Problems with Simply Rugged Chest Pulley System, Crappy Customer Service

[Evergreen]

I purchased one of these a while ago and I was a little bit bigger, about 230lbs and a 38 waist. Despite always having trouble getting this pulley system to fit on me properly, I seem to figure it out, despite not being so happy with its complexity. Now, I have lost weight and leaning down, 200lbs, 34 in waist and I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get the pulley system to fit on me and thinking maybe I have undergrown (looking for proper term) the chest pulley system. However, on the website I see a real skinny guy who looks like he is half my size fitting into it.

I tried calling the company and they were not helpful at all. The guy told me to drill or punch some holes first, but then I mentioned that they say they accommodate people from 5,6 130lbs to 6,3 280lbs, etc and then he told me that "Yeah, one size should fit all." After that I became confused and was thinking yes, I must be doing something wrong. He pointed me to a video I already watched, which was not helpful at all, as it doesn't show any step by step instructions or close ups of how the chest pulley system is attached. It merely shows the owner putting the thing on from a distance and it's hard to see how he is attaching the various attachments.

After being on the phone for about 8 minutes or so the guy just hangs up on me, saying "Sorry, I got other calls, bye". THe customer service at this company is utterly crappy and I don't think, based on customer service alone, that I may ever purchase another holster or product from the company. I have bought several holsters, a belt and pulley system from the guy in the past. I like the quality and craftsmanship of the holsters, but think if he is going to make a more sophisticated product like a pulley system, he should be accommodating to his customers, especially ones who have spent as much money with him as I have. I'm glad I don't treat my customers like the way they do.. If they are busy they could at least say can we get back to you or send us an email, etc, not "Screw you, you are bothering us."

Does anyone here have the pulley system and can give me any instructions about how to get it on from the opposite side of the shoulder strap? As of now, it appears I don't have enough slack for the belt attachment, but maybe I am not properly connecting it? Or, maybe the one I have is just too big.

Also, I do see some other chest pulley systems on the market, does anyone have any other chest pulley systems they would suggest that are easier to attach? I would like it if I can find one that I can use with my Simply Rugged holsters for my Ruger 44 mag and my S&W 460 revolvers. That is the one nice thing about the pulley system is you can attach it to various Simply Rugged holsters.

I do a lot of serious mountain hiking up steep grades and find that chest holster works well for me and allows quick access. After a run-in with a moose and calf in Montana, I was very happy to have my gun quickly accessible in case of a charge as I was hiking up a 4000ft 3mile steep mountain grade. With the 30mph head winds, my pepper spray would have been useless.

However, I don't think my Chest pulley system is working for me and always found the adjustments very awkward.

I appreciate suggestions or help.

 

[JTQ]

For clarity, it is the Chesty Puller system. It is named in honor of USMC Lt. Gen Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesty_Puller

I don't have one, but don't you simply adjust the belt around your middle for a tighter fit? http://www.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Chesty-Puller-Suspension-System.cfm?item_id=160&parent=672

 

[Evergreen]

For clarity, it is the Chesty Puller system. It is named in honor of USMC Lt. Gen Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesty_Puller

I don't have one, but don't you simply adjust the belt around your middle for a tighter fit? http://www.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Chesty-Puller-Suspension-System.cfm?item_id=160&parent=672

Pardon me for the improper naming of the system, so let me rephrase "Chesty Puller System" You would think that all you do is simply adjust the belt, but that is not working for me, as I have way too much slack, it would appear that if that was all that there is too it, it should work, but there is not enough holes or the belt is way too long for a tiny 200lb guy like myself . At 5,9 200lbs, I would think I would be in the "middle range" of fittings, as the company claims to accommodate skinny people at 135lbs.



I've been looking at these Double D Chest Pulley systems and they are looking a lot nicer and simpler to me with the nylon strap versus a leather belt adjustment. Anybody, have any experience with these chest systems? The people on the phone were also pretty friendly and helpful in answering my questions. Customer service does mean a little bit to me too, although they appear to be constructed better and more user-friendly manner. As nice as an all-leather construction can look, I am not looking for pretty, but more for functionality in a chest system. While hiking up strenuous trails with a heavy revolver, the last thing I care about is how it looks.


http://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/Chest_Holsters.php


As of now, I am thinking I may sell off my Simply Rugged stuff and purchase the Double D holsters, as they look considerably more simple and durable.. I may look to see if I can see any reviews or people who have used these.

 

[Evergreen]

Thinking I have found the system I am going to go with, going to my local gun store to try them on, they have some in stock.. Has anyone else tried or have opinions of the Kenai Chest Holsters by Gunfighters Inc? I was happy to hear they are literally made an hour away from where I live. Cannot hurt to support your local gun company, although I was interested in these holsters before I knew they were located in Leavenworth , WA. I just happened to find that out after searching the web.

I like that they are made of kydex and easily adjustable with a full nylon strap system. The fact that I will be hiking in the rain and snow in the Northwest and getting my holsters fairly wet and soiled, I think will make a completely non-leather setup an advantage. They also could be feasible for car carry and have interchangeable kydex holsters that can be used with my S&W M&P pistols. I was never a big fan of using leather with my semi autos and it's nice to see the versatility that can be used with the Kenai system.

I notice even most of the other leather chest systems out there, except Simply Rugged, make use of a Nylon connector strap along the waist. I'm thinking going all nylon is not a bad idea. It doesn't look as pretty , but as I said beauty is not what I am after when I am hiking up mountains. It would be interesting to hear from others who own the Kenai system.


http://gunfightersinc.com/?product_cat=kenai-chest-holster

 

[susieqz]

you didn't say what gun you have, but if it's 1911ish, a leather tanker holster is cheaper n works great for keeping the gun handy but out of the way while exerting.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I'm sorry to hear about that.

I have two Simply Rugged holsters, one a Sourdough Pancake and the other a Silver Dollar Pancake, for a Ruger GP100 and Charter Arms Bulldog respectively.

They are superb field holsters.

It's a shame CS let you down. Hopefully they make it right for you!

 

[Evergreen]

I'm sorry to hear about that.

I have two Simply Rugged holsters, one a Sourdough Pancake and the other a Silver Dollar Pancake, for a Ruger GP100 and Charter Arms Bulldog respectively.

They are superb field holsters.

It's a shame CS let you down. Hopefully they make it right for you!

I am sorry they did too. I think I am going to go with the Kenai Holster system and going to try them out tomorrow. I will sell off my Simply Rugged Chest system.. To be honest, I never really liked it. On top of being uncomfortable (e.g. leather shoulder strap is bulky and impinges on backpack strap), hard to adjust, the leather stains pretty badly when it gets wet too on top of everything else. I can only wear it on top of dark color clothing and even then be prepared to throw out whatever shirt I wear with it, as the stains don't wash out.

Anyway, I will be either going with the Kenai or Diamond D chest system, thinking the Kenai will be the one I get now.

I will probably keep the Simply Rugged holsters I have. They are nice holsters and will work for hip draw shooting and just keeping my guns holstered around the house. However, considering the way I was treated I wont be buying anymore holsters from him nor referring people to the company as I did in the past. Being a good customer, I would think I could be treated decently than have the phone slammed on me. I guess the guy isn't hurting for business if he can treat his customers like garbage like that. Either that or they just don't care.

This isn't the first bad experience either. I had not the best experience with the guy in the past either when I had a problem with a belt I ordered. Most likely I had some confusion in how the sizes were suppose to be measured and the size I got was wrong. I called him up on the phone to explain that one of us made a mistake and he proceeded to chew me out and got all mad at me . I was like "GEEZ, SORRY BUDDY, It's hard ordering things like belts online". I tried to explain that it could have been my mistake, but he was acting like I was insulting his him or something. He made me pay to ship the belt back which I agreed and sent me out a new one with correct measurement. Considering, I bought a chest pulley system , belt and holster from him, you would have thought he could have at least been nice to me over one small mistake? I kept ordering stuff from this guy even after this, as I liked his holsters.

However, after this experience, this was the last straw. To be fair, I will say I like the quality and craftsmanship of his holsters, but utterly don't like the pulley system. The Customer Service gets an F, as well.

 

[Evergreen]

you didn't say what gun you have, but if it's 1911ish, a leather tanker holster is cheaper n works great for keeping the gun handy but out of the way while exerting.

I have a Ruger Redhawk 44 Mag 4" barrel and S&W m460v X Frame 5" barrel guns that I will be using for chest carry..

With the Kenai chest system, I think I can also do chest carry with my S&W M&P 9mm and S&W M&P 45 both are full size 4-4.5" barrels on these models.

 

[Blaker55]

I agree

I recently purchased a Sourdough holster for my GP100 from Simply Rugged. I am quite happy with the holster and quality. But listening to the guy rant on the phone really turned me off.
I was asking a question to one of his staff, the staff member passed on the question to him and he went off on a tirade in the background. I considered hanging up, but have heard so much good about the holsters that I went through with the purchase anyways.
Great holster and about a 2 week turnaround, but there are lots of holster guys out there and he must not need our business very bad.

 

[camsdaddy]

Ive wanted one of his holsters for years but after hearing similar stories I have refrained.

 

[Rio Laxas]

I like my Simply Rugged holsters for wearing on the hip, but I am not the biggest fan of the Chesty Puller attachment. I also feel that it is too complicated. I do like the Diamond D chest holster and find it to be much less complicated. I originally liked the idea that the Simply Rugged could be both a hip and chest holster, but have revised my opinion to believe that a dedicated chest holster and dedicated hip holster is a better way to go.

Mine came with an extension belt for the portion that goes around your midsection. Have you removed that?

 

[jeepnik]

Evergreen, it's unusual to get the type of customer service you mention. But anyone can have a bad day.

Believe it or not, you could ask to speak to Rob and if he's there he will likely talk to you. Explain the situation, he will make it right.

Although for the life of me, I can't figure out what is confusing or difficult about the Chesty Puller.

As to the Kenai is good, but I'd try to get the situation resolved before buying something different. It might just be a bit of a communication error.

 

[Evergreen]

I'm probably going to pick up my Kenai Chest system today.. I really like the feel of it .. Sadly, the one flaw I could see is that the Redhawk holster in the Kenai system fits too tightly for my Ruger Redhawk, but the guys at the local gun store were able to adjust the mold a bit so it fit more loosely. I can see the Kenai may have some flaws, but since the Kydex mold can be adjusted a bit to help the ease of pulling my gun.. The Kenai holster seems more geared towards the Ruger Super Red Hawk. A word of warning to those who want to buy a Kenai for their Ruger Redhawks. I am thinking the manufacturer should work on this issue. If you are going to buy a Kenai for a regular sized Redhawk (not Super) make sure you are ready to have it modified a bit.

Anyhow, the Kenai fits very comfortable and I feel the nylon straps are much more comfortable for a mountain hiker/backpacker, like myself. Considering, how wet and sweaty I will get hiking with these in the Northwest, I also think they will be more durable and wear less than any leather straps. I don't like the feeling of sweaty leather on my body either, which my chest sweats like a hog on those mountain trails and my leather holster gets pretty dang moist. This won't be an issue with Kydex. I like how you can adjust every position of it very easily from the shoulder strap to the straps on the left and right side with just a tug of the nylon strap through the plastic connectors. It feels pretty rugged, even more so than the hiking backpack belt and straps I have, which can hold a considerable amount of weight (like an 80lb pack).


As far as my Simply Rugged Chest system, I am done with it and will put it up for sale. I have had enough sour dealings and crappy customer service from Simply Rugged and will never buy another product from him. Maybe, the chest pulley system is not so hard to figure out, but it just stretched out too much and now is too big for me, who knows?

After trying on the Kenai chest system, I knew it blew away the Simply Rugged system. It is more comfortable and I can position the holster very easily where I want it and it will handle the various elements of weather. Also, the annoying shoulder strap on the Simply Rugged chest system made it very uncomfortable to wear with a backpack and it caused me some shoulder pain. I am actually more than happy to get rid of the Simply Rugged system. It may be good for some people, but not for me.

The Double D and Kenai system have a flatter shoulder strap which makes them much more friendly for hikers or people who have other straps on their body in addition to the chest system. Also, the adjustments on the Double D and Kenai are much simpler and don't rely on a stiff and flimsy leather belt adjustment that will prevent you from snuggly fitting the holster to your body. Even the Double D leather chest system, uses a nylon strap and plastic connector for the backstrap connection to give it a more secure and snug fit, which I think is a great idea. With the Simply Rugged chest holster there was always a bit of wobble and the holster was loosely attached to my chest as I could never get it to fit as snuggly as with the Kenai.

It seems that I am not only guy here who has had trouble with Simply Rugged, so I don't buy the bad day argument. As I said, he has treated me like crap in the past. He screams at his customers, is unprofessional and just acts immature all the way around. Getting the phone hung up on me after spending hundreds of dollars for his products is a kick in the teeth. I'm not giving my hard earned money to people with those business ethics, even if they do make nice holsters. I'm a small business person too and try to support other small businesses, but I expect to be treated decently in exchange. There are plenty of great holster manufacturers out there. If I buy another leather holster or system, the guys at Double D were very friendly, accommodating and I think produce a better quality product.

 

[Panzerschwein]

It makes me frown to hear these negative stories.

I was under the impression that Rob was a stand up guy. Maybe not? His holsters sure are good though...

 

[jeepnik]

It makes me frown to hear these negative stories.

I was under the impression that Rob was a stand up guy. Maybe not? His holsters sure are good though...

He is. Can't make judgments on one persons experiences. Take a look at all of the positive comments, that would likely give a better idea of what's going on.

 

[Evergreen]

Ymmv, I agree don't believe one person's testimony.. This is just mine and few others here.

Anyhow, I am loving my new Kenai. It's very comfy, easy to adjust, sexudes my gun well and easy to draw. Wearing it all over town today and cannot believe how light my tank of a gun feels on me. I think I'm also going to buy the interchangeable holsters for the system for my 460 X frame and my M&P pistols. They are only $60 each which is a good deal and the system with one holster is only $150.

A++++ for Kenai / Gunfighter Inc! I'm also happy to support a local Washington state business.

 

[Manny]

Not to throw stones, but I have to wonder how close attention someone paid to the instructions when he can't even get the name of the product correct.

 

[Evergreen]

Not to throw stones, but I have to wonder how close attention someone paid to the instructions when he can't even get the name of the product correct.

Wow Manny you got me. In actuality I am just really stupid. Well, it's nice to know dummies like me can figure out how both to pronounce and properly fit the Kenai system.

And, if you want to talk about silly names, Chesty Puller system? Sure wouldnt have anything to do with putting a gun on your chest and pulling straps/bands to secure it?

Anyhow, I am not worthy of the"Chesty Puller" system and good riddance to it! I'm lovin' my Kenai system and from a comfort standpoint alone it's obvious which setup I would want.

Even if his customer service was good I would have gone with kenai. Although, it was the bad service that inspired me to look elsewhere. If he would have been friendlier to me I would have considered buying more holsters from him. I own three simply rugged holsters, including a very expensive one for my S&W 460.. it's not like I haven't done my share to support his business. But my next leather holster I get will be from Double D or someone else. One thing I really like about about Double D holsters is the retaining screws, which are lacking on the SR holsters.

 

[red rick]

I just got a Diamond D Guides Choice Chest Holster . I rate their CS great . My holster was a in stock model and they had it to me in 7 days . It is very easy to adjust and it fits most people as it comes . If not , you can remove the Chicago screws and let it out more or take it up more .

With just a tee shirt on mine is almost to big for me , I wear a 40 regular suit . I think it will fit good over my hunting coat though .

The only complaint I have is that the pistol fits real tight . I have many holsters and none even come close to how tight it fits the pistol . They have a video showing just how tight they make them and how to get your pistol into the holster for the first time .

 

[Evergreen]

I just got a Diamond D Guides Choice Chest Holster . I rate their CS great . My holster was a in stock model and they had it to me in 7 days . It is very easy to adjust and it fits most people as it comes . If not , you can remove the Chicago screws and let it out more or take it up more .

With just a tee shirt on mine is almost to big for me , I wear a 40 regular suit . I think it will fit good over my hunting coat though .

The only complaint I have is that the pistol fits real tight . I have many holsters and none even come close to how tight it fits the pistol . They have a video showing just how tight they make them and how to get your pistol into the holster for the first time .

I've heard the stiffness of the Double D's are a bit of a problem. Sounds awfully weird for a leather holster to be that stiff.. I've heard they do loosen up a bit if you can wear them a bit.. Like maybe an hour of drawing and holstering while watching TV , etc. The guy at the company gave me those instructions. A tight holster is not a bad thing when hiking around the woods with the gun on your chest, but for it to be way too tight obviously is not good either. Ironically, I always had the opposite problem with my Simply Rugged holsters. They were always too loose and my guns would literally fall out if I bent forward too much. This was never an issue, really, as I never would bend forward, but wish they could have been more secure. However, if I was a person who was doing bouldering, rock climbing or any other activity that required my body to go 90 degrees, I would not trust my Simply Rugged holsters without adding some back retention strap attachment. This is also less of an issue if you are carrying the gun on your hip..

I don't quite get what you mean though by its almost too big for you? Isn't there a nylon strap adjustment on the Double D that allows you to snuggly fit it to your body? I would think you could get a snug fit using the Guide's Choice system with your t-shirt alone. Maybe, the shoulder connections are the limitation? I do hike in crowded National Park trails, like Glacier at times and I do like to conceal my chest rig at times. So, having it under my vest and not too loose is important. Also, when I am sweating my brains out on trails I will not want to be wearing a jacket.

Maybe, leather is just not the most adjustable material. Another gripe about the leather systems in general. If that's the case, the Kenai system fits me like a glove and is very easy to adjust.. With the Kenai system I can strap it tight to my t-shirt and with plenty of extra slack for extra tightening if needed. I spent the day walking around Seattle and Bellevue carrying my Ruger Redhawk 44 4" revolver holstered in my Kenai system and it was so comfortable I literally forgot I was packing a 5 lb gun on my chest.. I wanted to do a test-run with it to give it a feel of how it will feel with me hiking for hours with it. It concealed well under my vest too, despite a tiny little bulge from the rather large grip

 

[red rick]

When you use all of the adjustment in the nylon adjustment strap it's either to big or to small . But with the Diamond D you can change that adjustment by taking up or letting out the leather straps , by way of the Chicago screws , kind of like a belt adjustment , but with Chicago screws .

I will say that for your weight the Diamond D should fit you just fine using the sliding nylon adjusting strap without re-adjusting the leather straps with the Chicago screws , but you do have that option and it is not hard to do .

 

[The Alaskan]

You can't go wrong with Diamond D. No way. No how. Top quality materials. Top quality craftsmanship. Top quality service. My grandson, yet unborn, will be using mine.

 

[judgedelta]

Like the OP, it would appear that I, too, am an idiot. The holster is fine; the adjustment on the chest rig doesn't appear to be adjustable to suit me; will not lie flat against my chest. The guy on the phone, who seemed to be in charge, was convinced that it was my fault. I won't be bothering him again...

 

[Red Cent]

Double D uses very good leather and when you wet mold the gun, the leather dries hard. My double layer SASS holsters could be classified as deadly weapons. Any leather holster that is tight can be fixed. And please don't say I paid xxxxxx and it should work first time. Huh uh.
Take a wet rag (not dripping) and push it into the holster down to where you see the cylinder gouges on the inside of the holster. Let it be for about 5 minutes. Now holster the gun (wrapped with plastic wrap) firmly. Every 10 minutes or so, twist the gun firmly back and forth in place. Just enough to push the leather a little. After about three times, let it dry with gun in holster. Fan is OK.
Most of the time, the other place that will cause a tight fit is the front sight. Get a file.........
Get some light on the subject and see if you can detect a rub line. If so, wet the line down and push the gun in and out putting extra pressure to deepen the line for the front sight.
We can't make 'em perfect every time. Well, almost.

 

[coondogger]

Simply Rugged made a holster for my 44 mag and I couldn't be more pleased with it. Apart from schmoozing with the owner for a bit when I placed my order, I had no need for customer service; the holster was perfect when it arrived.