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

Mendoza RM22 01
Mendoza RM22 01

Hecho en México: The Mendoza RM22 Rifles

Mendoza Firearms claims that its RM22 rimfire rifle is the first indigenously produced rifle to be exported to the United States.

Preview: MGE 1911 Grips

Mammoth Grip Exchange is a small startup company that specializes in crafting replacement stock sets for M1911-pattern pistols in a dizzying assortment of exotic materials...

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 2025

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

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.