll try and do what's possible.
As always, stay safe, and thank you.
