Smartcarry/Thunderwear/Thunderbelt ?!?!?! - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

cschwanz · 04-25-2008, 04:19 PM

Didn't know where to put this question, but this seemed like as good a place as any. I've been doing some holster research and have seen these names a variety of places. When going to Smartcarry's website (www.smartcarry.com) it says they used to be Thunder Belt. Then there is www.thunderwear.com . This looks to be the exact same product. Does anyone have any info on these? Differences? Anyone currently own/use any of these? Opinions and reviews would be greatly appreciated. Pics would just make my day

Modificationvt · 04-25-2008, 06:10 PM

they look interesting, not sure how I feel about having the entier gun below my waist band

maddram · 04-25-2008, 06:32 PM

the smartcarry has a layer of fabric thats supposed to keep sweat from getting to the gun. I bought a smartcarry and I wear it sometimes, it takes some getting used to and is not really comfortable if you are going to be sitting for a long time as it pokes into your stomach. Its good for those occasions where you need to dress up but still want to carry since it pretty much disappears.

XD_Hokie · 04-25-2008, 06:54 PM

I wear my Smartcarry all the time, small single stack auto works best for dress, but I do carry my XD9SC and XD45C with no problem with more causal looser fitting clothes. You need to work with it to get the positioning that works right for your body type and gun, but they give you a 60 return policy so go for it. No other holster gave me that kind of return policy. If you do not like it all the time, it may be a good option sometimes.

cschwanz · 04-25-2008, 07:13 PM

it seems like itd be great for wearing loose fitting basket-ball type shorts and loose tshirt, something i am know for in the summer dyas when it gets warmer. just trying to figure out the differences, if there are any.

emery72 · 04-25-2008, 10:03 PM

By just looking at the websites and not actually seeing them in person there sure doesn't seem to by much of any difference. They are even pretty much the same price. They sure don't look like they would be comfortable, but would probably work well with loose fitting basketball shorts. If you pick one up you will have to let us know what you think about it.

rgeliske · 04-26-2008, 08:16 AM

The Smartcarry is made so that the seems will not snag the gun when drawing and does have material to protect the gun from moisture. Smartcarry is the better of the two.

Bidah · 04-26-2008, 08:22 AM

I have both, and have used them for quite a number of years. I have to say that to me, the SmartCarry is better built and holds up better. Yes, they do take some getting used to, and some don't like it. I do not like IWB, could never stand it. To each their own.

dtdprobe · 04-27-2008, 06:37 AM

I have a smartcarry for my XD40-sub. I like it because I'm a thin build guy (5'10", 150lbs.) and don't normally wear baggy clothes. I can wear a fitted t-shirt and jeans and use the smartcarry no problem. When I'm in the car, I do a quick "grab and adjust" to keep it from poking my stomach, but it moves right out of the way and is comfortable for me.

Construction of the holster is excellent, no complaints there.

It's a little pricey, but i'm glad I bought mine.

cschwanz · 04-27-2008, 08:54 AM

It looks like im going to be dropping some money into a few different holsters soon. I want to get a crossbreed for my 1911, and while im doing it, i think im gonna order one for my future XD(even tho i haven't bought it yet-i know ill have an xd eventually, might as well save money on shipping). i also want to get one of these to wear in certain situations where i dont have a belt or heavier pants on. anybody have a smartcarry they wanna unload on me for cheap??

thanks for the input everyone

04-25-2008, 04:19 PM	#1
cschwanz XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 128	Smartcarry/Thunderwear/Thunderbelt ?!?!?! Didn't know where to put this question, but this seemed like as good a place as any. I've been doing some holster research and have seen these names a variety of places. When going to Smartcarry's website (www.smartcarry.com) it says they used to be Thunder Belt. Then there is www.thunderwear.com . This looks to be the exact same product. Does anyone have any info on these? Differences? Anyone currently own/use any of these? Opinions and reviews would be greatly appreciated. Pics would just make my day __________________ SA XD .45Compact SA V10 Ultra Compact .45 S&W 629 .44 Mag Savage Mark II bolt action .22LR Ignorance can be fixed, its called education.......Stupid will get you killed!

04-25-2008, 06:32 PM	#3
maddram XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 172	the smartcarry has a layer of fabric thats supposed to keep sweat from getting to the gun. I bought a smartcarry and I wear it sometimes, it takes some getting used to and is not really comfortable if you are going to be sitting for a long time as it pokes into your stomach. Its good for those occasions where you need to dress up but still want to carry since it pretty much disappears. __________________ Springfield XD40 Service Springfield XD9 SubCompact Colt Python .357 S&W .38SPL wheelgun KelTec PF9 DPMS M4 Ruger 10/22 Ruger M77 7MM Mag Ruger M77 .270 Browning lever action .243 Remington 870 12ga (3)

04-25-2008, 06:54 PM	#4
XD_Hokie XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SW Virginia Posts: 147	I wear my Smartcarry all the time, small single stack auto works best for dress, but I do carry my XD9SC and XD45C with no problem with more causal looser fitting clothes. You need to work with it to get the positioning that works right for your body type and gun, but they give you a 60 return policy so go for it. No other holster gave me that kind of return policy. If you do not like it all the time, it may be a good option sometimes. __________________ Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. (Paraphrased - Holy Bible) Therefore, Night Sights !! GO HOKIES!! Virginia Citizens Defense League - www.vcdl.org

04-25-2008, 07:13 PM	#5
cschwanz XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 128	it seems like itd be great for wearing loose fitting basket-ball type shorts and loose tshirt, something i am know for in the summer dyas when it gets warmer. just trying to figure out the differences, if there are any. __________________ SA XD .45Compact SA V10 Ultra Compact .45 S&W 629 .44 Mag Savage Mark II bolt action .22LR Ignorance can be fixed, its called education.......Stupid will get you killed!

04-26-2008, 08:16 AM	#7
rgeliske XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,615	The Smartcarry is made so that the seems will not snag the gun when drawing and does have material to protect the gun from moisture. Smartcarry is the better of the two. __________________ Sig P220, Taurus PT1911, Browning HiPower 9mm, CZ75, CZ75 P01, S&W Model 60 357, Savage 9317 BTVS .17, Browning Buckmark, Taurus Gaucho 357 (pair), Taurus Gaucho 45LC (pair), Uberti 1873 Saddle Rifle 357, Uberti 1873 45 LC Carbine, TTN 12 Gauge Double, Ruger Bisley Vaquero 357 (pair), Springfield XD9SC, XD45 Service, XD45 Compact Tactical, Glock G35, Taurus 617 357

04-25-2008, 06:10 PM	#2
Modificationvt XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 624	they look interesting, not sure how I feel about having the entier gun below my waist band

04-25-2008, 10:03 PM	#6
emery72 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 14	By just looking at the websites and not actually seeing them in person there sure doesn't seem to by much of any difference. They are even pretty much the same price. They sure don't look like they would be comfortable, but would probably work well with loose fitting basketball shorts. If you pick one up you will have to let us know what you think about it.

04-26-2008, 08:22 AM	#8
Bidah XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Isolated, Montana Posts: 664	I have both, and have used them for quite a number of years. I have to say that to me, the SmartCarry is better built and holds up better. Yes, they do take some getting used to, and some don't like it. I do not like IWB, could never stand it. To each their own. __________________ -Bidah “The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering.” The Doctor

04-27-2008, 06:37 AM	#9
dtdprobe XDTalk Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cleveland,OH Posts: 37	I Like Mine I have a smartcarry for my XD40-sub. I like it because I'm a thin build guy (5'10", 150lbs.) and don't normally wear baggy clothes. I can wear a fitted t-shirt and jeans and use the smartcarry no problem. When I'm in the car, I do a quick "grab and adjust" to keep it from poking my stomach, but it moves right out of the way and is comfortable for me. Construction of the holster is excellent, no complaints there. It's a little pricey, but i'm glad I bought mine. __________________ My toys: 1. Firestorm 1911 .45ACP 2. XD40SC Bi-Tone

04-27-2008, 08:54 AM	#10
cschwanz XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Posts: 128	It looks like im going to be dropping some money into a few different holsters soon. I want to get a crossbreed for my 1911, and while im doing it, i think im gonna order one for my future XD(even tho i haven't bought it yet-i know ill have an xd eventually, might as well save money on shipping). i also want to get one of these to wear in certain situations where i dont have a belt or heavier pants on. anybody have a smartcarry they wanna unload on me for cheap?? thanks for the input everyone __________________ SA XD .45Compact SA V10 Ultra Compact .45 S&W 629 .44 Mag Savage Mark II bolt action .22LR Ignorance can be fixed, its called education.......Stupid will get you killed!

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