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A while back I posted a “first look” of the CloakTuck 3.5. I’ve had it a few weeks now and I’m been carrying it pretty regularly. For those who may have missed the first look post, I bought the holster for my Sig Sauer SP 2022.
Table of Contents
CloakTuck 3.5 basics
The thing about the CloakTuck is that there are two parts to it. There’s the backer, and then there’s the Kydex shell. I’m using Kydex the same way I use Kleenex or Velcro; I’m not sure if they use the technical material or not but it performs the correct function.
One note: this particular holster is for autoloaders. They make a version for revolvers, but the shells are completely different. As you might expect.
As you can see below, there are four Allen head screws that hold the shell to the backer. They’re also the adjustment for retention.
If you want to use the same backer for a different gun, you just need to get a different Kydex shell from them. They’re currently about $25.
I also have an older version of the CloakTuck: the 2.0. I believe I’ve had this since about 2016. As you can see, it’s a bit more worn.
The thing is, most of that wear is cosmetic. The holster works fine. This particular 2.0 is set up for my M&P Shield.
The shells
As I mentioned, you can get multiple shells for the same backer. It’s not that hard to change them, but it’s a several minute process. Not sure I’d want to do it regularly.
However, if you look at the pictures of the two holsters, old and new, you’ll note that the bolt patterns look the same. That’s because they are; I measured them. I also called AlienGear support, and they confirmed that I can use shells from the older version on the new one.
That could come in handy; not only do I have a shell for the Shield, but I also have one for a full size 1911 and, I believe, my Sig P229.
For my purposes, I probably won’t mess with it. I have other holsters for those three firearms. I could see the utility for some, though.
The clips
The clips are sturdy plastic. Polymer. Whatever you want to call them. They’re the same as on the older holster. As I said, that’s about six years old now. No cracks or breakage ever.
What has changed is how they’re held on. If you look at the pictures above, you’ll see an Allen screw into a nut/washer combo. It was fine, but every couple weeks I had to tighten those up. I guess I could have used LocTite, but I never did.
On the new one, the attachment is just based on the shape. As you can see in the picture below, the clip has an alien-looking post and the holster has an alien-looking slot. Flip the clip upside down and it comes off and can be moved into one of the three slots to change cant or ride height.
Nothing comes through to the back now. I can’t say I ever really noticed the metal parts, but I’d rather not have them than have them.
Comfort
It’s really comfortable. I’m not going to say I don’t notice a 35 oz gun on my side, but it rides well. It doesn’t dig in and the weight is spread over a wide area. Clip to clip is about 9″. The 3.5 weighs 7.5 oz. The 2.0 is 6.5 oz. So a touch heavier. The picture below is my best guess for the reason why.
The old one was straight across the bottom. The new one has a dip, which means that the slide of longer barrel guns will not be pressing into your skin. I’ll accept the ounce increase.
My older one I’d messed with the cant a bit. On the newer one, I just didn’t see the point. I’m not sure if it’s a difference in the holster itself, or I just want the Shield adjusted differently.
I’ve mentioned before, I don’t like Kydex against my skin. Leather is fine, and this neopreone is even better. If you don’t mind hard plastic, then ignore this paragraph.
It does what a holster should.
- It holds the firearm securely.
- It doesn’t get in the way of concealment.
- It protects the trigger.
- It’s comfortable.
I don’t think #4 gets enough love. I’ve heard people say that a concealed carry gun should be comforting, not comfortable. Hogwash. Horse puckey. Nonsense.
Maybe in the 60s or whatever that was true. Anymore, it’s just silly. Modern holsters are effective and comfortable. And the fact is, the more comfortable something is the more likely it will be done.
Conclusion
I bought this holster because I wanted to see what the current generation was like. I’m pretty impressed. They took one of the best holsters I’ve used and made it better. Hard to complain about that.
You can also order directly from AlienGear.
AlienGear also has a pretty good deal on a two holster combination.
