WHAT'S BETTER THOUGH, KYDEX OR POLYMER?
They are both great holsters. Whether you go with an OWB or an IWB holster, plastic materials like Kydex and Injection Molded Polymer holsters are superior to leathers and nylon holsters. They are waterproof and can easily be wiped and dried with a rag or towel.
IWB holsters don't collapse like leather and neoprene holsters once you draw your gun making it easier to re-holster your weapon as well. Leather and webbed nylon holsters are very abrasive and can wear the finish on your gun. Now, let's be clear here once again, you running your EDC will cause some form of wear on your gun, period. There is no holster out there that creates NO wear on your gun.
Kydex holsters and Polymer holsters that are made with tight tolerances like a Bravo Holster, which is made specifically for that certain gun model, will protect your guns finish way more than a holster that has a one-size-fits-most design. This allows your gun to move around when you are wearing it creating friction and ultimately wears the finish on your gun.
High-quality holsters such as one with adjustable ride height can be found in either Kydex or I.M. Polymer holsters. Most Kydex holster companies use Injection Molded polymer accessories for their gun holsters such as belt loops and belt clips.
Rene Aguirre is the founder and owner of Bravo Concealment. Rene has been carrying concealed on a daily basis for over 8 years and has been a CHL (concealed handgun license) holder for more than 20 years. Finding a high interest in firearms for many years, Rene started Bravo because of the “lack of” a good concealed carry holster. He is the leader of the church security team at his church.
Comments (5)
Great article. Very informative and straightforward.
Just received and started into service your Bravo Concealment Torsion 3.0 IWB Concealed Carry Holster for Glock 26 on eBay. Love the fit and finish and it does exactly what I expected. Primary concern was to have a system similar to the claw found on many holsters but without the appearance of that extra added appendage. Your host satisfies this need perfectly. I’m using it in conjunction with a Blackhawk Stache NACHO belly band when not wearing regular pants thanks to a YouTuber doing the same and the pair are awesome.
Thanks for a great product, I will be buying more for my other firearms.
Question: I didn’t see a listing for this same holster sized for the Kahr P380. I’m assuming that because of the Kahr’s pocket size? I’d like one if it’s actually available so please let me know.
Richard
Your article provides good info on manufacturing processes and the differences between the two (Kydex vs IM), but in the last section regarding which is better, you don’t really elaborate on the pros / cons, merely comparing Kydex & IM to leather & neoprene holsters.
Although IM Polymer produces more accurate molds resulting in a better fit due to the manufacturing process, many say Kydex is more durable for long term use. Despite greater startup costs with IM Polymer, overall manufacturing costs are significantly less with mass production, and IM Polymer isn’t as dense / strong as Kydex. As the old adage goes, cheaper isn’t always better, so can you provide some insight?
Hello Rene,
In your article you state:
“Because Kydex can be formed in temperatures of around 200 degrees, it is prone to heat that can be found in car trunks in the dead heat of summer. This can cause slight deformation and loose retention. This is NOT an issue with all Kydex holsters.”
This seems like a contradiction. Did you mean:
“Because Injection Molded Plastics can be formed in temperatures of around 200 degrees, it is prone to heat that can be found in car trunks in the dead heat of summer.”?
If not, please clarify what you are intending to say as, in reading, it appears to be a contradiction.
Thank you for your article and in advance for your clarification.
Alex V
Very informative article concerning the various materials used in the construction of Kydex and I.M Polymer holsters.