SIGforum
Leather or Kydex for Carry?

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April 26, 2020, 09:51 AM
HighCapacity
Leather or Kydex for Carry?
Just bought a P365 and deciding on a holster. Looking for ideas and opinions. IWB Thanks
April 26, 2020, 09:56 AM
RHINOWSO
All Kydex holsters here for IWB/OWB carry, thinner than leather but a tad harder on the weapons finish - which I don't mind.
April 26, 2020, 10:13 AM
egregore
They both have pros and cons. I slightly prefer the Kydex because it can be made thinner than leather while still remaining rigid for reholstering. Leather is not only thicker to start with, but needs a double layer at the top for reinforcement. A con of Kydex is that it is nearly as hard as the gun itself, which, combined with being molded to the gun's shape or contours, tends to prod and poke at you. The part that goes against your body should be flattened and flared out a little bit, but no one seems to do that.
April 26, 2020, 10:27 AM
Pale Horse
Why not a little of both?

The Comp-tac Infidel Ultramax is a kydex holster mounted to a leather shield that sits against the body which solves the issue of the rigid kydex on the skin. It’s by far the best and most comfortable IWB holster I’ve ever owned. I carry my P365 in one and carried a G19 in one for several years before that.




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April 26, 2020, 10:34 AM
gearhounds
I prefer kydex more and more due to the snapless retention. For exposed plain clothes duty carry I still like a leather snap pancake, but for a concealed piece, kydex is king for me.




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April 26, 2020, 11:12 AM
USAFA71
I prefer leather holsters for carry as they are more comfortable(to me) for IWB carry. But for OWB carry, kydex is fine.


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April 26, 2020, 11:23 AM
Micropterus
quote:
Originally posted by Pale Horse:
Why not a little of both?

The Comp-tac Infidel Ultramax is a kydex holster mounted to a leather shield that sits against the body which solves the issue of the rigid kydex on the skin. It’s by far the best and most comfortable IWB holster I’ve ever owned. I carry my P365 in one and carried a G19 in one for several years before that.


I second the Comp Tac. I have 4 Comp Tacs and they are very high quality. I have two of the older Minotaur Gladiators (no longer made). The leather is very comfortable against the body and the kydex makes for a very snug fit. I like the way the retention is on the trigger guard. You'd be happy with the Infidel.


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April 26, 2020, 12:37 PM
goforbroke
Everyone has their preferences but I prefer a mix of both. Kydex body but leather lined. My go to is Garret Industries holsters www.giholsters.com

I prefer the silent thunder GT for IWB worn at the 4:00 position. He has appendix holsters also, since that is what is popular at the moment.
April 26, 2020, 12:49 PM
Warhorse
I like Crossbreed IWB Super Tuck. Leather against your skin, pistol in Kydex.


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April 26, 2020, 01:17 PM
bdickers
Garrett Industries, Kydex lined with leather.
April 26, 2020, 02:32 PM
kho
quote:
Originally posted by USAFA71:
I prefer leather holsters for carry as they are more comfortable(to me) for IWB carry. But for OWB carry, kydex is fine.


For me its the opposite. I prefer kydex for IWB because its thinner and leather for OWB because leather is just nicer and if its OWB I'm going to be wearing something more substantial to conceal it anyway.

What it boils down to is personal preference, you are going to have to try both and see what works for you.
April 26, 2020, 04:19 PM
grumpy1
I prefer an all kydex minimalist design for IWB for a smaller pistol. Kydex means thin with excellent retention and full cover of the trigger guard. Also very easy for me to remove the holster from my belt with the pistol in the holster which is ideal for if I go into a place where I can not take my pistol with me and I leave my pistol in the holster when I take it off and put into the safe. A well designed kydex holster will also minimize wear on the pistol slide and frame.

This is my PPS in such a holster but I also have one for my Glock 19 and it works perfect for it also. The high mounted belt clip also keeps my pistol close to my side for excellent concealment and comfort.


April 26, 2020, 06:12 PM
sns3guppy
I like leather for looks, comfort, and fit. I don't use it, any more.

Kydex is repeatable; it doesn't change dimensions, wear appreciably, soak up sweat, discolor, and the weapon clicks into it the same way every time. It provides a better hold on the pistol, and is adjustable. Buy another same-model kydex holster from the same manufactuer and it works just the same.

Kydex is less expensive, protects the pistol better, is less expensive and easier to replace if damaged or a change occurs (adding a light, etc), and properly designed, comfortable. In most cases, you'll find the model you want ready to go; no need to wait weeks or months for it to be custom cut and made.

I still like leather a lot more. I just don't use it much.
April 26, 2020, 06:49 PM
nhracecraft
quote:
Originally posted by grumpy1:
I prefer an all kydex minimalist design for IWB for a smaller pistol...

This is my PPS in such a holster...

Make/model of that holster please... Wink


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April 26, 2020, 07:20 PM
BigNC
quote:
Originally posted by nhracecraft:
quote:
Originally posted by grumpy1:
I prefer an all kydex minimalist design for IWB for a smaller pistol...

This is my PPS in such a holster...

Make/model of that holster please... Wink


That looks like an Ozark Holster Company that I have. Hope not as he seems to be out of business. It was a nice holster but rides too low for my big hands to grab a full grip on my 2022.


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April 26, 2020, 07:31 PM
ifithitu
I use both leather and kydex to CC.
April 26, 2020, 08:51 PM
Wasabi
The Kusiak Signature is a nice IWB option for the P365.


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April 27, 2020, 08:36 AM
SCfromNY
My preference is for leather. While Kydex is thinner it is always stiff. I agree that Kydex is a much easier reholster however reholstering is not so much an issue in the self defense realm. Yes, in shooting sports Kydex all the way.


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April 27, 2020, 08:57 AM
dry-fly
Personally I can’t stand being poked and rubbed by kydex. I much prefer quality leather.


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April 27, 2020, 10:55 AM
SgtGold
I like leather IWB and kydex OWB. The exception to this is the bbq holster. It must be OWB and leather.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SgtGold, April 28, 2020 08:01 AM


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