5 of the Best Kydex Holsters that Handgun Owners Should Check

Holsters? Are you looking for holsters? Well, you should choose a unit that comes from Kydex. With this material, you can guarantee that the holster will able to withstand the test of time (and field, of course).

Of course, the best Kydex holster is more than about durability. Kydex improves the overall retention capability of the holster. It is also a comfortable material that will never hurt you even the holster is grinding against your skin.

Regardless of the type of concealed carry that you have, it would be great if you prioritize those Kydex holsters. Fortunately, various manufacturers create them. There are a plethora of options that you can try. You can take a look at these Kydex holsters that I listed below and see which one of them thinks can hold and conceal your gun better.

Best Kydex Holsters

1. Concealment Express Kydex IWB Gun Holster - Editor's Choice

Kydex is becoming a standard in the market today. But when it comes to setting the bar, the Concealment Express somehow does it better. Their Concealment Express Kydex IWB Gun Holster guarantees is proof that they have what it takes to outclass other manufacturers. It originated in the United States, and most of its part is hand-crafted. Therefore, it is far from other cheap imitations.

Specifically, this IWB Gun Holster is compatible with various handguns such as Smith & Wesson and Glock. You should wear it while your shirt is untucked to ensure its proper concealment. The Kydex that comes with this holster has enough rigidity and durability to withstand any wear-and-tear. It can last a lifetime if you take care of it correctly.

This holster weighs very light, too. With an actual weight of 3 ounces only, you can barely feel carrying this holster at all. The holster also has a proprietary sweat shield that keeps your handgun from being wet. It also acts as an automatic guide to the weapon whenever you are re-holstering it. Of course, using this IWB holster is exceptionally safe that you cover the trigger completely. No unexpected charges can happen with this unit!

Another excellent option for a Kydex holster is the Comp-Tac International Holster. It is is an OWB (outside waistband) that features several adjustment features. It comes with an adjustable cant and interchangeable mounts. Various mounting options are on this holster. Therefore, you can just use the one that makes you feel comfortable.

The International holster is available in three carrying options. You can adjust it for a straight drop, grip angle forward, and grip angle rearward. Therefore, you can comfortably accommodate various uses and application. Specifically, this holster can provide one 1/2-inch to 2-inch belts. There is also a detachable tab to the belt mount which prevents the reattachment of the holster to your belt.

Meanwhile, the Kydex construction of the International enables custom fit and shape retention even if the pistol does not come holstered. The surface of the holster produces less friction that preserves the finish of your handgun. Of course, this also enables a smoother and quicker draw. Re-holstering your firearm can be done single-handedly. It is also impervious to other detriments like sweat, moisture, and other solvents.

The Fierce Defender IWB Kydex Holster is a great route, especially if you don't have the freedom to spend on those high-end variants. Despite being an entry-level holster, the Fierce Defender still boasts a rigid construction, thanks to its authentic Kydex build. Correctly, the holster has used a .08 Kydex to ensure its durability and structural rigidity. It has been molded to fit various handguns, too.

This holster completely covers the backside and trigger of your gun. Therefore, you can ensure that this one is a safe option. It can also protect your rifle from moisture and sweat. The retention of this holster is fully adjustable as well for enhanced carry convenience. Meanwhile, its flared opening is a unique design that enables quick re-holstering. It also allows quickdraws, too.

Of course, this holster won't be complete without an adjustable cant. You can modify its position from 0 to 15 degrees. With this feature, you can carry the holster in the most desirable location for you. Don't worry. This holster is extremely comfortable to wear. It won't bother you that much, especially if you are going to use its belt mount.

If you want a unique and high-end Kydex holster, you might want to try the Galco KT224B Kingtuk. This IWB holster is a hybrid. It comes from Kydex and Napa leather, which makes it extremely sturdy and rugged. At the same time, its construction enables a tight and comfortable fit to your gun. The interior doesn't cause too much friction, which prevents scratches from happening.

The Galco KT224B Kingtuk has a back plate made of saddle leather. Meanwhile, the Kydex pocket ensures quick and convenient holstering. It also comes with detachable belt clips that you can either move up or down. Because of this feature, you can quickly adjust the carry height and angle of the holster, depending on your preferences. Of course, it comes with an adjustable retention, too.

Since this holster comes from the United States, you can ensure the quality of components used on it. It can withstand wear-and-tear and impervious to any potential damages caused by sweat, moisture, and other external detriments. Wearing the holster feels fine, too. It will not bother its user as the outer surface is smooth and never agitating. Indeed, the value that the Galco KT224B Kingtuk provides suits its price.

For Glock users out there, this is the probably the best Kydex IWB holster that you can get. The Tulster IWB Profile Holster is intuitive and ergonomic. It has an excellent retention that prevents any damages to the holster and your gun. It also has a 1.5-inch clip that allows you to remove and insert your weapon quickly. When you have fully holstered the rifle, the definite retention point of this holster will produce an audible sound.

Adding the functionality of this holster is its full sweat shield. Aside from preventing the entry of sweat and other solvents, the protection also helps the fast re-holstering of your gun. The buffer provides you with an indexing point, which serves as a guide to your hands. Overall, its performance as a concealed carry is awe-inspiring. If worn with long and untucked shirts, the holster appears to be invisible.

There is no questioning to the comfort and convenience that this holster has. It is pretty compact, which caters the profile of most commercial Glock guns. Moreover, it is incredibly comfortable, as it comes with matte finishing on its edge. The Tulster IWB Profile Holster will never hurt your skin at all! It is also notable that its trigger guard has been undercut to optimize better hand-grip.

Choosing the Best Kydex Holster

It is quite an amusing thing how a specific material can change the dynamics of an entire device or amenity. That is the feat that Kydex has showcased on the gun industry. With its existence alone, manufacturers were able to create a holster that you can entrust your gun with 100% confidence.

But before you start rejoicing, it is better than you do a little study first. Do you exactly know what a Kydex is? If not, then read the next section. In this way, you can get a fitting Kydex holster for your gun.

What Is A Kydex

The Kydex is a material created by Rohn and Haas Company. This particular item is suitable for the interiors of aircraft. It is a type of hard plastic that can be easily adjusted and molded into different forms if applied with heat. But apparently, Kydex did not become a popular term for aircraft interiors. Instead, its fame and glory are because of the holsters.

In fact, some people call even cheap thermoplastics as Kydex. That is somehow confusing, considering that Kydex has a different build. Of course, its quality is worlds apart to the variety of some low-end holster materials. Perhaps, the closest competitor of Kydex is leather. You can consider that synthetic and hybrid leathers can provide the same performance and stability as Kydex. But despite this, the structural integrity and comfort of Kydex are hard to beat.

Why Choose Kydex

Several reasons will prove that Kydex is better than other holster materials, even leather. Now, let's make it a fair comparison. Why should you choose a Kydex holster rather than a leather holster? Well, here are the reasons.

Let's give some good points to leather. The leather is aesthetically appealing and aromatic. It always exhibits a sleek design that can easily amuse anyone. But since we are talking about concealed carries, appearance won't matter at some point, right?

Of course, I am not saying that the aesthetics of Kydex are lagging behind. It can still be an eye-candy, mainly if the construction is excellent.

The leather is a comfortable choice. But before you can feel that comfort, the leather will require you to wait for its break-in period. In short, you should allow it to grind first to your body until its surface becomes smooth. If the leather holster does not come with a finish, it will likely cause discomfort. On the other hand, Kydex is already a convenient choice from the get-go.

Leather also requires constant maintenance. After all, this material is susceptible to moisture and sudden changes in temperature. The leather is also vulnerable to damages caused by sweat and other solvents. This component is a natural absorbent. Therefore, it tends to suck in those liquids. As a result, potential wear and tear can happen. But when it comes to Kydex, all I can say is that it is a seamless material. Less maintenance, less fuss.

But among its traits, the best attribute that Kydex has is its durability. Nothing can beat it when it comes to ruggedness. It is the only holster material that can offer a scratch-free feature. Even if you don't maintain it too much, Kydex has a long lifespan. In fact, it could withstand the test of time. Once you can get a Kydex holster, you might not repurchase one, except if you have another handgun to cater.

I also have to emphasize that Kydex is not an expensive choice. I just want to debunk all those claims that Kydex is costly and out-of-reach for typical gun owners. It is not! If you can a buy and license a gun, then you can get this kind of holster, too. There is no doubt about it!

Final Verdict

With the given capabilities and features that a Kydex holster has, investing on it is an easy thing to do. Many professionals and tactical officers are using this type of holster build. They can provide the reliability, comfort, and sturdiness that should be present on a concealed carry holster.

I have featured several Kydex holsters in this article. All of them are great and functional. But among them, I deem that the Concealment Express Kydex IWB Gun Holster is the best Kydex holster. It is ergonomic and convenient right from the start. It has a low-profile design that ensures a foolproof concealment capability. Moreover, it is protective too, as you cover the trigger thoroughly for your safety. In short, holster exhibits all the necessary features that a Kydex holster should have.

But of course, I know that some of you have different thoughts about this. If I have missed any Kydex holsters that are worth mentioning, then just notify me in the comment section below!

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