What’s The Difference Between The Cloak And ShapeShift Holster Systems?

So you’ve found the perfect gun and now you’re looking for the perfect holster. We at Alien Gear are here to help. With two legendary product lines, our goal is to provide you with the best holsters on the market to get you carrying as soon as possible.

When you’re shopping, you’re going to see two different kinds of holster lines: ones from our Cloak series and ones from the ShapeShift. They might seem similar, but you’ll want to know their differences to make sure you’re getting what’s right for you. So what are the difference?

Take a look below…

Classic vs Next Generation Holster Design

Launched in 2013, the Cloak series is the foundation that Alien Gear Holsters was built upon. From hybrid IWB holsters to classic OWB designs, we took everything good about the holsters on the market and improved them even further; redefining what it means to provide a holster with comfort, concealment, and security.

Enter the ShapeShift Modular Holster System.

The ShapeShift Modular Holster System, which we introduced in 2017, was aimed at revolutionizing the concealed carry market. By simply purchasing one ShapeShift shell, you can have access to one cohesive holster system where switching carry holster styles takes seconds.

You tailor the holster to your lifestyle, not the other way around. No one else has ever created a holster like it before.

The Gun Holster Shells

The primary difference between these gun holster lines come in their shell designs that surround the gun.

The Cloak shell features our hand-pressed Boltaron polymer that is similar to but actually less brittle than the Kydex plastic seen in most of the holster market. It features secure trigger protection and has adjustable retention capabilities using the Allen key supplied with your holster.

The ShapeShift is a little different. Using a proprietary glass filled polymer similar to what you could find in many guns, these shells are injection molded to mirror the exact layout of your gun without sacrificing any durability or security. With these custom designs, there is double sided trigger protection with a slimmer profile and adjustable retention with no need for additional hardware.

A Modular Holster Or A Dedicated Holster

Another difference is the philosophy of use, as the Cloak series is more or less a dedicated concealed carry holster, whereas the ShapeShift is a modular holster system that changes in seconds without needing tools of any kind.

The ShapeShift holster shell docks and locks to the holster base that you want in seconds, without having to use any tools of any kind. It's the only modular holster of its kind to deliver on the promise of a truly modular holster design without compromising retention or security.

Want to switch from an IWB holster to an OWB holster? Easily done. Appendix carry holster to a drop leg? No sweat.

However, the Cloak series holsters don't have the same capabilities. The shell can be moved to different holster bases, but it requires use of an Allen key to take off the shell and attach it.

So it has some of the same capabilities, but requires more time to take advantage of them or requires purchase of multiple holsters such as with our 2 Holster Combo.

Gun and Configuration Availability

Guns: Our Cloak series is available for over 500+ gun molds including revolvers, and firearms with lights, lasers, and optics. The new and improved ShapeShift Shells are available in our most popular gun types with a continuously expanding list.

Carry Methods: another major thing to pay attention to is whether each line currently offers the carrying type you want. See the availability below:

Which Is The Best Holster For Me?

Ultimately, you're the best judge of whether the ShapeShift holster is best for you, or if the Cloak series is best for you, but there are a few key things to bear in mind.

If you carry a very popular make and model of pistol, don't intend on adding a light or an optic, and want the utmost in convenience in carrying, then the ShapeShift Modular Holster System is perfect for you. Once you get the hang of swapping holster platforms, the ShapeShift unlocks a lot of possibilities.

However, if you have more specific needs in terms of a holster, whether you carry a less-common make and model pistol or variant of a particular gun, and use a light/laser or an optic, the Cloak Series can still meet your needs in a gun holster.

Whichever holster you choose, it comes backed Alien Gear Holsters' Iron-Clad Guarantee. Our comprehensive product guarantee includes a 30 Day Test Drive trial period after purchase, and our Forever Warranty for the lifetime of the holster.

Once you've narrowed down which holster system is the better choice, start your Test Drive today!