Smartcarry or Thunderwear

[FranklyTodd]

Ok, need a comfortable conceal rig, pretty much set on giving one of these a shot, so don't waste too much time telling me they both stink... :rolleyes:

Can't tell one from the other by the websites - anyone lay hands on both and have a recommendation?

Thanks a bunch!

FranklyTodd

[Grayrock]

When I first got my Taurus PT-145 Mil PRO I carried it exclusively in a Smart Carry. Now I usually use a Fobus paddle. The Smart carry is surprisingly comfortable as long as you are standing up. Sitting in a car is another story. I have pinched the jewels on several occassions. Also, the Velcro pricks a little in the back if you go "commando". I have had it now about 4 years and it is still holding its shape. The denim is getting a little faded, though.

[weisse52]

so don't waste too much time telling me they both stink...

OK, but you offered the third option. I have tried both.

[MCgunner]

I have the thunderwear and like it a lot, haven't tried the smart carry. If you move it over to the left (right for south paws), you won't get your jewels pinched and you can take a leak without hassle and the rig is quite comfortable sitting, standing, whatever.

Advantage as I see it is comfortable deep concealment for relatively large and powerful (in my case SP101) handguns that would otherwise have to ride IWB. I never worry about the gun in the thunderwear, keep the reloads in the off pocket, all one unit. With practice, it's pretty quick to draw while standing.

Disadvantage is it's tough to get at while seated and unlike pocket carry, you have to reach for it. Would look a little kinky walking along with your hand on the gun like you can do with pocket carry.

I like to carry the SP101 in the thunderwear and a .38 in a pocket. The .38 reloads will work in the SP101 if need be and the .38 is available RIGHT NOW. If I'm going to be driving, I can carry the .38 in a cargo pocket or in an ankle holster and carry a third gun (.380 or sub compact 9mm) in the front pocket. Pocket carry is about as hard to get at as thunderwear while seated behind the wheel.

MOST times, I have just the alloy snubby in a cargo pocket (wear cargo pants a lot) and the SP101 in the thunderwear. That really seems like my best set up for carry. I normally just carry a little .380 or the 9 or the .38 around here, but on trips out of my small town, I go with the .357 in the thunderwear. I like having it along. Also, some days I just wanna carry it and I'll carry the SP101 in the thunderwear only. I work in my shop, I don't have a problem with access to the gun, usually on my feet or can be in short order. It's only while driving that it's a bit of a pain. On the motorcycle, it is of no real concern, either.

I think smart carry or thunderwear, I'm glad I have the option. It was sort of a lot of money for what you get, but it's very useful and a good option to have for a heavy, powerful gun. I wouldn't carry a glock in one, not except condition three, and I wouldn't carry a 1911 condition one in one. Not real stiff coverage of the trigger and a safety could get knocked off real easy when carrying a 1911 in there. It's a much better option IMHO for DA/DAO and revolver shooters.

JMHO from actually carrying with one for about 6 months now. Like I say, great option for bigger guns in deep concealment, but not the do all, end all of concealed carry. I think it's best to carry a back up more accessible, but you can have your big gun along this way if, like me, you don't like to carry on the hip either IWB or OWB. OWB is NOT an option most of the year in Texas and I don't even have OWB holsters for concealment. Thunderwear is FAR more comfortable than any rig I've ever carried IWB and I have some high dollar IWB rigs, Mitch Rosen, Milt Sparks.

[WeedWhacker]

I understand that Smartcarry has some features on the list that Thunderwear does not, such as having the seams fashioned in such a manner that they cannot snag on anything in the pockets, and having a back panel made of sweat-proof material to keep stuff in the pockets free of salty sweat.

[MCgunner]

Thunderwear is sweat proof, far as I can tell and I've tested mine in August. Seem to remember their advertizing/site stating it.

[Deacon Blues]

Thunderwear is sweat proof, far as I can tell and I've tested mine in August. Seem to remember their advertizing/site stating it.And that is why this southern man chose SmartCarry.

These holsters have their place, but they don't replace other holsters IMO. SmartCarry is designed for deep concealment, which is necessary for some people (me, at work). These take some getting used to, and your body type will come into play somewhat. Also, if your pants ride a little low, it becomes difficult to get the holster in the right place. All-in-all, I'd much rather carry OWB all the time, but I can't. So SmartCarry gives me an option to carry a wide variety of handguns pretty much anytime, regardless of clothing. It's worth having one even if only for those special occasions when you can't use your regular holster.

[Super Trucker]

Smartcarry has some features on the list that Thunderwear does not, such as having the seams fashioned in such a manner that they cannot snag on anything in the pockets,

Like the cylinder of the revolver.

I vote for smartcarry.

[Phydeaux642]

I use a Smartcarry and like it a lot. I looked at the Thunderwear site and may try one of those in the future (they look a lot alike to me), especially since I didn't really care for the Smartcarry customer service when I called to order from them. The person I talked with was very rude.

___________________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"

[WeedWhacker]

I didn't really care for the Smartcarry customer service when I called to order from them. The person I talked with was very rude.

When I called via telephone to place an order, I talked with someone who had the same first name as the owner. He did seem rather terse, but quickly explained that he was extraordinarly busy working on filling orders and that if I were to use the website to order, that would be best. So, I used the website.

IME, rudeness didn't enter into it.

[jt1]

Never tried the Thunderwear, here are links to my Smartcarry reviews:

My original Smartcart review (http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3939882&postcount=344)

Followup Smartcarry review (http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4002493&postcount=553)

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u152/jt1jt1/PC150003.jpg

[Black Adder LXX]

I had a pretty good experience with the folks at thunderwear. I like the 'holster', too.

[MrBill120]

I have a "Thunderwear"....isn't it pretty much the same as SmartCarry?? ...looks that way from the pics...

[Cannonball888]

I chose Smartcarry. Thunderwear sounded too noisy.

[Grayrock]

jt1- what is "Mika"?

[jt1]

Grayrock - It's a pocket holster, PM sent.