Alien Gear Shapeshift 4 in 1 Holster - IWB, Appendix, OWB Paddle, and OWB Belt Slide Included - Concealed and Open Carry - Tuckable - Right/Left Hand Draw

My first impression when I received this product was that I was impressed. The package was very well designed without being overly flashy. Don't get me wrong, it's not like it comes in a shiny metal box that can double as an ammo can, but the box it comes in is certainly better than the typical clear plastic boxes/bags that other holsters tend to be packaged in.Once I opened the box, right on top were the bases for the IWB and Appendix set-ups as well as the instructions. Lift the cardboard with these bases and you find all the other components for this system, neatly organized in their own respective cut outs of a foam pad. But enough about the packaging. We're not paying for a box and foam right?The holster shell itself, is very light weight, has an overall thinner wall thickness than the Black hawk serpa holster, yet it feels as though it has the same level of durability. When comparing the Alien Gear Holster shell mechanisms to those of the Black Hawk serpa: the level 2 retention thumb release of the Alien Gear holster is the only part that I find has a slightly clumsy/flimsy feel. There is some tendency for it to bend a bit when trying to activate the release. This may have to do with my lack of practice with the holster thus far as well as the mechanism being new and not having seen any use. So I'll give it a break in period. This retention device acts in the same manner as the finger release on the Black Hawk serpa in that when the pistol is fully inserted, a latch catches on the trigger guard to keep it in place.The tension adjustment on the Alien Gear is designed to be extremely easy to use. Given the interchangeable nature of this platform, Alien Gear made it to where you can swap the holster shell from one method of carry to the other without the use of tools. The only time you need tools is when initially setting up the different carry platforms to your personal preference. The tension is adjusted using one of the shell twist locks. This is very handy when switching from one carry style to another due to wanting a different tension on the pistol in the holster.The paddle is equipped with a quick release that allows you remove the pistol while still in the holster directly from the paddle. It also allows you to adjust the angle of the holster. This is similar in function to the quick disconnect system available for the Black Hawk holsters. The main differences between the two systems is that the Black Hawk's system requires you to pull two clips then turn the holster to remove it, While the Alien Gear holster simply requires a button push and you can pull it out. One aspect that I'm not fond of with the Alien Gear system is that to put the holster onto the paddle, you have to push the button as well. Also, to change the angle you have to remove the holster, then turn it to your desired angle and put the holster back in. It's not a huge deal, but it would be nice to be able to just push the holster onto the paddle and have it lock in place without having to press the button.The paddle of the Alien Gear is considerably narrower than that of the Black Hawk, but has the same if not better level of comfort that the Black Hawk.Both the IWB and Appendix bases are comfortable, durable and easy to set up. The IWB base has adjustable belt clips to adjust the height and angle of carry and, again, no tool needed to make this adjustment. The Appendix base can be used for either an IWB or OWB carry with the supplied belt attachments. Swapping from IWB to OWB is easy and doesn't take much time at all.Overall, I am impressed with this set. The options of carry that are available with this system and the quality of the materials make this holster well worth the price point. If it wasn't for the very minor things that I personally didn't care for like the level 2 thumb release having a tendency to bend a bit, and the quick release not just snapping into place on the paddle without having to press the button, I'd say its a perfect system.

The Holster showed up in a nice shiny box packaged very nicely which I appreciated. The holster had a nice hard shell that was super easy to swap around to the different carry positions, which was also very fun to do. Kinda like a toy for men. It was very comfortable to wear in all the positions. Definitely a very well executed all in 1 holster. You’d think because it’s trying to do everything at once then it would be bad at doing anything right, but you’d be wrong with that assumption. This holster delivers on everything it claims to do, to the letter.

My shapeshifter kit was missing a part, and as soon as I contacted Alien they had the part shipped to me to make the kit whole. Great customer service! The product is awesome as well.

I have had a few holsters now since buying my 9mm S&W Shield Plus Performance Center however they just weren't right for me. I bought this shapeshifter holster, primarily looking for a level 2 thumb release and also looking for more versatility in a holster not knowing exactly what I like yet in a holster. After a few uses, I am very pleased with the quality of materials and versatility, especially for those who don't know yet how they like to carry. This assures great passive retention for your gun. The holster so far has held up real well for normal everyday wear and the back padding for IWB is very comfortable, as is the IWB paddle. There are a lot of parts and does take some getting used to assembling the various options.My biggest disappointment with this so far is the thumb release. I am not sure if it will just need breaking in or not but when testing the thumb release out, the release did not release the pistol and actually got jammed or is just so tight in there around the trigger guard and had to get my husband to get it out. He nearly couldn't get it out either, I thought we were going to break the thumb release pushing so hard. Trying it again with the half shell, it appears the release just has a hard time getting around the trigger guard on release. The thumb release also covers what feels like so much vertical distance for my thumb it doesn't seem practical then adding the stiffness/difficulty it already has to release the gun.I don't think I'll be using the thumb release which is disappointing as I really was looking for a holster with this option and was so excited when I realized the shapeshifter had it. Overall, I would highly recommend this brand but I would not buy it solely for the thumb release (which is removable).

Fit perfect for my XD.40 I love the fact it comes with the different attachments for an amazing price. The fact that I can adjust the retention on my firearm is great. And it’s comfortable. . 3 weeks ago I ordered a WE THE PEOPLE holster and it still hasn’t showed up. I ordered ALIEN GEAR and it took a week. VERY WORTH GETTING THIS HOLSTER!!! MY wife also carries and she said the same. None of her holsters are as comfortable as this one.

Been using a hybrid leather/kydex for years...and I mean almost a decade and well, I finally got this setup. First off, the comfort for the iwb appendix carry is just bliss. I actually forgot I had it on me multiple times. And the versatility you cant beat. During the winter I usually open carry since my coats cover it, and summer conceal, well now in about 30 sec I can go from iwb to owb without having to go through my stashes of holsters.I have my canter adjusted to match my old holster so I do have to retrain with it.So this one setup is now motivating to get rid of all my others.

Awesome product and is exactly what I needed. Arrived at my house in a reasonable amount of time