Alien Gear Holsters bills its new Cloak Tuck 3.0 inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster as being “the most comfortable concealed-carry holster on the planet.” The screws attaching the Kydex holster to the leather backer have spacers that let you set your own tension adjustment for a more secure fit or a faster draw. Alien Gear Holsters offers the hybrid Cloak Tuck 3.0 for a variety of semi-autos and revolvers. The rig’s belt clips are adjustable for cant and height and can fit belts up to 1.75 inches wide, letting you customize your this comfortable yet rugged IWB carry system to suit your needs.
The ARC (Appendix Reversible Carry) holster is designed for comfortable appendix carry. It’s made of a soft, durable injection-molded polymer that has a slight flex, making it comfortable for all-day wear. It uses a passive-retention detent with an adjustment screw. This holster is completely ambidextrous, so it will accommodate left- and right-handed users, and it comes with two cant- and ride-height-adjustable belt clips that work with 1.5- and 1.75-inch belts.
The GripBreak is an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster with a built-in locking retention system. Made to fit 1.5-inch belt loops, the holster offers security while giving users a fast and quick thumb release while maintaining a normal grip and draw. Constructed of injection-molded polymer and either a 1,000-denier Cordura nylon or a drum-dyed Italian leather shell, the GripBreak is compatible with M&P and Glock pistols.
The new TecGrip pocket holster from BlackHawk is available in four different sizes to fit revolvers and semi-autos. It features thermal-bonded, three-layer laminate construction with a specially designed TecGrip outer layer that holds onto your pants material, keeping the holster securely in your pocket when you draw.
Blade-Tech uses a proprietary blend of super-tough polymers to construct the Signature OWB holster. The holster allows for a fast draw and smooth reholstering and uses Blade-Tech’s locking triggerguard. The Signature OWB can also be adjusted to three different cant positions, and it’s made to accommodate many firearms.
The IWB Stingray holster is made from Kydex and is designed for either behind-the-hip or appendix carry with a 0-, 15-, 30-degree or flush-fit cant. It features a full sweat shield and rust-free hardware to ensure a long service life for both the holster and your firearm’s finish. Right- and left-handed configurations of the Stingray are available for many gun models.
The compact Atom rig from Clinger Holsters is made of Kydex with a smooth or carbon-fiber finish, and users can adjust the ride height to four different positions, so you can let your pistol ride low or high for more of a grip. The clip is close to the pistol’s grip so it pushes the grip closer to your body for minimal printing. It’s also ambidextrous and lets you tuck in your shirt for deep concealment. The retention is adjustable via a screw.
The QH is a modular hybrid holster that comes in four sizes to accommodate most pistol models. These holsters are available for right-side carry only and are made with a funneled Kydex shell for a smooth draw and a leather backing for extended comfort. Polymer mounting clips allow for ride height and cant adjustments.
The all-Kydex QI is an IWB holster designed for comfort and easy daily use. It comes in four sizes to fit multiple pistol makes, including Glocks and 1911s. The Comp-Tac QI fully covers the pistol during carry and has smooth edges to maximize comfort and support. The QI holster’s Sight Enabled design accommodates sights up to to 0.5 inches tall.
CrossBreed partnered with Rob Pincus, the owner of ICE Firearm Training Services, to design the second-generation Belly Band. This new system uses an additional length of elastic band that extends over the modular holster to provide better support for smaller pistols as well as wider and heavier pistols. In addition to improved support, the Belly Band now incorporates a sewn magazine or flashlight pouch and an enclosed, horizontal accessory pouch for carrying a cell phone or similar items.
The CrossBreed DropSlide combines features of the company’s popular SnapSlide and SuperSlide designs. It is designed to keep your firearm tight against your body, and the leather backer has been reconfigured to allow for a lower-riding holster. With optional configurations that can accommodate slide-mounted electronic sights, the CrossBred DropSlide comes standard with 1.75-inch belt slots that work with 1.25- and 1.5-inch belts.
The new Sapientia OWB is the first holster of the Virtus Series, a collaborative endeavor between Jason Winnie Leathergoods and CrossBreed. The Sapientia is a pancake-style holster made for right-handed shooters with a full body shield. Only 100 Sapientias are available. The rig is fully lined inside with top-grain steerhide and inlayed with elephant hide.
The new Nylon Mini-Scabbard is sturdy yet lightweight since it is molded from ballistic nylon and thermoformable materials. It features an adjustable tension device and it is available in left- or right-handed configurations.
The new Slim-Tuk IWB holster is a minimalist, ambidextrous design made of Kydex. This holster uses DeSantis’ tuckable 360 C-clip. which lets you tuck in your shirt for maximum concealment. The clip is made of nylon, so it’s lightweight and flexible, and it securely fastens the Slim-Tuk holster to your carry belt.
Made from premium saddle leather and rugged polymer, the Quick-Chek Scabbard is a self-locking concealment holster. For enhanced security, the holster features both inboard and outboard Redi-Lok technology that must be used simultaneously, which is rapidly accomplished in one fluid motion during the user’s draw.
Built to meet the demands of concealed carry, the DoubleClick SafeCarry Ranger uses a two-part, non-mechanical Kydex retention system on the triggerguard and the rear of the gun. The shooter presses the thumb retention/release towards their body to draw the pistol. With a little practice, you can hit the thumb release and draw the pistol from the holster in one fluid movement.
The injection-molded Scorpus holster is now available for 1911-platform pistols in Level 1 and Level 2 variants. Level 1 holsters feature a two-point, spring-based retention system for a fast draw yet secure carry. Level 2 uses a spring-and-pressure-based retention system for secure carry and protection against a potential weapon grab.
The new BlakGuard combines premium steerhide and injection-molded plastic into one ultra-reliable holster. Twin adjustable-tension units that provide for secure retention, while a neutral cant offers the most natural wrist-locked draw. A sight channel easily accommodates most suppressor sights, and makes it easy to reholster the pistol. Secured by Velcro, a tunnel-style belt loop opens and closes to quickly put on or take off the rig.
The new EVO holster from High Threat Concealment (HTC) is a modular holster capable of being used for OWB, IWB and appendix carry. The EVO holster is made of Boltaron, a high-impact thermoplastic resistant to extreme temperatures and abuse. Available for Glock and Sig Sauer pistols, each holster comes with a belt clip for IWB carry and a set of closed belt loops for OWB carry. Combine the belt clip with one of the closed loops to switch to appendix carry.
Hogue’s ARS (Auto Retention System) Stage 2 holster features a unique rotating hood that gives the pistol greater protection while automatically retracting on the draw. The holster can also easily convert from a belt slide to a paddle configuration. The ARS Stage 2 is made of injection-molded polymer for durability and weather resistance.
The Kydex Fusion holster from Kaos Concealment is specifically designed to carry a pistol in the appendix position. It is comfortable in the 3, 4, and 5 o’clock positions and is completely ambidextrous with high guards to protect bare skin. Available for Glock, Springfield Armory and Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, the holster’s loop starts are adjustable for ride height and belt size.
With four carry options—belt, cross-draw, small-of-the-back and IWB—the new 4-In-1 holster from Tagua Gunleather can transition to whatever carry location you prefer. The 4-In-1 has a small footprint, so it’s comfortable for all-day wear with appendix carry. It’s constructed of ultra-premium leather with a soft layer inside, and comes with belt loops and belt clips.
The minimalist Techna Clip is now available for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield pistols. This simple spring-steel clip installs quickly to the pistol with no modifications and allows a user to discreetly and securely carry a pistol in a pocket, waistband or small of back. Just clip it and go!
The inside-the-waistband IF2 holsters from Vega are made from Cordura nylon that has been thermal-molded to the shape of the pistol, with a sight channel for secure carry, a smooth draw and easier reholstering. The holster features a flexible yet sturdy polymer clip to attach over a belt.
The Hidden Heat Lace belly band features a handgun pocket that allows for a wide variety of handgun sizes, from subcompact to full-sized pistols, plus a cell phone pocket and two magazine pockets. It is comfortable thanks to its feminine elastic lace that has ample stretch, allowing a gun to be carried in any position on the body. Additional padding and polyurethane laminate (PUL) create a moisture-proof barrier between your gun and your body.
The Ulticlip is designed to deliver over 10 times the retention of traditional holster clips while increasing your gun’s concealability. Simply replace the retention clip on your holster clip with Ulticlip, then clip the Ulticlip to the waistband of your pants and a belt will completely hide the Ulticlip and the fact that you are carrying a concealed firearm.
At the core of the Eidolon system is the holster shell, which is precisely fitted to the weapon on the inside and is designed to be smooth on the outside to work with the body, belt and clothing in any carry position to maximize comfort and concealment. At the same time, the shell provides attachment points for a host of accessories to allow the user to tailor the system for their specific carry needs. The holster shells feature an innovative adjustable retention feature that isolates the tension on only the front of the triggerguard. This provides for an extremely clean feel when drawing and holstering with minimal adjustment.
Versacarry’s Quick Slide Micro Series of OWB holsters combines a holster and a spare magazine pouch. Constructed of heavy-duty English bridle leather, these holsters are finely stitched and handcrafted in Texas. They are also specifically designed to clear the magazine release button to ensure no accidental magazine dumps occur. Available in black or brown, these holsters weigh an impressively light 0.15 pounds.
StealthGearUSA recently launched its new SG-Revolution line of American-made, custom-built, breathable EDC holsters. Lightweight, slim and comfortable, each handcrafted holster shell is made to the exact specs of the shooter’s personal handgun. Laser-cut SG-Revolution holsters feature breathable diamond-shaped ports cut into a single layer of proprietary ACX-57 polymer platform. The platforms are manufactured to be tough and flexible, and they feature a non-moisture-absorbing, suede-like back surface to ensure comfort.
UnderTech UnderCover Concealment Leggings feature two holsters, one in the front in a traditional appendix position and one in the back for a traditional kidney position. This means you can wear leggings with whatever and for whatever activity you are doing and stay armed against a deadly attack. They are currently available in mid-calf lengths only.
Choosing a holster that suits your needs and body type is a critical decision that you have to make when it comes to everyday carry. From injection-molded Kydex to classic leather and beyond, the holster market has grown by leaps and bounds to offer a wide variety of choices to help keep you armed and ready to defend yourself should you need to. Here’s a collection of some of the latest holsters on the market, including choice offerings from Alien Gear, DeSantis, Hogue, and many more.
For more information about the holsters featured in the gallery above, please visit the following sites.
Alien Gear
http://aliengearholsters.com
BLACKHAWK!
http://www.blackhawk.com
Blade-Tech
http://blade-tech.com
Clinger Holsters
https://clingerholsters.com
Comp-Tac Victory Gear
http://www.comp-tac.com
CrossBreed
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com
DeSantis Gunhide
http://www.desantisholster.com
DoubleClick
http://doubleclickholsters.com
FAB Defense
http://www.fab-defense.com
Galco
https://www.galcogunleather.com
High Threat Concealment
http://highthreatconcealment.com
Hogue
http://www.hogueinc.com
Kaos Concealment
http://www.kaosconcealment.com
Tagua
https://www.taguagunleather.com
Techna Clip
https://www.technaclip.com
Vega Holsters
http://www.vegaholster.com
Miss Concealed
http://missconcealed.com
Ulticlip
https://ulticlip.com
Raven Concealment Systems
http://rcsgear.com
Versacarry
http://www.versacarry.com
StealthGear USA
http://stealthgearusa.com
UnderTech Undercover
https://www.undertechundercover.com
This article was originally published in ‘Combat Handguns’ March 2017. For information on how to subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com .