Nylon pouch for Scorpion - First impressions of Ripoffs CO-30

John N

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Oct 12, 2001
Messages
2,201
Location
Seattle
I've been carrying a Streamlight Scorpion in a (Streamlight) nylon pouch for quite a while.

All the corners were frayed and the belt loops final pulled apart. I almost lost the light.

I looked at local shops like REI and couldn't find a pouch that would work.

I decided I needed to mail order one and thought I'd look and see if I could find something better.

I have heard that the Ripoffs pouches were good and decided to track them down.

I found one that supported my exact flashlight:
http://www.ripoffs.com/datasheets/co30/co30.html

I ordered it.

My first thoughts:

1) This is a VERY well made pouch. It uses much stronger materials and the lid tapers which makes for a tidy look and easy access.

2) It is a bit bulkier than the Streamlight pouch. Part of this is because it doesn't have a flat bottom, part is the use of heavier materials, and part of it is the clip.

3) The pouch uses a metal clip, so you can put it on without messing with your belt - nice.

4) The clip does not allow for horizontal carry.

5) It sits up higher on your side than the Streamlight pouch because of the clip placement. This, combined with the increased bulk can be less comfortable than the Streamlight pouch at times.

6) Did I say this was built very well?! Well, I guess I did but it is worth repeating.

7) The lid is longer with more velcro making it more secure than the Streamlight.

8) It probably would make a killer duty pouch for the Scorpion. Much better in that respect than the Streamlight pouch.

9) A SF M2 will fit in the pouch but it is a bit snug and it feels even more bulky because all the extra size of the M2 sits up on top of the holster which already sits sort of high.

All and all a very nice pouch. I think it will last a lot longer than the Streamlight one, but it is possible that the Streamlight will be more comfortable for you.

Either way, the Ripoffs will last longer and hold your light very securely.

-john
 
John,

I recently got a Polystinger and saw BrightGuy had a Bianchi holster for it. It is the Accumold version which fits the light like a glove and has a snap instead of velcro. I really am impressed with the quality of it. I went to Bianchi's website and they do make an accumold holster for 2 cell lights. Here is a link http://www.bianchi-intl.com/product/frame_acc_accumold.html

Clint
 
Looks nice. Can you carry horizontally? Is there more than one snap to accomidate different size lights?

I thought I saw a leather holster somewhere, but I lost track of it. Hmm.

-john
 
John,

The holster has a sewn on loop that only allows vertical carry. It is preformed, I guess that is how to describe it, so it has some rigidity. With no light in it you are not able to mash it flat like most nylon holsters without probably damaging it. It does only have one snap. One other nice feature is right above the snap on the flap and directly across on the back of the holster is a preformed indention that concaves outwardly to prevent the holster from coming into contact with the on/off switch to prevent accidentally turning it on.
One of the things that caused me to purchase this one was the snap feature. The velcro fasteners I have had on other holsters just seem to loose their "fastening" ability over a period of time. I am considering getting the Bianchi holster for my Scorpion after seeing the quality of this holster.

Clint
 
How much was that holster including shipping? I shouldve gotten a Streamlight one from Brightguy for $7 when I ordered my Scorpion. The Streamlight dealer in my city wants $12 for it. Is it that much better to get the CO30?
 
I have a older style SF 6P that fits in the CO30 as tho the CO30 was made for it.


Added later:

Out of my collection of flashlights the co 30 holster will hold the following flashlights:

Scorpion
SF 6P - oldstyle
ARC LS 2AA
SF E2 - rattles around in the holster
Mini Maglite
SL Batonlite - rattles around in the holster
 
Is it worth getting a holster thats almost half the cost of the light?
 
All the Ripoff (Reeline) holsters are available in belt loop (BL) or clip on (CO) versions. Almost all the models used for flashlight carry are bulkier than the dedicated holsters they replace, with the exception of their holster for the UKE Mini Q40 (4AA) which is remarkably compact.

For airport security checks I have found that the belt loop holsters are most convenient, since they contain no metal and can be quickly emptied. The clipons not only trigger alarms, but can be very awkward to remove.

THe Surefire holster for the 6P and D2 will accommodate an unusual combo: the UKE 2L PLUS an extra lamp assembly. The tail end of the assembly will protrude about 1/2 inch through the bottom gap, and in over two years of belt carry this has never been a problem.

The same SF holster will also accommodate the Scorpion, but the ASP TACLITE/TRIAD will be a tight fit unless you expand the diameter which can be done fairly easily.

The Streamlight Scorpion holster will accommodate the Asp TACLITE(TRIAD), the SF 6P and D2, but not the M2. It isn't as well made as the SF holsters but it is still a very decent product.

Both the SF and Streamlight holsters will accommodate the TACM III and a varietu of 6P clones that we've seen around the web and on CPF. They will also loosely hold the E2.

A number of Ripoff holsters will hold a cell phone plus at least two spare 123's. One of my holsters holds my TACLITE, TACM III or 6P/D2 plus INOVA X5 or UKE 2L plus three 123's , all completely flap protected in a surprisingly compact configuration.

The Bianchi flashlight holsters are models of design and construction but are very bulky, and I have stopped using them.

The problem of Velcro losing its grip can be helped significantly by remembering to close the holsters LIGHTLY. This will feel counterintuitive at first, but new Velcro will grip firmly with very mild pressure. I "trained" myself to do this and it has paid off in much longer holster life. Also, once I have found a good holster I buy several because it's cheaper in the long run and often has other advantages.

Brightnorm
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FNG:
How much was that holster including shipping? I shouldve gotten a Streamlight one from Brightguy for $7 when I ordered my Scorpion. The Streamlight dealer in my city wants $12 for it. Is it that much better to get the CO30?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Streamlight holsters are not as heavy duty as the Ripoffs. I originally had a Streamlight and wore it out completely. I suspect you would be hard pressed to wear out the Ripoff.

-john
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FNG:
How much was that holster including shipping? I shouldve gotten a Streamlight one from Brightguy for $7 when I ordered my Scorpion. The Streamlight dealer in my city wants $12 for it. Is it that much better to get the CO30?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It looks like I paid $8.94 each and paid $5.39 shipping with a couple of other holsters.

This is from filmtools.com

-john
http://store.yahoo.com/cinemasupplies/riplas3rflas.html
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FNG:
Is it worth getting a holster thats almost half the cost of the light?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I suspect that depends on how much you carry it. If you only carry it some of the time in the holster I would recommend getting the SL holster when you get it. It fits nicely and is pretty small and flexible.

If you carry it a lot this way, it will eventually wear out and you risk losing it when it does (my belt loop strap finally had broke, luckily I found the light in my car).

The other reason you might want the better holster is if you are doing strenious activities and want to make sure it is very secure.

I was carrying the light every day and the holster (SL) was shredded - the Scorpion itself was fine.

-john
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by brightnorm:
All the Ripoff (Reeline) holsters are available in belt loop (BL) or clip on (CO) versions. Almost all the models used for flashlight carry are bulkier than the dedicated holsters they replace, with the exception of their holster for the UKE Mini Q40 (4AA) which is remarkably compact.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I did not know this. One thing I didn't like about the Ripoff is the metal clip sometimes would bite into my side. I would much prefer a belt loop version.

I agree with Brightnorm's note that the Ripoffs are more bulky than the OEM holsters.

BTW, where can you get the belt-loop versions online?

-john
 
Can someone post the price? It doesnt list it on that site.
 
I posted the price up above a bit. A tad less than $9 and about $5 shipping from filmtools.com
 
Sorry John, I must of missed you post. I read through it 2 times before I could find you post. Thanks.
 
Hey John, I tried to order from that site and the minimum is $18.
 
Top