BlackPoint Tactical Leather Wing OTW Hybrid Holster Review

There are a lot of fine holsters out there now, including kydex, leather, and hybrids that blend both leather and kydex materials. Leather has its advantages and kydex also has its advantages. All holsters have pros and cons. I have some excellent holsters made of leather and others made of kydex, but I wanted to consider one that was a hybrid combination of both leather and kydex in one holster with their respective advantages. I prefer to primarily carry Outside-the-Waistband (OWB), given my horizontally-challenged breadth, so that is the hybrid I looked for. I want to share with you my 10 criteria for selecting a holster to help you reduce the many possibilities, to help you evaluate holsters, and to give you some possible criteria for you to use to select yours. This article applies my 10 criteria to the BlackPoint Tactical Leather Wing Hybrid Holster, with a final recommendation for it. Leather Wing means there is a kydex shell that contains the handgun and two “wings” or side extensions made of leather. The idea is that the leather side wings will be flexible and conform to your body and hip shape, while the kydex material will be sturdy and allow a quick draw. Remember, however, what works for me may not work for you. So use your own criteria and decide for yourself according to your factors, preferences, uses, and priorities, etc.

First, I will give you my criteria and my related considerations for each. Then I will compare the Leather Wing OWB holster to each criterion using a 10-point scale to evaluate each one. The matching magazine pouch will be included in the review. For each factor, a “10” rating is the best, a “0” the worst, and a “5” a mid-level rating. I’m trying to be as objective and rational as possible, realizing we all have different goals, needs, and priorities. We each will usually have different criteria, different priorities, weigh each factor more or less than another because this is a very personal evaluation and selection process. Here are my 10 Criteria for Selecting a Holster:

1. QUALITY MADE: What is the material and is the holster constructed with quality? Is the leather of premium quality and genuine leather? What weights are the leather, kydex, and/or materials? Is the holster durable? Will it stand up to your everyday use, wear and tear, and is it appropriate for your use without impairing performance and mechanical function? What is the thickness and durability of materials? Are the rivets, clips, grommets, snaps, buckles, rings, and metal parts strong, rustproof, and quality made? Does it have a sweat shield or skin guard, if desired? Is it a reputable company with a positive history and reputation? What type of warranty or guarantee does it have? Consider the holster’s weight and bulk. Is the holster designed to minimize the amount of leather needed to hold and protect the gun, thus reducing weight and bulk of the holster.

2. ALL-DAY COMFORT: How comfortable is this holster model and style during each of the different physical positions: walking, bending, sitting, standing, and twisting? Can you wear it while driving in a vehicle? Can you wear it for the entire day comfortably and not even know that you are wearing it? Does it fit your body style well?

3. CONCEALMENT: Does the holster perform as required for the effective concealed carry purpose. How well does the holster hide the handgun during every-day body motion, like walking, bending, sitting, standing, twisting, reaching, etc.? Imagine wearing the holster during these different movements. Is there a cant and angle adjustment for the holster, to provide better concealment and comfort? Is the trigger and guard well covered? Does the holster allow you to get a complete grip on the gun while allowing you to release any possible retention devices, if applicable?

4. ADAPTABILITY & FIT: Can this holster be used for different handguns… or with a laser sight or light? How versatile is it? Will it adapt to both men and women? Recognize that women naturally have wider hips than men which affect the fit, cant and rake of the holster and draw. The safety features of a holster definitely require that the holster be engineered and custom designed for each specific manufacture and model of handgun. Are there modifications available or additions that adapt to other handguns? What are the approximate costs of these adaptations? Is the shooter’s gun properly fitted for this holster? Does the handgun insert so deep in the holster that the gun grips cannot be properly accessed? Does the gun jam so tight into the holster that it takes two hands to draw it or can you draw easily with one hand? Are there matching accessories available, if desired?

 

5. PRICE: What is its total price relative to other options available now? Do you get any special features, options, warranties, guarantees, repair service, or additions that are worth something? Can you return it without any questions and within what time period? Will they repair or replace it for free? Do you get what you pay for?

6. SAFETY: How well does the holster provide protection to the handgun during insertion into or removal from the holster or while being carried that will:

1. prevent accidental trigger movement;
2. prevent accidental disengagement of the safety mechanism;
3. prevent forward or rearward movement of the hammer?

7. EASE OF REHOLSTERING & ACCESS: Concealed carry holsters should allow rapid, one-handed drawing and unassisted reholstering. Can you reach your handgun quickly in an emergency or while sitting in your vehicle? The mouth of the holster should remain open and rigid when the gun is removed. A rigid holster will allow a handgun to be returned to it using only one hand, while a too flexible one may collapse after the gun is drawn, requiring the use of both hands to reholster. How easy is it to access and return your weapon and use the holster while walking, bending, sitting, standing, twisting, etc.?

8. EASE OF PUTTING ON & TAKING OFF: Can you simply and easily put the holster on and take it off. Consider if you will be putting this holster on and taking it off throughout the day and under what conditions. Must it be removed for taking care of personal needs in public restrooms? If so, can you do it safely and easily?

9. ACCOMMODATIONS: Can you wear both open or closed cover garments with the holster, as needed? Do you have to wear special clothing or make accommodations in dress or draw when wearing and using this holster? Is a special cover vest, garment, or larger trousers required to hide the holster and handgun?

10. RETENTION: Does the holster retain the handgun adequately? Is the holster snug and held tightly to the body when fitted on a gun belt for a consistent, fast draw, and to reduce draw resistance? Is the gun secure in the holster? A holster designed with solid retention will help prevent a gun from being removed from the holster by another. 

* Click the next button below to read my evaluation.