Holster Opinions

[Zoff12]

Well...been in the market for a new IWB holster for my Glock. I have a Galco but it is limited as I cannot tuck my shirt in while wearing it. It's just not practical to keep a coat or untucked shirt on at all times. So...I decided to expand my carry options. My requirements were:

No leather...had to be nylon, Kydex, or some other synthetic.
Had to be weapon specific. (not universal fit)
Had to be "tuckable" for my shirt

After careful consideration, I have narrowed it down to these two...

Blade-Tech Ultimate Concealment Holster (http://www.blade-tech.com/product.php?productid=821&cat=260&page=1)

OR

SideArmor 4th Generation IWB (http://www.sidearmor.com/cart/catalog/product_64_Fourth_Generation_IWB.html)

Since I am unable to have these holsters in hand for comparison...nobody around here has them...I need your opinions...if you have any.

Has anyone here used either or both of these holsters?
How are these holsters comfort wise?
Are they quality holsters?
How well did the holster last?
What weapon did you carry with this holster?

Any help I can get would be excellent. Not sure which one to get. The Blade-Tech looks more comfortable and rides low but the SideArmor looks more stable but seems to ride too high. Opinions?

[gewehr44]

I wish I could help you more directly, but instead I will confuse you more. ;)

I have a Comp-Tac CTAC which is a tuckable holster I wear almost every day. Very comfortable & rides nicely. They have a variety of belt hooks to choose from. I like the velcro v-clips for ultimate in concealability. Tucker Leather makes a version of this holster with a leather shield between you & the holster, which I think might be a nice sweat shield in the summer.

I suggest the Carry Issues forum on Glock Talk for comparisons. I've found a lot of good info there.

http://www.glocktalk.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=21
http://www.comp-tac.com/
http://store.yahoo.com/rlcompanyusa/answer.html

[Zoff12]

Oh! Thanks soooooo much! :spissed: Now I have to start all over and decide again!!!! :doh:

Seriously...thanks for the links. Now I have to evaluate all over again. Can you advise as to the comfort? Are there any points it tends to rub? Looks like it's adjustable to height of carry. Yes? How hard was it to get it adjusted properly to fit you?

Anybody else have any input? C-T.A.C. seems to have the lead now.

[gewehr44]

Link to another thread here about holsters below.

I adjusted the holster to the max forward cant, which I find fits into my side best & keeps the butt from sticking out too much. I typically wear around the 4 o'clock position just past my hip bone. Depending on the pants & how the belt loops fall decides exactly where. If it's too far back, it can be uncomfortable when sitting. I find it quite comfortable, best when you can wear a t-shirt though I frequently go without during the summer. I learned the hard way to check the pistol more often though due to sweat! :eek:

That's one reason I might consider the Tucker if I decide to get another holster for a different pistol. I'm thinking about trying a single stack for even lower profile (currently carry Springfield XD SC).

One downside to using the velcro clips is you can't just slide the holster around to find the perfect spot. You have to use 2 hands to detach the velcro while re-adjusting. Once you have it, it stays there all day.

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?t=267071

[Zoff12]

Thanks for the info. I've been carrying concealed almost daily for over 10 years. IWB's, SOB's, shoulder rigs...all Galco except for a brief, with no love lost, stint with an Uncle Mike's shoulder rig. I would have gone with the Galco tuckable except they don't make one to fit the G22. I don't recommend the SOB's at all. Thought I was going to die when I fell on my back and landed my 1911. Wore a checkered grip shaped bruise for 2 weeks. I'll let you know what I get. Decisions! Decisions!

[Zoff12]

Well, I ordered the Blade-Tech the other day. I like the options the others offered but preferred the simplicity of the Blade-Tech. Thanks for ya'll opinions.

[gewehr44]

U R Welcome! ;)

They didn't have any holsters for my XD at the time I was looking. I've read a lot of good things about them though.

[Zoff12]

I got my Blade-Tech Ultimate Concealment Holster (http://www.blade-tech.com/product.php?productid=821&cat=260&page=1) today. Let me say that this is a simple and functional holster. I tried it out and it is very comfortable and well made. Probably going to get a few more of these.

[VaWolf2]

We all have diffrent body shapes. I can carry my S&W457 in a Milt Sparks VP2 with my shirt tail out over the butt with no other cover garmet. Most of the time I carry this way with a jacket over the shirt for max concealability. Use whatever fits your body shape and feels comfortable, if you have a carry permit always carry...VaWolf2

[happygunner]

I bought a SideArmor 4edt. for my Glock23 and it just does not work for me it does not hold in the belt worth a damn and no matter how I have tried with a heatgun it just does not form my body or hide well under any shirt. You might get better service but for me a Comp-Tac Pro Undercover is the best holster I have ever used. I now have three my Glock23 and two 1911s thats my take on holsters.

[Zoff12]

I wish I had the opportunity to try all the options. I considered all of those mentioned but had to choose one. I am happy with the Blade-Tech. I am 6'3" and have a 38 to 40 inch waist. It conceals well. Does not print under my shirt... I wear Columbia clothes predominantly... and is very comfortable. I like the fact that it is tension adjustable for retention and does not collapse when the weapon is not present. All in all... I'd recommend it.

[happygunner]

Nothing wrong with Blade Tech. from everything I have read. Just be glad you did not order the SideArmor.

[blobman]

the only way i can successfully conceal my pistol is to nix the holster and stuff it under my waistband behind my hip....even my hk usp full size is fdiscreet ,except to someone whis lokin for it

[happygunner]

Blobman thats the old Mexican carry style.

[pencorco]

I like the upper torso wrap around style. gun under my left arm pit, and 2 clips under my right. very unnoticable in loose clothing.

[Messiah Jones]

Here is my favorite IWB holster... http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/index.html ...this holster is cheap, comfortable and hides my Colt Officer's .45acp 1911 very well. The Officer's model is a compact version of the 1911 but is still of decent size and heavier than most other handguns with it's all stainless construction.

The Kydex LOCKS the pistol in place and there is no room for slop. They have great customer service and email too. I will probably never try another holster unless they go out of business. I can't imagine anything better.

[Zoff12]

Figured I'd add an update...

I've been using the Blade-Tech for over a year now. It's about the most comfortable IWB I've ever used. It is still looks new and I have given it some hard use. Is very easy to draw from once I got the tension adjusted for my liking. I have nothing bad to say about this holster and would recommend one to anyone.