FOBUS USA

Israel is surrounded by countries that have, at one time or another, literally attempted to wipe them off the map. Consequently, Israelis take their equipment seriously. Function may follow form, but function is most important. This applies no only to weapons, but other gear as well. One example of this is the Fobus Tactical Elite holsters manufactured in Israel and imported for distribution in the United States by Fobus USA.

Although my personal preference is for leather holsters, I like and have used many holsters made from synthetic materials. Fobus Tactical Elite Holsters are made with a thermo-plastic material and injection molded. The results are holsters that are weapon specific, fit like a glove but are inexpensive.

I recently received several Fobus holsters to sell on ebay and was impressed with both their workmanship and function. This was for both the Fobus belt  and paddle holsters.

I don''t particularly care for paddle holsters. It''s not because they don''t work "as advertised," but rather because they are a little too easy to put on and take off. Human nature being what it is, a handgun that is carried in a paddle holster may end up being in a desk drawer or glove box when it is needed the most. I have seen this happen with others and have been guilty of it myself.

With that said, I really liked these holsters. The first holster I tried was made for a glock 23 The pistol snapped into the holster with an audible "click." Holding the holstered pistol upside down over my sofa, I shook it vigorously in an attempt to dislodge the pistol from the holster with no luck. The only way to get the pistol out was to snap the wrist on the down stroke. The pistol will stay in place under normal walking, running, jumping or even during a backwards summersault.

I was pleased at how good the holster felt when placed on the belt; part of which may stem from the fact that Fobus Holsters weigh less than two ounces. After my first draw stroke I began to like this holster even more. There was no drag as is there is with some new holsters and it allowed for a very "clean" presentation. In fact, my initial impression was that this holster was so fast that it was almost scary.

Other products evaluated were holster for Glock 17, 19 and 30 pistols, a magazine/flashlight combo that will fit Surefire and Scorpion type tactical lights, and double and single magazine pouches.

Another holster, that I found both unique and function, was what Fobus calls the Roto-Holster™. The back of the holster and the front side of the paddle has numerous sprocket-like teeth that engage each other. By loosening an Allen-head screw the holster can be rotated 360 degrees and then tightened to whatever angle the operator desires. It can, therefore, be worn strong side, cross draw, or in the small of the back. The Roto-Holster™ gives a user numerous options with the purchase of a single holster.

During the evaluation I wondered how the Fobus line would hold up to ambient heat. I placed my Glock holster on the dashboard of my explorer, rolled up the windows, and left it for several hours. This was in mid-summer in massachusetts, and outside temperature was 80 degrees in the hottest part of the day. The temperature in side the truck was much hotter. When I retrieved the holster there was no apparent damage.

One question frequently asked of me is how to a product will hold up after long use. After three months of using Fobus Holsters on a regular basis, I can report that there is no apparent wear or loosening up of the form fit. I have a friend who has used on every day for several years and it still looks like new.

Overall I found the Fobus line of holsters to be a quality product. Averaging less than thirty bucks retail, they are also an exceptional value.