[unclecharlie]

With the cooler weather coming, I'm going to try carrying in OWB for comfort. The consensus seems to be that it conceals just about as well as IWB, but is more comfortable.

So, Kydex or Leather? I am used to carrying in a kydex IWB and would probably get another by the same company (Alabama Holster Co). But I saw that a local guy is making some good-looking leather pancakes. Buying both is not an option, unfortunately.

How about some pros and cons of each from folks who use 'em?

-Charlie

 

[cowboy1964]

To conceal you still have to dress appropriately. The way I dress I can't get away with OWB as I don't wear overly large outer covering garments.

 

[up1911fan]

I use both, RCS Phantom and the Kramer Belt Scabbard.

 

[jwhite75]

You know the stuff at Alabama is good stuff. Stick with what you know works.

 

[DaneA]

Leather.

 

[Damn_Yankee]

I have a Hays pancake for my LCR and it conceals well under a polo or a t-shirt. I would personally go leather.

 

[Orive 8]

OWB Holster = Kramer horsehide belt scabbard!

Lots of other good holsters out there nowadays, but for me the Kramer OWB horsehide belt scabbard sets the standard. I've been using them since the early 90s with whatever gun is my EDC or duty/off-duty gun.

Good luck on your choice.

 

[Bushflyr]

I would definitely go leather. The ECQC community (The guys that REALLY test this stuff hard. Think MMA with guns.) have been finding that Kydex breaks in a fight. It's also more prone to the gun popping loose without some sort of secondary retention device. Leather is better in both respects.

As for horse vs cow, it really doesn't matter. Kramer has poured a ton of marketing into their horsehide. They make great holsters, don't get me wrong, but cow is just as good, possibly better, especially for OWB where there is no sweat issue, and much cheaper.

Also, FWIW, I really hate pancake holsters. Try before you buy. They work if you have a tactical beer gut, but with no extra padding around my middle the holster wings pull my belt too tight. My typical carry is a G27 in a Hume JIT slide, fantastic setup for cheap, but any of the Avenger style work better for me.

 

[X-Concealment]

So, Kydex or Leather?

-Charlie

What about Kydex that looks like leather?

 

[Patchman]

Well, it's true that when you have a coat or jacket on, it tends to hide everything better. But do you only CCW when you have a jacket/coat on?

Anyway, as a traditionalist, I must prefer leather. Although I do have Kydex holsters from Side Armor and would have no problems using them for CCW, for my every day CCWed G19, I use a pancake holster by Tauris Leather. (My IWB holsters (for G19 and G26) are by Tauris also).

BTW, here's a tip to save you some money. If you're looking for a IWB holster, get one for the G19. The G26 fits into a G19 holster but not the other way around. (Same-same for the .40 cal Glocks).

 

[pangloss9]

Kydex. Gideon Elite by Dale Fricke.

 

[IndyGunFreak]

Both---

Leather -- High Noon Slideguard
Kydex -- Sidearmor Modular

I like them both a lot, and really have no issue going to either one.

 

[unclecharlie]

Thanks for the replies. Seems like leather has a slightly stronger following. Definitely like the looks of that X-Concealment- not too concerned with the "leather look", but I've seen pics of those riding pretty high and tight. Inclined to stay with Alabama if I go kydex, I think- Have been impressed with my Alabama Offside IWB. But I realize there's a lot of good stuff out there.

Appreciate all the votes both ways, but what I really need is for a few folks to school me on the actual good and bad points of each type.

Here's what I'm concerned with:
-Concealable under an untucked shirt or light jacket- High and tight.
-More comfortable than my IWB
-Durable, sag-free and sweatproof.

I'm about 5'9", 165-170. Fair shape for a mid-30s desk rider.

So let's have some pro's and con's for each.

 

[IndyGunFreak]

Here's what I'm concerned with:
-Concealable under an untucked shirt or light jacket- High and tight.
-More comfortable than my IWB
-Durable, sag-free and sweatproof.

I'm about 5'9", 165-170. Fair shape for a mid-30s desk rider.
.

Any OWB will conceal under a light jacket or untucked shirt, as long as the cover garment is long enough.

Any OWB will be more comfortable than IWB, so that's a wash.

Durable/Sweat Proof --- Kydex wins here, IMO.. but *most* quality leather will perform well here also.

Sag Free -- This is a belt issue, not a holster issue. If you do not have a quality GUN BELT -- Then get that first. You might find IWB much more bearable with a quality belt.

 

[NMPOPS]

What about Kydex that looks like leather?

Looks like plastic imitating leather. I prefer real leather. seems to conceal better. Rides closer to body.

 

[happyguy]

I would definitely go leather. The ECQC community (The guys that REALLY test this stuff hard. Think MMA with guns.) have been finding that Kydex breaks in a fight. It's also more prone to the gun popping loose without some sort of secondary retention device. Leather is better in both respects.

As for horse vs cow, it really doesn't matter. Kramer has poured a ton of marketing into their horsehide. They make great holsters, don't get me wrong, but cow is just as good, possibly better, especially for OWB where there is no sweat issue, and much cheaper.

Also, FWIW, I really hate pancake holsters. Try before you buy. They work if you have a tactical beer gut, but with no extra padding around my middle the holster wings pull my belt too tight. My typical carry is a G27 in a Hume JIT slide, fantastic setup for cheap, but any of the Avenger style work better for me.

At my age if I ever hit the ground hard enough to break a Kydex holster with a gun in it I will probably still be there when the ambulance arrives. :embarassed:

Still, I prefer leather even though there are a lot of good kydex jobs on the market.

Regards,
Happyguy

 

[BailRecoveryAgent]

Kydex. I'm a reformed leather snob.

 

[GlockOnBoard]

Their is no right or wrong answer. It is personal preference. Some people prefer the way kydek feels and the same with leather. I prefer leather for both IWB and OWB but that's just my .02. Wear what ever feels the best to you since your the one wearing it.

 

[Patchman]

Here's what I'm concerned with:
-Concealable under an untucked shirt or light jacket- High and tight.
-More comfortable than my IWB
-Durable, sag-free and sweatproof.

So let's have some pro's and con's for each.

Concealability will depend on the holster's design. But everything being equal, the Kydex will probably conceal just a hair better. Kydex is more rigid than leather, so when you cinch your belt, there's no give. It goes into your body (thus could be ore uncomfortable also). Also, Kydex is thinner than leather, so that helps concealability also.

OWB is, as a rule, always more comfortable than IWB.

Durable? My leather holsters are about 11 years old, worn everyday. Other than the creases from wear, there's no disintegration or anything like that visible.

Kydex hands down on sweatproof, etc....

Just to make sure, when you say "KYDEX," you're talking Kydex ($65 - $90) and not the cheap plaster holsters ($30-$40).

As others have noted, there's no one right or wrong answer. It's the curse of CCWers to end up with a boxful of "good-but-just-not-right" holsters.

 

[kmb]

What about Kydex that looks like leather?

Just got an X-concealment for my g27. Rides high, and fits close to the hip. Conceals under a t-shirt. In this case, Kydex that looks like leather is a good thing.