Paddle Holster: Blackhawk CQC vs Fobus Standard?

[Lou McGopher]

Gun: Springfield XD45 4" bbl
Handedness: Right
Carry: semi-concealed / open


I'm getting a bit tired of IWB carry. It's not that uncomfortable, but dealing with the holster and having to buy my pants a size larger can be annoyingly inconvenient. Plus I have to iron on a patch inside my pants to prevent the corner of the slide from wearing a hole above my back pocket.

I generally don't worry too much about concealment.

I won't be throwing away my IWB holster, but I think a paddle holster will generally suit me better most days.

For various reasons, I've narrowed my choice down to these two holsters, and I'm looking for further input to help make the decision. Also, it's really quiet here at work today.

The Fobus looks comfortable, and I've read many who say it is. It isn't adjustable (I'm not considering the Roto style - sticks out too far), but it seems it already is canted forward about 15*, which is probably good enough.
http://www.fobusholster.com/catalog/Paddle_Holsters-86-1.html

The Blackhawk CQC (paddle attachment extra) is very adjustable, though I'm not sure I really need that.
http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Standard-CQC-Concealment-Holster-Matte,1142,32.htm

From those who have tried or used both, I have the following questions:

Which one is more comfortable?
Which one holds the gun higher?
Which one holds the gun in closer?
Does either have a problem staying-put during regular movement?
Does either have a problem staying-put during drawing?

Any other points of comparison I haven't mentioned are welcome.

From those who have tried and used both, and would recommend a third option, please note the following:

I'm leery of leather, which may lose its shape if it gets too wet.
Price limit is ~$50 before shipping.
I want passive retention, not active.
The holster must extend all they way down to the end of the slide (fully enclosed is a bonus).
It should be custom-molded to my model of gun, rather than a one-size-fits-most design.

Many thanks, and Happy Holidays in advance!

 

[Karate]

Hard for me to decide...I have used both..the Fobus holds a little closer...but I like the retention of the Blackhawk
I used the Blackhawk with my 26 but have used a Fobus which seem to conceal a little better but if concealment is not an issue the Blackhawk is a better choice

 

[Lou McGopher]

Notice a difference in comfort? Some folks say the Blackhawk can get a bit uncomfortable after awhile... digging in, and whatnot.

Thanks,

 

[mljdeckard]

I had the Fobus, and yes, I had problems with it coming when I practiced drawing. The Blackhawk came with the paddle attachment, and to be honest, I never tried it, I put on the belt setup. I use it now for cold-weather carry, when I don't plan on taking my coat off, and in summer I mostly use the Crossbreed Supertuck. It spreads the weight and load best of any IWB I have tried.

 

[167]

The Serpa is plenty comfortable (I wear one for 12+ hour shifts at a time under a suit coat) and the paddle is one of the most secure I know of. However, I do not consider the Serpa to be a true concealment holster. It is hard to hide.

Given a choice between just these two holsters I would take the Serpa because it is the all around better holster even if a little harder to conceal. Given other options I would find something else like a Safariland ALS.

 

[Karate]

I do not find the blackhawk to be the least bit un comfortable. The paddle is wide and spreads the weight out. It is one of my favorites

 

[jluther820]

I perfer the blackhawk with the push button release instead of the jerking required for the others, I think smooth is fast... Either way, you will need to practice to get proficient with either holster as the draw and required muscle memory is different for each.

 

[Lou McGopher]

the push button release instead of the jerking required for the others, I think smooth is fast

This is a good point. I considered the SERPA, but I was worried about where my finger would be when drawing. I've read that many Glock owners complain it puts their fingers on or very close to the trigger. I don't know if this would present a similar issue for my XD, but it makes me hesitant to get one. (But then again, it could just be Glock owners. You know how their fingers always seem to end up on the trigger when they shouldn't be. )

 

[Hammerdown77]

I'm a new Glock owner, G19, all my other semi-autos are 1911s. I bought a Serpa in the shop as a "need it now" holster.

I can say in the hundreds of practice draws I've made since then, not ONCE has my finger ever gone inside the trigger guard.

Anyone who claims this is a problem is probably going to do it no matter which holster they use.

 

[KenW.]

I have tried to like each of the listed holsters. The original premise of paddle holsters was to easily put one on and then to take it off without needing to remove your belt.

I found the Fobus too cheap and flimsy for me to trust it.

I tried the paddle on the Blackhawk. It wasn't hard to get on; but my goodness, I just couldn't get the ting off my waistaband. It is far to secure if the owner has to drop his pants to get the blessed thing off! the Blackhawk paddle holds the waistband even better than it holds the weapon.

I won't suggest either; except to say the Blackhawk with the belt loop attachment serves me very, very, well. Throw away or sell the paddle!

 

[Lou McGopher]

Ken,

Did you try adjusting or removing those two hooks on the back of the Blackhawk paddle, to make it easier to remove?

Thanks,

 

[KenW.]

I just got home and dug one out of my box-o-holsters. All tabs have been removed except the large one on the inner circumfrence of the outer ring.
- still prefer the sturdyness of a quality gunbelt over a plastic paddle.

 

[Lou McGopher]

Thanks for checking that.

I may just buy both... in which case I'll upload a photo comparison.