The Vulcan Headrest Safe offers a unique and discreet storage solution for firearms and valuables, integrating seamlessly into vehicle interiors. Designed to fit most two-post headrest systems, it aims to provide secure storage without compromising accessibility. Let’s dive in to see what it is, how it works, and what my opinions over it are.
Vulcan Headrest Safe Out of the Box
Out of the box, the Vulcan Headrest Safe includes the safe itself, mounting legs and adapters, and the necessary hardware for installation. It also comes with detailed instructions, supplemented by helpful YouTube videos for guidance. The package includes a biometric lock, a keypad, and a hard key for manual access, ensuring multiple options for entry.
Safe Hardware
However, the included legs and adapters may not fit all vehicles, as was the case with my Chevy Silverado. One significant drawback is the lack of an option on the Vulcan website to select a vehicle’s make and model when ordering. While the included legs and adapters are meant to fit most vehicles, they were too small for my Chevy Silverado. To resolve this, I had to contact the company and have an $80 separate set of larger-diameter legs sent out. This extra step was inconvenient, and I believe consumers should have the ability to select the correct size directly from the factory to avoid unnecessary hassle and expense.
The Headrest Safe is constructed from heavy-duty materials, including an 18-gauge steel body and a 16-gauge steel door. It is available in both leatherette and cloth finishes, with color options such as black, tan, dark gray, light gray, and charcoal. The interior dimensions measure 6 inches high by 3.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches long, offering enough space to store a full-size pistol along with other small items. Its discreet design allows it to blend seamlessly into the vehicle’s interior, effectively “hiding in plain sight.”
Installing the Vulcan Headrest Safe
Installation took approximately 30 minutes and was straightforward thanks to the instructional videos. The safe mounts to the passenger seat in left-side drive vehicles for easy driver access. The adjustments enable left-to-right and forward-aft positioning, though the forward adjustment remains limited.
This limitation affected the headrest’s usability in my Silverado, as I found myself needing to lean back further to use it compared to the original headrest. Despite this, the padding was comfortable enough for everyday use.
One of the key benefits of the Vulcan Headrest Safe is its ease of use. Programming the lock is simple, and the biometric system, keypad, and manual key provide plenty of options for access. On average, it took about five seconds to unlock and retrieve the safe’s contents, making it a practical solution for quick access in critical moments. The safe’s design also keeps its purpose discreet, reducing the likelihood of theft or tampering by blending in with the vehicle’s interior. While my original lock would not allow me to add other fingers for the biometric portion, the warranty department sent me out a new lock, and it worked without issue.
Hidden under the turn knob, users can still use a physical key as a failsafe. The cap can be removed by backing out two set screws. Two keys and the Allen wrench to back these set screws out are provided.
Durability
Although the safe uses durable materials, it lacks some ruggedness. Two small screws and a latch secure the door, but they may not withstand significant force if someone tries to rip it out. However, its concealed nature adds an extra layer of security by making it less likely to be targeted in the first place. I think that is the coolest and most valuable part of this safe. Being able to hide your valuables in “plain sight.”
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One downside I found early in the Texas spring is that the leather around the lock is only held in place with glue. With rising outside temperatures, the inside of my vehicle gets even hotter. Due to this, with 80-degree days, the glue started to give way, and the leather would catch on the pivoting door when trying to open the safe. Super glue may help keep it in place, but staples or pins may be necessary. I was quite surprised to see this wasn’t standard from the factory.
Batteries For the Vulcan Headrest Safe
The Vulcan Headrest Safe runs on two AAA batteries, providing reliable electronic access, and also includes a key as a failsafe. Users can program both a custom access code and a fingerprint for biometric entry. During testing, I found that it took about five seconds to unlock and access the contents, which is an acceptable speed for a storage solution of this type. Including a manual key provides peace of mind in case the battery fails, ensuring users always have access to their safe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Vulcan Headrest Safe is an intriguing and practical solution for secure, in-vehicle storage. It excels in discretion and accessibility. One downside is compatibility across the board. While the included hardware is compatible with most vehicles, it was not with mine without specially made and ordered hardware. For its MSRP of $349.00, it provides reasonable value, especially for users prioritizing concealment and quick access. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, the Vulcan Headrest Safe remains a tempting choice for many drivers seeking a discreet storage option.
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