Survey: Leather or Kydex?

Skunkabilly · June 23, 2003, 02:40 PM

After dropping $$$ on my Milt Sparks sharky rig, I'm ashamed to say I like my Tactical Poser Wilderness Instructor's belt and Blade-Tech Kydex poser plastic better. I don't find wearing IWB or tucked uncomfortable with the plastic at all, even if the Milt Sparks rig is phenominally nice.

What say you?

OF · June 23, 2003, 02:48 PM

While I can certainly appreciate a finely crafted leather holster...it is the 21st century.

As much as I'd love to say leather is better, kydex is just a better holster material.

- Gabe

Schuey2002 · June 23, 2003, 02:54 PM

Don't you just hate when that happens. You go and spend some serious $$$ on a finely crafted custom holster only to find a cheap-o Tupperware holster that works better..

My Glocks dine on nothing but the finest Tupperware $25 can buy!

Viva la Kydex, baby!

Skunkabilly · June 23, 2003, 03:06 PM

You know you want it.

Smoke · June 23, 2003, 03:53 PM

To each his own. I'm a "dead cow all the way" guy myself.

But I also think guns should be made of steel and have wood grips/stocks. Leather should be a color derived from neatsfoot oil, the sun and wear.

Plastic? No thank you.

jthuang · June 23, 2003, 05:32 PM

I prefer leather. All of my gunleather is Kramer horsehide gear.

However, it gets kinda rough on the aforementioned gear during training, etc. I did some damage to my Kramer horsehide MSP paddle ($108 at the time ... more $$ now) rolling around on the ground during Insights's CQC class.

I find that Kydex tends to hold up better COSMETICALLY under abuse so I'll spring for a Kydex belt holster for my Sig P226 when the next training class rolls around. But for carry/match use, I like leather.

Justin

Lancel · June 23, 2003, 06:17 PM

I snubbed Kydex for years. Now a Kydex FIST #1 IWB is my favorite holster.

One of the things I like about it is that it's impervious to sweat. And because Kydex doesn't absorb moisture, I don't have to be careful to remove a pistol from the holster at night when I'm sleeping or otherwise storing it.

Although leather is beautiful, kydex works the best for me.

Larry

Erik · June 23, 2003, 07:16 PM

I have both, and despite appreciating the sheer function embodied by a well made Kydex holster, cannot bring myself to prefer them over the craftmanship, tradition, and style of a well made leather holster. A leather holster which can be had along with matching belt, holders, jacket, and boots, I should point out.

WhoKnowsWho · June 23, 2003, 09:10 PM

You didn't put a middle of the road vote. I like both.

I use a Leather carry IWB. And a Nylon in the pocket one.

Most of my range holsters are Kydex/plastic type ones.

Haven't tried a Kydex IWB yet.

10-Ring · June 23, 2003, 09:20 PM

I like th functionality of the kydex but the fit and appearance of leather. If push came to shove, I'd go w/ leather

nemesis · June 23, 2003, 10:43 PM

Remember the sound that a leather holster makes as the gun is unholstered?

Neither do I.

Andrew Wyatt · June 24, 2003, 03:08 PM

I'm not really all that fond of kydex. It has no soul.

I much prefer a milt sparks summer special or a belt slide holster to a kydex holster when i have a choice in the matter. sometimes kydex works better.

OF · June 24, 2003, 05:43 PM

Tastes Great!

Prodigalshooter · June 24, 2003, 07:44 PM

Leather all the way; tried the plastic, yuck.

Oracle · June 24, 2003, 07:45 PM

Less filling!

Billy Sparks · June 25, 2003, 09:11 AM

I'm sorta like Skunk on this after purchasing Mitch Rosen, Krammer, and Sparks (no relation) holsters I picked up a Blade-Tech holster that someone wanted to get rid of. I love the fact that it is sorta indestructible and doesn't need any break in. Recently I have found G-Code kydex holsters so that is probably my new mantra.

OF · June 25, 2003, 01:43 PM

- Gabe

themic · July 2, 2003, 02:05 PM

wish they did to nylon what they can do to leather. i like nylon webbing. alot.

anyways, i found plastic surprisingly comfortable, but i currently prefer leather cause i made my own IWB holster for my RAP (cause no one makes a holster that fits it specifically).

fatboyclone · July 2, 2003, 03:45 PM

ok i'll bite skunk, who makes the CF holster?

Skunkabilly · July 2, 2003, 04:09 PM

Blade-Tech but quite a few others do as well. Blade-Tech is a few weeks out on the stuff

Chris Rhines · July 2, 2003, 07:57 PM

Kydex performs better.
Leather (debatably) looks better.

- Chris

QuarterBoreGunner · July 2, 2003, 08:02 PM

Holster? What is this 'holster' you speak of? Just stuff yer gat in yer pants... yo' just keepin; real.

And I use both; IWB are leather and my paddles are plastic.

Re-reading that I want to just make sure everyone knows I mean 'paddle holsters'.... you bunch of weirdos.

Serpico · July 2, 2003, 09:44 PM

I wear IWB most of the time and leather conforms to my body...even Dustin Hoffman jumped into the pool to escape the man who told him to get into plastics in "The Graduate"

sm · July 2, 2003, 09:51 PM

I'm with Smoke.

El Tejon · July 2, 2003, 11:50 PM

Horse, of course.

View Poll Results: Kydex or Leather?
Kydex: Poser Plastic for l337 t@cT8XX!!! w00t	45	37.50%
Leather: Dead fish and cows all the way!	75	62.50%
Voters: 120. You may not vote on this poll

June 23, 2003, 03:06 PM	#4
Skunkabilly Member Join Date: December 23, 2002 Location: Los Angeles, Untacticalifornia =( Posts: 9,730	You know you want it. __________________ http://www.skunkabilly.com If Chuck Norris and The Skunk logged onto THR at the same time, the servers would crash, for they could not contain that amount of pure awesome.

June 23, 2003, 03:53 PM	#5
Smoke Member Join Date: December 25, 2002 Location: Bosque County, Texas Posts: 3,244	To each his own. I'm a "dead cow all the way" guy myself. But I also think guns should be made of steel and have wood grips/stocks. Leather should be a color derived from neatsfoot oil, the sun and wear. Plastic? No thank you. __________________ "The 1911 was the design given by God to us through John M. Browning that represents the epitome of what a killing tool needs to be. It was true in 1911 and is true now." —Colonel Robert J. Coates, USMC

June 23, 2003, 05:32 PM	#6
jthuang Member Join Date: December 28, 2002 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 564	I prefer leather. All of my gunleather is Kramer horsehide gear. However, it gets kinda rough on the aforementioned gear during training, etc. I did some damage to my Kramer horsehide MSP paddle ($108 at the time ... more $$ now) rolling around on the ground during Insights's CQC class. I find that Kydex tends to hold up better COSMETICALLY under abuse so I'll spring for a Kydex belt holster for my Sig P226 when the next training class rolls around. But for carry/match use, I like leather. Justin __________________ Justin T. Huang Late of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

June 23, 2003, 06:17 PM	#7
Lancel Member Join Date: December 27, 2002 Location: KY-TN Border Posts: 371	I snubbed Kydex for years. Now a Kydex FIST #1 IWB is my favorite holster. One of the things I like about it is that it's impervious to sweat. And because Kydex doesn't absorb moisture, I don't have to be careful to remove a pistol from the holster at night when I'm sleeping or otherwise storing it. Although leather is beautiful, kydex works the best for me. Larry __________________ Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. All I know is what I read on the internet.- update to Will Rogers

June 23, 2003, 02:40 PM	#1
Skunkabilly Member Join Date: December 23, 2002 Location: Los Angeles, Untacticalifornia =( Posts: 9,730	Survey: Leather or Kydex? After dropping $$$ on my Milt Sparks sharky rig, I'm ashamed to say I like my Tactical Poser Wilderness Instructor's belt and Blade-Tech Kydex poser plastic better. I don't find wearing IWB or tucked uncomfortable with the plastic at all, even if the Milt Sparks rig is phenominally nice. What say you? __________________ http://www.skunkabilly.com If Chuck Norris and The Skunk logged onto THR at the same time, the servers would crash, for they could not contain that amount of pure awesome.

June 23, 2003, 02:48 PM	#2
OF Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Posts: 2,992	While I can certainly appreciate a finely crafted leather holster...it is the 21st century. As much as I'd love to say leather is better, kydex is just a better holster material. - Gabe

June 23, 2003, 02:54 PM	#3
Schuey2002 Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 3,357	Don't you just hate when that happens. You go and spend some serious $$$ on a finely crafted custom holster only to find a cheap-o Tupperware holster that works better.. My Glocks dine on nothing but the finest Tupperware $25 can buy! Viva la Kydex, baby!

June 23, 2003, 07:16 PM	#8
Erik Member Join Date: December 25, 2002 Location: USA Posts: 1,546	I have both, and despite appreciating the sheer function embodied by a well made Kydex holster, cannot bring myself to prefer them over the craftmanship, tradition, and style of a well made leather holster. A leather holster which can be had along with matching belt, holders, jacket, and boots, I should point out.

June 23, 2003, 09:10 PM	#9
WhoKnowsWho Member Join Date: December 25, 2002 Location: Maricopa, AZ Posts: 3,350	You didn't put a middle of the road vote. I like both. I use a Leather carry IWB. And a Nylon in the pocket one. Most of my range holsters are Kydex/plastic type ones. Haven't tried a Kydex IWB yet. __________________ You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.

June 23, 2003, 09:20 PM	#10
10-Ring Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: California Posts: 12,039	I like th functionality of the kydex but the fit and appearance of leather. If push came to shove, I'd go w/ leather __________________ "We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter; and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail." President George W. Bush, October 7, 2001

June 23, 2003, 10:43 PM	#11
nemesis Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Texas, On The Border Posts: 553	Remember the sound that a leather holster makes as the gun is unholstered? Neither do I. __________________ "Arm yourselves, and be ye men of valour, and be in readiness for the conflict; for it is better for us to perish in battle than to look upon the outrage of our nation and our altar." Sir Winston Churchill TFL No: 15028

June 24, 2003, 03:08 PM	#12
Andrew Wyatt Member Join Date: December 25, 2002 Location: Bakersfield, California Posts: 3,546	I'm not really all that fond of kydex. It has no soul. I much prefer a milt sparks summer special or a belt slide holster to a kydex holster when i have a choice in the matter. sometimes kydex works better.

June 24, 2003, 05:43 PM	#13
OF Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Posts: 2,992	Tastes Great!

June 24, 2003, 07:44 PM	#14
Prodigalshooter Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: SoCal Gulag Posts: 553	Leather all the way; tried the plastic, yuck. __________________ just another survivor

June 24, 2003, 07:45 PM	#15
Oracle Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Austell, GA Posts: 483	Less filling! __________________ "Place your clothes and weapons where you can find them in the dark." -Robert Heinlein

June 25, 2003, 09:11 AM	#16
Billy Sparks Member Join Date: January 1, 2003 Location: North Carolina, USA Posts: 742	I'm sorta like Skunk on this after purchasing Mitch Rosen, Krammer, and Sparks (no relation) holsters I picked up a Blade-Tech holster that someone wanted to get rid of. I love the fact that it is sorta indestructible and doesn't need any break in. Recently I have found G-Code kydex holsters so that is probably my new mantra.

June 25, 2003, 01:43 PM	#17
OF Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Posts: 2,992	- Gabe

July 2, 2003, 02:05 PM	#18
themic Member Join Date: March 19, 2003 Location: The Commonwealth of Virginia. Posts: 543	wish they did to nylon what they can do to leather. i like nylon webbing. alot. anyways, i found plastic surprisingly comfortable, but i currently prefer leather cause i made my own IWB holster for my RAP (cause no one makes a holster that fits it specifically).

July 2, 2003, 03:45 PM	#19
fatboyclone Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: northern va Posts: 237	ok i'll bite skunk, who makes the CF holster? __________________ "Just open your eyes a little bit, it's always nice to know that you're not in the dark." ~ Dave Matthews 4/4/02

July 2, 2003, 04:09 PM	#20
Skunkabilly Member Join Date: December 23, 2002 Location: Los Angeles, Untacticalifornia =( Posts: 9,730	Blade-Tech but quite a few others do as well. Blade-Tech is a few weeks out on the stuff __________________ http://www.skunkabilly.com If Chuck Norris and The Skunk logged onto THR at the same time, the servers would crash, for they could not contain that amount of pure awesome.

July 2, 2003, 07:57 PM	#21
Chris Rhines Member Join Date: December 22, 2002 Location: Potomac, Maryland - Behind enemy lines!! Posts: 3,309	Kydex performs better. Leather (debatably) looks better. - Chris __________________ http://multigun.wordpress.com

July 2, 2003, 08:02 PM	#22
QuarterBoreGunner Member Join Date: March 10, 2003 Location: The City by the 'Bay' with the big 'Gold' bridge. Posts: 1,932	Holster? What is this 'holster' you speak of? Just stuff yer gat in yer pants... yo' just keepin; real. And I use both; IWB are leather and my paddles are plastic. Re-reading that I want to just make sure everyone knows I mean 'paddle holsters'.... you bunch of weirdos. __________________ /Chris "Honest Honey! This isn't a new rifle! It was just in the back of the safe!..." "If your morals or your religion are getting in the way of your politics, you're not helping anyone.We don't have civil rights so we can be politically correct. We have civil rights so we can be different and offensive."- madmike, 2/18/04

July 2, 2003, 09:44 PM	#23
Serpico Member Join Date: February 22, 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 615	I wear IWB most of the time and leather conforms to my body...even Dustin Hoffman jumped into the pool to escape the man who told him to get into plastics in "The Graduate"

July 2, 2003, 09:51 PM	#24
sm Member Join Date: December 23, 2002 Posts: 26,501	I'm with Smoke. __________________ Use Enough Gun TFL illuminaughty

July 2, 2003, 11:50 PM	#25
El Tejon Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: Lafayette, Indiana--meanwhile, back in the Wabash Valley . . . zzzzz. Posts: 17,898	Horse, of course. __________________ I [heart] Wal-Mart threads.

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