Choose a Kydex-style holster that fits your exact pistol
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Quick answer
A Kydex-style holster is a rigid plastic shell molded to one pistol model, so the gun clicks in and stays put. Bravo Concealment calls its Torsion IWB and BCA OWB holsters Kydex style polymer with a 10 degree cant. Alien Gear's Cloak OWB Paddle uses a Boltaron shell over a spring steel flex plate, and Blackhawk's Stache IWB is injection molded polymer that Blackhawk says goes beyond Kydex. Buy for your exact pistol model, and keep firearms unloaded and locked up when not in use.
- Bravo Concealment Torsion IWB Holster. Best for: Inside-the-waistband carry close to the body. See options on Amazon
- Bravo Concealment BCA OWB Holster. Best for: Outside-the-waistband carry that can convert to IWB. See options on Amazon
- Alien Gear Cloak OWB Paddle Holster. Best for: Quick on and off OWB carry. See options on Amazon
- Blackhawk Stache IWB Premium Holster Kit. Best for: A modular IWB setup with a magazine carrier. See options on Amazon
What Kydex-style means
Kydex is a brand of thermoplastic sheet, and holster makers use it and similar plastics to mold a rigid shell around one pistol model. Bravo Concealment calls its holsters Kydex style polymer and says it designs molds in house from 3D scans of real guns. Alien Gear lists Boltaron, another rigid thermoplastic, as the shell on its Cloak OWB Paddle. Blackhawk says its Stache IWB is impact-reinforced, injection molded polymer and is designed to get past the material limits of Kydex.
All three approaches give a hard shell that holds its shape, so the holster mouth stays open for reholstering.
Fit to the exact pistol
These holsters are molded to specific guns. Bravo Concealment's product pages ask you to select your pistol model and say the Torsion will not accommodate compensators or aftermarket frames. Blackhawk says the Stache works with many popular handguns, including models with red dot sights mounted. Order by your exact make and model, and check whether a weapon light or optic is supported.
Inside or outside the waistband
IWB holsters ride inside the pants. Bravo's Torsion IWB uses what it calls Torsion technology to cant the gun inward toward the body, with a 10 degree inward cant listed for the Torsion 3.0. Blackhawk's Stache IWB adjusts for left or right hand, low or high ride, and canted or straight carry, and the Premium kit adds a concealment claw and a magazine carrier.
OWB holsters ride outside. Bravo's BCA OWB lists a 10 degree cant, 1.5 inch injection molded belt loops, and conversion to IWB by swapping to belt clips. Alien Gear's Cloak OWB Paddle switches between a quick on and off paddle and an included belt slide, with a 0 or 17 degree cant.
Retention
Rigid holsters hold the gun by friction and shape. Bravo lists adjustable retention on the Torsion 3.0 and describes an audible click when reholstering. Alien Gear lists a thermo-elastomer retention membrane and passive retention adjustment. Blackhawk lists adjustable passive retention on the Stache.
Set retention so the pistol stays seated when you move, then practice drawing and reholstering with an unloaded firearm, following the maker's manual.
Warranty and trial
Bravo Concealment lists a lifetime warranty and a 30-day test drive, and says its holsters are designed and built in Texas. Alien Gear lists a 30-day test drive and says the Cloak OWB is made in the USA, in Idaho. Blackhawk says the Stache is made in the USA.
Storage when you are not carrying
A holster is not storage. Project ChildSafe says firearms should be unloaded when not in use, stored in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case, with ammunition locked in a separate location. It also says to keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to shoot. See our handgun safe guide and trigger lock guide.
What to look for when you buy
Bravo Concealment Torsion IWB Holster
Best for: Inside-the-waistband carry close to the body
Bravo lists Kydex style polymer molded from 3D scans of real guns, a 10 degree inward cant, adjustable retention on the Torsion 3.0, a slight curve to wrap the waistline, a lifetime warranty and a 30-day test drive.
Watch out: Fits specific pistol models only; Bravo says it will not accommodate compensators or aftermarket frames.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Bravo Concealment BCA OWB Holster
Best for: Outside-the-waistband carry that can convert to IWB
Bravo lists solid locking retention, a 10 degree cant, 1.5 inch injection molded belt loops, rounded edges, conversion to IWB with belt clips, a lifetime warranty and a 30-day test drive.
Watch out: Select your exact pistol and hand.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Alien Gear Cloak OWB Paddle Holster
Best for: Quick on and off OWB carry
Alien Gear lists a Boltaron shell, a spring steel flex plate, a thermo-elastomer retention membrane, passive retention adjustment, 0 or 17 degree cant, a paddle plus an included belt slide, and a 30-day test drive.
Watch out: Not pure Kydex; it is a hybrid with a rubber membrane.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Blackhawk Stache IWB Premium Holster Kit
Best for: A modular IWB setup with a magazine carrier
Blackhawk lists impact-reinforced injection molded polymer, ambidextrous use, adjustable ride height and cant, adjustable passive retention, red dot compatibility on many models, a concealment claw and an IWB magazine carrier.
Watch out: Blackhawk positions it as an alternative to Kydex rather than a Kydex holster.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- Is Kydex better than injection molded polymer?
- They are different ways to make a rigid shell. Bravo uses Kydex style polymer molds; Blackhawk says its injection molded Stache gets past Kydex's material limits. Fit to your pistol matters most.
- How do I adjust a Kydex holster's retention?
- Follow the maker's manual. Bravo lists adjustable retention on the Torsion 3.0, and Alien Gear and Blackhawk list passive retention adjustment.
- Will a holster fit a pistol with a light or red dot?
- Only if made for it. Bravo sells light-bearing versions, and Blackhawk says the Stache works with many handguns with red dots mounted.
- How should I store a pistol when I take off the holster?
- Project ChildSafe says to unload it and store it in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or case, with ammunition locked separately.
Sources
- Torsion IWB Gun Holster (bravoconcealment.com), Bravo Concealment
- BCA OWB Gun Holster (bravoconcealment.com), Bravo Concealment
- Cloak OWB Paddle Holster (aliengearholsters.com), Alien Gear Holsters
- Stache Inside-the-Waistband Premium Holster Kit (blackhawk.com), Blackhawk
- Ten Tips for Firearm Safety in Your Home (projectchildsafe.org), Project ChildSafe (NSSF)