Kydex, Leather, Other?

[lukem]

What do you prefer for your holsters? Kydex or Leather?

The first good holster I bought was my COMP-TAC C-TAC which is kydex and loved it. I had to pickup an extra mag holder and another extra mag/flashlight holder for some training I was taking. I didn't have time to order Kydex from Comp-Tac so I went to a local gun store. All they had was leather so I just bought them. I've had them for a few months now and I wore the single mag pouch almost everyday. It still seems pretty tight on my mag and hard to get out at times.

So I decided to stick with Kydex. I just got my extra mag holder from Comp-tac today and I already like it more than my leather one.

I'm not to experience with either of them so I'd like to get some other opinions. What do you prefer?

[saw]

I carry in leather every day gut the Kydex is good also.

[lukem]

This crossbreed holster I got is nice and it is Leather and Kydex. I'll be doing a product review on it soon.

[burley]

I love my smartcarry. I prefer it to other holsters I have (about 8 from Galco-Ross-Bianchi etc ...) I also have a pocket holster I made for my P3AT. You can make one if I can;
http://www.ktog.org/pocketholster.htm

[takurpic]

Smart Carry.

I do plan to invest in an IWB soon, I just haven't decided on which one yet.

Shoulder holsters look like they'd have their place too.

[lukem]

I bought a shoulder holster for my Beretta 90-two the first day I bought it, it was my first gun. I haven't put it on once. I've carried with a Comp Tac C-TAC IWB holster since I got my permit.

[kscchtrainer]

The best IWB holster I've been able to afford (retired on a fixed income) is the G-Code "Comfort Carry" from www.gunnersalley.com .. that I use with my G19. It's kydex with a ballistic nylon back pad that not only makes it disappear on my body, but is very comfortable. I have actually gotten so used to it that I have to actively check that I'm carrying before entering a posted business here in KS. Unfortunately it IS a crime in KS to carry into a posted business unlike some other states.

I've seen the Crossbreed and it's probably the best combo of kydex and some other material, but like I said, it's a mite expensive for my budget.

I also have a Blade-Tech all kydex IWB that I use with my 1911 .45 and it's pretty comfortable as well, but could use some padding on the backside for long term carry.

I had a Don Hume leather IWB holster for a Kahr CW9/CW40 when I had one, but I didn't like it. It was too bulky and on my frame it was uncomfortable. It pinched when I sat down and just was painful to carry. Now that I've gone to the G19 for summer carry and the Comfort Carry holster, I tend to carry all the time rather than just when going into bad areas of town.

Just my thoughts and experiences with the various holsters, not intending to disparage or tout any holster maker as they all have fine products that fit the style and method of carry for different people. Leather is much more elegant in appearance, but since we're carrying concealed, elegant is a moot point IMO.

Opinions are millionfold, and everyone has one like an oft mentioned part of a person's anatomy, YMMV

[rabywk]

Originally Posted by lukemccoy

This crossbreed holster I got is nice and it is Leather and Kydex. I'll be doing a product review on it soon.

+1 on the crossbreed. You get the best of both worlds.

[Purple88yj]

I have carried in leather for more than 13 years, but recently picked up a Kydex holster, and must say I am impressed.

I can't say that I am converted by any means, but am satisfied enough that I would consider it to be a good interim choice especially since so many of the custom guys are so backed up.

The Kydex in particular is a Comp-Tac paddle holster. I bought it as a two fold experiment. One for a paddle (I usually IWB) and two for plastic. I must say that I am pleased with each.

[Wynder]

Carbon Fiber. :)

I prefer to have some level of retention with my holsters, so I'm a big fan of the Blackhawk SERPA Level 2 retention holster.