Dara Holsters ALQD
So, as always, let's start with my relationship to Dara. I have NONE, outside of a few messages on Instagram. Everything I've ever purchased from Dara (5+ holsters, ALQD system, etc.) have been at full-cost/or during deals they are running, but nothing has ever been given to me, nothing was given in exchange for a positive review, no affiliate link, nothing. Just a review of a product I've used for YEARS and love.
Is the Dara Holsters ALQD System a Must-Have Upgrade for Serious Shooters?
If you’re running multiple firearms or setups, efficiency matters, and that’s exactly where the Dara Holsters ALQD system shines. When you're out on the range for long periods of time, shooting multiple different platforms, that's where the ALQD is amazing. It's not overly heavy to where you'll get belt sag on one side, or feel off balance on the range; it's a pretty simple and lightweight system. On days when I'm doing long test & evaluation (T&E) range days, the ALQD is fantastic for switching between guns without taking my whole belt setup off. I simply switch the lever on the ALQD then pull the gun out. Swap the new gun in and lock the lever, and it's in there like swim wear.
IF you're running one gun, and you've always got the Glock on and nothing else, the ALQD probably isn't a worthwhile upgrade for you. I'd go for standard belt loops or some other system; if you need more rigidity because you're using it in a tactical setup, law enforcement, military, you might lean more towards some of Safariland's offerings.
Fast, Seamless Gun Changes
The ALQD (Adaptive Locking Quick Disconnect) system allows you to swap between firearms in seconds. Whether you're transitioning between training setups or running different platforms, there’s no downtime - just click in and go. As mentioned above, this is where the ALQD shines. Picture below to show an example of me swapping guns.
Rock-Solid Security
Speed doesn’t come at the cost of reliability. Once locked in, the ALQD system is incredibly secure, holding your holster firmly in place through movement, drills, and real-world use. Over multiple years of using the ALQD in classes, training environments, competitions, and just normal (long) range days, I've never had an issue with a gun falling out, coming loose, the system loosening up over times, losing strength on the locking mechanism, etc.
Simple & Intuitive Design
No complicated setup, no guesswork. The system is designed to be user-friendly right out of the box, making it perfect for both seasoned shooters and those upgrading their gear. It was so easy a caveman (me) could figure it out right out of the box.
Built for Performance
Whether you're on the range, in training, or setting up your kit, the ALQD system delivers the perfect balance of interchangeability, range-time efficiency, and security on your weapon platform.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to streamline your loadout and maximize efficiency, the Dara Holsters ALQD system is fantastic for shooters with multiple guns that swap around on the range. For competition shooters, having the ability to bring a back-up gun in-case one goes down is a game-changer (with the quick swap), especially if you're on a time-crunch between stages. At my last PCSL 2-gun match, I brought my backup Glock ready to swap in-case anything happened with my G17.5 (which it didn't, but having that peace of mind is nice).
