My review of the Ultimate Retention Device.

[JustinM]

Some of you might remember my thread "Neat Lanyard Alternative" I posted a few months back. Tony asked me for a review after using, so here goes:

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this item after you get some time using it.

After using the ring on and off for a month, I finally have a review. I initially didn't like the ring because it kept falling off of my finger while trying to manipulate it. Clint Smith said in an article to "roll rings instead of flicking them". I tried doing that, and it works wonderfully. I basically just curl my left index finger (leaving the rest of the fingers to load/unload and clear malfunctions) and the ring is secure, and I can flip it over at a decent speed. This thing is a big asset for me because I never could get the hang of wrapping a lanyard around my hand. The ring allows me to get my index finger through it before I even draw the light, it's actually part of the draw stroke. I had to move my light infront of my mag pouch because I kept putting my mags in my light pouch while performing tac reloads (muscle memory and all that). I just slid my light pouch above my front pocket and left my mag pouch in the same pocket and that took care of the confusion. The only con I can find is what Tony said:

Getting your finger stuck is not so much a problem as getting it broken or dislocated in a struggle or worse, someone using it as leverage against you.

The ring comes with three different inserts for different sizes. I have small-girl-like fingers so I naturally had to use the smallest insert. It was easy for my finger to get snagged in the ring when I had my friend (green belt in karate) do some techniques. I moved to the next size up, which allowes me to keep a good grip on the ring during manipulations, and to slip my finger out quickly since there's more room in the ring (it's actually pretty nard to get my finger caught in it).

So, if you're looking for a nice alternative to the lanyard, I highly recommend the Ultimate Retention Device from Section 8 Tactical.

Here are some pics. I know they're not the best "action shots" but it's all I can do without Carrie here to run the camera.


I recommend wearing the light with the ring forward so you can insert your index finger without having to twist your arm around.



Finger inserted.



Gripping the light.



The draw.



Open hand.



Gripping is very comfortable.



My preferred method of manipilating the ring (index finger wrapped around ring, and rolling, not flipping it over to the back of your hand)




Plenty of room left to grip a magazine.



And plenty of room to manipulate the slide.



hope this was review a help.

[jdlv4_0]

Pretty slick. Thanks for the review.

[Johannes_Paulsen]

Justin,

Are you going to be selling these through your store?

[JustinM]

I don't know yet, but you can buy them from http://www.optactical.com/se8ta.html

[MarcS]

I'll have to play with it, see what i think

[Jamie Young]

There are holsters out for the URD now http://www.rogueelite.net/shop/item....d=343&catid=17

[ar15jules]

I am most glad to see your proper slide manipulation technique. I see too many people doing the slingshot, or saying, I would like my wife to carry this or that but she cant rack the slide. I use both hands and push with the frame hand and slightly pull with the slide hand.
Jules

oh, and the ring looked cool too

[JustinM]

There are holsters out for the URD now http://www.rogueelite.net/shop/item....d=343&catid=17

I just use my Comp-Tac holster for a Surefire 6P (which also fits the Typhoon). But that one looks fine.

I am most glad to see your proper slide manipulation technique.

That's the only way to do it IMHO. Under stress "fingers turn to flippers" so it's easier to grasp the whole slide, instead of trying to hit the little "slide release" button. By pulling on the slide with your hand you get the full force of the slide going forward.

[ar15jules]

you said it