If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best IWB kydex holster is for 2021, our evidence supports the Concealment Express’s IWB Kydex Holster as the one you should consider. This has not changed from 2020
It is the start of a new year, and we here at Outdoor Methods are hard at work in our research lab. Today we have our new and improved IWB Kydex holster guide for you. It includes the top rated kydex holsters for 2021 and you might be a little surprised. So take a break from your new year’s resolution, relax, and learn a little below.
Our List of the Best IWB Kydex Holsters
- Concealment Express’s IWB Kydex Holster
- Tulster’s IWB Holster
- The CYA Supply’s IWB Holster Made from Boltaron material (similar to Kydex)
- Galco’s King Tuk IWB Holster
- Fierce Defender’s Winter Warrior IWB Holster
What is Kydex, and why would you want a holster made from it?
Kydex is a thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride material manufactured by Sekisui in the USA. It has the following key features:
- Formability- Kydex can be explicitly molded to a firearm model, which results in a snug fit while holstered and allows for a smooth draw.
- Rigidity- Kydex will not collapse when you unholster your weapon.
- Waterproof- Kydex is waterproof and is excellent at keeping your firearm dry from water and your sweat.
- It does not burn quickly- Kydex can withstand extreme heat without its integrity being affected.
- Resistant to scratches -Kydex is very durable and can take a beating without getting scratched.
- Smooth finish- Kydex has a very smooth surface perfect for not scratching your firearm.
- Lightweight- Kydex is very lightweight for how strong it is, which is excellent if you are carrying your firearm in it all day.
- Easy to manufacture-Kydex is easy to manufacture, and as a result, you can find cheap kydex holsters that are of good quality.
What to look for in a Kydex IWB holster
Holster that Fits Your Firearm– If your firearm doesn’t fit in the holster, then “Huston, we have a problem.”
Dominant Hand– Most kydex holsters are not ambidextrous, so make sure you get the correct holster for your dominant hand. All the holster noted below have left and right-handed configuration available. However, if you are left-handed you may need to check the manufacturer’s website to purchase a holster.
Adjustable Cant– This allows you to determine the carry angle of your pistol while it is in the holster. Why is this important? It will improve how comfortable the rig is while you wear it. It also permits better concealment and has the potential of giving you a quicker draw time because the pistol grip is right where you want it.
Adjustable Height– Holsters with adjustable height allows you to determine how low or high a holster will ride on your waistline. Common issues related to the ride height of a holster (that can be fixed if a holster is adjustable):
- Printing: If holster and gun are printing then most of the time the holster is riding too high
- Comfort: A ride height that is too low or high can make it to where the holster and pistol are digging into you.
- Grip: If you have trouble grabbing a hold of the gun’s grip when drawing, then odds are the holster is riding too low.
Adjustable Retention– Since most kydex holsters do not have a retention strap, the adjustable retention of a holster is a great feature. You get to control how “tightly the holster” holds onto your gun. As a result, you keep the holster snug, but not too snug that it is hard to unholster your firearm.
Concealment– No matter how much you can adjust a holster or what accessories come with it, poorly design holsters are tough to conceal. Without concealment, IWB holsters are a waste of time. Nobody carries an IWB holster because they like the way it feels.
Comfort– If it is not comfortable you will not wear it plain and simple
Ease of Use– A holster should be comfortable, easy to adjust, put on, take off, and re-holster. If it is not, we will put money down that it ends up in a drawer in your gun room. The most essential area a holster needs to be easy to use in is drawing your firearm. Sure, you need to practice to make sure this is second nature to you, but if a holster is challenging to draw from, it could add seconds to your draw time. Seconds that you might not have…..
Clips– We can all agree that an IWB holster’s clip(s) is a vital feature. However, I will take this a step further and say a holster’s clip(s) is its Achilles’ Heel. If the holster has a clip that will not keep the holster in place, or will not clip to a belt, or is not durable, then the holster is basically worthless and you will not use it.
Common Concerns
Can you use a Kydex holster with attached sights on your gun?
Typically Kydex holsters cannot be used with guns that have attached sights or any attachment for that matter. Kydex holsters are molded for a specific gun model. For example, a Kydex holster that is molded for a Ruger LCP II 380 most likely will not be able to be used for a Glock 19.
The holster company uses the dimensions of a stock pistol which includes its stock sights to to mold the Kydex.
So unless you are willing to pay a lot extra, or make one on your own, Kydex holsters usually are not used with attached sights. However, some holsters allow for rear-mounted sights because they are open in the back
How concealable is a Kydex concealment holster?
As mentioned above, a Kydex holster are molded around specific gun model rather tightly, and remember Kydex is very thin. The result is a holster that usually is very minimalist in nature, and is very good about being used for concealed carry
However, remember the clothes you wear, and the size of the gun also plays a role in how concealable a rig is.
How do you wear a Kydex IWB holster?
Two major factors determining how to wear the rig are your preference on what position you want the holster in, and the design of the holster. However, we recommend getting a pair of pants designed explicitly for concealed carrying, and a loose-fitting shirt, especially around the waistline.
Finally, use a sturdy belt that will keep the holster in place while you are wearing it, and when you draw your firearm.
Our method for this review:
We performed a general literary analysis to narrow down our search. From there, we cross-examined multiple reviews ranging from experts to novice to prestigious websites and books to numerous forums.
Heck, we, even started chasing random people down at the gun store and asking if they have one of these holsters….we got a lot of wired looks.
Now let’s get to the part you really want to see. What is the best IWB kydex holster?
Best Kydex IWB Holsters
1. Concealment Express’s IWB Kydex Holster
Concealment Express’s goal is simple but powerful, “to provide our customers with the absolute best quality, 100% US Made Kydex holsters at a fair price and without the wait.” Based on what we have seen, they met that goal with this holster.
The holster is made of high-quality material, including the 0.08″ Kydex material. It also has an adjustable retention and cant from 0-15 degrees.
The catch? Concealment Express’s Kydex IWB holster has a “cheap” plastic clip that has been known to break, and shockingly enough, you cannot adjust the holster’s ride height.
However, Concealment Express puts their money where their mouth is and gives these holsters a lifetime warranty. Add that Concealment Express is known for its excellent customer service, and what is there not to like?
Pros
- Easy to use
- Sweat guard
- Audible retention lock system
- Adjustable retention and cant
- Comfortable
- Low profile (less chance of printing)
- Price
- Trigger guard (This will ensure the trigger is not pulled while holstered)
- Durable
- Easy to re-holster firearm while wearing
Cons
- Cheap clip
- Ride height not adjustable
2. Tulster’s IWB Holster
Tulster is a well put together holster made from 0.08″ thick Kydex material.
The holsters also come with smooth edges that are rounded for maximum comfort.
An area this holster is underrated in is its belt clip. Tulster’s IWB holsters comes with a 1.5 ” injection molded belt clip with stainless steel screws that are very durable. However, you can also switch the standard belt clip for a 1.75″ belt clip. Either clip can allow you to adjust the cant of the gun up to 15 degrees. Not a clip fan? You also have the option to upgrade to soft loops for this holster.
Tulster’s IWB holster also allows you to adjust the retention of your holster. The design of the holster gives you the ability to press your pistols magazine release button while holstered. People are divided on if they like this feature or not.
Our stance is the risk of the magazine accidentally being ejected without the wearer’s knowledge outweighs any benefit this feature has.
Tulster did make sure their IWB holster is open at the end where your gun’s muzzle goes. This allows you to use these holsters for pistols with a threaded barrel.
While Tulster does make an excellent Kydex IWB holster, it is not higher our list due to pricing and the ability to eject the magazine of the firearm while holstered. Still, we recommend you take a serious look at this holster.
Pros:
- Audible retention lock system
- Adjustable retention and cant
- Can handle certain aftermarket sights
- Sweat guard
- Sturdy clip (option for soft loops)
- Low profile
- Trigger guard (This will ensure the trigger is not pulled while holstered)
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Easy to re-holster firearm while wearing
Cons:
- Price
- Ability to eject magazine while the gun is holstered
- Ride height not adjustable
3. The CYA Supply’s IWB Holster
Just like most of the holster on our this list, this CYA holster is made of 0.08″ thick Boltaron material. Wait what?!?! Is Boltaron at type of Kydex? The simple is no it is not, but it has very similar properties and is a little stronger than Kydex. You can also adjust its cant from between 0-15 degrees. Plus, this bad boy has smooth edges making for a comfortable holster to wear.
Now the cons, the standard 1.5″ clip that comes with the holster, is not durable. However, you can purchase a 1.75″ clip if needed to fit your belt. Another issue is the holster’s lack of ability to adjust its ride height. The CYA Supply’s IWB Holster tends to ride higher, which may result in less concealment.
Pros:
- Audible retention lock system
- Adjustable retention and cant
- Can handle aftermarket sights
- Sweat guard
- Comfortable
- Allows for excellent grip on the pistol when drawing
- Durable
- Price
- Trigger guard (This will ensure the trigger is not pulled while holstered)
- Easy to re-holster firearm while wearing
Cons:
- Cheap clip
- Ride height not adjustable
- Rides high while wearing
4.Galco’s King Tuk IWB Holster
The company that is previously known as “The Famous Jackass Leather Company,” is the creator of this holster. This is a hybrid IWB holster with leather backing that allows for superior comfort against your skin while wearing. However, it also has a Kydex shell for max durability and rigidness.
By design the gun will carry closer to your body for better concealment.
What we do not like about this holster is the clips tend to wear out quickly and may not keep the holster in the waistline when drawing your gun. Another issue is that it sometimes requires two hands to draw your firearm from the holster while wearing. One of your hands will be holding the holster while the other is drawing the gun.
Lastly, you cannot adjust the retention of this holster, which is shocking, to say the least.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Adjustable ride height
- Adjustable cant
- Conceals firearm well
- Durable
- Backing completely covers slide of the arm and prevents it from touching your skin
- Easy to re-holster firearm while wearing
- Trigger guard (This will ensure the trigger is not pulled while holstered)
Cons:
- Cheap clips
- Cannot adjust the retention
- May require two hands to draw your pistol
5. Fierce Defender’s Winter Warrior IWB Holster
This is a 0.08″ thick Kydex holster that weighs only 3.36 ounces and has a beautiful slim design, so it conceals well under most clothes.
Likewise, it has adjustable retention to ensure the best fit for your firearm.
It should also be noted that you can adjust the holster’s cant from 0 to 15 degrees. Fierce Defender’s Winter Warrior IWB Holster can be worn in various IWB concealed carry positions around your waist, such as the appendix position.
Astoundingly, it also comes with a 100-year guarantee against any manufacturer defects, giving you peace of mind for a lifetime or 100 years whichever comes first…..
Now onto the bad stuff. The holster’s sweat guard has been known to rube against some people’s skin so much that it creates a rash. Others have reported that the holster’s interior can be rough, and if you are not careful, can scratch your gun. Lastly, many people have reported issues with the holster’s screws coming loose.
Pros:
- Large & sturdy belt clip
- Audible retention lock system
- Durable
- Low profile
- Easy to re-holster firearm while wearing
- Adjustable cant and retention
- Risk-free purchase
- Price
Cons:
- Sweat guard is uncomfortable and may rub against your skin
- Screws tend to come loose
- Cannot adjust ride height
Conclusion
Another year has come and gone, but IWB Kydex holsters are going strong and will be for years to come. All Kydex material comes from the same manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania. As a result, the Kydex material of any holster will have the same quality as the next. Yet, IWB Kydex holsters are very different from one another in their design for the following reasons:
- The thickness of the Kydex material
- How the holster fits your firearm
- Does it have an adjustable cant?
- Does it have an adjustable ride hight?
- Does it have adjustable retention?
- Is it easy to use?
- How well does it conceal your weapon?
- What kind of belt clip does it have?
- Is it comfortable to wear?
This can get overwhelming very quickly, but that is why we are here. Our research leads us to recommend Concealment Express’s IWB Kydex holster as the best IWB kydex holster
Its sweat guard is not uncomfortable like Fierce Defender’s Winter Warrior IWB holster is. It does not require two hands to unholster your firearm like Galco’s King Tuk IWB holster. While you cannot adjust its ride height, it does not ride as high on you as The CYA Supply’s IWB Kydex holster. Finally, your firearms magazine will not eject while in the holster like can with Tusler’s IWB Kydex holster.
Yet, you cannot go wrong with any of these holsters. Our list of Kydex holsters (and list of Kydex holster makers for that matter) are the top in their class, and you should check them all out. So what do you think? Did we totally miss the best IWB kydex holster? Let us know below, and as always, keep them straight.