There are tons of holster companies (see my thread for a list) to chose from. I'm trying to narrow my search by type first.

Can you guys comment on the advantages/disadvantages of 1)Leather 2)Kydex 3)Hybrid holsters for IWB use?

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M&P 9 FS / H&K VP9 / G19 G4

I went with kydex, specifically a PJ iwb reinforced failover w 15 degree cant. This morning I went outside(still dark outside) so I clipped on the gun, came back inside and on another forum they were talkin about Shield holsters so I decided to post a pic of mine.... but as I looked around I couldn't locate the gun or holster, sitting there scratching my head. Haha its so comfortable....i was wearing it.....Mike

I went with hybrid. It still holds its shape when the gun is unholsterd. The kydex shell pushes out away from your body since it's only technically half a shell. And the leather is wide, putting the clips further apart and thus spreading out the weight.

I've had full leather IWB holsters. The clips/loops are too close, the leather without the gun folds and pants start slipping and because it's a full shell I feel like I stuck a water bottle inside the belt.

Out of the 3 you've mentioned I've carried a kydex and and hybrid. The kydex was very comfortable at first but after a few hours I noticed it starting to dig in to my skin and the comfort started going away quickly. This was during the summer wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

My favorite is the N82 Tactical Professional model which is a single clip hybrid. It's got suede leather against your skin with a kydex shell. While it is a little thicker than a standard kydex it's very comfortable even during the summer.

You're going to get lots of different opinions here so it will probably boil down to trying each and see which one fits your needs best.

I used to buy a safariland iwb suede holster, if semi-auto a matching mag carrier, for every revolver or pistol I owned. I had tried about every holster design made and these were the most inexpensive, conformed to the shape of the gun, and comfortable ones I found. I had a custom kydex iwb holster and mag carrier made for my CS45. I used it once before I found the Bianchi ballistic nylon fanny pack with secret holster. I have used that ever since because I can carry two extra loaded mags, badge, light weight handcuffs, and small Streamlight, with room for more stuff if needed. They do not make these anymore, so I take very good care of it.

After trying several types, the one that works best for me is the Kusiak IWB Tuckable leather holster. It's thin and comfortable and holds its shape for easy re-holstering. It's very smooth and does not irritate my skin if it comes into contact. I've got the tuckable version, which is perfect for occasions when I want to tuck my shirt in, although most of the time I go untucked. Because it is a minimal holster with a single clip, it is very easy to put on and take off. I've had mine for 2+ years and have not been tempted to replace it. In fact, I bought another one for my Bodyguard 380.

If you want to have a spare mag with you all the time, it is available with an extra mag holder built-in that fits in the gap just forward of the holster--I've got this feature on my Bodyguard 380 Kusiak and like it.

Kusiak Shield.jpg

I think I've tried them all. It's personal preference but I love kydex IWB, it's what works for me. Currently using Panther and Galco. I prefer straight up and down or a slight forward cant.

I understand holster choice is an individual one. My main question is,....are there advantages of one "type," not a specific holster, over the other? Knowing what those are would help me narrow down my search.

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M&P 9 FS / H&K VP9 / G19 G4

Here's my take after carrying on a daily basis for 26 years. I have carried with an without a holster, and with both cheap and custom rigs. Buying a cheap holster for every day use will have you returning to the holster shop much more frequently. Furthermore, you're less likely to find the cheap ones to be comfortable. Cheap includes both synthetic and what is claimed to be leather. Expect a well made custom rig such as Milt Sparks to last at least 10 years.

I like Kydex holsters for range or competition because they're fast. On the other hand, I have not found one that is as comfortable to wear for long periods of time on a daily basis.

Quality leather holsters are more comfortable against the skin, and the belt versions generally tend to conceal better with less printing. If it's a molded design and constructed properly, it will retain the pistol just fine without the need for tension screws, straps, or snaps. In terms of durability, quality leather or horsehide beats everything.

Ibonlybhave experience with Crossbreed hybrids. They are comfortable, but not a speed holster if you're after a fast draw. They do, however, spread out the bulk of the gun and holster so that you'll print far less. As with good leather concealment rigs, retention is aided by the gun being unnoticed unless it was needed.

And as stated, it is a personal choice. I'm presently wearing an M&P 9c in a Supertuck. I also have a Milt Sparks SSII that I have worn for over 30 hours straight with a full size M&P 45 and it did not bother me. While Clint Smith has been quoted saying that carrying a pistol should be comforting, not comfortable, you CAN have it both ways.

Wright Leather Works .. very comfortable .. be prepared to wait 8 weeks for delivery but well worth the wait !! Just ordered my 2nd one for my
40c .. I have the Cobra and just ordered the Predator.

I have used all three over the past decade, and there are definite advantages/disadvantages to all. My favorite, and most comfortable, is quality leather in a Sparks VMII "style" where the belt attachments are spread out. This makes for a wider footprint and helps distribute the weight. A true, rigid, gun belt is a MUST for comfortable carry also.

High quality leather, in other words not soft suede, breaths, conforms to body, and looks great. Make sure to get one with a reinforced mouth so that it doesn't collapse too. Expect to pay more and wait more, as it takes more time and energy to craft leather. Most leather holsters, not all though, are not adjustable for ride height or cant.

My next favorite are hybrids. They are comfortable, and conform to your body, but, depending on the non-kydex material, they can collapse after drawing to make reholstering problematic. Sometimes the kydex shells, clips, or other attached parts stretch or break, and, depending on the holster maker, will not be/cannot be replaced. Many hybrids come with the metal belt attachments, and while these are sturdy, they do bend. Worse than this though is they have a little "edge" that sticks off of the holster/clip body (so you can easily grasp it and bend it out to take on/off) that wreaks havoc on clothing and chairs. The good thing about kydex holsters though, because they are usually built to adjust cant, height, etc., is that almost any kydex or leather attachments can easily replace the metal if you prefer, regardless of manufacturer.

My least favorite, but still with many advantages, are full kydex. Full kydex is the least comfortable option - it does not breath or conform to your body. If you live somewhere warm or are often hot, it will cause perspiration to build up between your body and the holster and result in discomfort. I've had a few kydex holsters, from reputable makers, break (they were all replaced, but now sit in a drawer largely unused). However, kydex is slick, thin, lightweight, and usually, when of high-quality, won't collapse (thicker kydex, which seems thinner than cowhide, has never broken for me). It's easy to draw and reholster, and is super easy to maintain (sweat and dirt is simply wiped away). I try to keep full kydex for OWB/training/competition. Kydex is often more affordable and near instant shipping. IMHO, kydex doesn't offer as much uniqueness/fine craftsmanship (although some are available with designs, and most offer different colors now) as leather (designs, materials, personalization, etc.).

That's my $.02.