The greatest Kydex holsters for self-carry must be your top priority at all costs despite the market’s abundance of Kydex holster options. For self-defense, picking the ideal Kydex holster is just as crucial as picking the ideal weapon.
Remember that a gun for self-carry may not be the same as a gun that is worn at a shooting range or gun club. Before making a list of items to purchase, you must first decide why you want to use a Kydex holster. On the other hand, take into account whether or not the holster is appropriate in accordance with your requirements before making a decision to purchase the same. In addition to its many other advantages, kydex is frequently utilized in self-defense since it makes it simple to repel knife strikes.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Kydex Holster
There are many aspects to think about when purchasing a new Kydex holster. These are examined in more detail in the next section.
Intended Use
The first question to ask yourself is how you intend to use your new holster. If it’s for protection, then you’ll want something heavy and sturdy that will stop an attack or prevent someone from getting too close. For those who carry a firearm for hunting or fishing, a lightweight holster may be more suitable since it won’t add weight if you forget to bring it along.
If it’s a handgun you’re looking to secure, make sure it fits properly in the holster before heading out into the woods. Also think about where you intend to wear the holster and whether any particular features (like a thumb break) would help improve comfort while wearing the gun.
Material
Kydex holsters can be made of various materials, including plastic, nylon, leather, and metal.
- Since plastic holsters don’t have as many high-quality components as nylon, leather, or metal, they are typically less resilient than other options. But they are lighter, easier to clean, and frequently less expensive.
- Nylon holsters are tough, reliable, and very durable. They’re also heavier, but with modern technology, they can be quite light.
- Leather holsters are commonly used by Western law enforcement personnel and military personnel due to their superior durability and appearance. Leather is a natural material, so it’s better able to withstand the elements than plastic or nylon.
- Metal holsters are typically made of steel, which makes them strong and resistant to corrosion. These holsters can sometimes feel restrictive during movement, though modern designs allow for some flexibility.
Size and Fit
Next, consider size and fit. Different sizes of handguns require different sized holsters, so be sure to measure your pistol beforehand. Also pay attention to how well the holster fits on your belt; a loose fit won’t do when you need to draw your weapon quickly. Finally, check for any additional features like loops or paddle holders that could come in handy.
Style
Your search criteria can be based on how you plan to use your new holster. For instance, if you work in a dangerous neighborhood, you might prefer a high-visibility style that stands out as a deterrent rather than blending in with the crowd. On the other hand, if you plan to wear the holster outdoors, camouflage is key. In this case, a low-profile design would be preferable.
Weight
A heavy holster will affect mobility and dexterity, making it harder to get into tight spaces or perform everyday tasks. But that’s not what a good holster does. A good holster reduces fatigue and improves efficiency. So instead of focusing on how much weight a holster adds, focus on how well it removes weight from your system.
Quality Construction
As mentioned above, Kydex holsters can be made using various materials and methods. Regardless of the material, make sure the holster has been manufactured well. Look for consistent thicknesses, seams that aren’t fraying, and hardware that doesn’t loosen up over time. Also, avoid holsters that have fake rivets where actual rivets should be. Rivets hold things together, so if a holster uses fake ones, it means one part didn’t connect correctly. This could cause problems later on when trying to pull your gun out fast.
Comfort
There are some Kydex holsters that are uncomfortable, it is true. Reading all the opinions of the top holsters will help you avoid any mistakes while purchasing one. Kydex provides excellent utility. You must not be ready if you always feel uncomfortable when wearing a Kydex holster. The Kydex holsters’ design is something else you should think about because it affects how comfortable you are.
Types Of Kydex Holsters
On the market, there are numerous varieties of Kydex holsters. Each has a purpose, but before making a purchase, you should understand what you’re getting into.
Shoulder holster
A shoulder holster is worn around your shoulders and attached at the front with Velcro straps or buckles. It’s meant for quick access, so it doesn’t get in the way when drawing your firearm. The downside is that it can be uncomfortable if you don’t have a very wide back. You’ll also notice some brands use hook-and-loop assemblies instead of Velcro straps.
The good news is that most people find them quite comfortable once they get used to wearing one. However, there are many who never feel right about carrying their gun on their person until they strap something to their hip. If this describes you, then a shoulder holster might be worth considering.
Belly Band Holster
This kind of holster uses an elastic band (or “belt”) to keep the muzzle of the pistol firmly against your body. This allows for a more natural draw as well as better retention because there isn’t any bulky material in the way. There are two common belly band holster designs: single-stage and multi-stage.
Single-stage means that the entire elastic band fits snugly around your waist without any extra features. Multi-stage refers to whether or not the elastic band goes over your pants. If you wear a belly band holster alone, you will want to make sure that the elastic band does not twist or slide up your torso. This could cause serious injury if you aren’t careful.
Thigh Holster
A thigh holster is used where your hand normally hangs on your leg. It should be noted that this kind of holster is usually designed for concealment rather than accessibility. Because they don’t need any specific materials, thigh holsters are frequently less expensive. They are typically made from leather and may include other materials like nylon webbing. However, these types of holsters are often poorly constructed. Because they are worn where your hands naturally hang, they leave your arms open and susceptible to being grabbed. Additionally, since they are worn on your upper thighs, they can easily chafe and become soaked with sweat. Lastly, many women find thigh holsters extremely uncomfortable due to the fact that they cannot control how much weight their pant legs can hold. For all three reasons above, we recommend avoiding purchasing a thigh holster.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We began by looking for the top-rated and most well-liked selections on websites for online vendors, specialized periodicals, and Amazon.com. Our search was restricted to items made especially for holsters used for concealed carry.
From there, we narrowed our focus to those holsters constructed from durable material (leather is a common pick because it ages beautifully), and we excluded any holsters with partial or full-on concealable nylon jackets since they’re not going to offer much in terms of protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kydex Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for a Glock 19?
The ideal response to this query is highly dependent on your way of life. Although I personally favor an ankle holster, many others have had success with belly bands and even shoulder holsters.
How tight should my Glock 19 holster be?
Your holster should fit snugly enough so that when you sit down, it doesn’t fall out or rub against anything while in use. This will minimize the risk of injury if you need to draw and aim quickly.
Is Kydex better than leather?
Kydex by far is superior to leather. Holsters made of leather are typically heavier, less dependable, and more vulnerable to corrosion or rust. They also don’t offer any sort of retention mechanism for your firearm, meaning that they’re not very safe unless you put it somewhere secure when you’re done using it.
Are Kydex gun cases good?
Yes, especially if you care about the quality of your firearms’ finish. Many manufacturers advertise their products as either “plastic” or “aluminum” coated, but what they really mean is “black oxide” coated. Black oxide is much lighter than gold or silver plating, but lacks nearly all types of protection against corrosion and scratches. If you plan to keep your weapon in storage or transport it frequently, consider getting a gold or silver-plated version instead.
Can you clean/disassemble a Glock 19 with soap and water?
You can lightly scrub away grime and dirt with mild dish soap and warm water. Be sure to rinse well afterward though, and dry completely before storing your pistol again.