Delaware Concealed Carry Forum

CCW Methods & Issues => CCW Equipment => Topic started by: muleman88 on March 08, 2017, 03:11:47 PM

Title: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 08, 2017, 03:11:47 PM
I ran across hidden holsters online http://www.hiddenhybridholsters.com and looks like a good product . Does anyone have experience with them? I was looking at the iwb owb all in the same holster . I also like the hybrid holsters with leather backing for comfort.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: MarcWinkman on March 10, 2017, 12:43:01 PM
I have no experience with them, but as an alternative you may want to also look at the Blackpoint Tactical Leather Wing Holster.  It's shipped as an OWB holster, but when ordering, you can also order a set of polymer IWB clips.  Personally, I have their Mini-Wing dedicated IWB holster for my P226, P229 and PPS and absolutely love it.  Quality is top notch, it's U.S. made, and the pricing is in line with what you have in the original post.  

Here's the Leather Wing:

http://www.blackpointtactical.com/shop/leather-wing/
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: SturmRugerSR9 on March 10, 2017, 02:06:02 PM
Call me old fashioned, but I don't like these Kydex holsters. They are noisy pulling gun out and putting gun in and a lot of them rattle.  Still prefer all leather holsters. I hear people say they get soft and wear out. I have had my EDC holster for 5-6 years. It is a Pro-Carry Deep Comfort IWB holster from theholsterstore.com in Florida. It is all leather, made in Florida, USA. I see no problems with using it for many years to come.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: MarcWinkman on March 10, 2017, 02:17:56 PM
Call me old fashioned, but I don't like these Kydex holsters. They are noisy pulling gun out and putting gun in and a lot of them rattle.  Still prefer all leather holsters. I hear people say they get soft and wear out. I have had my EDC holster for 5-6 years. It is a Pro-Carry Deep Comfort IWB holster from theholsterstore.com in Florida. It is all leather, made in Florida, USA. I see not problems with using it for many years to come.

I like leather for my 1911s, but those all tend to be OWB holsters.  For IWB, I tend to favor Kydex or a Kydex/leather hybrid just because I find it easier to return the gun to the holster as opposed to some leather holsters where I've found the holster opening slightly collapses under my belt if the gun is not in it.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: Radnor on March 10, 2017, 03:19:48 PM
http://www.firearmholster.com/ (http://www.firearmholster.com/)
IWB or OWB
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 10, 2017, 04:48:48 PM
Radnor that's my preferred style holster. I never seen that company before. I have a hidden holster ordered now but they look similar.
Old fashion aka sturmruger, I can see where the leather would have advantages . I have had leather squeak but the kydex holsters I have are quiet while holstered. Yes they have a little noise when pulling out or holstering .
Markwinkman, I was contiplating the black point leather wing holster as well as another supertuck ( I have 1 for glock 30) but ruled it out due to no iwb & owb all in 1. The black point looks fine and may try sometime. I'm a sucker for trying to find a perfect holster for a new firearm purchase. I have an all kydex iwb holster that holds the gun fine but it irritates the heck out of my side . I can only wear it about an hour before I have to remove it . That is what took me back to finding another hybrid .
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: MarcWinkman on March 11, 2017, 03:23:39 AM
Radnor that's my preferred style holster. I never seen that company before. I have a hidden holster ordered now but they look similar.
Old fashion aka sturmruger, I can see where the leather would have advantages . I have had leather squeak but the kydex holsters I have are quiet while holstered. Yes they have a little noise when pulling out or holstering .
Markwinkman, I was contiplating the black point leather wing holster as well as another supertuck ( I have 1 for glock 30) but ruled it out due to no iwb & owb all in 1. The black point looks fine and may try sometime. I'm a sucker for trying to find a perfect holster for a new firearm purchase. I have an all kydex iwb holster that holds the gun fine but it irritates the heck out of my side . I can only wear it about an hour before I have to remove it . That is what took me back to finding another hybrid .

The Blackpoint Leather Wing is actually OWB and IWB, just a matter of ordering a set of IWB (metal or kydex) clips when you place your order.  Our favorite FFL is getting me another pistol in and I may go that avenue with it rather than what's been my standby Mini Wing.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: greymas on March 11, 2017, 08:56:03 AM
I haven't heard of this manufacturer but the design is similar to the CrossBreed holsters. I've had 2 IWB Crossbread Supertuck holsters. These are leather/kydex hybrids. Both had a leather "squeak" to them which was very loud and unnatural. Comfortable holsters but the noise was too loud and gave away the fact I was carrying concealed. Sold both on Ebay for close to what I paid. Very popular holsters.

I have a StealthGear IWB holster  (http://stealthgearusa.com/) for my Glock 19. Very comfortable and good concealment. I don't carry my G19 very often.

My daily carry gun is a Sig P229c which I carry in AIWB in a JM Custom Kydex (http://www.jmcustomkydex.com/) AIWB Wing Claw 2.0. It has a wedge and wing which pushes the handle in closer to my body. For such a wide gun, AIWB conceals very deeply. I typically wear just a T-shirt and have very little printing. AIWB is not as comfortable as IWB or OWB but for me the concealment and quick draw out weights the slight discomfort. I am not inclined to carry something other than a DA in this position. I don't find Kydex to be noisy and haven't noticed a rattle in the models I have. My guns fit very tight and there are screws that allow me to adjust the tension.

(http://www.jmcustomkydex.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/WingClaw2-0-a_2.jpg)

The best thing I did for CCW was to purchase a BigFoot Gun Belt (http://gunbelts.com/). This has made a huge difference in carrying comfort and stability.
These are the holsters I have had experience with. There are many good manufactures, all very similar. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: Radnor on March 11, 2017, 04:07:56 PM
I'm not worried about the "squeak".  If someone heard the squeak, they have a bigger issue to deal with.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: Adrenolin on March 11, 2017, 07:35:56 PM
If you find your draw from Kydex holster loud that can easily be corrected by lining the inside of the Kydex with MoleSkin. Easy and takes less then 4-5 minutes to do.
I have been using the MTAC IWB holster for over 3 years now from the time I get up until I go back to bed. Sure there was a bit of a click with a draw and reholstering however I'd never saw there was anything wrong with that. I lined it mostly to reduce the finish wear on the PPQ that resides in it. The finish still looks new.

Cheap and easy solution to any unwanted noise and as a bonus protects the firearms finish.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: ChrisCar on March 13, 2017, 01:36:02 AM
I carried the Hidden Hybrid double clip for a few years.  I only ever used it for OWB.  I liked it very much.   Very comfortable.  A bit creaky as the leather would rub on my belt. 

About two months ago I switched to a Stealth Gear model.  The jury is still out on which is better.  The SG is more compact (the HH is considerably wider).  But I find the HH easier to reholster.  That might just be because I was so familiar with it. 
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 13, 2017, 03:57:04 PM
Thanks to all for the replies. I'm glad to hear from someone that has had a hh and liked it. I have one on order now it should be shipping you soon .
 I looked at the stealth gear website with my phone and I couldn't get a good pic of their holsters ? From what I gather it's an iwb holster with a non absorbing back that is supposed to be comfortable . I didn't see the option of iwb and owb in 1 holster. That was my main reason for the hh order.
 The blackpoint also looks quilaty but I personally have not had any luck with kydex touching my skin   ( I just don't like wearing an extra tee shirt in summer time).
  There's lots of options to pick from . I have always liked my supertuck with my old edc but I like to check out others pest pics also. For what it's worth I have noticed the 2 hook style seems much more secure than the 1 hook style when iwb. I thought the 1 hook kydex iwb would be great but to the size and easy cover up but I can't take the irritation on my skin and I'm always feeling for the clip to be sure it's still hooked on my belt ( it seems to ride up when moving around) .
   All in all the leather backing holsters ( or something that doesn't irritate your skin) works best for me when iwb. I hope the hh on order will fit the bill. I will let you all know how I like after I get to use it.
   
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: ChrisCar on March 16, 2017, 01:45:05 AM
I only ever wore the Hidden Hybrid as OWB, and didn't use clips; just fed the belt through the slots.  Given you last post, I hate to say that even with the leather back, I had to wear an undergarment or the butt of the gun itself caused too much irritation.   

 The Stealth Gear I'm using now is the Ventcore.  You are correct that it's not both IWB and OWB. They do offer both, but they're separate units.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 16, 2017, 05:46:17 PM
I only ever wore the Hidden Hybrid as OWB, and didn't use clips; just fed the belt through the slots.  Given you last post, I hate to say that even with the leather back, I had to wear an undergarment or the butt of the gun itself caused too much irritation.   

 The Stealth Gear I'm using now is the Ventcore.  You are correct that it's not both IWB and OWB. They do offer both, but they're separate units.
My supertuck Dosent bother me against the skin. I received the HH today . It seems very well made . I will know more after wearing it a while . I hope I can get away without an undershirt for summertime. Let us know about your ventcore.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 20, 2017, 07:35:19 PM
Just an update after a few days with my hidden holster . The quality and leather is great . Leather and kydex are both thicker than my crossbreed . Retention is adjustable with 2 screws . If it matters the look is better than crossbreed ( doesn't bother me). I have worn it a few days with no undershirt and have had no issues with discomfort at all. Actually took a walk today for about an hour and no problem with discomfort or skin irrational . It does have a squeak and I have found it's coming from the metal belt clips . I also have a set of polymer clips that I am going to switch out and try those. Over all I like it well so far but it's only been about 5 days . My crossbreed was for a glock 30 and this hh is for an M&p shield . So it's obviously easier to hide and more comfortable than the glock .
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 20, 2017, 08:49:49 PM
Those polymer clips seem to stop the squeak. Silent now .
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: 29thInfantry on March 21, 2017, 03:02:49 AM
Just my two cents I have turned several people that just would not carry anymore just because of a comfort issue or something else.  Once I got one of these in their hands they started carrying again.  Most comfortable holster ever 

http://stealthgearusa.com/
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: AudiQ on March 21, 2017, 03:22:58 AM
+1 for stealthgear.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 21, 2017, 10:53:31 AM
I'm a sucker for trying gear. What's the differences between the ventcore and revolution ? On my phone it dosent really go over the equipment just an option to buy .
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: AudiQ on March 21, 2017, 02:03:51 PM
Ventcore is a three layer ventilated design with a soft backing against the skin that I find to be very comfortable while wearing 16 hours every day. Revolution is a single layer ventilated material. As I only have a ventcore I can't speak to the comfort of the revolution. But my guess is that it is not as comfy.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: 29thInfantry on March 21, 2017, 02:31:19 PM
The part that sits against your skin is Jersey style material.  So if you like to wear them it will be very familiar.  If you are near Bear and want to check one out let me know we can meet up and you can take a look at one of mine. 
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 21, 2017, 05:27:45 PM
Thanks , sounds like good summertime equipment . 29th I appreciate the offer . I'll prob order 1 to add to the collection. I can tell you I tried an alien holster and personally I'm not a fan .
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 23, 2017, 10:46:55 PM
Ok I received a stealthgear revolution in 2 days thanks to amazon prime . I have only worn it about 4 hrs but here's my 1st impression . I like that its more compact than the hidden holster and it's super light . With the backing material they use the edge of it bothers my skin after just a couple hrs. When I remove my shield the backing crushes in some making reholstering slightly difficult . This may be an individual problem . I'm 6'1 and 250 lb . I'm not saying it's a bad product but I would need to use an undershirt to wear it at any lengt of time. I purchased the revolution for warm weather use but am now wondering about the ventcore . For me the more comfortable holster is hh. It is more comfortable for me also iwb & owb all in same holster .
   I'm beginning to think I need to open a holster store so people can try them before ordering ? I wonder if there's enough business for that ? ;D
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: Etrier on March 23, 2017, 11:44:16 PM
Muleman88, question for you.  Is it the Kydex material itself an issue with skin contact or the edge finish of the Kydex holster that is causing irritation? 
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 23, 2017, 11:55:36 PM
Muleman88, question for you.  Is it the Kydex material itself an issue with skin contact or the edge finish of the Kydex holster that is causing irritation? 
The kydex holster is the edge that bothered me . On the stealthgear revolution they use a rubberish backing that is comfortable but the top edge irritates me ( same as kydex ) . I think it's due to the movement of skin on that edge that causes the issue for me. Funny thing is leather backing dosent cause an issue .
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: Etrier on March 24, 2017, 03:39:02 AM
Thanks for your comments, it helps me achieve my primary goal of building holsters that are comfortable as well as functional.  Kydex edges can be finished in a number of ways from smooth with an automotive shine to a matte finish with squared or rounded edge depending on the thickness of the Kydex.  I have made a considerable amount of IWB holsters and have not heard of any issues with the Kydex being the source of irritation, usually it comes from serrations on the slide that my not be covered by the sweat guard (body side) of the holster.  Possible irritation from the Kydex will be another item that I cover when customers try on my IWB holsters.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: coolwrld on March 30, 2017, 03:44:21 PM
I know I'm late to the party but +1 for StealthGear
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on March 31, 2017, 02:58:20 PM
I sent the revolution back it just wasn't going to work for me. I also ordered their ventcore to try with all the great reviews. They currently have a 25 day backlog so I will have to wait. I still like the hidden holster after I changed the clips no squeaking and very comfortable. It must be me but I can't wear a 100% kydex holster iwb , it tears me up. That revolution wasn't as bad but i couldn't wear it for long periods .The top edge of both about rubbed a hole in my hide .
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: SturmRugerSR9 on March 31, 2017, 03:20:04 PM
Again proving there is a lot to be said for a all leather holster.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: PPScarry on March 31, 2017, 03:36:58 PM
I find the horsehide leather to be very comfortable. I have a Vedder comfort tuck but there are many available.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: MarcWinkman on April 02, 2017, 11:19:57 AM
Again proving there is a lot to be said for a all leather holster.

I'm curious about all leather and hybrid holsters. How do they do long term? My main concern is the leather drying and cracking after a few scheeddy summers (this would be an IWB).
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: SturmRugerSR9 on April 02, 2017, 07:41:02 PM
Ever heard of saddle soap, my friend.?  Works great. I've been wearing my Pro-Carry Deep Comfort IWB Holster for 5 years now and never had a problem. You can buy direct from makers at www.theholsterstore.com in Florida.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on April 03, 2017, 01:57:00 AM
I used a supertuck carrying a glock 30 for several years and had no complaints. It still has many years left on it .This year I changed up to a M&p shield for easier concealment and have tried a few holsters but I have found nothing as comfortable as leather yet.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: LostM on April 08, 2017, 01:00:13 AM
Haley strategic Incog

http://www.haleystrategic.com/equipment/holsters-and-carrier/incog-iwb-holster-glock-19-23
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: seniorgeek on April 08, 2017, 08:16:22 PM
I used a supertuck carrying a glock 30 for several years and had no complaints. It still has many years left on it .This year I changed up to a M&p shield for easier concealment and have tried a few holsters but I have found nothing as comfortable as leather yet.

I agree I both the super tuck and the mini tuck. Which one I use depends on what I am wearing.
Oh, I also carry the M&P Shield.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: SturmRugerSR9 on April 08, 2017, 10:50:12 PM
I used a supertuck carrying a glock 30 for several years and had no complaints. It still has many years left on it .This year I changed up to a M&p shield for easier concealment and have tried a few holsters but I have found nothing as comfortable as leather yet.
Might want to consider one of these holsters made for the Shield. Made in Florida USA. Reasonable priced and fast shipping. I deal with these people and never had a problem.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on April 10, 2017, 12:41:00 AM
I used a supertuck carrying a glock 30 for several years and had no complaints. It still has many years left on it .This year I changed up to a M&p shield for easier concealment and have tried a few holsters but I have found nothing as comfortable as leather yet.
Might want to consider one of these holsters made for the Shield. Made in Florida USA. Reasonable priced and fast shipping. I deal with these people and never had a problem.
Thanks, They certainly have plenty of options to choose from.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: AudiQ on May 02, 2017, 06:33:04 PM
I sent the revolution back it just wasn't going to work for me. I also ordered their ventcore to try with all the great reviews. They currently have a 25 day backlog so I will have to wait.

Any update?
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on May 06, 2017, 11:38:41 PM
I received the ventcore and it is quite comfortable. For some reason I have a little problem reholstering , maybe the small hole for the shield isn't what I'm used to. All in all I like it so far .
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on May 13, 2017, 10:23:14 AM
After some time using the ventcore here's my thoughts . It's a nice holster that is compact and quite comfortable. When next to shin I still prefer the leather though , the ventcore is a bit scratchy on me. If wearing a thin shirt between you and the holster it would rate quite high for comfort. I do have some difficulty reholstering with the ventcore more so than hidden holster . Over all for me I still would pick a leather backed holster over any I have tried to this point . This is not to diminish the ventcore because it is very nice and I use it often do to it's smaller footprint . It's just the leather on skin is hard to beat for me.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: 29thInfantry on May 13, 2017, 12:48:49 PM
After some time using the ventcore here's my thoughts . It's a nice holster that is compact and quite comfortable. When next to shin I still prefer the leather though , the ventcore is a bit scratchy on me. If wearing a thin shirt between you and the holster it would rate quite high for comfort. I do have some difficulty reholstering with the ventcore more so than hidden holster . Over all for me I still would pick a leather backed holster over any I have tried to this point . This is not to diminish the ventcore because it is very nice and I use it often do to it's smaller footprint . It's just the leather on skin is hard to beat for me.


I did not like the leather on my skin that was the reason for going with the vent core.  I do not have a problem reholstering with my vent core.  I wear mine so the kydex part is right at the belt line or higher.  I have noticed since I have lost a lot of weight that has made a big difference too since there is not extra girth there.   Goes to show that not everything works the same for everyone.  There is a lot of great information here and people willing to share their experiences which helps out a lot.  Very thankful for this forum and the people in it and the wealth of knowledge that is here.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: coolwrld on May 13, 2017, 02:28:34 PM
Not sure how many have tried both the SG Ventcore and the Revolution but i currently have both

My personal thoughts on both

SG Ventcore
Pros

Cons

SG Revolution
Pros

Cons

In the end my personal choice is the Ventcore models.
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: 29thInfantry on May 13, 2017, 10:26:12 PM
The great thing about Stealth Gear is they actually listen to their customers when they write in as far as what holsters they need.  A few of us wrote in to them saying that we would like to see a S&W shield with the tlr6 and bam 6 months later we all got an email saying they added it to the line up.   So if you have a few buddies that are looking for something have them all email them.  You may just see and email saying that it has been added to the site.

Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: AudiQ on May 21, 2017, 12:12:10 AM
Muleman, I feel what you mean with a new Stealthgear IWB being scratchy. I received a new ventcore today and tried it on immediately. A little scratchy, as you say. I had not remembered my other ventcore being that way, but it occurred to me that I got it in the winter when I wear a tee shirt. So it had a few months break in time before summer wearing it against the skin. I'm sure that in a few weeks the new one will be as compliant as the older one.
Shipping has improved to 20 days
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on May 21, 2017, 09:51:14 PM
Muleman, I feel what you mean with a new Stealthgear IWB being scratchy. I received a new ventcore today and tried it on immediately. A little scratchy, as you say. I had not remembered my other ventcore being that way, but it occurred to me that I got it in the winter when I wear a tee shirt. So it had a few months break in time before summer wearing it against the skin. I'm sure that in a few weeks the new one will be as compliant as the older one.
Shipping has improved to 20 days
I hope so , I can deal with it the way it is . In the summertime I just don't want to wear an extra shirt . They are nice holsters .
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: 29thInfantry on May 22, 2017, 02:13:49 AM
Muleman, I feel what you mean with a new Stealthgear IWB being scratchy. I received a new ventcore today and tried it on immediately. A little scratchy, as you say. I had not remembered my other ventcore being that way, but it occurred to me that I got it in the winter when I wear a tee shirt. So it had a few months break in time before summer wearing it against the skin. I'm sure that in a few weeks the new one will be as compliant as the older one.
Shipping has improved to 20 days
I hope so , I can deal with it the way it is . In the summertime I just don't want to wear an extra shirt . They are nice holsters .

My Stealth Gear was a little scratchy but it will go away after some wear.  If you want to speed up the process hold it in your hand and rub the backing this will take away that scratchy feeling.   
Title: Re: Hidden holsters
Post by: muleman88 on May 23, 2017, 01:23:22 AM
Muleman, I feel what you mean with a new Stealthgear IWB being scratchy. I received a new ventcore today and tried it on immediately. A little scratchy, as you say. I had not remembered my other ventcore being that way, but it occurred to me that I got it in the winter when I wear a tee shirt. So it had a few months break in time before summer wearing it against the skin. I'm sure that in a few weeks the new one will be as compliant as the older one.
Shipping has improved to 20 days
I hope so , I can deal with it the way it is . In the summertime I just don't want to wear an extra shirt . They are nice holsters .

My Stealth Gear was a little scratchy but it will go away after some wear.  If you want to speed up the process hold it in your hand and rub the backing this will take away that scratchy feeling.   
I will do that . Thank you .