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I spent quite a bit of time now researching holster options - looking at many different brands suggested by forum members. Rather than asking for specific recommendations, I am wondering if there are any generalizations that can be made about kydex vs leather holsters. Assuming that I am only considering quality OWB holsters (Comp-Tac, Crossbreed, Bladetech, Highnoon, etc) are there general advantages of one over the other in the areas of concealability, retention, durability, non-marking (the weapon), comfort?

Or perhaps there is too much variance between manufacturers and models to make these kinds of generalizations. But thanks in advance for any input.

t

While I don't often have the occasion to carry OWB, I do have what I feel is the best of leather/kydex holsters.

Check out the Tucker Silent Thunder. It's a leather lined kydex holster.

http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

terryg wrote:I spent quite a bit of time now researching holster options - looking at many different brands suggested by forum members. Rather than asking for specific recommendations, I am wondering if there are any generalizations that can be made about kydex vs leather holsters. Assuming that I am only considering quality OWB holsters (Comp-Tac, Crossbreed, Bladetech, Highnoon, etc) are there general advantages of one over the other in the areas of concealability, retention, durability, non-marking (the weapon), comfort?

Or perhaps there is too much variance between manufacturers and models to make these kinds of generalizations. But thanks in advance for any input.

t

Here are a few general characteristics of holsters made in the two materials you're looking at:

A Kydex holster is:

1. Extremely durable (almost indestructible)
2. Waterproof
3. Resistant to collapse, making it easy to reholster with one hand
4. Rigid
5. Uncomfortable directly next to skin
6. Doesn't stretch out or lose shape unless subjected to high heat
7. Doesn't need to be polished
8. Is resistant to scratches, scuffs, etc.
9. Is more a work of engineering than a work of art

A high quality leather holster is:

1. Durable if properly cared for.
2. Not waterproof and doesn't like getting wet
3. Subject to collapsing to a degree that makes one handed reholstering difficult but not impossible unless the mouth is heavily reinforced with a stiffening component
4. Stiff but not rigid
5. More comfortable than kydex when directly next to the skin
6. Will stretch out and / or lose shape if stressed when wet, or if overtreated with oils or other substances
7. Smooth leather does best when occasionally cleaned and polished
8. Shows scuffs, scratches, and abrasions
9. Is more a work of art than a work of engineering

A low quality leather holster is:

1. Not durable
2. Not waterproof - soaks up water like a sponge
3. Collapses readily and completely, making reholstering a two handed chore
4. Soft and pliable - often to the point of being floppy
5. Generally pretty comfortable directly next to the skin
6. Stretches out and loses whatever shape it came with readily
7. Doesn't usually last long enough for cleaning and polishing to be an issue
8. Is equipped with a belt mounting system that doesn't work well with any known belt
9. Is a work of neither art nor engineering

Since Kydex is smoother than leather, the draw can be faster.

+1 for anything by tucker gun leather. Very very good holsters, just be prepared for a bit of a wait for some. Kydex ones are normally under a month. I own the silent thunder leather lined IWB and it's great. I have just order "the answer " and hopefully should get it in the not to distance future. I also had the cover up j-frame for an sp101 but sold it with the gun. All have been great!

Be sure and look at horsehide. Solves some of the problems of leather. I have some of both and I have not found a kydex that conceals like leather. But I carry OWB.

I personally carry a Don Hume #10 Jit Slide holster. It's small, doesn't weigh anything. It may be tight in the beginning but I worked my 1911 in and out of the holster about 50 times and now its smooth as silk. The more you work the gun in and out the better it will become. The one thing you have to do is get a good belt to hold the holster and gun in place.

Leather for OWB & Kydex for IWB.

Tucker is my daily carry.

Every one is different. Boils down to what you like.

I just got my first holster and it is a Kydex IWB from Blade Tech. I like the way my FNX 9mm fits in it and how the draw feels. Now the hard part is getting used to having it on. It is, of course, hard plastic material and no matter what you do you know it is there. As a second holster I am going to try some type of leather or concealment undershirt. I got good info about the leather ones but does anyone know much about the undershirt type? Just curious.
Kevin

While this is of course a subjective matter of personal taste, body shape, attire, etc., I am one of those many CHLers with a drawerful of holsters for my various CCW handguns. My favorite of all those for my Springfield .45 compact GI is the simple Kydex OWB which came with the handgun, on my thick 1-1/2" heavy gunbelt. If my attire necessitates going to IWB, the Kydex-equipped CrossBreed is used quite satisfactorily. With form-fitting Kydex I know the handgun will not fall out, but on the other hand I find it a snap drawing it.

Kevin_S wrote:I just got my first holster and it is a Kydex IWB from Blade Tech. I like the way my FNX 9mm fits in it and how the draw feels. Now the hard part is getting used to having it on. It is, of course, hard plastic material and no matter what you do you know it is there. As a second holster I am going to try some type of leather or concealment undershirt. I got good info about the leather ones but does anyone know much about the undershirt type? Just curious.
Kevin

In my humble opinion, that's a good thing. When carrying, you should always be aware that you're carrying. On the other hand, when you're not carrying, you should be aware that you're not carrying.
Your mileage may vary.

I just ordered a Kholster the other day. It is another hybrid holster. All the reviews were praising it... More adjustable than MTAC or Crossbreed, lifetime warranty, plus it is only $49... I guess we will see when it gets here.

terryg wrote:I am wondering if there are any generalizations that can be made about kydex vs leather holsters.

Ford vs Chevy....


I prefer leather. Yet, most of my on and off duty carry is in some form of plastic...sigh...

Thank you to all.

I decided to go with a Durham Concealed Technology holster:
http://www.concealedtechnology.com/deluxe.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This was after reading this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=37244&p=442741&hil ... er#p442741" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and finding other recommendations/reviews on interwebs.

I ordered it Thursday night (9/9).