Sparks Executive Companion?

jwhite75 · January 14th, 2008, 05:39 PM

I have read here about the VM II. and those singing its praises. However I read that Tony Kanaley prefers the EX Companion. I like the looks of the EX companion a little better. Does anybody have any experience with this versus the VM II? Mr. Kanaley, your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. I would probably order one for my g23 and the p220 I plan to purchase.

David III · January 14th, 2008, 06:18 PM

I have worn an EX every day for the past three years - and I also own a VM II and a Summer Special. I ordered the EX thinking that the extra leather at the bottom would help distribute the pressure from the barrel and slide on my short little 3" Colt Defender. The VMII is awesome with an Officer's gun or larger, but with my small to average build, the Defender had a habit of pressing right into the nerves in my hip by the end of the day.
So, I ordered an EX figuring it might help. And, it sure did. I wear Wrangler cowboy jeans, and based on the belt loops, the EX does not have to straddle a belt loop (though the holster's loop is cut for it). The EX stays where I put it, does not move around, though I'd give the vote for "rock solid" to the VM II over it, but that's a function of the way the two are designed.
I have twice walked downstairs at home in the morning and had to go back up and get my gun, because with the EX, I forget it's there.

Thumper · January 14th, 2008, 08:12 PM

I had one, it's thicker at the belt attachment than the VM-II but it was comfortable to wear, oh! And easy to take on an off... I did like that a lot! I sold it to a friend though because the VM-II is better!

JerryM · January 14th, 2008, 08:42 PM

Of the two mentioned I have only used the ExC, but I have two, one horsehide for my Kahr P9, and the other cowhide with a barrier shield for my 1911 compact. I do not have a preference in regards to horsehide vs cowhide.

I have used other brands, and still the ExC remains my favorite IWB holster. The extra skirting makes a difference in not having the end of the holster dig into my body.

Regards,
Jerry

torrejon224 · January 14th, 2008, 10:24 PM

I agree and for my purposes the EC is a much better rig than the VMII which I find to be too large and bulky. Don't get me wrong, I still own a few VMII's but only for my large and heavy S&W semi-autos, the type of gun for which the VMII really shines.

AZ Husker · January 14th, 2008, 10:26 PM

I love my VM-II's, but have some Brommeland Max-Con V's that are great too. The difference between a reinforced opening is debatable. If you're training or doing multiple presentations, the stiff mouth is necessary. The other day my old friend Slydlok came down from NM and we were comparing our carry pieces. I had mine in a VM-II and he had his in a Max-Con V. We fondled the guns back and forth, then I watched him reholster having to use his off-hand to open the mouth of the holster back up. I simply shoved mine back in the opening. His response was..."I put my .45 in when I dress, and take it out when I get undressed. In the event that I have to pull it, it'll be laying on the ground. You'll never have to reholster after a defensive show of force". Makes a great point for the Max-Con V or Spark's EX. These two are my favorite leathercrafters.

Ti Carry · January 15th, 2008, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torrejon224

I agree and for my purposes the EC is a much better rig than the VMII which I find to be too large and bulky. Don't get me wrong, I still own a few VMII's but only for my large and heavy S&W semi-autos, the type of gun for which the VMII really shines.

Be careful what you say, TK will give you a smack down for that.

But I have to agree, I'd much rather carry a watch six type holster for my tastes. Not sure about the EC but I like the belt loops seperated (wider) for better stability of the holster.

Quote:

His response was..."I put my .45 in when I dress, and take it out when I get undressed. In the event that I have to pull it, it'll be laying on the ground. You'll never have to reholster after a defensive show of force". Makes a great point

I share in that same point with your buddy. No way can I carry all day with a VM-II, I just can't do it, I was constantly fighting with the holster all day.

Ti

JerryM · January 15th, 2008, 12:14 AM

I have some holsters which do not stay open for one hand re-holstering. Personally I consider it dangerous to have to use one that does not stay open. I have found it is sometimes necessary to have the muzzle of the gun point to your body. For that reason I won't use one, but to each his own.

All my newer holsters stay open. The Sparks I-BAK, and ExC stay open, as do the holsters from Brommeland, K&D, and Andrews.

Regards,
Jerry

AZ Husker · January 15th, 2008, 12:27 AM

If you never draw the gun during a normal day, what difference does it matter?

Thumper · January 15th, 2008, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ Husker

If you never draw the gun during a normal day, what difference does it matter?

I can think of a couple time a day when I draw, or shall I say, un-holster my weapon!

January 14th, 2008, 05:39 PM	#1
jwhite75 VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,306	Sparks Executive Companion? I have read here about the VM II. and those singing its praises. However I read that Tony Kanaley prefers the EX Companion. I like the looks of the EX companion a little better. Does anybody have any experience with this versus the VM II? Mr. Kanaley, your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. I would probably order one for my g23 and the p220 I plan to purchase. __________________ Friends don't let friends be MALL NINJAS. "May God have mercy on my enemies...because I won't." -Gen. George S. Patton.

January 14th, 2008, 08:12 PM	#3
Thumper VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Nevada Posts: 5,586	I had one, it's thicker at the belt attachment than the VM-II but it was comfortable to wear, oh! And easy to take on an off... I did like that a lot! I sold it to a friend though because the VM-II is better! __________________ USMC 1968-1971 ALWAYS carry! - NEVER tell! *"Don't go to stupid places, with stupid people, and do stupid things!"*

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January 14th, 2008, 06:18 PM	#2
David III Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sturgeon, MO Posts: 803	I have worn an EX every day for the past three years - and I also own a VM II and a Summer Special. I ordered the EX thinking that the extra leather at the bottom would help distribute the pressure from the barrel and slide on my short little 3" Colt Defender. The VMII is awesome with an Officer's gun or larger, but with my small to average build, the Defender had a habit of pressing right into the nerves in my hip by the end of the day. So, I ordered an EX figuring it might help. And, it sure did. I wear Wrangler cowboy jeans, and based on the belt loops, the EX does not have to straddle a belt loop (though the holster's loop is cut for it). The EX stays where I put it, does not move around, though I'd give the vote for "rock solid" to the VM II over it, but that's a function of the way the two are designed. I have twice walked downstairs at home in the morning and had to go back up and get my gun, because with the EX, I forget it's there.

January 14th, 2008, 08:42 PM	#4
JerryM Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,693	Of the two mentioned I have only used the ExC, but I have two, one horsehide for my Kahr P9, and the other cowhide with a barrier shield for my 1911 compact. I do not have a preference in regards to horsehide vs cowhide. I have used other brands, and still the ExC remains my favorite IWB holster. The extra skirting makes a difference in not having the end of the holster dig into my body. Regards, Jerry

January 14th, 2008, 10:24 PM	#5
torrejon224 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 674	I agree and for my purposes the EC is a much better rig than the VMII which I find to be too large and bulky. Don't get me wrong, I still own a few VMII's but only for my large and heavy S&W semi-autos, the type of gun for which the VMII really shines.

January 14th, 2008, 10:26 PM	#6
AZ Husker VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Phoenix Posts: 3,575	I love my VM-II's, but have some Brommeland Max-Con V's that are great too. The difference between a reinforced opening is debatable. If you're training or doing multiple presentations, the stiff mouth is necessary. The other day my old friend Slydlok came down from NM and we were comparing our carry pieces. I had mine in a VM-II and he had his in a Max-Con V. We fondled the guns back and forth, then I watched him reholster having to use his off-hand to open the mouth of the holster back up. I simply shoved mine back in the opening. His response was..."I put my .45 in when I dress, and take it out when I get undressed. In the event that I have to pull it, it'll be laying on the ground. You'll never have to reholster after a defensive show of force". Makes a great point for the Max-Con V or Spark's EX. These two are my favorite leathercrafters.

January 15th, 2008, 12:14 AM	#8
JerryM Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,693	I have some holsters which do not stay open for one hand re-holstering. Personally I consider it dangerous to have to use one that does not stay open. I have found it is sometimes necessary to have the muzzle of the gun point to your body. For that reason I won't use one, but to each his own. All my newer holsters stay open. The Sparks I-BAK, and ExC stay open, as do the holsters from Brommeland, K&D, and Andrews. Regards, Jerry

January 15th, 2008, 12:27 AM	#9
AZ Husker VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Phoenix Posts: 3,575	If you never draw the gun during a normal day, what difference does it matter?