Does anyone still use the "smart carry" and "thunderwear" style holsters?

elano · March 15, 2016, 05:45 PM

I remember about 5 years ago, the smart carry was pretty popular. Since around '11 I havn't been able to find much on this carry fad. Does anybody still carry this way? I've gained interest in buying one to deep carry my lcp at work but the holsters are very expensive. Just curious if anyone still uses this. If so what is your opinion on carrying this way?

turkeestalker · March 15, 2016, 06:34 PM

Typically when I'm dressed I wear jeans and either a long or short sleeve button up collared shirt which aids in concealing my primary method of carry which is a Kangaroo Carry Air Marshall holster under said shirt.

When the weather warms and I'm inclined to don a t-shirt and shorts, I've used the Thunderwear holster for the last two years and it works very well.

Neither method is going to win a 'Quick Draw McGraw' contest, but with a little practice they are both pretty effective means of carry that conceal very well.

I've no problems recommending a Thunderwear holster.

Doyle · March 16, 2016, 07:26 AM

I'm wondering if the Smart Carry owner is still around. I met him at a gun show many years ago and he was pretty old then. I got the feeling that it was a very small company. I did buy one of his holsters. It doesn't get much use but I keep it for special occasions when I need to dress up and can't carry normally.

scottycoyote · March 16, 2016, 02:46 PM

when im dressed up for something like a night on the town and especially in warm weather i will time to time still use the thunderwear knockoff i bought from ebay. While its not the fastest rig to draw from its still a highly concealable way to carry...especially if i want to carry a little larger weapon. I rotate between that, ankle carry, pocket carry and iwb

AK103K · March 16, 2016, 03:10 PM

I use a SmartCarry pretty much daily and have for a number of years now. They work great, and especially in a NPE. No need for any kind of cover garment or anything special for that matter, just your normal attire, and you dont even need a shirt. I have a number of them, and find they are one of the most versatile holsters I have/use, and wont be without at least one.

They may not be a quick draw holster, but they are not at all slow (on the draw) once you get used to them. They are the quickest and most comfortable of any of the other deep concealment type holsters Ive used. Even when seated, they are readily accessed, something pocket carry doesnt usually offer.

I picked up a Thunderwear version off EBay last year to try out, and I wasnt impressed at all. Im not sure if it was a knock off or not, but it was marked with the Thunderwear logo. I did email Thunderwear inquiring about it (twice), and never received a reply, so Im assuming it is one of thiers. The one I received was not in the same quality league as the SmartCarry's, and I was easily able to trip the trigger of one of my Glocks through the fabric, something I have not been able to do with the SmartCarry's I have (I normally carry a 26 in mine).

I would definitely recommend the SmartCarrys if you havent tried one. Like anything new, they do take some getting used to, but I think once you do, you wont want to be without one.

Big Shrek · March 17, 2016, 06:28 PM

I live in Florida, kinda have to use 'em...
switch back & forth regularly to keep things Fresh & nice-smelling

Appendix is do-able, but being an active dad, means bending in ways that
tend to either make you print, or accidently expose...

IWB is decent also, but same as above...

SOB, that's a total no-go...if you've ever fallen backwards on your piece...
you know what I mean...

Pocket carry is my other main means, DeSantis & Uncle Mike's have a buttload

camsdaddy · March 22, 2016, 04:32 PM

I am also an active dad that uses one daily. I carry my Glock 19 in one most of the time with my shirt tucked. I never let it hinder my activity

johnwilliamson062 · March 22, 2016, 07:26 PM

Quote:

No! You take the thumb of your weak hand and pull away your belt, then with your strong hand reach in and draw your weapon. In fact with just a few minutes practice, Thunderwear will allow you the fastest draw possible of all Holsters.

They don't look friendly to the portly.

AK103K · March 22, 2016, 07:33 PM

Quote:

They don't look friendly to the portly.

Most things arent, just how it goes.

Ive carried fat, skinny, and in between, and fat was always the more challenging and uncomfortable.

Lots of reasons to get back in shape, this is just one to add to the list.

V-fib · March 26, 2016, 01:03 AM

I've had one for years. I use it now in the winter as a chest carry rig under my button shirt. I typically wrap it around my chest just under the nipple line and have a strap that goes over my shoulder to keep the SC from sagging down. then all I have to do is discreetly unbutton a couple of buttons and reach in with my right hand and it's a fast draw. makes it much easier to get to under a heavy winter coat. in the summer I usually carry IWB.

v-fib

**JohnKSa** · March 26, 2016, 01:26 AM

When I can't wear an untucked shirt, my go-to method of carry is a bellyband/smart carry style holster with a small .380ACP.

Pietro Beretta · April 5, 2016, 04:10 PM

I went from 190# in January to 155# today and I have had to completely adjust how I carry - its gotten much easier to say the least and I now understand how people can appendix carry comfortably.

This SmartCarry looks interesting but gosh... I hate putting another holster in the drawer of mistakes.

buckmt1 · April 16, 2016, 09:25 AM

My very good friend carries a 380 in thunderwear, I tried did not like it at all. sob, very uncomfortable, especially in vehicle. Pocket or strong side works for me. Every bodies different, do what works for you.

Artillery King Of The Battlefield
Know your target, before you squeeze the trigger

A pause for the COZ · April 16, 2016, 10:41 AM

Quote:

This SmartCarry looks interesting but gosh... I hate putting another holster in the drawer of mistakes.

Hey I have one of those also.

AK103K · April 16, 2016, 10:55 AM

Ebay solves the holster box issue, and you actually recover some of that money. I made out quite well when I sold the couple of boxes I had off.

As with most things, the only way to know if its for you is to pony up and give it a good try.

Ifishsum · April 16, 2016, 11:56 AM

I use one daily and have for about 8 years (for work; dress code is slacks and tucked in shirt). It works well for me and I am still using the first one I purchased, although the outer fabric has worn through in a couple of spots it's still sound. Picked up a spare here a year or two ago just to have a backup on hand. Definitely feel I've got my money's worth out of that first one...

CDW4ME · April 17, 2016, 07:18 AM

I use a Smartcarry when wearing gym type shorts or pants.

Big Shrek · April 17, 2016, 02:07 PM

Quote:

although the outer fabric has worn through in a couple of spots it's still sound

Great thing about fabric, you can always sew on another layer

David L. Smith · April 26, 2016, 08:03 AM

I am looking at the "UnderTech UnderCover Men's Concealment Tank Top Coolux Single Shirt". It is a "holster shirt", with a compression type weave and holster built into the shirt. I would be using it for concealed carry of a Sig Sauer P250, 9mm, full-size.

Living in Texas, I am not all that concerned about "printing" - I knew that getting a full-sized weapon would make that almost a certainty. But, I have big hands (12"-13" around a closed fist; 4.5" across my knuckles; size 13 ring finger, right hand). I'm 6'1" tall, 200#; wide in the shoulders. So, I wanted a full-sized pistol. Plus, there is potential for carrying, in open-carry, as a uniformed Security Officer.

I can carry left or right handed, under either arm, since I shoot ambidextrous.

Has anyone tried the "Undertech" holster shirt? I'm thinking of getting the "tank top", because 100+ degree weather is very common in Austin, TX, during the summer. The web site shows $60 for the shirt.

Any other suggestions?

tirod · June 12, 2016, 07:03 AM

I'm aware this is a 47 day old thread but the holsters on the market we are discussing have all been selling for more than a few years - so I'm bumping it.

Are Thunderwear holsters still selling? Sure.

What has happened in the marketplace are other holsters that do the same thing, and more. I just bought a Trump Card CCW holster from Pistol Wear and it's capable of being worn that way. It's also a chest/shoulder holster which can function the same as an "airline" holster.

What's happened to the deep conceal holster market is not being limited to just one specific method of carry and having a product that is more versatile. Reading the reviews on the Trump Card around the net there is very little negative comment. It's mostly based on expectations of sizing - which we all get wrong now and again. Once the system is adjusted the main comment I've noticed in most reviews and comments is that you DON'T have to "get used to it." It feels right with no further break in, like really good shoes or underwear.

Being on the somewhat portly side late in life it makes a difference how you carry and I choose the Trump Card precisely because it can be worn in different ways - and with ANY gun that fits in the size holster I bought. It's not limited to just one because it was cut, boned and only fits a single make. Heaven help you if you add a laser, another holster would be needed. Not the Trump Card.

There's a lot of restriction involved buying the typical belt holster these days because of the custom fitting and enhanced fit that seems to be necessary. What it really does is keep you from using it with any other gun or if you add a bulky accessory. I'm not seeing that as something user friendly - more like maker friendly as it sells another holster.

There's also the constant drumbeat that you MUST be able to draw quickly to save your life. Yet in most of the encounters we read in the press or analyze the threat was a lot more obvious and certainly presented earlier than thought. It was the victim who was behind the curve and who wasn't aware. If speed of presentation is the only thing keeping us alive it then goes to needing a competition speed holster worn openly - because, ya know, a split second could mean life and death. Makes the No Open Carry argument seem less responsible in that light. It could get you killed! if you believe in speed of delivery. We should ALL open carry for the fastest presentation possible.

Not so much. And a holster that is cut and boned to only hold one specific gun in one specific manner? It's no wonder we have a drawer full of Bad Choices. We aren't prioritizing what is more important. They say you carry to be comforted but I'm not comforted with the tales of hundreds of dollars being wasted on show and tell holsters that look good on the range but don't work in a suit OR swimtrunks.

Just one good holster seems a better choice.

March 15, 2016, 05:45 PM	#1
elano Member Join Date: March 7, 2011 Posts: 31	Does anyone still use the "smart carry" and "thunderwear" style holsters? I remember about 5 years ago, the smart carry was pretty popular. Since around '11 I havn't been able to find much on this carry fad. Does anybody still carry this way? I've gained interest in buying one to deep carry my lcp at work but the holsters are very expensive. Just curious if anyone still uses this. If so what is your opinion on carrying this way?

March 15, 2016, 06:34 PM	#2
turkeestalker Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2015 Location: Cottleville, Missouri Posts: 1,115	Typically when I'm dressed I wear jeans and either a long or short sleeve button up collared shirt which aids in concealing my primary method of carry which is a Kangaroo Carry Air Marshall holster under said shirt. When the weather warms and I'm inclined to don a t-shirt and shorts, I've used the Thunderwear holster for the last two years and it works very well. Neither method is going to win a 'Quick Draw McGraw' contest, but with a little practice they are both pretty effective means of carry that conceal very well. I've no problems recommending a Thunderwear holster. __________________ Vegetarian... primitive word for lousy hunter!

March 16, 2016, 02:46 PM	#4
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 830	when im dressed up for something like a night on the town and especially in warm weather i will time to time still use the thunderwear knockoff i bought from ebay. While its not the fastest rig to draw from its still a highly concealable way to carry...especially if i want to carry a little larger weapon. I rotate between that, ankle carry, pocket carry and iwb __________________ "i got the most powerful gun in the world........an .88 magnum. It shoots thru schools......"

March 17, 2016, 06:28 PM	#6
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 1,358	I live in Florida, kinda have to use 'em... switch back & forth regularly to keep things Fresh & nice-smelling Appendix is do-able, but being an active dad, means bending in ways that tend to either make you print, or accidently expose... IWB is decent also, but same as above... SOB, that's a total no-go...if you've ever fallen backwards on your piece... you know what I mean... Pocket carry is my other main means, DeSantis & Uncle Mike's have a buttload __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool.

March 26, 2016, 01:03 AM	#10
V-fib Senior Member Join Date: June 26, 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 253	I've had one for years. I use it now in the winter as a chest carry rig under my button shirt. I typically wrap it around my chest just under the nipple line and have a strap that goes over my shoulder to keep the SC from sagging down. then all I have to do is discreetly unbutton a couple of buttons and reach in with my right hand and it's a fast draw. makes it much easier to get to under a heavy winter coat. in the summer I usually carry IWB. v-fib __________________ Livin in the woods...feelin mighty good.

March 16, 2016, 07:26 AM	#3
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	I'm wondering if the Smart Carry owner is still around. I met him at a gun show many years ago and he was pretty old then. I got the feeling that it was a very small company. I did buy one of his holsters. It doesn't get much use but I keep it for special occasions when I need to dress up and can't carry normally.

March 16, 2016, 03:10 PM	#5
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	I use a SmartCarry pretty much daily and have for a number of years now. They work great, and especially in a NPE. No need for any kind of cover garment or anything special for that matter, just your normal attire, and you dont even need a shirt. I have a number of them, and find they are one of the most versatile holsters I have/use, and wont be without at least one. They may not be a quick draw holster, but they are not at all slow (on the draw) once you get used to them. They are the quickest and most comfortable of any of the other deep concealment type holsters Ive used. Even when seated, they are readily accessed, something pocket carry doesnt usually offer. I picked up a Thunderwear version off EBay last year to try out, and I wasnt impressed at all. Im not sure if it was a knock off or not, but it was marked with the Thunderwear logo. I did email Thunderwear inquiring about it (twice), and never received a reply, so Im assuming it is one of thiers. The one I received was not in the same quality league as the SmartCarry's, and I was easily able to trip the trigger of one of my Glocks through the fabric, something I have not been able to do with the SmartCarry's I have (I normally carry a 26 in mine). I would definitely recommend the SmartCarrys if you havent tried one. Like anything new, they do take some getting used to, but I think once you do, you wont want to be without one.

March 22, 2016, 04:32 PM	#7
camsdaddy Senior Member Join Date: October 5, 2007 Posts: 397	I am also an active dad that uses one daily. I carry my Glock 19 in one most of the time with my shirt tucked. I never let it hinder my activity

March 26, 2016, 01:26 AM	#11
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,992	When I can't wear an untucked shirt, my go-to method of carry is a bellyband/smart carry style holster with a small .380ACP. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

April 5, 2016, 04:10 PM	#12
Pietro Beretta Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2005 Location: WA Posts: 198	I went from 190# in January to 155# today and I have had to completely adjust how I carry - its gotten much easier to say the least and I now understand how people can appendix carry comfortably. This SmartCarry looks interesting but gosh... I hate putting another holster in the drawer of mistakes. __________________ "Stress will magnify your weakness."

April 16, 2016, 09:25 AM	#13
buckmt1 Member Join Date: April 7, 2016 Posts: 33	carry\iwb\sob etc My very good friend carries a 380 in thunderwear, I tried did not like it at all. sob, very uncomfortable, especially in vehicle. Pocket or strong side works for me. Every bodies different, do what works for you. Artillery King Of The Battlefield Know your target, before you squeeze the trigger

April 16, 2016, 10:55 AM	#15
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	Ebay solves the holster box issue, and you actually recover some of that money. I made out quite well when I sold the couple of boxes I had off. As with most things, the only way to know if its for you is to pony up and give it a good try.

April 16, 2016, 11:56 AM	#16
Ifishsum Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,033	I use one daily and have for about 8 years (for work; dress code is slacks and tucked in shirt). It works well for me and I am still using the first one I purchased, although the outer fabric has worn through in a couple of spots it's still sound. Picked up a spare here a year or two ago just to have a backup on hand. Definitely feel I've got my money's worth out of that first one...

April 17, 2016, 07:18 AM	#17
CDW4ME Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Posts: 1,321	I use a Smartcarry when wearing gym type shorts or pants. __________________ Strive to carry the handgun you would want anywhere, everywhere; forget that good area bullcrap. "Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.

April 26, 2016, 08:03 AM	#19
David L. Smith Junior Member Join Date: June 26, 2015 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 14	I am looking at the "UnderTech UnderCover Men's Concealment Tank Top Coolux Single Shirt". It is a "holster shirt", with a compression type weave and holster built into the shirt. I would be using it for concealed carry of a Sig Sauer P250, 9mm, full-size. Living in Texas, I am not all that concerned about "printing" - I knew that getting a full-sized weapon would make that almost a certainty. But, I have big hands (12"-13" around a closed fist; 4.5" across my knuckles; size 13 ring finger, right hand). I'm 6'1" tall, 200#; wide in the shoulders. So, I wanted a full-sized pistol. Plus, there is potential for carrying, in open-carry, as a uniformed Security Officer. I can carry left or right handed, under either arm, since I shoot ambidextrous. Has anyone tried the "Undertech" holster shirt? I'm thinking of getting the "tank top", because 100+ degree weather is very common in Austin, TX, during the summer. The web site shows $60 for the shirt. Any other suggestions? __________________ the BEST security comes from God first

June 12, 2016, 07:03 AM	#20
tirod Junior member Join Date: January 21, 2009 Posts: 1,672	I'm aware this is a 47 day old thread but the holsters on the market we are discussing have all been selling for more than a few years - so I'm bumping it. Are Thunderwear holsters still selling? Sure. What has happened in the marketplace are other holsters that do the same thing, and more. I just bought a Trump Card CCW holster from Pistol Wear and it's capable of being worn that way. It's also a chest/shoulder holster which can function the same as an "airline" holster. What's happened to the deep conceal holster market is not being limited to just one specific method of carry and having a product that is more versatile. Reading the reviews on the Trump Card around the net there is very little negative comment. It's mostly based on expectations of sizing - which we all get wrong now and again. Once the system is adjusted the main comment I've noticed in most reviews and comments is that you DON'T have to "get used to it." It feels right with no further break in, like really good shoes or underwear. Being on the somewhat portly side late in life it makes a difference how you carry and I choose the Trump Card precisely because it can be worn in different ways - and with ANY gun that fits in the size holster I bought. It's not limited to just one because it was cut, boned and only fits a single make. Heaven help you if you add a laser, another holster would be needed. Not the Trump Card. There's a lot of restriction involved buying the typical belt holster these days because of the custom fitting and enhanced fit that seems to be necessary. What it really does is keep you from using it with any other gun or if you add a bulky accessory. I'm not seeing that as something user friendly - more like maker friendly as it sells another holster. There's also the constant drumbeat that you MUST be able to draw quickly to save your life. Yet in most of the encounters we read in the press or analyze the threat was a lot more obvious and certainly presented earlier than thought. It was the victim who was behind the curve and who wasn't aware. If speed of presentation is the only thing keeping us alive it then goes to needing a competition speed holster worn openly - because, ya know, a split second could mean life and death. Makes the No Open Carry argument seem less responsible in that light. It could get you killed! if you believe in speed of delivery. We should ALL open carry for the fastest presentation possible. Not so much. And a holster that is cut and boned to only hold one specific gun in one specific manner? It's no wonder we have a drawer full of Bad Choices. We aren't prioritizing what is more important. They say you carry to be comforted but I'm not comforted with the tales of hundreds of dollars being wasted on show and tell holsters that look good on the range but don't work in a suit OR swimtrunks. Just one good holster seems a better choice.