SmartCarry vs Thunderwear?

[quidni]

SmartCarry
or
Thunderwear

Is there a difference? Are they snag-free and/or sweat resistant? Looking for feedback from folks with experience and/or preferences between the two, as the prices are comparable & I don't know which would be better to try. Carry gun would be an officer's size 1911.

Thanks!

[BlakeTyner]

I've never been really clear on the difference, either.

The SmartCarry was originally called the Thunder Belt, and was created by Charles Parrott III in '94. The Thunderware page says that *it* was patented in '95. Both are made in Florida and look identical (to me). I suspect that they're one and the same, marketed for some reason by two different companies.

Regardless, I do have a SmartCarry that I use when I need deep concealment for my P99. The ordering process/customer service with Charles is top notch; he will go out of his way to do you right.

It is sweat resistant on the side that faces your body.

Concealment is probably the best you can get, even with a 1911.

Comfort, on a scale of 1-10, is about a 7. Bear in mind that I'm pretty tiny, so if you have a more substantial belly, it may be less comfortable. Standing, walking, running, etc., you almost forget that you're wearing anything. Since it's worn at 12 o'clock, the balance is good.

Sitting with a large gun is less comfortable, although if you wear pants with an extra inch in the waist you should be fine. Access while seated is possible, but you have to do the "butt-in-the-air" pose, like when you have to get your wallet out in the drive thru.

There is nothing on the holster itself to snag your gun. It is retained (very well) by the waistband of your pants.

Generally, I only use it when I'm in slacks or shorts. You generally need two hands when drawing from SmartCarry (one to pull your waistband outwards, one to draw) and, although you can do this just as fast as drawing from a normal holster, I almost always prefer wearing a holster with one-hand access.

Bottom line, it's a good holster.

[KD5NRH]

I've never been really clear on the difference, either.

Well, I don't have a Thunderwear to compare, (and don't see any reason to get one, since my SmartCarry fits the bill perfectly for the times I just can't carry any other way) but I don't see anything on their site that indicates they have the sweat resistant layer on the back.

Also, looks like the shaping of the top of the pocket is different, and my Government Model sits a bit deeper into my SmartCarry than the Standard Model Thunderwear picture shows.

I seriously doubt that either of them could conceal anything much bigger than a GM very effectively or comfortably, but that would be a good trick for anything in that location.

[repsychler]

I agree with BlakeTyner and KD5NRH. I haven't tried the Thunderwear, but I have no reason to since I'm 100% satisfied with my SmartCarry. Good product and top notch service.

[KBCraig]

Well, I don't have a Thunderwear to compare ( . . . ) but I don't see anything on their site that indicates they have the sweat resistant layer on the back.

Right in the middle of the front page: "Thunderwear is still the "Speed Draw Champion" of Concealed holsters, with it's patented "3 Layer Moisture Barrier" not just one layer to protect your firearm!"

I don't know much about either system, though. Don't own one.

Kevin

[glockmav]

I like my smart carry, but it is seldom used. I wore it to a wedding with a Tux when I knew there would be lots of hugging. Most of the time when I wear it it is with gym shorts or sweat pants when I can't wear a belt. Any pants with elastic waist works good, but its hard for me to draw from when I'm wearing a belt. No complaints about the quality, and I haven't tried the Thunderwear version.

[GrannyGlock]

Hi, Quidni!

I believe SmartCarry is the one that came up with the enclosed seams to prevent snagging on a seam.

I wear mine often and like it a lot. Even hot days working in the yard. With pants with no belt, I will occasionally wear it at 3 oclock with a vest. I carry a G19 and the medium is a good fit. We have a large size for the 1911 and G21, but I don't carry those so haven't used it with the heavier guns.

I do wear an undershirt because of the velcro closure, but I am very pleased with it.

[quidni]

Access while seated is possible, but you have to do the "butt-in-the-air" pose, like when you have to get your wallet out in the drive thru.

Well, not really familiar with that since I usually pull my wallet out of my purse.

There is nothing on the holster itself to snag your gun. It is retained (very well) by the waistband of your pants.

That's good info... thanks!

I wear mine often and like it a lot. Even hot days working in the yard.

Hi, Granny! good to hear from another woman who's actually used the holster. I've got (a couple of) really good belt holsters, but I'm trying to find a workable "on board" option for those times I can't wear a heavy belt. I wonder how well it would work with a skirt? Would the waistband of the holster tend to ride up in back, since skirts tend to fit more loosely around the hips than jeans/slacks?

[GrannyGlock]

PM sent!