[D Boone]

I have very little luck comfortably concealing any type of handgun. I keep reading that the right belt is critical to CCW. Please shed some light on what/how this helps? Also any recommendations on IWB, and OWB holsters for an XDm would be appreciated. I am not thrilled with the paddle holster that comes with the gun.

[GoWolfpack]

The additional stiffness of a reinforced carry belt helps to distribute the weight of a gun more evenly over your waist.

Hold up your belt in a loop as it would be wrapped around you. If it will actually hold its shape that well. Then press down with your finger on one spot to simulate the weight of a gun.

A regular belt will fold over on itself under the pressure of your finger, while a reinforced carry belt will flex along the circumference.

Blade-Tech (http://www.blade-tech.com/Blade-Tech-Looper-Belt-Series-pr-1250.html) is the place to go for a belt.

[JTQ]

For an excellent nylon belt (about $40) try the Wilderness Tactical Instructor belt. The 5-stitch variety is very popular.

http://www.thewilderness.com/

I went from a heavy 1 1/2" Cabela's leather belt (not a gun belt though) to the 1 1/2" Wilderness 5-stitch belt. The difference is significant. The Wilderness belt is so much better.

For leather, try any of the major holster makers or one of these guys

The Beltman
http://www.thebeltman.net/

A&G Custom Gun Leather
http://www.agcustomgunleather.com/

[JTQ]

I'd stay away from paddle holsters unless you need to put it on/take it off often.

The top kydex makers are

Raven Concealment Phantom. You can use one holster for IWB/OWB with just a change of attachments.
http://www.themalabarfront.com/

Comp-tac
http://www.comp-tac.com/

Blade-tech
http://www.blade-tech.com/home.php

And if you want leather lined kydex try the Silent Thunder from Garrett Industries/Tucker
http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/
http://www.gimagclip.com/

There are many great leather holster makers.

[The Lone Haranguer]

My favorite belts, depending on the dress and social situation, are the Wilderness Instructor and The Beltman. (http://thebeltman.net) Jim "The Beltman" Speidel makes leather belts that look like a fine dress belt but are designed to bear weight. It is important that a belt be stiff enough to not allow the gun and holster to tip, tilt or sag away from your body.

[Vonderek]

For CCW a pancake style holster is the way to go for OWB. For a good belt at a reasonable price check out Don Hume.