Alien Gear Holsters "ShapeShift Starter Kit" Now Called "ShapeShift Core Carry Pack"

by
posted on July 31, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ag_ss_thumbnail_core_carry.jpg

American Rifleman's various reviews of the Alien Gear Holsters ShapeShift Starter Kit have always included a mention of the great value it offers, highlighting the extensive and sophisticated content included in what sounds like an entry-level product. Check out this NRA Gun Gear of the Week video in which Joe Kurtenbach evaluates the kit, which includes a single polymer shell that is configured into four separately designed open and concealed carry styles on the beltline.

Now Alien Gear Holsters has renamed the "ShapeShift Starter Kit" to the "ShapeShift Core Carry Pack," which the company says more accurately describes its purpose and intended customer, and includes the most popular, essential everyday carry styles within the growing modular holster system.

The change was heavily influenced by customer feedback, according to Alien Gear Holsters COO Tim Treto. “There were questions about who the ‘Starter Kit’ was for and whether it had to be the first purchase in the ShapeShift Modular Holster System,” he said. “The four carry styles in the Core Carry Pack represent our most popularly requested holsters from all gun owners at all experience levels, which spurred the need for a name change in a system offering so many possibilities.”

The name change is the only alteration. It includes the same product at the same price with the same lifetime warranty.

“It’s similar to another recent change: our active retention thumb release,” Treto said. “As the product line was further developed, all aspects of it are continually revisited. These design and product changes take immense time and resources, but the outcome means we’re developing unprecedented holsters based on community feedback.”

Alien Gear Holsters says it is continually in the process of designing further holster iterations to expand and further develop the entire system, while a separate effort concurrently runs to increase the shell compatibility for additional guns in the ShapeShift Modular Holster System.

Additional Reading:
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Alien Gear ShapeShift Starter Kit  
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Alien Gear ShapeShift Expansion Packs
Tested: Alien Gear Holsters ShapeShift Starter Kit
Editors' Picks: Alien Gear ShapeShift Holster System
SHOT Show 2018: Alien Gear Holsters ShapeShift Expansion Packs
Alien Gear Announces Modular Shoulder Holster
Alien Gear Announces Car Holster Mount

Latest

013 Rrvstr Trio End 01
013 Rrvstr Trio End 01

What Should Ruger’s Future Revolvers Look Like?

Ruger’s revolvers would benefit from a few updates if the company ever decides to bring them back into production.

Savage Arms Expands Model 334 Line with New Chamberings & Compact Models

Initially introduced in 2023, the Savage Model 334 bolt-action lineup has been an affordable, no-frills platform for hunters and shooters, and in 2026, Savage has expanded the line with new chamberings and compact models.

Gun of the Week: Marlin Firearms Model 1894 Trapper 10 mm

One of the latest Marlin lever-action rifles on the market is the Model 1894 Trapper, and the company now offers the platform in a 10 mm Auto chambering.

Scout Rifle World Shoot Recap

There’s lot to learn about the Scout Rifle, and we tested one at the inaugural Scout Rifle World Shoot.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 6, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Six-Hour Gun: Saving a Family Heirloom

Simple math would have told anyone it wasn't worth fixing a $150 revolver. But to one family, this simple, common revolver meant everything.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.