Waist Carry. Comfort, Convenience, Function?

[g8rb8]

Please provide opinions regarding the relative comfort, convenience and function of holsters that go inside the waistband or holsters in which a significant portion goes inside the waistband such as a paddle holster. I've already figured out OWB (outside the waistband) holsters that go over a belt are very comfortable so please do not weigh in on those. Please only weigh in if you can compare two different brands or types of holsters that you have personally tried. Unfortunately a recent post by Muss Muggins showing a paddle holster was derailed. I was curious about the relative comfort of the paddle riding inside the waistband.

I can compare:
Sticky (traditional style) - very convenient; can go literally anywhere on the waist and for smaller models it can fit work well as a pocket holster; moderately comfortable; after 2-3 hours it causes bothersome pressure but it can easily be readjusted to a new position; functions well. In my opinion the holster should be removed to re-holster.

Remora (traditional style) - same opinion as the Sticky. In my opinion the holster should be removed to re-holster.

Crossbreed Freedom Carry - not as convenient as the Sticky or Remora but it is still fairly convenient with only one clip to get over a belt. Marginally more comfortable than the Sticky and Remora. In comparison the contact area is spread over a slightly larger area so it might be a bit more comfortable but with that it brings a bit more bulk than the Sticky or Remora. It becomes bothersome enough after 4-6 hours I move it. I can move it enough to make it comfortable but it is less mobile than the Sticky and Remora. Functions well. Do not need to remove to re-holster.
CrossBreed(R) Holsters Freedom Carry Concealed Carry IWB Holster

Overall I do not like one of the above so much better than the other to recommend one over the other.

 

[jerry52]

J Frame Garrett silent thunder Kydex leather lined, carry all day at 4:00 no problems

 

[Zarr]

FWIW: I carry my .40 shield in a DM Bullard Dual Carry Holster all day and hardly notice it. Being in Massachusetts, I carry it IWB, but have the option for OWB if I choose.

I have a paddle holster for my SIG which I can not conceal except with a heavy coat in the winter months. I prefer the IWB method.

 

[sotexas]

Paddles are OK but concealment is more difficult for me. I will on occasion use a Yaqui style paddle holster by DeSantis for my 5" 1911 when I'm not worried about concealment.

IWB
MTR Custom Leather very comfortable and wear great...Slimline Tuckables and an Adversary tuckable
Crossbreed Horsehide really like the comfort and the thin leather of my Crossbreeds...Super Tuck, Mini Tuck, Freedom Carry
VersaCarry only have the Zerobulk Pro and use it with my P365 but have a couple OWB holsters. The leather is Water Buffalo

I use a thick leather belt when carrying OWB and a thinner ratchet type belt for IWB the majority of the time.

 

[Kanewpadle]

If not pocket carrying, I carry IWB all the time. I use an all leather holster with snaps. For me all leather is more comfortable than a hybrid.

I use a holster much like this Milt Sparks. The belt loops carry the weight over a greater area and don’t add bulk like holsters with the loops located right over the gun.

I don’t trust IWB holsters that don’t use some type of loop or clip that secures to the belt.

 

[Whitwabit]

Berretta Italian made Summer Comfort style IWB carries my Beretta PX4 Sub-Compact at 4 o'clock .. Very comfortable, easily concealed, and is worn from the time my feet hit the floor in the morning till bed time that night ..

 

[MetalMan]

If not pocket carrying, I carry IWB all the time. I use an all leather holster with snaps. For me all leather is more comfortable than a hybrid.

I use a holster much like this Milt Sparks. The belt loops carry the weight over a greater area and don’t add bulk like holsters with the loops located right over the gun.

I don’t trust IWB holsters that don’t use some type of loop or clip that secures to the belt.

+1 for Milt Sparks VMII for all day IWB carry comfort.....

Revolver or semi-auto? No problem....

 

[Motorsporting]

I have almost nothing but IWB holsters (probably 20 different manufacturers). They definitely take more getting used to. I primarily carry AIWB (Keeper's Concealment) because I can easily conceal my 2.0c there compared to strong side hip. However, with the right clothes and gear, I CCW the same gun with a Milt Sparks SSII. I prefer the VMII (I think it is more comfortable and concealable), and I CCW'd full-size 1911s that way for more than a decade, but I thought I would try the SSII this time. I also already had a Comp-Tac M-Tac which is very similar in design to the VMII. The Comp-Tac is very nice, affordable, comfortable, and versatile, but it does not secure the gun as well as full leather. Don't forget to get a REAL gun belt! This is crucial! Most good holster companies also make or support specific belts that work well with their holsters. I've never had anything from Milt Sparks I regretted buying. YMMV.

Comp-Tac Victory Gear
Milt Sparks Holsters
Keepers Concealment

 

[ContinentalOp]

Unfortunately, there are a lot of variables when it comes to holsters. A holster that works great for one person may suck for you. A lot depends on what gun you're carrying, i.e. how big/heavy, revolver or semi-auto. Your build will factor in, too. Not to mention what kind of clothing you wear, particularly your belt.

I will say that for carrying on a belt I exclusively use IWB. I've had limited experience with OWB carry, but even with good gear it always felt like it was pulling away from my body.

I'm not a big fan of hybrid holsters. A number of instructors, most notably Gregg Ellifritz, have observed issues with them during training. I prefer either all leather or all kydex (leather-lined kydex may be an exception). In my experience, leather will likely be more comfortable than kydex, though it will be a bit bulkier.

The VMII-style holster is probably going to be the most comfortable of the IWB rigs because of the weight distribution between the loops as well as the larger surface area against your body. You have to be careful with ride-height, though. I have a TT Gunleather Mike's Special IWB for my Beretta PX4 Compact, which is very comfortable, but it rides low enough that it makes for an awkward draw, at least for me.

My current EDC holster is a Kramer IWB#3 holster. It's similar to another Milt Sparks product, the Summer Special. It affords a good grip when drawing, the paddle extension at the rear helps pull the gun's grip into the body for better concealment, and it offers excellent retention but still easy to draw from. The horsehide construction offers more moisture protection than cowhide holsters, which is more common.

For revolvers, I like holsters with offset belt attachments, either loops or clips. What this means is that the attachment isn't placed over the cylinder, but over the trigger guard area. This helps keep the profile low as well as pulling the grip into the body for better concealment. I've also found that with revolvers, a holster that places the cylinder in line with, and directly under, the belt works best. It may seem counterintuitive, but I've found this placement offers the best balance between stability and accessibility.

I'm not a fan of Remora-style holsters for carry as I want something firmly connected to my belt for security. I do have a Remora holster for my PX4, but it's used exclusively as a nightstand holster. I have a Nemesis holster for my 642-1, but it's only used as a pocket holster or nightstand holster.

Apologies for the novel. I hope that helps.

I keep meaning to do a write-up on the IWB holsters I've tried with my PX4. Someday...

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've been using Milt Sparks IWB Summer Special and Executive Companion Holsters since the mid-80s.

Started with one for a Walther PPK.... now use them for everything from the PPK to a 3" 66 and Beretta 92 Centurion..... daily carry is a S&W 3913 or PC Shorty-9/6906

 

[g8rb8]

Guys.
Thanks for the responses.
I can see why many of you are favoring the Milt Sparks Versa Max II or similar designs. It does look like it would be significantly more comfortable than what I've tried.

 

[fredj338]

The issue with such a question is what works fine for me may suck for you. My edc is a g26. I carry iwb @ 4:00 in a vedder but before that carried in a comptac Mtac. Both are fine. The Vedder is a bit thinner. So it just depends, your body shape & weapon choice will ofyen dictate holster comfort.

 

[Truckin]

I have the old style (thicker) BladeTech IWB for my MP 45, my first IWB and my fav for the Mp45.
Garret kydex leather lined IWB for my 1911. Great holster.
Crossbreed mini tuck for my LCP. I forget I’m carrying with this combo. Weightless.
IMO the IWB can’t be beat for concealability of a large gun. I like Kydex for ease of re-holstering.

 

[hyena]

My Galco stow n go holds my J frames AIWB at around 2 o'clock. Cheap, comfortable, secure. Thus far I've had no reason to spend more.

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

Carried a M&P 45c every day of my week long vacation last year in Yellowstone. Nice thing about it is that it works with my other two models of M&P that I carry also. The most important thing about wearing iwb is wearing a good belt and a pair of pants that is 1 waist size too big if worn without the holster.
Professional™ S&W M&P Compact | N82 Tactical

 

[kwh]

2 clips are better than one. All my single clip holsters will eventually shift position, especially with increased physical activity.

 

[g8rb8]

2 clips are better than one. All my single clip holsters will eventually shift position, especially with increased physical activity.

My general observations, after looking at designs mentioned in this post, is that 2 clips, in addition to provided a more stable and secure purchase on the belt, may also provide more comfort by spreading out the contact area against the skin (or tucked-in t-shirt) over a broader area.