I just purchased my first holster and mag carrier for a gun I'm going to use in my next training class. I bought a Blade Tech classic OWB belt holster and double mag carrier. I didn't have any holster for this gun, and thought it was a good excuse to try one out, vice my normally traditional custom leather rigs for guns that I carry. The other reason is I wanted a very clean, low drag draw for my first dynamic training class, which precluded a new leather rig that would take quite some time to break in. Sure, leather is nice and it looks great, but damn, this holster is super comfortable and with the adjustable tensioners, the gun and mags draw like a dream. Depending on how the class goes with this rig, I think I might be a convert to polymer holsters. The plastic in this brand is not Kydex, it's some kind of polymer/plastic that's very strong, thin but not too thin, but seems thinner than my leather rigs that I would have otherwise ordered for this gun.

So if this rig turns out to be as good as I'm anticipating it to be, hell I might even buy a plastic gun !

So how do you guys see leather vs. kydex vs polymer for holsters ?

I've always been a leather gear guy. Never thought kydex/plastic/polymer was bad, per se, just not my preference. However, I've been using kydex speedloader pouches (I EDC a 642) and have been very impressed with them. Kydex has a lot of advantages over leather, but they're not perfect either. Again, I think it's more preference than anything else. I know I'll likely try a kydex holster in the future.

FWIW, I think the design of the holster is probably more important than the material, but that's just my opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:...I bought a Blade Tech classic OWB belt holster and double mag carrier....The plastic in this brand is not Kydex, it's some kind of polymer/plastic that's very strong, thin but not too thin, but seems thinner than my leather rigs that I would have otherwise ordered for this gun.

I was under the impression that Blade Tech only used two materials for their holsters. The majority, including the Classic OWB, are Kydex, a thermo-molded polymer. Their Revolution line uses an injection molded polymer similar to polyethylene. Where did you get your info on the material used?

You are discovering why Kydex holsters pretty much own the gun games - great adjustable retention, smooth consistent draw, minimal finish erosion and ease of reholstering.

Good luck with your training.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Pizza Bob,

 
I like well-made kydex, and the BladeTech OWB is my go-to for a basic holster for any gun. It works extremely well (and qualifies) for just about any competition, and if you like OWB for carry, it works well for that, too. I prefer some leather for carry, either all leather, or the Garrett Industries kydex with leather lining. I am strictly an OWB person.
 

I tend to like leather for revolvers and kydex for autoloaders. I have a bladetech for my G42 that I like very much. They make some good stuff.

I always wind up back at bladetech it seems. I switched to a "race" style holster after moving to limited division... tried a couple of them... and wound up right back at bladetech. They make a great product and have great customer service. I mainly shoot a 5.4" 2011 style gun. Nobody makes a kydex holster for this length gun. I bought a 5" blade tech and called them. For the cost of shipping they opened the bottom of it up to accommodate a 5.4" gun, shipped it back the next day. Less than a week door to door and came back looking like it was made for a 5.4 in the first place.

I have about 6 Blade Tech holsters . As far as I know Blade Tech uses a type of thermal plastic not true Kydex .My kydex holsters seem a lot sturdier than the Blade Tech material .

I like finely crafted leather as much as the next guy, but it can't beat plastic for a combination of rigidity (easy draw/reholstering IWB) and thinness (not adding extra bulk).

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
I like finely crafted leather as much as the next guy, but it can't beat plastic for a combination of rigidity (easy draw/reholstering IWB) and thinness (not adding extra bulk).

I agreed with you until my last holster purchase. The Kusiak Leather Minimalist is nothing short of amazing. I have two IWB kydex holsters and the Kusiak for my G43. the Kusiak is significantly thinner, obviously softer, and has a much better clip. I will be purchasing them for all my carry guns.

It depends on the type of Holster. For OWB I highly prefer a kydex Holster. G Code OSH is my go to Holster. For IWB I much prefer leather. Being that close to the body I prefer a bit of the softness of the leather. I also prefer leather as the leather seems to take my sweat away from the body with the kydex my undershirt always has a wet sweat spot.
I just recently switched to the G43 as my daily carry so I am using an inexpensive kydex Holster that works well just can't wait for my R Grizzle to arrive though I am still about 12 weeks out.

My favorite holster is a Tulster for my M&P Shield 45.
It is made with Boltaron 4332.
A step up from Kydex.