Smart Carry and Lightning Wear?????

[Dex Sinister]

I assume by "Lightning Wear", you actually mean "ThunderWear". SmartCarry and ThunderWear are similar. There are some (like me) who want their firearms close to their body, but not necessarily attached directly to clothes (such as pants). Although I don't own either brand, I do adhere to their premise of keeping close control of the gun and deep conceal-ability. I don't need to remove the holster or place my gun elsewhere when visiting the restroom. My gun simply stays on me...

I wear a Velcro-based elastic belly band (ActionDirect) and am very pleased to have my gun hugging me closely--comfortably worn all day, every day. It makes it relatively easy for me to wear under most kinds of clothes.

- Ceicei

No, he's speaking of me. It really is "Lightningwear".

[Dex Sinister]

?? not found on e-bay or on google.
I'd go with smartcarry. Had mine 2 years, great for deep cover carry.Also has a sweat proof back panel that will protect your gun and a 60 trial period to try one out.

It is one word, not two. It comes up on a Google search.

Mine also has a 60-day trial period.

The "sweat-proof back panel" issue is interesting. I don't personally comment on the question (except in the abstract) as it might be seen as running down a competitor's product - but I do provide the link to Cushman and Marden's Cushmax (TM) product page which describes the actual physical properties of the material used on the back panel of the Smartcarry.

I think that both Smartcarry and Thunderwear are excellent products, and would recommend them without hesitation - but I do happen to like mine better. **;>=-

[Dex Sinister]

What is the opinion of the Smart Carry and Lightning Wear CC holsters - comfort, concealability, durability. All opinions and experience appreciated.

You can get some opinions by looking at my feedback comments on eBay - though you should, of course, be aware that not all 345 of them are directly related to the Lightningwear holster.

[HardCorps53]

Has anyone used the Smart Carry while riding a motrcycle?

[Dex Sinister]

Has anyone used the Smart Carry while riding a motrcycle?

I ride. The end of the muzzle inside the holster just sits on the seat between your legs, just like it does when you sit down or drive a car. Not that you're going to be able to draw it, of course, unless you're off the bike, or have both feet on the ground and the bike in neutral since it's a two-hand draw.

I'd imagine that if you had a bike where the seat raised up too much as it met the tank, that it might be a problem, though.

[HardCorps53]

Thanks Dex. I can't imagine trying to draw or fire from a moving motorcycle with any holster. Sounds like it may do the trick.

I ride. The end of the muzzle inside the holster just sits on the seat between your legs, just like it does when you sit down or drive a car. Not that you're going to be able to draw it, of course, unless you're off the bike, or have both feet on the ground and the bike in neutral since it's a two-hand draw.

I'd imagine that if you had a bike where the seat raised up too much as it met the tank, that it might be a problem, though.

[hk boy]

I just got my smart carry holster yesterday
I am "husky" build and I carry a Kel Tec PF9
when I look in the mirror, looks like the grip is printing thru pants
will try it on again tonight and readjust holster

[Dex Sinister]

I just got my smart carry holster yesterday I am "husky" build and I carry a Kel Tec PF9
when I look in the mirror, looks like the grip is printing thru pants will try it on again tonight and readjust holster

The best advice is to wear the holster as low as possible - 4"-5" below your navel. The belt can be higher in the back (and in any case rides up because of the slope of one's buttocks). This applies to all the brands -- Smartcarry, Lightningwear, Thunderwear -- they all work alike and put the pistol in the same position(s).

You'll want to put the holster on over your outer shirt, so that the holster keeps the shirt from bunching and getting in the way of the draw. You can pull the tail of the shirt out of the holster in the back and tuck it in over the strap in the back. That keeps it from riding up above your pants when you bend over. Generally, slightly tighter adjustment is preferable to slightly looser.

Most people who have ever worn these type holsters find that while there can be a bit of a bulge at the end of the grip, it's usually with a full-frame weapon. However even with a full-frame pistol, no one else sees this as something that says "gun".

It is holster wearing-height dependent, though: You can create a bulge if you wear the holster high (say, just under the belt) instead of as low as possible.

I've carried a Kahr K40 (pretty close in dimensions to the PF9, except thicker) for years, including while being frisked by concert-security personnel, and never had a problem with concealment. [Of course, the same security personnel also missed the S&W 4516 .45 in my (ex-)wife's gun purse too.]

[dandanthearmyman]

just wondering what do you all carry in this holster?

[tattedupboy]

I've used SmartCarry and while it is very good at concealing a handgun even under a tucked in shirt, it is not a very fast draw, especially while sitting. IWB and OWB are a much better combination of concealability and quick draw for me.