Im considering one of three IWB holsters for jogging & basketball shorts type clothing for the summer. I'm debating between either the Thunderwear, the SmartCarry or the 3 Speed Holster. I've noticed they've gone through some tweaking over the years so I'm curious to hear people's thoughts on more recent purchases. I like that Thunderwear seems to be a bit lighter version of the SmartCarry, though I also like that 3 Speed makes them specifically cut for each particular gun. I'm looking for a minimalistic holster for my M&P9c when wearing basketball shorts.

I have the Smart Carry and have used it for several different guns over the years. It is not going to be a fast draw, but under athletic wear it is relatively comfortable, and you will be able to carry a gun, which is rule number one. I am in a running group and I frequently wear my j frame in the SC under my running shorts. I don't have any personal experience with the other two systems, but I'm sure at least the Thunderwear will be very similar to the SmartCarry.

I also noticed you didn't mention what handgun you intend to carry. Full size 1911 or a S&W snub nose. That might also help folks assist you in picking the best holster system to go with your pistol in this type of clothing. Good luck in your search!

I'm looking for a holster for my M&P9c. Thanks for your input.

Do you wear basketball shorts in public often enough to need a "special" holster to accomodate them?

I have used SmartCarry, but check out Pistol Wear:

Pistol Wear Trump Card Subcompact holster/belt

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How God has blessed us!

I'd see what the NBA uses....

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I'm going to try to reach to them to see if they'd mock something up for an M&P9c, but I am admittedly concerned about your post that the interior lining could actuate a misfire.

In general what I like about the Thunderwear & SmartCarry is how much the firearm is tucked below the waistband though I'm intrigued by the 3-Speed's fitted holster design.

Actually, yeah. I'm in South Florida so if I'm not dressed for work during work hours I prefer getting around in basketball shorts or similar loose fitting clothing (like weekend mornings when I'm runnin out to the local bagel shop). I've got an IWB for when I'm wearing jeans or whatnot but don't want to have to wear proper pants just to stay protected.

Pistolwear is decent stuff, just gets a little hot. Cant really beat the price though.

Yes, you might ask Plaxico Burress what he would recommend.

Try LAW Concealment Systems. You'll need a belt. Has worked for me for 23 years. Last 7 retired, in shorts and t shirt in Tampa.

Regards,

Tam 3

As I said in that Pistol Wear thread, I don't carry those guns that might have an issue with it: I was just reporting a concern (and I suggested solutions in that thread).

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I knew that one was coming.

admittedly, i think i mis-titled this thread & wasn't clear (& also may have [rightfully] garnered some disdain) so i've re-titled it. basically, i'm inquiring on people's thoughts on a good summertime IWB holster for jogging &/or wearing light/loose clothing in the summer (the kind of clothing that doesn't have a belt or strong waistband).

Have you or anyone else considered a Belly Band?

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Bob

Wearing sweats to the gym, or going out running are the only two activities where I feel that a fanny pack is appropriate wear--and it never seems to draw any attention in those contexts.

It is the carry method I use in those situations.

You need to carry more than just your gun; you need your license (probably in a wallet). If you are going to the gym, you will need your car keys too. Thunderwear will not address all of these.

The Thunderwear Combo actually has a slip behind the two main ambi pouches for cash & cards. I guess keys could go in the the main pocket not being used for your firearm.

SmartCarry's "Security" model also has a full size pocket behind the two ambi holster pouches - I've used if for carrying cash, passport, etc. I wouldn't want to put a ring of keys in there because they wouldn't lie flat, but it would work.

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These are the basketball shorts I remember and you ain't concealing nuttin' in them!

This is less than 1/2" thick
And hides a 638 just fine. Very light and comfy.

Joespappa,

I don't get it. Why conceal something that you can wear in plain sight (a fanny pack).

If you conceal like this and it shows even a little, you get called out.

But not so with the fanny pack. It's right out there in the open--readily accessible. And while jogging or heading to the gym, still perfectly expected.

I agree that's what my lousy pic is. A vey slim light fanny pack

Ah, I thought it was one of those "thunderwear" things.

All I need to go to the gym is my keys, my wallet and my gun, two fragmentation grenades and a salami sandwich and a thermos of coffee.

Actually that pack looks big enough for my wallet, 340PD and keys. And since everyone thinks you will have your wallet and keys having it out in the open makes a lot more sense to me than hiding something that people expect to see anyway.

Thanks for the input, guys. I decided on the Thunderwear. That one & the smart carry both most closely resembled what I was looking for function-wise & I just liked Thunderwear's recent slight revamp of their design a bit more.

Bedrockk,

I don't think you'll regret your purchase. Just be sure to practice your draw stroke with an "empty" gun because this is a little different concealed carry than pocket holster, or hidden inside the waistband. As far as comfort, I like mine which is made by Smart Carry. In fact, I just finished walking 18 holes of golf with mine on carrying my Sig P238 and I pretty much forgot I had it on.

I don't know if you thought I meant a fanny pack, when in fact I was referring to the girdle style, elastic band, with velcro. In Ohio, concealed means hidden. I wear mine to hold my shield.

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Bob

You can also check out the Fusionpac, it looks interesting just a little pricey.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Don't "jog." Don't wear "basketball shorts." Don't wear pistolas where they can "sweep" my "stuff." The closest I would come is a belt pouch that can hold my Model 37 or a fanny pack that I inherited that can hold my other revolvers up to and including my 4 inch Model 686.

ECS

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

If you're wearing these properly, they can't sweep your "stuff."

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Why carry? You're already running away....

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Basketball shorts are like flip-flops (According to Ralphie May): If you go out in public wearing anything not suited to fighting or running, you're half a fag anyway. Okay, so shorts are good for running away. If you agree, see Sipowicz, above. Dress to the gun, period. Don't go out in public wearing clothes that aren't suited for public dress. If you are wearing "basketball shorts," then you should be playing basketball, and a gun suitably positioned along the sideline of the court should be the best you deserve. If you need to be armed while playing basketball, an LCP or P3AT can be carried in any number of ways, none of which involve your shorts. If better protection is needed, have an armed friend on the sideline, or go elsewhere to play basketball. If you go out in public wearing basketball shorts, prepare to be in the next WalMartians youtube video.

I wore a Thunderwear holster in the desert to conceal a M9. It worked very well but unless you are using them with something very light then they will require a belt for retention of the gun. There is no way I could have worn that holster without a belt. But if I use it with my 637 then I think it would work fine. But I'm not even sure I would use it with my M&P 9c without a belt.