By Bob Pilgrim I’ve been able to spend some time with Israelis on their turf on both a professional and social basis. While I have the greatest respect for their military and law enforcement capabilities, I’ve learned to mostly appreciate their complete and utter pragmatism. Without getting into the details, let me just say that routinely they don’t suffer fools, nor do they tolerate weapons and equipment that fail to make the grade. Unlike us, when it comes to martial expenditures they are extremely frugal and habitually seek the most bang for their buck and invariably get it. This common sense, limited resources bred attitude extends even down to the personal battle dress and equipment of the individual soldier and police officer. A prime example of this attention to practicality and to the most miniscule details, which can affect a product’s performance way out of proportion to its dimension and cost, is the new Israeli designed and manufactured thermo-plastic FOBUS Tactical Elite holster. Originally created for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), they are currently in extensive use by Mossad and Shin Biet officers where concealed carry, weapons security and speed of acquisition are equally paramount. Laser tailored and infusion molded this proprietarily treated RX-18 high tech plastic paddle holster and magazine carrier mirrors the exact contours of the gun and weigh a scant, comfort creating two ounces. Each holster is designed for a specific make and model. These snug but flexible gun gloves will handle guns with round or squared trigger guards with equal alacrity. FOBUS holster rides at FBI cant—holster is both fast and secure. They are so comfortable that after wearing the SG2 with my P226 Sig 9mm pistol, with a relatively narrow dress belt and trousers, I hardly knew it was there. In addition to its ease of wear, it doesn’t take a dog and a small boy to help you get it on or off, but nevertheless, remains in place when vigorously moving about. Because its snugness is augmented by a detent that protrudes into the trigger guard, but safely behind or alongside the trigger, the gun has to be popped from the holster to execute a proper draw. A slow, gradual pull will result in the holster moving up with the still-retained firearm. However, when yanked on from the rear by an attacker the gun will not vacate the holster. Current models will serve all Colt GMs, GLOCKs, HKs, Kimbers, Sig P220, P226 and P228, Beretta 92s along with similar Taurus and 2-inch S&W J-frames and similar revolvers, with complementing double and single magazine pouches of the same material and construction. I have developed a predilection for synthetic holsters and enjoy using the various Kydex models I have acquired over the years. FOBUS holster firmly grasps GLOCK 17. Fit and retention is extraordinary. Attempted pistol snatch from rear is frustrated by FOBUS security design. However, their rather steep prices have really put me off, as I am sure they have you. Like many professionals, I have a foot locker literally bulging with a variety of scabbards and accessories. However, I still consider myself “holster poor”. Fobus, who I predict will become the Timex of the holster industry, because unlike the majority of synthetic holster manufacturers who charge $40 to $60 for their Kydex creations, they retail these practical and attractive gems for only $22.99 per unit. At this price, I can start working on filling another foot locker without pauperizing myself. For further information on this outstanding beltless bargain and proposed products for the future, contact Craig Fisher, FOBUS USA, 1300 Industrial Hwy, Suite B-3, Southhampton, PA 18966; (215) 355-4111, Fax: (215) 322-9223. WWW.FOBUSHOLSTER.COM