UBL mid-ride or low-ride: which should you choose?

A duty or OWB holster drilled to the Safariland hole pattern cannot be worn on its own. You need something to hold it on your belt, and for most people that is a UBL (Universal Belt Loop).

What the UBL does

The UBL bolts to the back of the holster and loops over the belt. It hangs the holster a little below the belt, which does two things: your grip clears body armour, and you get room to take a proper grip on the pistol before you draw.

Mid-ride

Mid-ride sits higher and tighter to the body. It is lower profile, better in a vehicle, and the right choice for most people.

Low-ride

Low-ride hangs further down the thigh. Choose it if you wear body armour or a chest rig, or run a long-slide pistol.

If you go low-ride, add the QLS (Quick Locking System). On a low-ride mount the gap between the belt loop and the hood release button on a Level II duty holster is tight. The QLS spaces the holster out and gives your thumb proper room to work the hood. A leg strap is also strongly recommended with a low-ride UBL.

The extras, and when they matter

• QLS fork and receiver set: one half bolts to your belt mount and the other to each holster, so you can swap holsters on one mount in a second. Worth having if you run more than one pistol or holster.
• Leg strap (thigh strap): stops the holster lifting and swinging when you draw, run, or wrestle for the weapon, so your draw stays the same every time.
• Swivel pivot plate: our own design. It drops the leg strap lower and lets it move, so the strap stops riding up, and it lets the holster swing with your leg when you bend, sit, drive or run. It needs a leg strap to work.

Quick setups

• General duty, starting from scratch: UBL Mid-Ride and a leg strap. That is a complete rig, ready to wear.
• Over body armour or a plate carrier: UBL Low-Ride and the QLS.
• More than one pistol or holster: add the QLS so they share one belt mount.
• Long shifts, seated or in a vehicle: add the swivel pivot plate to the leg strap.
• You already own a Safariland UBL: select No on the mounting option. The holster ships drilled and ready to bolt on.

All of these can be added when you order a duty holster or OWB holster, or bought on their own from Holster Accessories. For hood sizing, see which Level II hood size you need.