When Pa Landgraf von KL STRATEGIC started what to wear and how to use a short gun holster, SICHERHEITSAGENTUR GEILLINGER stepped in and explained how to carry a baton sensibly:
We want to pick up the thread for further elaboration and show the possibilities of carrying the now established multi-purpose batons (from Bonowi, ASP, Nexbaton - shown above - etc.) effectively.
Just like with firearms that require a permit, carrying outside a fenced property requires an official permit or a legitimate interest (which essentially equals an official authorization).
With the market launch of the EKA (Brand's own designation "Short Extendable Baton" for the tool originally known as "Telescopic Baton") by the Bonowi brand, a previously little-used method of carrying batons was established: the so-called "Cross Draw" carry. The EKA is carried on the "weak" side and drawn with the "strong" hand. The holster is usually positioned at 11 o'clock on the carrier and is carried at a 45-degree angle or horizontally. This carry style is not suitable for concealed carry due to printing and the bulky design, an open jacket would be the only practical option. For this carry style, the models from the manufacturers GK-Pro from France (used by almost every police force in Germany) and the Italian manufacturer Radar have proven to be the best and most durable holsters.
If carrying on the "strong hand" side is preferred, vertical carry is recommended. The holster should be placed at the 4 o'clock position, for firearms carriers this means: behind the firearm (with sufficient distance so that each individual use item can be drawn without interference). Why do we recommend this? If the holster is positioned vertically, for example, at the 1-2 o'clock position, you will be painful reminded of a wrongly positioned holster location every time you sit or bend down. The baton will press against the ribs and/or abdomen. Carrying at the 5 o'clock position is also a practical alternative, especially when it comes to carrying the tool concealed. In this position, the baton is carried in the so-called "Scout Style". The holster must have a 45-degree angle. Holsters from the brands Nexbaton and ASP have proven to be particularly useful for this carry style.
When carrying on the belt or belt system, we do not recommend other carry methods. Please make sure not to place a baton at the 6 o'clock position (this also applies to all other hard equipment items), as there is a high risk of injury, potentially of great severity. No spine is harder than a baton!
Those who want to make space on the belt can also attach the baton to the plate carrier/body armor. The baton is mounted vertically at the 11 o'clock position or at a 45-degree angle. With the opening facing downwards. To avoid loss, closed holsters such as the one from 5.11 are suitable for this purpose. The horizontal carry style at 11 o'clock, similar to on the belt, but slightly higher on the body armor. If you want to carry the baton concealed like this, there is a large selection of shoulder holster devices available for this purpose, allowing you to carry your baton analogously to the body armor.
Also, personnel who use a thigh holster can make space on the belt. An additional holster for a baton can be mounted on this, creating even more space on the belt compared to a belt combination. Unlike the belt combination, this is mounted in front of the pistol, at around 2 o'clock. If it were mounted behind the firearm, disruptions would inevitably occur due to the minimal distance on the platform when drawing the firearm or baton. The thigh platforms from Safariland have proven to be particularly suitable for this purpose. Radar offers holsters for batons with the corresponding Safariland hole punching.
Another alternative to carry your baton concealed is an ankle holster. The model from the American manufacturer Bianchi is considered the absolute favorite. In addition to being invisible, the advantage is not using up space on the upper body for the baton, the disadvantage is accessibility. If the time to make the tool ready for use is the top criterion, then this carry style should be reconsidered.
Last but not least: the fanny pack, also known as a hip bag. In it, all necessary equipment can be carried relatively inconspicuously. The major disadvantage, of course, is the reaction time needed to retrieve the tools. At least we have the baton - here in the picture you can see a slightly shorter version at 16" - quickly accessible and yet inconspicuously placed. The fanny pack shown here is from Maxpedition and has a suitable compartment on the top that securely holds the baton in place.
Note: The author is right-handed and therefore refers to the right hand as the strong hand. All positions listed here are for right-handed individuals. Left-handed individuals should reverse the recommendations!
