Product Preview: Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 Holster

posted on October 14, 2015
** 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. **
aliengearholster_cloak30_2.jpg

Alien Gear did not invent the winged IWB handgun holster, but the Idaho-based company’s Cloak Tuck 3.0 has evolved the design in terms of construction, comfort and value. The key to the 3.0’s success is its layered design, especially its spring steel core. The thin steel sheet flexes for comfortable wear while still providing a solid infrastructure that seats the gun firmly into the molded holster. A layer of ballistic nylon and a neoprene backer provide a cushion between the gun and its wearer, and a leather-like thermo elastomer face protects the gun and, thanks to its “alien skin” texturing, helps hold it in place. The holster shell itself is molded polymer—Boltaron—and exhibits clean lines and full coverage from the trigger guard to the muzzle and front sights.

Adjustment of the holster’s cant, ride height and retention is facilitated by screws, nuts and spacers, and the clip attachment ports (three on each wing). In terms of belt attachment, the 3.0 is available with several options, from standard nylon belt clips to leather loops. As with other Alien Gear products, the Cloak Tuck 3.0 also comes with the company’s triple guarantee that includes a 30-day buyback, shell trade-in and a warranty on parts.

In reviewing this holster’s immediate predecessor, the Cloak Tuck 2.0, in an IWB “Round Up” earlier this year, I found it to be an excellent value, but in need of refinement in terms of fit and retention. I tested the 3.0 with three different guns—Springfield XD Sub-Compact (9 mm Luger, 24 ozs.), Kimber Super Carry Pro (.45 ACP, 28 ozs.) and Republic Forge Patriot (.38 Super, 40 ozs.)—over the course of two months, and was impressed by its comfort, concealment and ease of carry, regardless of the pistol’s weight. By listening to critics and continuing to evolve, Alien Gear has developed a holster that not only boasts best-in-class value, but also offers first-tier performance. Price: $44. Contact Alien Gear Holsters, (208) 215-2046.

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.