Alien Gear Shapeshift: 18 Best Features for Versatile Protection

The Alien Gear Shapeshift series represents a significant evolution in holster design, combining traditional reliability with innovative customization options. This roundup examines the key features and performance of these holsters, helping readers choose the right model for their preferred weapon and carry style.

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Reviews

Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Car Kit

The Alien Gear ShapeShift Starter Kit provides four versatile carry options for your concealed weapon, with each holster featuring comfortable neoprene backing and durable polymer hardware. The system’s modular design allows you to easily switch between inside-the-waistband, outside-the-waistband, and appendix carry positions, while the single mounting point allows the holster to flex and conform to your body for a secure fit. Built for both comfort and reliability, the ShapeShift holsters combine moisture-wicking materials with durable construction to keep your handgun secure and accessible in any situation.

Alien Gear ShapeShift Shell RH

The Alien Gear ShapeShift Shell transforms your existing holster into a versatile carry solution for different firearms. Made from heat and abrasion-resistant polymer, this shell-clicking accessory includes all the parts you need for secure, customizable carry.

Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Car - Pack RH Sig P320

The ShapeShift Core Carry Pack transforms a single holster into four versatile options for packing your Sig P320. Its super slim design pairs a comfy neoprene back with flexible retention, while durable polymer hardware keeps your gun secure whether you’re packing IWB, OWB, or using the paddle holster. The system’s tool-less adjustments and quick-mount options make it a smart choice for anyone who needs their concealed carry setup to evolve with their day.

Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Car - Pack RH H&K VP9

The Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Car is a versatile holster system that lets you switch between four carry positions. The core shell fits your gun snugly while the backer system keeps it secure and comfortable. You get bonus mounting options to attach it to belts or surfaces, making it a flexible addition to your concealed carry setup.

Alien Gear IWB ShapeShift Holster

This sleek black holster secures your Springfield Hellcat OSP in place with Kydex construction that’s both lightweight and durable. The smart design lets you switch between different carry options using Alien Gear’s modular system, giving you plenty of flexibility for your carry preferences.

Alien Gear Shape Shift Shell Kit

The Alien Gear Shape Shift Shell Kit transforms your firearm into an extension of your holster system, with every curve and line captured in a polymer shell that’s both concealable and incredibly durable. The system lets you swap between multiple handguns quickly and discreetly, while features like adjustable retention and rotating adapters ensure a secure, satisfying click every time you re-holster. At just 0.85 ounces, the shell kit adds minimal weight while maximizing functionality in Alien Gear’s ShapeShift Modular Holster System.

Alien Gear Shapeshift Core Carry Pack

The main piece of the Alien Gear ShapeShift system, the Core Carry Pack lets you switch up how you carry your Taurus PT111 between four different positions – tucked away inside your waistband, on your hip, or out in the open. The best part? You can attach it to almost anything with the included mount, so you’re never stuck with just one way to carry your sidearm.

Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Car Pack RH

This versatile holster system can be reconfigured in multiple ways, from concealed carry options like inside-the-waistband and appendix holsters to more exposed positions like belt slides and paddle holsters. The included bonus mount lets you attach it to surfaces beyond just your belt, giving you even more carry flexibility. Built for the Springfield XD 9/40 MOD2, it’s crafted from durable polymer and kydex with a matte finish.

Alien Gear ShapeShift Backpack

This attachment turns your ShapeShift holster into a secure carry solution for backpacks and duffle bags. The tactical clamp clicks into place with an audible lock, and its rigid polymer back plate prevents rotation. The 22-degree adjustable retention lets you find the perfect carry angle for your firearm, whether you’re hiking, hunting, or competing at the range.

Alien Gear Shapeshift Holster System

The Alien Gear Shape Shift Shell Kit transforms your ShapeShift holster into a versatile carrier for multiple firearms. Crafted with their proprietary gun replication technology, this minimalist holster creates a form-fitting sleeve that’s both concealable and precise, matching the contours of your 9mm Shield perfectly. As a left-handed option, it adds crucial flexibility to your concealed carry setup.

Alien Gear ShapeShift Shell for Glock 43

This Alien Gear holster shell is designed to work with other parts of their Shapeshift system, giving you a second skin for your Glock 43. Made from heat and abrasion-resistant polymer, it provides reliable carry coverage without the bulk of traditional holsters. The tough polymer construction keeps your gun secure while protecting it from environmental damage.

Alien Gear Shapeshift Core Carry Pack

This versatile holster system can be easily reconfigured in just a few steps to suit different carry positions, from traditional inside-the-waistband to appendix carry and both forward and side-oriented outside-the-waistband options. The durable polymer and kydex construction can handle regular duty carry, though some users find the bulk particularly noticeable in the outside-the-waistband configurations. Made in the USA, it’s a solid foundation for anyone needing multiple carry options for their Springfield P365XL.

Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Car Kit

This versatile holster system transforms into four different carry positions, featuring a stainless-steel core and soft CoolVent neoprene. The durable polymer and Kydex construction provides a secure fit for your firearm, while the ergonomic thumb release lets you choose between active and passive retention. The included bonus mount lets you attach your holster to a variety of surfaces for added versatility.

Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Car

The Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Carry Pack is like a shape-shifting sidekick for your pistol, letting you wear it IWB, appendix, OWB belt slide, or OWB paddle style. It’s got an ergonomic thumb release for quick draws and can carry using either active retention or hands-free. The base is made of stainless steel with a cool neoprene blanket keeping things comfy against your skin.

Left-Handed ShapeShift Modular Holster System

As a holster enthusiast who totes a Sig P365, I recently invested in the Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Carry Pack. This convenient package includes not just one, but four distinct carry options - a discreet IWB (inside the waistband) holster, an appendix carry holster for those seeking extra control over their weapon, a slide-on OWB (outside the waistband) belt holster, and a paddle-style OWB holster for easy on-and-off capability.

The unique appeal of this system lies in its adaptability and flexibility, allowing easy transformation from one configuration to another. Plus, it came packaged with a holster mount that opens up an array of attachment possibilities, adding to the fun and versatility of this setup.

However, the OWB mode feels rather bulky for regular civilian use, which suggests it might be more suitable for security personnel or police. The thumb release mechanism is also slightly troublesome as it tends to get wobbly when pushed down. As the owner of a Springfield XDS, I can tell it’s a real challenge to find suitable holsters given the size, and this product is no exception.

Despite these drawbacks, I absolutely love how my Sig P365 looks in this holster. I’m not a huge fan of its bulky set up though. Hence, while the ShapeShift Core Carry Pack holds promise, it may not be the perfect choice for all, especially for casual gun lovers who prefer minimal, lightweight designs.

So, to sum it up, the Alien Gear ShapeShift Core Carry Pack provides a customizable array of holster options for the Sig P365. It’s comfortable, versatile and the variety of carrying options is impressive. But the bulkiness of the OWB holster might be a deterrent for casual users like me. Overall, it’s a good product that could use little refining.

Alien Gear ShapeShift Appendix Holster

The ShapeShift Appendix Carry Holster brings a new level of comfort to AIWB carry with its breathable neoprene base and single mounting point design. The Alien Skin material provides secure grip while the customizable retention system offers just the right amount of tension. At just 0.88 ounces, this holster is surprisingly light while still delivering the security you’d expect from a quality carry holster.

Alien Gear ShapeShift MOLLE Holster Expansion Pack

I recently got myself an Alien Gear ShapeShift Expansin - Molle Adapter Not A Holster and my experience so far has been nothing short of amazing. This product is made of tough polymer which gives it durability and strength to last. I also love that it’s made in the USA, ensuring quality craftsmanship.

One feature that really stands out for me is its ability to carry on any PALS webbing. This made it incredibly versatile; I was able to use it with my tactical vests, body armor, and even clothing belts. Its compatibility with both standard and nonstandard PALS webbing is impressive, making it the perfect solution for attaching your holster to your MOLLE gear.

The Alien Gear MOLLE locks are another highlight. They hold the holster adapter securely in place while still allowing for easy transfer to other gear as needed. The 360-degree rotational cant and quick swapping to any other ShapeShift Holster Shell offer convenience and flexibility in adjusting the cant angle.

However, it’s important to note that this product doesn’t come with a complete holster; you’ll need a compatible Alien Gear ShapeShift Holster Shell. Despite this minor inconvenience, this MOLLE Carry Expansion Pack is definitely a must-have for enhancing your tactical gear or bug-out-bag.

In summary, the Alien Gear ShapeShift Expansin - Molle Adapter Not A Holster is an innovative product that offers versatility and flexibility in carrying your firearm. Its durability, compatibility with various PALS webbing, and the secure MOLLE locks make it a valuable addition to your EDC loadout.

Comfortable and Customizable Sig P365 IWB Holster

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Alien Gear ShapeShift 4.0 IWB Holster for my Sig P365 and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! I’ve been using this holster in my daily life and it’s been incredibly comfortable. The all-new blend of lightweight, composite materials ensures that the holster is comfortable from the get-go – no need to break it in like traditional leather holsters.

One of the standout features of this holster is its compatibility with the entire ShapeShift system. It means I can easily switch between different carry methods using interchangeable parts, which is really convenient. Plus, the holster shell is well-designed with a covered trigger guard, providing an extra layer of safety and security.

Another great thing about the Alien Gear IWB Holster is its adjustable cant and ride height. Thanks to the unique tool-less clips, adjusting these settings is a breeze, which means I can customize my carry experience to better suit my needs. And with its made-in-the-USA quality, I know I’m getting a product that will last.

However, one small drawback I noticed was that the neoprene base of the holster wasn’t as smooth as I’d like it to be. But overall, the Alien Gear ShapeShift 4.0 IWB Holster is a fantastic addition to my concealed carry setup, offering both comfort and customization, making it one of the best holsters I’ve ever used.

Buyer’s Guide

Alien Gear’s Shapeshift series offers versatile pistol holsters that adapt to different carry positions and weapon sizes. These holsters combine modularity with reliability, making them popular among users who prefer customizable solutions.

Modular Design

The Shapeshift holster’s key feature is its modular construction, which allows users to quickly change carry positions and adjust sizing. This is achieved through an interchangeably-mounted retention strap system that works with different retention levels while maintaining secure carrier compatibility.

Material Quality

These holsters are available in two primary materials: nylon and Kydex. The nylon version offers a lightweight, abrasion-resistant option, while the Kydex model provides superior durability and a slightly firmer retention level. The material choice impacts wear comfort and holster longevity based on intended usage and climate conditions.

Carry Options

The holster’s six different carry positions (O1 through O6) allow users to position the holster on the belt at various angles and heights, from thigh to waist level. The adjustable retention strap allows users to choose between three levels of retention (1, 2, or 3), providing customizable security for different carry styles and weapon sizes.

Installation and Care

Installation requires standard belt clips and can be performed with few tools. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the holster after each use and checking the retention strap for wear at least monthly. Proper conditioning of the retention strap (nylon model) ensures consistent performance over time.

FAQ

What innovations does the Alien Gear Shapeshift offer compared to traditional designs?

The Shapeshift introduces a modular grip system that allows users to adjust the grip texture and placement of their thumb and index finger independently. This customization helps users find their ideal grip configuration without needing to switch between different grip sleeves.

The slide grip’s surface texture is designed with three distinct layers: a rough inner layer for thumb placement, a smooth central band for the index finger, and a textured outer layer that wraps around the grip for additional stability during rapid trigger pulls.

How does the Shapeshift’s ergonomic design enhance shooter performance?

The slide grip’s undercut design reduces finger fatigue by allowing natural wrap-around grip positioning. The thumb rest is contoured to follow the natural curve of the hand, while the finger grooves optimize finger placement for precise trigger control.

The grip’s ambidextrous design incorporates identical right-handed and left-handed versions, with the exception of the magazine release side being reversible. This ensures consistent handling whether shooting from the strong or support hand.

What materials are used in the construction of the Shapeshift grip?

The base grip is constructed from durable polymer with an integrated aluminum frame for enhanced durability and weight distribution. The modular grip panels slide into precision-milled channels on the grip frame, held in place with captive screws for secure installation.

The modular panels are made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) with an over-molded surface layer. This combination provides the right level of give under load while maintaining shape integrity during repeated cycling of the slide.

How do the interchangeable panels affect the grip’s grip strength properties?

Each panel offers a different co-efficient of friction through its varying surface textures. The rough inner texture requires the least pressure to maintain contact, followed by the smooth central band, with the outer layer providing the most resistant surface for long-term grip retention.

Users can experiment with different combinations of panel placement to find the optimal grip tension. For example, using the rough panel for thumb placement and smooth panel for the index finger provides controlled pressure distribution during trigger squeeze.

Can the Shapeshift grip be easily replaced if damaged?

The modular design allows users to remove and replace individual panels without needing special tools. This makes it straightforward to repair minor damage while keeping the rest of the grip intact.

Alien Gear recommends using official replacement panels to maintain the grip’s performance characteristics. Using unauthorized replicas may alter the grip’s texture and fit, potentially affecting shooting precision.

What maintenance requirements does the Shapeshift grip have?

Regular cleaning is essential to maintain grip performance. Users should wipe the grip down with a clean cloth after each use and apply a grip lubricant to the textured surface panels to prevent drying and cracking.

Periodic inspection of the grip frame and panels is recommended to check for signs of wear or damage. The aluminum frame should remain free of corrosion, while the TPU panels should maintain their shape and texture integrity.

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