Monday, May 3, 2010

An Embarrassment of Riches

My pal Dennis over at Dragon Leather Works contacted me a while back asking if I'd be interested in reviewing some more holsters. In addition to the Pistol Pouch, Dragon Leather Works now offers what they call the "Versa Carry", a holster that truly lives up to its name. It can be a straight OWB holster, it can be a Small-of-the-back holster, or it can (shortly) be part of a shoulder holster rig. Now that's versatile!

He's also looking to break into the IWB business, and has a brand new holster style coming out. It's a fairly traditional style, but with the Dragon Leather Works twist (strong enough to tow a semi trailer with). He sent me the working prototype with the understanding that it is very much a work in progress, and has already developed version 2.0, which will be seen in the review later this week.

So last week a box shows up on the front porch:

Oh Boy, Holsters!

That's all three; a minimalist Versa Carry, a full Versa Carry, and an IWB holster. Dennis has jokingly referred to this as the "Fugly" (more below) because of the "rough-out" construction - the rough side against the inside of one's pants helps keep the holster from moving, and the finished side against the gun assists in a faster, smoother draw. It may look a little odd, but this holster is sturdy as all get out and provides acres of support.

In-depth reviews of all three holsters will be forthcoming.

Here's view of the ingenious Versa Carry belt loop:

Brilliant!

And here's the "Fugly" up close:

Functional is Beautiful

Dennis even put a little something on the back:

Autographed, Even!

Dennis also asked if we wouldn't mind brainstorming a better name for the holster than "Fugly". He's concerned that "Fugly" might bring too many negative connotations with it; I'm not entirely convinced that's the case - I think it might just help it stick out with a memorable name that's self-deprecating yet funny.

What do you think - keep "Fugly" or do you have a better name for this holster?

That is all.

6 comments:

Andrew said...

Keep Fugly, it has character.

Weer'd Beard said...

+1 Fugly is good name. It also appeals to the no-nonsense side of the gunnie world. And let's face it, what's the outside of most carry guns looking like?

A flawless royal blue high-polish bluing, or is is low-reflection Melonite and other black oxide finishes with gobs of holster wear?

If he's really not feelin' the Fug, then why not something like "Double H" or something else standing for "Homely Holster"

I certainly think he should capitalize on the high-function low aesthetic design on it.

We all know its a goldmine in the gun world otherwise they wouldn't be selling so damn many Glocks, XDs, and Kel-Tecs. Pig-ugly guns the lot of them, and TONS more out there that people are gobbling up because something working well is #1, and looking good rarely crosses into the equation.

Lissa said...

One more vote for Fugly!

"Fugly - The Right Holster For Your FuGun."

(WV: facyargi. That would also be a good holster name.)

David said...

From a marketing perspective, "Fugly" is excellent. Think of the taglines ...

"I never leave home without getting Fugly."

"Real men want something Fugly holding their piece."

"If it ain't Fugly ... it ain't worth sticking your pistol in it."

... and for women ...

"Hey Ladies ... when's the last time you had something rough and Fugly down your pants?

It's comic gold! I love marketing.

Rabbit said...

Fugly works. The first thing I thought of when I saw the photo was "hey, that looks a lot like a bull scrotum", but that's probably not as good a marketing moniker as Fugly.

Dennis Badurina said...

Well....Fugly it is.

I can't argue with the tag lines suggested by David...I love "If it ain't Fugly ... it ain't worth sticking your pistol in it." Its raunchy, crass, and reminiscent of the double-entendre's you would get on Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Same for the one for the ladies...thats just too damned FUNNY!

Dennis