madmikeb
SWCA Member
It's leather holsters and wood grips all the way for me. Oh, and steel guns too!
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Leather or Kydex
- Thread starter sceva
- Start date
Most of my holsters are leather, but like and use both for revolvers and autos. For Kydex I like LAG and Blade Tech.
gwpercle
Member
Pick up a Kydex holster ... smell it .
Now smell a nice new Leather holster ... which one smells better .
Don't tell me smell isn't important and don't tell me plastic smells better than Leather ... I'll take a Leather Holster everytime ...it smells good !
Gary
Now smell a nice new Leather holster ... which one smells better .
Don't tell me smell isn't important and don't tell me plastic smells better than Leather ... I'll take a Leather Holster everytime ...it smells good !
Gary
Tanners Owner
US Veteran
I prefer leather for my own carry and range time. It’s simply more comfortable.
That said, I SO in IDPA and prefer shooters use kydex as I can hear the gun “snick” into the holster.
I’ve seen both type work well and work poorly, so quality is important regardless of material.
That said, I SO in IDPA and prefer shooters use kydex as I can hear the gun “snick” into the holster.
I’ve seen both type work well and work poorly, so quality is important regardless of material.
PLASTIC holsters for PLASTIC pistols
Leather for me, mainly due to comfort and it seems to be less harsh on the guns.
As OP mentions, both have their benefits and there are few things as reassuring or soothing to the ears as the click when you holster a gun in kydex. My brother uses a kydex holster and when he sends me videos of his draw/re-holster drill the click is always something I envy.
I only had one Kydex holster which was custom and cost me a decent amount only for it not to fit my gun. Not only that, I found the kydex to be extremely uncomfortable. I am sure this had more to do with the maker than material, but I never tried Kydex again after that.
For me if it is not comfortable, I will not wear it. Leather is more comfortable than any kydex I have seen so that is my pick.
As OP mentions, both have their benefits and there are few things as reassuring or soothing to the ears as the click when you holster a gun in kydex. My brother uses a kydex holster and when he sends me videos of his draw/re-holster drill the click is always something I envy.
I only had one Kydex holster which was custom and cost me a decent amount only for it not to fit my gun. Not only that, I found the kydex to be extremely uncomfortable. I am sure this had more to do with the maker than material, but I never tried Kydex again after that.
For me if it is not comfortable, I will not wear it. Leather is more comfortable than any kydex I have seen so that is my pick.
OP
I can re-holster my Speed Six while wearing it. You may have to push to get it started but not an issue
Here's my feelings on the matter. If you have a Nice gun that was built with a lot of craftsmanship, like a Python, upscale 1911, older S&W (pre Hillary hole), then your holster should exude the same level of craftsmanship. Likewise, a cookie cutter gun that you can buy at any sporting chain store needs only a holster produced in the same manner. If it's a metal frame gun then leather should be the choice, but if it's plastic, then Kydex is appropriate. Caviar does not go with soda crackers, and a bottle of Chardonnay is wasted on hot dogs.
I have had both... both have their uses.
I do prefer leather though! Looks, the beauty, the smell. Old School stuff. Kydex is good, it's practical, but it's just a soulless piece of plastic to me at the end of the day. It works, just doesn't look fancy or feel as nice as leather doing it. What I do like about Kydex though, no worry for moisture!
I do prefer leather though! Looks, the beauty, the smell. Old School stuff. Kydex is good, it's practical, but it's just a soulless piece of plastic to me at the end of the day. It works, just doesn't look fancy or feel as nice as leather doing it. What I do like about Kydex though, no worry for moisture!
I just don't think Kydex looks good in basket weave or floral design. Leather for me, in fact I don't even own one Kydex holster.
robvious
Member
my late father did custom leatherwork... so... leather is my first choice... I do have kydex holsters... but they are only for the guns without souls...
balin
Member
The James Bond side of me picks leather. The John Wick side goes with kydex.
Both
I kind of like leather better for its feel and aroma but I like Kydex for its ease of use, and the way a pistol snaps into it.
I kind of like leather better for its feel and aroma but I like Kydex for its ease of use, and the way a pistol snaps into it.
DeplorabusUnum
Member
I carry IWB in a Garrett Silent Thunder. It's a leather lined Kydex shell. Kind of best of both worlds. Leather lining is easy on the gun's finish, and the combination keeps a firm grip on the pistol. I have two, and if I'm carrying on my belt, it's one of them. I guess my answer to the poll question is BOTH.
I haven't given it the smell test yet
I haven't given it the smell test yet
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hybrid iwb double loop because concealment then comfort are major priority's for my purposes. Yes, it does wear the finish giving the gun character. Theis is my preferred maker, and am not carrying high end firearms. In winter, am using a pocket holster because of heavy outer clothing.
OP
Looks like it's holding at leather 7 to 1
