ab4ka
Member
When I got my S&W 6906 (back) a few weeks ago I knew I wanted to get a better CCW holster than the one I had. Options are somewhat limited for the S&W 3rd gen pistols, and after lots of research I decided to get the Crossbreed Supertuck. I placed my order and waited patiently.
Shortly afterward I heard Michael Bane raving about the "Nate Squared" (N82 Tactical) IWB holster. Apparently he hates IWB carry but he said these were great holsters. I looked them up, the price was reasonable so I ordered one.
The N82 came in quickly and it was the first IWB holster that was instantly comfortable...no break in needed, it just worked. I suppose it's due to the construction, which is a neoprene backer covered with either leather or vinyl (I'm not sure which) on the front and suede on the rear. The part that holds the gun is made of some seriously heavy duty elastic and it bears a single, very sturdy belt clip. I've been wearing it for about 4 weeks now and I've been very pleased. It's extremely comfortable. The only downside is that, due to the single clip design, it tends to move around a little, although the suede does a great job of keeping it in place. Overall I'm very happy with it.
Today my Crossbreed Supertuck came in, and in just taking it out of the package I was impressed.. I've owned other holsters of this design before, but none were built as stout as the CB. The leather backer is thicker than I expected, and the clips are stronger than any belt clips I've ever seen on an IWB holster. The kydex is also formed perfectly. The dual clips are independently adjustable for ride height and cant. I raised the front clip one hole (I like a deep ride and slightly more forward cant than normal), put it on and left for an appointment.
I was not disappointed...after about 5 minutes I didn't even notice it. It was very comfortable and felt quite secure. I also like that it was always where I wanted it to be, thanks to the front/rear clip design. Also, on the Crossbreed I didn't spring for the "Combat Cut". I figured I'd rather have the full backer and cut it myself if I wanted to. 30 seconds with my knife and it was right where I wanted it.
So, here's my totally (as in it's all about what I think) comparison of the two:
Comfort: N82 by a nose
Security: Crossbreed (by security I mean it stays where you want it on your belt...both hold the gun just fine)
Ease of drawing: Crossbreed
Ease of reholstering: Crossbreed totally (you're just not gonna do it with the N82 due to the design)
Adjustability: Crossbreed (the N82 isn't adjustable)
Bang for the buck: N82 all day long
Would I buy them again? Absolutely. They will both have their place. I see the N82 being more of a "throw it on for a quick run to town" and the Crossbreed being the "wear it all day". Both are great holsters and I'd recommend either of them. The only wildcard at this point is the durability of the N82. I wonder how well the elastic is going to hold up, but this is not a holster where you're going to be drawing/reholstering a lot (because you're not going to reholster without removing it from your belt). The Crossbreed, on the other hand, seems bulletproof. I used to think they were overpriced, but they are built like a tank.
Bottom line? You won't go wrong with either one. I'll continue using both of them.
Crossbreed Supertuck:
N82 Tactical:
Shortly afterward I heard Michael Bane raving about the "Nate Squared" (N82 Tactical) IWB holster. Apparently he hates IWB carry but he said these were great holsters. I looked them up, the price was reasonable so I ordered one.
The N82 came in quickly and it was the first IWB holster that was instantly comfortable...no break in needed, it just worked. I suppose it's due to the construction, which is a neoprene backer covered with either leather or vinyl (I'm not sure which) on the front and suede on the rear. The part that holds the gun is made of some seriously heavy duty elastic and it bears a single, very sturdy belt clip. I've been wearing it for about 4 weeks now and I've been very pleased. It's extremely comfortable. The only downside is that, due to the single clip design, it tends to move around a little, although the suede does a great job of keeping it in place. Overall I'm very happy with it.
Today my Crossbreed Supertuck came in, and in just taking it out of the package I was impressed.. I've owned other holsters of this design before, but none were built as stout as the CB. The leather backer is thicker than I expected, and the clips are stronger than any belt clips I've ever seen on an IWB holster. The kydex is also formed perfectly. The dual clips are independently adjustable for ride height and cant. I raised the front clip one hole (I like a deep ride and slightly more forward cant than normal), put it on and left for an appointment.
I was not disappointed...after about 5 minutes I didn't even notice it. It was very comfortable and felt quite secure. I also like that it was always where I wanted it to be, thanks to the front/rear clip design. Also, on the Crossbreed I didn't spring for the "Combat Cut". I figured I'd rather have the full backer and cut it myself if I wanted to. 30 seconds with my knife and it was right where I wanted it.
So, here's my totally (as in it's all about what I think) comparison of the two:
Comfort: N82 by a nose
Security: Crossbreed (by security I mean it stays where you want it on your belt...both hold the gun just fine)
Ease of drawing: Crossbreed
Ease of reholstering: Crossbreed totally (you're just not gonna do it with the N82 due to the design)
Adjustability: Crossbreed (the N82 isn't adjustable)
Bang for the buck: N82 all day long
Would I buy them again? Absolutely. They will both have their place. I see the N82 being more of a "throw it on for a quick run to town" and the Crossbreed being the "wear it all day". Both are great holsters and I'd recommend either of them. The only wildcard at this point is the durability of the N82. I wonder how well the elastic is going to hold up, but this is not a holster where you're going to be drawing/reholstering a lot (because you're not going to reholster without removing it from your belt). The Crossbreed, on the other hand, seems bulletproof. I used to think they were overpriced, but they are built like a tank.
Bottom line? You won't go wrong with either one. I'll continue using both of them.
Crossbreed Supertuck:
N82 Tactical:
