Kydex Holsters?

[SSN Vet]

So what's up with this "wonder" material....

anybody out there using a Kydex holster (not just clips)? say by FIST?

Are they any good, say as compared to horse hide?

[SpookyPistolero]

The search function in this forum and in the accessories forum would help you quite a bit.

Many folks use kydex. It's hard to say that between leather and kydex one is better than the other, because it's a pretty personal choice and each has their strong points.

I like kydex because it's not a problem if water or sweat get on it (and it doesn't retain it so it won't get your pistol), it retains the weapon with a more satisfying 'click' than leather has, and it can be had in a very thin package, like the CompTac C-TAC, which I use for my daily carry piece.

Kydex will also keep the mouth of the holster open without a weapon inside, so one-handed reholstering can be done more reliably.

Try them both out and see what works best for you.

[modifiedbrowning]

I use a Blade-Tech IWB (http://www.blade-tech.com/product.php?productid=820&cat=260&page=1) everyday for my P99, mine has the belt loops. Great holster, I love it.

[spooney]

I use a Fobus GL26 paddle holster when I open carry, I love the thing. It has good retention protects the pistol well and is comfortable to wear.

[made2cut]

I have a blade-tech and several Sidearmor holsters. I like kydex because it's easy to draw and reholster plus you don't have to worry about moisture deteriorating a IWB holster. Sidearmor quality is top notch.

[Black Majik]

The top brands currently for Kydex are (in no specific order):

Kytac
Sidearmor
Bladetech
Comptac
Ready Tactical
Cendex
Fist

Take a look at em', its hard to go wrong. They're all pretty much similar, pick one that suits you best. I'm looking at an OWB holster for a 1911 full size and think I'm gonna go with either Sidearmor, Kytac, Bladetech, or Comptac.

Kydex is fast but hell on your finish.

Good luck.

[choochboost]

G-Code makes some fine kydex holsters. They come with a lifetime warranty, glossy polished interior to protect against wear, shirt/sweat guards that are control lever friendly, height adjustable paddle or belt, and your choice of straight drop or forward cant. Gunners Alley has the best prices and excellent customer service. http://www.gunnersalley.com/product/GCODEBELT

[Dollar An Hour]

The top brands currently for Kydex are (in no specific order):

Kytac
Sidearmor
Bladetech
Comptac
Ready Tactical
Cendex
Fist


No mention of Fobus. Aren't these any good?

Also, what's the advantage of a paddle holster? I want a way to carry my J-frame on the belt, not sure if kydex is worth a look over leather.

[choochboost]

Fobus holsters are not kydex. Cheaper construction, and less durable.

[Gordon]

Another good word for G-Code holsters and the good price and service at Cactus Tactical. G-Code holsters are much better OWB than Side Armor, Blade Tech And CenDex. I don't have personal experience with the others. I am especially stoked by their Ready React rig, it is better than any Black Hawk orSafariland 6000 series or any similar Tactical holster. The only down side to G-Code is limited coverage of models no CZ ect.I have a couple 1911 ones and a Beretta 92 one that get all the use in training and combat shoots these days (where allowed by realistic rules). Kydex is faster and smoother in the draw than leather hands down!
The Side Armor OWB holster conceals better and Blade Tech makes a holster or pouch for anything and they are well made items.I use Blade Tech Pouches and love the Tech loks! I have a feeling the Fist might make a good IWB rig, but I'll stick to my old Sparks Summer Specials !
I just want to add that Kevin McClung alias Mad Dog pretty much invented the Kydex holster idea although blade tech was making custom knife sheaths a little before. Kevins Gun Glove holsters are highly sought after and are superior to latter stuff in many respects. Kevin focused on knives for the last 5 years because of others pirateing his designs and his required hand fitting to individual guns!

[Black Majik]

No mention of Fobus. Aren't these any good?

Also, what's the advantage of a paddle holster? I want a way to carry my J-
frame on the belt, not sure if kydex is worth a look over leather.

Fobus holsters aren't Kydex, they're injection molded plastic. Not nearly as strong, durable, or well made. They do the job for occassional range wear and whatnot, but if you're looking for a holster to use and abuse for a long time, kydex is it.

Same goes for Uncle Mikes, though UM rates slightly higher than Fobus.

Good luck.

[HSMITH]

I am a big fan of Kydex. I have at least one QUALITY kydex holster for all of my guns that are frequently used. I am still having a hard time using them with revolvers, they work great but something just doesn't feel right about a blued Smith in a plastic holster......

I prefer Blade-Tech holsters, I use them more than anything else. I even use one for my 'race' holster in IPSC, for me the 'dropped offset holster' is extremely fast and secure.

Skip Fobus all together, only get Uncle Mikes to test the plastic holster theory, then spend a little money and get a QUALITY kydex holster. Comparing the injection molded holsters to real quality kydex is like comparing a nylon universal holster to a Rosen sharkskin rig.....

[Croyance]

I use a couple of FIST ultra-thin kydex holsters. I like them.
It wears well (your guns finish may not). It is easy to clean - soap and water. Make sure it is dry before letting your gun near it, kydex does not breath.
FIST is thinner than BladeTech or Fobus. Perhaps the others are concealable, but every little bit helps. Besides "looks fast, flies fast" - concealment is partially a state of mind too. You have to look and act natural.

Anyways, it does the job, is low maintainance, has a long life. Considerably less than a nice leather holster and doesn't pick up smells.

[possum]

i use a fobus for my xd and a bladetech double mag holder and they work great for me, they feel nice and the holster carries the piece exactly where i need it. quick accesse

[psychophipps]

Wow. Thanks very much for all the info, guys! I'm looking at a Kydex rig as my leather Ted Blocker IWB, an excellent product by all accounts, sometimes sticks to my back and pinches a bit when I start sweating. It's bearable but still rather annoying.

Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )

[Onmilo]

I own several Blade-Tech Kydex holsters and think they are wonderful.
However, my Kydex inside the waist holster for a Glock 26 is about one of the most uncomfortable holsters I have ever used.

I am a big advocate of Kydex but if you are wanting an IWB I would see if one of the makers produce a Kydex insert that fits into a softer nylon pouch than just a bare Kydex version.

The nylon insert, especially if it is constructed of cordura nylon and sufficiently padded, will be much more breathable than leather, far less sticky than leather or Kydex, and far less pokey and chaffey than plain Kydex. HTH