Safariland: SafariLaminate vs SafariSeven

[Bobson]

Looks like Safariland holsters are pretty much all highly reviewed, regardless of what they're made of. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with holsters made of both SafariLaminate and SafariSeven, and might be able to compare/contrast them.

Is one better than the other for certain roles? From what I can find, they're both made to function in a wide range of temperatures, are unaffected by water, and are strong (yet not brittle) construction. So... does it make a difference which one you pick, at all?

Here are two similar for instance rigs to compare:

Safariland Model 6304 (SafariLaminate construction)
Safariland Model 7304 (SafariSeven construction)

 

[9mmepiphany]

SafariLaminate starts as a laminated sheet and is formed by heating and bending

SafariSeven is melted and injection molded

Functionally it is mostly a matter of preference. Makers like Blade-Tec offer both. The injection molded models are considered their entry level line and usually cost a bit less...but are offered for fewer guns

 

[Bobson]

Thank you, sir. I assumed the SafariSeven (7TS models) were later designs, since their model numbers seem to all start with 7 instead of 6. Then I assumed, being a more recent development, that it must be an upgrade in some way over the laminate. I appreciate the clarification.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Then I assumed, being a more recent development, that it must be an upgrade in some way over the laminate. I appreciate the clarification.

Will offering a functional holster at a lower price point would be an upgrade...so would the higher profit margin for the manufacturer

Smaller makers will never offer injection molded polymer holsters because the machinery is too expensive for them.

The selection of different guns that injection molded holster will be offer for will never be as varied as hand formed holsters, because they would have a hard time recouping the cost of machinery for less popular guns. It also takes longer to bring an injection molded holster on the market.

The most commonly known injection holsters are those by Fobus or Uncle Mikes