10 Best KYDEX Holsters 2023
If you have ever carried a sidearm, you understand how important a quality holster can be. Your holster is an important, potentially life-saving piece of equipment, so you don’t want to skimp on quality. Many gun owners today are turning to KYDEX holsters because they are sturdy, durable, and dependable.
As KYDEX holsters have become more popular, the market has been flooded with numerous assorted brands and designs. Choosing a KYDEX holster can be difficult, especially when you might not be able to “test drive” a holster before you purchase it. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you by gathering information and product reviews into this handy guide. Use it to help you find the best KYDEX holster to meet your needs.
A Note About Gun Laws
Gun laws vary by state. Some states have laws restricting how and where you can legally carry a firearm. Be sure to check your state’s specific laws regarding handguns before you carry in public.
Top 10 KYDEX Holsters Table
Choosing a KYDEX Holster
Before you purchase a KYDEX holster, make sure you read this section.
There are a lot of different KYDEX holsters on the market today. Deciding just which one is right for you can be confusing. Here are some important things to consider when buying a KYDEX holster.
What Is KYDEX?
The brainchild of Rohn and Haas Company out of Philadelphia, KYDEX was first manufactured for aircraft interiors. KYDEX is a hard, plastic material that be molded and manipulated around forms when heat is applied.
In recent years, KYDEX has become a generic term referring to all plastic holsters, even those that are made of lower quality thermoplastics.
Weapon Retention
Keeping your sidearm safely inside of your holster until you are ready to draw it is incredibly important. Weapon retention refers to how securely your holster holds your weapon. A holster with good weapon retention will fit your firearm snugly, without wobbling or knocking when you move, yet will allow you to smoothly and easily draw your weapon when necessary.
Types of Carry
There are several distinct types of holsters to choose from depending on how you want to carry and where on your body you prefer your sidearm to be located. You want to consider both comfort, convenience, and concealment when deciding your preferred method of carrying your weapon.
- IWB Or “In the Waistband” Holsters. Keep your weapon tucked inside of the waistband of your pants. They offer maximum concealment in a convenient location.
- OWB Or “Outside Waistband” Holsters. Hold your firearm at your waist but allow the weapon to be worn visibly outside of your clothing. OWBs are designed to either thread onto a belt or feature a paddle that tucks inside the waistband.
- Shoulder Rigs. Can be extremely comfortable and facilitate excellent concealment when paired with a jacket or open-front blouse. They can be complicated to put on initially, but they offer easy access to your weapon.
- Ankle Holsters. Can be extremely comfortable or almost painful to wear depending on the design but offer excellent concealment. Some people find it impractical to draw from the ankle. Utilizing one of these holsters may require some practice to get used to.
Top 3 Best KYDEX Holster Reviews
1. CYA Inside Waistband Concealed Carry Holster
CYA Supply Company is a veteran-owned company that takes pride in offering American-made products. This holster is made from Boltaron thermoplastic which provides high impact and heat resistance. The material is extremely durable and resists scratching while providing superior protection for your firearm. The holster’s cant is fully adjustable by using the included hex key, creating a level of comfort and convenience every shooter will appreciate.
A slide release feature makes for a safer draw and re-holster, without putting extra friction on your weapon. While some slide release features can be tricky to get used to, CYA’s is intuitive. The release is easily pressed with the user’s natural draw motion. This function makes it very easy for the user to release the weapon from the holster while making it difficult for someone else to disarm them.
The most impressive qualities of the CYA Supply Company Boltaron Holster are its durability and wearability. You’ll be hard-pressed to find an IWB better than this one. It is by far the best KYDEX holster on the market today.
2. Concealment Waistband Concealed Carry Holster
All of Concealment Express’s KYDEX holsters are specifically molded to each gun model to ensure a perfect fit. The Audible Retention Lock feature lets you hear when your weapon is securely snapped in place, which takes the guess work out of holstering your sidearm. This holster also offers a full sweat shield designed to help keep your weapon dry but also helps guide your weapon into place during re-holstering. The cant is fully adjustable, which easily facilitates carrying in many positions on your waist.
This incredibly durable line of KYDEX holsters are designed and manufactured right here in the U.S.A. They are virtually indestructible but come with a lifetime warranty just in case.
3. Comp-Tac International Holster
This OWB holster is great for public carry, range, or competition use. The international paddle adjusts to three different cant options. When paired with the belt attachment option, the holster can be used in IDPA competition.
Made of genuine KYDEX thermoplastic, the Comp-Tac International holster is rugged and durable. You won’t find better weapon retention than this holster provides. It holds your weapon securely even when climbing and moving under competition obstacles. Yet, the draw is smooth and easy. You really can’t go wrong with this quality holster.
