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Kydex v. Leather Holsters?

vperlman

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I have noticed that some holster makers offer the same holster in either Kydex or leather, with a slightly lower price for the Kydex. Does anyone have any experience with both materials that would be informative? I am interested in in-pocket holsters only. Thanks! :gangfire:
 
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Kydex is my go-to material. i like how it is lightweight, thinner, moisture resistant, quieter and gives me a faster draw. I do however hate the way it feels on my skin (pocket holster would not be a problem, depending on the firearm).
Leather can give a very tight fit on your gun, but is a bit heavier and more expensive.

I opted for the combination of the two with the Cross Breed Super Tuck. Best holster i have ever owned. That is an IWB holster though, so its not something that would benefit you right now.

If you can afford it, i would probably go with a pancake leather pocket holster, it would be a bit less awkward than a hunk of "plastic" in your pocket. Or even better a horse hide one, those are less likely to warp due to sweat or other moisture.

If you find a brand or style you like, feel free to shoot it across this forum. I would be happy to give my insight if i have used or dealt with the brand

just my $.02
 
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Minotaur Holster

This is a combination of Kydex and leather. Leather against your body to form and kydex on the outside. I carry w/ this all the time and love it. It's tuckable as well and I do use it that way some times.
 

mwlabel

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I'm thinking of getting a Recluse & I'm trying to figure out which material is "better" overall for pocket carry of a Ruger LCP.
Honestly, for pocket carry - it won't make a difference. Any properly designed pocket holster will work, you just want something that won't come out of your pocket with the gun. Even cheap companies like Uncle Mike's and DeSantis will work. The main purpose is to break up the outlines of the gun.

Is Kydex more rigid than leather? It looks like it. Is it lighter?
Both are subjective. It varies from maker to maker. Depends on the thickness of kydex, quality of leather, etc. Most kydex tends to be more rigid than leather however.
 
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I forget who makes it, but there's a pocket carry holster that has a pseudo zippered flap over the gun, to make it look like a wallet. Not really necessary but an interesting touch.

I honestly just carry my LCP plain without much problems of silhouetting the firearm.
 

vperlman

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I ordered the Recluse front pocket holster in Kydex. I'll let you guys know how I like it after I get to try it out for a while. The DeSantis Super Fly that I am currently using is quite decent, but it's a bit bulky and soft.
 

vperlman

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My new Kydex Recluse Front Pocket holster arrived last night. I pulled my new LCP out of the deSantis Super Fly she was living in and moved her to her new home. As of now, I have only a couple of hours of experience with the Kydex Recluse, but here are my initial impressions:
1. The Kydex doesn't look quite as pretty as I imagine the leather version does, but who cares? The whole purpose of this holster is not to be seen.
2. It is noticeably thinner than the Super Fly, which is a plus.
3. It seems a bit lighter, but that might be a false impression generated by its smaller bulk.
4. It holds the gun very, very securely, but draw is very fast and easy, maybe even easier than the Super Fly.
5. It does a good job of preventing the gun from printing on the front of my pants, although I am not wearing jeans today, and that will be the acid test.
6. The one downside is that you really have to pull the holster out of your pocket to reholster your weapon. Not really a big deal, but not quite as convenient as other designs.
 
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So as you know now since you ordered the kydex model...that Kydex is a thermoformed plastic sheet. Therefore it is formed to your gun and is more rigid than leather if it's not paper thin Kydex.

I really need to find me a pocket pistol when i don't feel like carrying the M&P 9c
 
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