== Tuff Products TASER C2 Holster Review ==
written by Cody S. Alderson

USCCA GEAR REVIEW

Sometimes a manufacturer will make a product, such as TASER did with the C2, and then make accessories for it that seem to be an afterthought. It’s like all of the brilliant engineering went into the product, and when it came time to make the accessories they were too pooped to produce. When it comes to having a holster for the C2, it is more than an accessory – it is a necessity. TASER’s own Operating Manual warns against carrying the C2 loose in a pocket or purse.

Somebody else came up with an excellent holster to carry the C2. When I saw it online I liked it from the beginning. I was quite impressed with the design, the materials, and the superb craftsmanship. When I sent an email back to the manufacturer telling him how much I liked the product, I used the word “flawless.”

When I do a Gear Review, I first try to only review products from manufacturers that already have a reputation for excellent quality. I don’t even bother to contact companies that produce items of dubious quality. Occasionally I don’t know anything about a company. Maybe they are new. Maybe they only serve a niche market. I do my research and sometimes take a chance with a product that I am not really familiar with.

I am stating right now to all of the readers of the Armed American Report that Tuff Products, the maker of the holster I reviewed for the TASER C2, has been superb through every step of the review process. Both the company and the product have received a high rating from me. The holster’s suitability for intended purpose is right on the mark. The materials and craftsmanship are excellent, and the owner of the company would instantly respond to my emails. If he wasn’t at his office, he would respond to my emails from his Blackberry mobile device.

Natt Stevens of Tuff Product, who was formerly a sales manager of a large holster company in Southern California, told me a little about his company and the collaboration effort in designing the C2 holster:

“The Tuff C2 Clip-On Ambidextrous Holster was developed with the help of Michael Lane with FortressTactical.com. For an Internet company I have to say he really surprised me. He actually prefers to ship out product himself so he can verify the quality of the merchandise shipped. Many Internet companies drop ship and use your money to make money; Michael Lane with FortressTactical.com has his money invested in stock to insure that you have a great Internet experience with his company.”

I didn’t like the holster that TASER had for the C2. Though well made, it was cumbersome and by no means a quick-draw holster. For any weapon, the user needs to be able to deploy the weapon within 1.5 seconds. The holster from TASER was not able to be manipulated to do that.

The Tuff C2 Clip-On is a sturdy holster that has a heavy duty stainless steel metal clip with a reinforced backing of high density polyethylene and synthetic leather that allows it to be easily clipped onto and off of a belt. The retention strap has an extended metal tab that works as a thumb break. The strap can be rotated for right or left hand draw. The ballistic nylon laminate material is formed and sewn like it is a work of art. The best thing about the holster is that the C2 can be deployed in the blink of an eye, due to the shape of the holster and the design of the retention strap.

One of the pictures that I saw online showed the retention strap in place over the handle of the C2, and over the ballistic nylon of the holster. It is a little tight to fit that way when new. Tuck it just below the fabric of the front of the holster when it is new. It is easier to snap closed that way.

Natt told me a little more about Tuff Products:

“Tuff Products Brand LLC builds Products That Protect. The original company name was Dannick Company (Original owner named it after His sons DANiel and NICKolas) building the first pocket holster with an ambidextrous flap for the Kahr MK9/40 with the Kahr Logo Embossed. Tuff Products is also known as Cop Tuff, producing phone cases for law enforcement as well as over 250 variations of TASER holsters for law enforcement.

The advantage with Tuff Products is that we work closely with our distributors and law enforcement officers designing needed products rapidly at a fair price. We don’t wait for markets to develop; we help the market develop.”

I’ve only had the privilege of reviewing a holster made by Tuff Products for the TASER C2. If it is an indication of the quality of all of their current and future designs, then Tuff Products should take the market by storm. Consumers want the most for their dollar, and companies need to make a profit. Some companies are only concerned with profit, and some are concerned with their reputation being the deciding factor of whether they make a profit or not. Considering the quality of the product I received and the fair price they are asking for it, Tuff Products obviously is a company that wants to have the highest reputation in the industry.

I carried my TASER C2 in this holster for a few weeks on my belt to evaluate it. I didn’t have any problems with it while working, jumping in and out of vehicles, sitting, standing, walking, and even using the restroom. If I was to say that I had any issue at all, it would be that the back of the snap of the retention strap left the tiniest of evidence of contact against the TASER handle. I’m rough with gear that is being tested, and the mark was so inconsequential I only noticed it while outside in the sunshine. Sewing a little piece of the ballistic nylon over the backside of the snap in manufacturing would fix it if it would ever be a problem.

I’m very picky about holsters, and I will be carrying my C2 in the one from Tuff Products. TASER has one with an MP3 player built into it, but that is pandering to a market that is way too casual about self-defense. If you want a real holster that will hold the C2 place, and be ready for quick deployment, then the Tuff Products C2 Clip-On is the holster to choose.

Natt asked me if I thought anyone might be interested in a sharkskin version of the holster. I told him that there probably would be TASER owners who would appreciate a holster made out of exotic materials, especially since TASER C2’s come in such a wide variety of colors and styles now. Me? I’m basic black for things like holsters. I probably wouldn’t mind one in desert or forest camo, though.

I asked Natt if the sharkskin version of the C2 holster was available now. He said, “Not yet. I would say we can do custom orders, in shark or other exotic skins real or synthetic from $39.95-$74.95. Call for more info.”

Since I was already asking him questions, I thought I’d ask if he has any new products coming out soon. He said, “Yes, a Line called EDGE (Ergonomic Duty Gear for Law Enforcement). For civilians we’ll have C2 cartridge pouches as well as a Phone Case and C2 360 holster that has a metal ratcheting system. Also, we are coming out with Tuff Quick strips (holds 6 Rounds) for the 44-45 cal and SW 500.”

I asked Natt about where an agency or individual should contact him if they are interested in having him develop a specific product to meet their needs. If any of the readers are in gear acquisition for law enforcement and need a product designed for their needs, or if you are a business owner who would like to have access to a top quality designer with manufacturing capabilities for your product idea, then call Natt at 877-883-3776.