Recently released, the differences between Safariland’s 6004 Drop Flex Adaptor (DFA) and its 6005 Leg Strap (LS) shroud may appear minimal—but their differences in design and function could be the difference in terms of comfort and function. Knowing what separates the two can help you decide which is best for your needs.
Shared Values
Both the DFA and LS use a nylon blend of polymer that is injection molded for increased flexability. This blended material makes Safriland’s holster and mounting systems very durable and highly resistant to moisture, oil, or resins.
Both the DFA and LS are available with the optional Quick Locking System (QLS) that mounts directly to the leg shroud and enables the holster to be quickly disconnected or reattached as needed.
The leg shroud itself is available for both the DFA and LS as a single or double leg strap version, or as a lightweight alternative and include front and rear mounting holes for magazine holsters or other accessories.
Likewise many of Safariland’s holsters are configurable at the time of purchase for a variety of popular weapon lights, such as the Streamlight TLR-1 HL (featured). Note from Safariland: When ordering a holster for a handgun with a compensated barrel, you should order the next size up. For example if using a G19 with a Zev Tec Comp, you should order for a G17. But for compensators longer than 0.50″ then the G34 would be the next size to consider
Where They Differ
Perhaps the biggest area where the DFA and LS platforms differ is in the material and design that allow the overall leg shroud to flex between the thigh and belt. The traditional LS uses a 2” wide band of nylon webbing material (often connected via QD release or simple belt loop) to anchor the leg shroud to the belt.
In contrast, the DFA has a centralized “stalk” of the same blended material that provides improved flexibility, stability, and adjustability. Additionally, the DFA has a much broader cinch area at the top to secure the holster to the belt (as wide as 2.25”) and prevent creep forward or back. Additionally the DFA has an adjustable height to adjust the drop to the body type of each specific end-user.
Both the DFA and LS are available in FDE and OD Green (featured), as well as Black, Coyote Brown, and Foliage Green.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Fair (2/5): In the evaluated configuration of the DFA and LS (both with QLS), the platforms ran between $79 and $97 depending on color and configuration selected at the time of purchase. This list price does not include the holster itself, which can vary in cost from firearm model, finish, and configuration. In comparison to other thigh holster platforms, such as the Drop Leg Single ($57) by G-Code, the Holster Platform ($79.95) by Blackhawk, or the Single-Point Drop Leg ($70) from HSGI all illustrate the variance in material and design for thigh platforms that influences overall cost. In terms of the market, both the DFA and LS are at the higher end of cost for a foundational platform to mount individually chosen holster onto. However, considering the SafariSeven™ material and included QLS to each platform their cost is a fair price considering what is included.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): From a comfort aspect, while both DFA and LS platforms had some similarities in mounting styles, but the difference in how the thigh platform connected into the belt spelled out the largest difference. The more traditional LS had a wide nylon band that connected the belt mount to the thigh platform and performed better in dynamic movements with continual articulation. However, the LS was less comfortable than the DFA in extreme range movements (such as sitting in a vehicle or squatting behind a barricade) as the nylon band in the LS proved to be slightly more rigid. The DFA’s centralized “stalk” and polymer material handled the more extreme movements with greater comfort and didn’t restrict range of motion in the leg or thigh. Regardless of the minor differences, both DFA and LS held an appropriate (or average) level of comfort and flexibility.
- Durability – Average (3/5): The durability of both the DFA and LS came back to the base thigh platform, which was made from the core SafariSeven™ material. This blended polymer material (though a unique blend to Safariland) is also common amid firearm accessories in various forms of thermoformed accessories, and well known for its longevity and ability to resist cracking and staining. During dynamic range movements, both the DFA and LS platforms continued to flex with the body, and after repetitive contact with the ground (drop testing and on-range use) showed minimal surface marring, though nothing significant to the point of cracking or cutting the base material. None of the thigh retention bands (single or double) demonstrated any sign of fraying along the edges, though it is likely over extended time the elasticity of the thigh retention bands will likely yield as the material wears out (common for that type of item).
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, both the DFA and LS served the same function whereby providing a good platform on which to attach a holster (via the Safariland QLS mount). Both were rigid enough and contoured to the thigh so as to be comfortable at various range-in-motions, and still keep the holster properly positioned and within easy reach. Both holster platforms also had the necessitating mounting holes for added magazine holsters (sold separately) if desired. As noted the largest difference between the two platforms was the LS utilized a “stalk” with less width and more flexibility than what the traditional DFA had, specifically when getting in/out of vehicles or sitting down. This may be somewhat unnerving for people used to more width and material to attach the platform to the belt, but that reduced feature profile in the LS had no observable negative aspect in function. In the end, both platforms provided good overall function and the choice between the two would come down to personal preference.
- Weight – Average (3/5): With the DFA platform weighing in at 0.56 pounds (with single leg strap) and the LS platform weighing in at 0.83 pounds (with double leg strap) and both with QLS mount—the weight in both these platforms was lightweight enough that they were neither unbalancing off the thigh, nor distracting. Perhaps the biggest element separating the weight between the two was the choice of how many leg straps the end-user desires (with obviously the few extra ounces going to the extra leg strap version). With the ability to separate the holster off the platform, it allows the end-user to wear the platform around while not on the range and ready for use, or quickly don the holster and use as intended. In contrast, the Drop Leg Single (0.5 pounds) by G-Code, the Holster Platform (2 pounds) by Blackhawk, or the Single-Point Drop Leg (0.5 pounds) from HSGI all illustrate that both the Drop Flex Adaptor and Leg Strap shroud by Safariland are of an appropriate (or average) weight for both their design and material on the market and amid its competitors.
Overall Rating – Average (15/25)
Product Link: https://safariland.com/collections/holster-attachments
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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