Home
Posted By: Mak Kydex - 06/20/06
Q. Anyone used any of the new kydex holsters, esp. for plastic pistols like the Glock?
Posted By: AEL Re: Kydex - 06/20/06
I just recently bought a C.T.A.C. from Comp-Tac for a Sig. See here: C.T.A.C.
I haven't really run it through its paces yet, but initial observations are positive.

Here are some of my random thoughts about it Kydex vs. leather. Subjectively, leather has a better feel and I slightly prefer the "break" from a leather holster to that from Kydex, although a Kydex holster has a more crisp break. Both are capable of securely holding a gun. Kydex doesn't soak up sweat in the summertime. Kydex is generally cheaper for similar quality. In general, Kydex makes a suitable alternative to leather, but leather is "nicer".

To answer your question more directly, I haven't spent much time with polymer pistols and Kydex, but have handled a few in cheaper Kydex (Fobus) during range sessions. They seemed to work well and retain the guns (Glocks and XDs) fairly well. I don't know how well they would work for daily carry, but I would sure prefer a Fobus to the nylon holsters.
Posted By: GunGeek Re: Kydex - 06/20/06
When we�re talking �cheap� holsters, I find Kydex to be generally better than anything made of nylon. The �cheapie� Kydex holsters from Fobus and Uncle Mikes are pretty darned good. I have a Fobus holster for my S&W 617 I use when carrying this gun around the farm. This is for exposed carry and in that capacity, it�s excellent. If we�re talking about concealed carry, then things get a bit different.

In Kydex, there are some top quality manufacturers with very good products, but generally at that level, they�re the same price as leather. If I�m carrying concealed, especially when inside the waist (IWB), nothing beats good leather.

For competition, synthetic materials like Kydex reign supreme.
Posted By: Handloader Re: Kydex - 06/21/06

Cost is a Kydex advantage and holsters made of Kydex will certainly retain the handgun and position it securely if the proper holster is selected. For those that want to have comfort and good retention of the firearm, nothing seems to equal the advantages of leather, again, if the proper holster is selected.

We sell both Kydex and leather at the shop where I work. Customers that buy good quality handguns most frequently prefer leather, along with a good quality belt. Kydex is usually a selection based on adequate function and price, whereas nylon, the third choice, is typically a purchase that is price oriented only.
Posted By: Mak Re: Kydex - 06/21/06
Yep, Leather is traditional an certainly higher quality. Was curious about kydex for a couple reasons-1) I use my stuff pretty heavy, dents, dings, scratches an such are the norm. I still like leather, but was thinkin that beating the tar out of kydex wouldn't hit the wallet so hard, and 2) if I'm packin a plastic pistol, why not a plastic scabbard to boot?
Friends son used a kydex last time we went woods walkin together. I didn't think much of its looks, but it did hold the gun.
Guess it got me to thinkin.
Posted By: GunGeek Re: Kydex - 06/21/06
Mak,

If you're talking about exposed carry, then Kydex is great. What's more, it's cheap enough you can just buy a 20.00 holster and give it a try. If you don't like it, chances are you can e-bay it for at least 10.00. If you do like it, the subject is closed.
© 24hourcampfire