You’re probably thinking that I’m going to state a case for you to buy Kydex since this article is named why a Kydex holster, and for the most part you are correct. But without being too biased, I will try to point out a few things that will hopefully inform you a bit more if you are in the market for a new holster.
Some of this may be a bit subjective but bear with me and make your own decisions after you do your own homework and not because we said so.
Lifeproof for the Most Part
Whether you live near the water, in a desert environment, somewhere that snows a lot, a place with high humidity, a Kydex holster will withstand most elements without losing its integrity in doing what it’s made to do – carry your gun securely.
Many gun enthusiasts will argue that leather is better, but when it comes to the elements, Kydex wins in my opinion. The biggest difference when it comes to being weatherproof is that Kydex will not retain moisture. Whether it’s rain, or sweat from a hot day, Kydex will not absorb or attract moisture the way leather would. This will prevent your pistol from staying wet for too long if it does get exposed to some of the wet stuff. Water and pistol end up only in rust. No good.
Durable and Keep Retention Longer
Unlike other materials like nylon, leather, cloth, or neoprene, Kydex will not lose its shape or collapse after using it for so long. The biggest issue we have with holsters made from other materials is that when you have to re-holster your weapon, over time, it will get harder to do this with one hand if you can even do it at all.
Kydex will keep its shape and also offer a decent amount of retention that other holsters do not have. During training or real-life situations, you can fight, fall, lean on, run, jump or whatever the case may be, without worrying about your gun falling out of its holster.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
If you get your holster dirty with whatever, it is very easy to clean. Holsters made from other materials accumulate dirt, mud, grease and other elements inside and become very difficult to clean. If dirt, sand, or any other small particle element stays inside your holster, it will scratch the finish of your gun. With Kydex, you can clean it with soap and water or any other cleaning product, and your holster will be good as new.
Lighter and Easier to Conceal
When you have to carry your gun inside or outside the waistband for an extended amount of time, ounces become very uncomfortable. Kydex is lighter than leather and usually thinner than most other materials used for holsters. This should make it more concealable and comfortable for you to carry. Comfort is the biggest reason people love or hate their holsters.
Makes Your Drawing Efficient
Kydex is made with durable exterior material but is also with a smooth interior. This makes your drawing fast and efficient. The only hang-up you’ll have is if the retention is too high, but most companies allow you to adjust that easily. That smooth material will not lose its integrity since, again, Kydex keeps its form for a long time.
Kydex Is Cool
Not only because operators and popular instructors from all over the world use it, Kydex nowadays comes in so many different styles, colors, and prints. You can shop from so many places that customize their holsters to the way you’d like when it comes to style.
Those are a few basic reasons I prefer Kydex over other materials. Again, don’t buy Kydex holsters because I say so. Buy them because you’ve done your homework and like the way it fits you.
