The latest from Sean Northrop.
When was the last time you were shocked at how well a company or service responded to an inquiry you had?
For me… It wasn’t that long ago at all.Some of you may have had a few times things went faster, or better than expected, but we all know that’s not always going to be the case. I also know that for the majority of folks out there, they’re going to take a “Guarantee” or a “Promise” from any company with a grain of salt until proven otherwise. Now that’s not to say, that there aren’t a lot of great companies out there that back up their products and services as stated. But seeing Quality Control issues, and companies getting called out for lying about how or WHERE(China) a product is made. I’d say it’s ok to be skeptical sometimes.
Why is Customer Service SO Difficult Some Days?
Now for why I brought that up, Tier One Concealed. I absolutely love this company’s products, and they have more than a few to choose from.
With that being said, Most of us aren’t lucky enough to find a concealed carry holster that does what we need or want it to, and stays comfortable long-term on the first go around. And if you’ve ever read an article, or watched a video on holsters before, then you’ve definitely heard someone talk about the box full of them somewhere that ended up as rejects that some of us have filled along the way.
The one that ended that for me was the “Agis Elite” IWB holster. I had heard of the company, but until I ordered from them about this time last year, I had never had my hands on one. I decided on the Agis Elite for two reasons. One, I have a friend who swore by his at the time, and Two, it was the option that for me offered the most versatility. It gives you the option to wear as an Appendix IWB set up when snapped together, or you can separate the Holster and the Mag carrier and wear them individually.
Agis Elite IWB Holster and Mag Carrier
My Holster:
• Agis Elite• Color: Recon Ghost(Transparent Kydex with a Topographical pattern)• For: Glock 19 Gen 5, with a Streamlight TLR-7a• I have both their EZ adjust clips, and the UltiClip3+ clips for attaching to a belt or waist line.
When choosing your options it’s set up pretty simple and forward. You have nine options to choose from.
•Dominant Hand: Which after chosen allows you to see the options for firearm make/model selection.
•Color: There are 40+ choices. Base colors have no cost, but like the “Recon Ghost” that I chose, specialty patterns or options will range between an additional $20-$40. Some people like just plain old black for something that’s not supposed to be seen anyway. But hey… you can’t put a price on cool.
•Barrel, threaded or not.
•Belt Clip Style: 3 options, First is the EZ adjust, which is the best option for configuring exactly how you want it to ride, the Second are the UltiClip3+ clips, which are great if you’re in an outfit with no belt, Gym clothes, sweats, etc…, And Third are the Discrete Carry Concepts clips.
•After those you have Clip Configuration, Depth of Mag carrier, Wedge pack options, Individual wedge options, and finally if you would like to add a small tube of Loctite.
My Experience:
I mentioned earlier that I ordered my holster around this time last year. My wait time on delivery was no more than expected, but due to the lead time given to me for my color choice I wasn’t expecting overnight however, they do have QuickShip holsters available to send out immediately.
Once I received it, I wore it for about a week while making minor adjustments. Once I found what I liked I added the Loctite, if you don’t use any, you will have to check on the screws regularly.
Concealed Appendix Carry is Very Easy
For me, it’s been so comfortable I don’t even notice it anymore. It’s become like my watch or a pair of sunglasses. I know it’s there, but I forget about it until I need to use it. I’m not constantly adjusting, “Checking”, or worried about printing at all.
I would highly recommend checking out their site if you are, or are going to be in the market for one soon. Or hell, if you just want to give them a shot, you’re bound to find something you’ll love.
Their “Tier One” Customer Service:
To finish this off, it brings us back to the question I asked at the beginning of the article. When was the last time you were shocked at how well a company or service responded to an inquiry you had? Well, this past June was that time for me.
Good Customer Service Is All About Solving Problems
I wore my original holster that I purchased almost daily, from as little as 4 hours a day, to as long as over 24 hours straight. I used it for personal carry, and work-related carry doing Private Security. I’ve trained with it on plenty of static ranges. As well as ranges using movement, be it on foot, or from vehicles, running reactionary drills. In clothes from gym shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops. To suit and tie.
So when I noticed a crack in the Kydex, that ultimately led to it not being safe for use any more due to lack of retention. I was bummed out, but not surprised.
In the time frame that I had it. I’d run it through the wringer so to say. Not in an abusive way by any means, just lots of use. So in no way should that leave anyone thinking it was a quality issue. The original, along with the replacement I received, have both been a far cry from something I’d consider poor quality. On the contrary, I chose to write this because of how great of an experience I’ve had since the start.
The Death Song Of A Kydex Holster Is A Crack
I sent my initial email regarding the issue, and a possible fix, on June 13th. I received a response the same day. They had me confirm some information for them concerning my original order, as well as send them some photos of my holster. Once I had done that, the next day I received a follow-up response assuring me of an expedited replacement order. I got my new one in the mail not ten days later. Which I thought was great considering it took over a month for lead time originally because of my color pattern choice.
Fast And Problem Oriented
They were quick, helpful, understanding, and most importantly… they followed through 100% on what was promised. On top of that, I didn’t have to send the old one back. So I now have an extra mag carrier, and a backup set of hardware on standby should I ever need a replacement piece.
Check them out! You won’t be disappointed.
Sean Northrop
Sean is a Marine Corps Veteran that served 10 years Active Duty from 2004-2014. His time in service was spent in the Infantry, and went on multiple combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. As well as being an Instructor at Weapons & Field Training Battalion(West). He currently works in the Private Security Industry for two(non-competing) contractors. In his free time, if he’s not at the range, or building something, He is with his Wife, 3 children, and German Shepherd(Loki).
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