Best Concealed Carry Holster: Paddle Holster Buyers Guide
Apr 27th 2021
Paddle holsters are a convenient and easy-to-wear type of Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster. While they aren’t as suited for deep concealment as Inside the Waistband or IWB concealed carry holsters, they are more comfortable and easier to access.
The best paddle holsters use rigid materials and have a carefully designed exterior and belt clip to maximize safety and durability. Buyers should look for holsters made of Kydex: law enforcement agencies have recommended this durable thermoplastic material since the 1970s.
Top 5 Best Paddle Holsters In 2019
No matter what kind of pistol you have, there’s a paddle holster that will work for you. The sturdy shape of a paddle holster makes it a popular choice among OWB holsters.
Some of the top-selling paddle holsters we have are the Beretta APX and 92FS/M9 holsters. For Glock, the Glock 36 paddle holster is the most popular. Not surprisingly, the ever-popular Smith & Wesson 1911 and Ruger SR1911 paddle holsters are top sellers for those brands.
The Best Paddle Holster for Your Money You can Buy in 2019
High-quality paddle holsters use Kydex because they are molded to the exact outline of the handgun. A well-made paddle holster securely covers the trigger and allows the gun to stay in place even during intense physical activity such as running or jumping.
You can use them for appendix carry, cross draw, or any other type of carry method you choose.
Kydex is surprisingly affordable, but it’s one of the best materials that money can buy. A paddle made from Kydex can remain tight and secure for years.
While leather is still a popular option, cheap leather holsters can wear out quickly, and a quality leather holster can be very expensive. Even well-made leather holsters are vulnerable to damage from sweat and everyday wear and tear.
The best paddle holsters use carefully engineered belt clips to ensure that the holster stays secure on the gun belt, even while the user is moving around. Flimsy belt clips can pose a severe safety risk and result in your gun falling off your belt.
How to Know if a Paddle Holster is Right for You
The right holster for you will depend on your lifestyle and where you plan on carrying your weapon. Concealing a paddle holster can be tricky in warmer climates, where wearing a jacket can be uncomfortable. However, most people find a paddle holster to be a great option during colder months.
In some cases, an IWB holster or an ankle holster may work better with the user’s wardrobe. However, in most cases, a paddle holster balances safety and concealment to make an excellent OWB holster.
A paddle holster is always an excellent choice for open carry states, make sure to check your local laws to see if open carry makes more sense for your lifestyle. It’s also a perfect choice for people who need to be able to remove and re-attach their holster quickly.
How Many Categories of Holsters are There?
In addition to paddle holsters, standard OWB holsters or pancake holsters with or without thumb breaks remain very popular. While IWB holsters can offer better concealment, they are not always comfortable or practical, depending on the user’s size and attire.
A shoulder holster can be a more comfortable option for shooters who often find themselves in a seated position. Other options for shooters who cannot or don’t want to carry on their waist include: Ankle holsters, drop leg holsters, or fanny packs.
Off-body carrying (in a purse or a backpack) is also possible; however, we do not recommend it; purses and bags can easily be stolen or misplaced. Keeping your gun on your body helps ensure that it won’t be lost or stolen. Even fanny pack holsters can become unsafe if not correctly belted or zipped closed.
Top Concealed Carry Holsters
The best concealed-carry holsters should offer the right balance between comfort, ease of access, and concealability.
IWB holsters are the most obvious choice for concealed carry, but they are not always comfortable for full-size or duty handguns; OWB holsters may be a better choice for such firearms.
Why Use a Gun Holster?
Carrying a gun tucked into your waistband or stuffed in your pocket, regardless of whether you may use a pocket holster, is dangerous. The money you would save not purchasing a holster is not worth the risk of snagging, dropping your weapon, or negligently discharging it.
A proper holster prevents these issues and secures your handgun in place, so it’s always where you expect it to be and oriented correctly.
What Makes a Great Concealed Carry Holster?
A great concealed carry holster will use snug belt loops or clips to remain securely attached to the waist.
Leather holsters are comfortable and contour to the body well. However, they tend to grip the gun less securely unless a thumb break is attached. They also tend to stretch out over time.
Kydex protects the gun better and does not wear out as quickly, but is still comfortable to wear. Leather-and-Kydex hybrid holsters are also available, but their leather components can stretch out and wear down faster than the Kydex.
Choosing a Good Holster
A good concealment holster is designed to be as slim as possible. Kydex holsters intended for concealed carrying are usually made using low-profile yet rigid 0.080” Kydex sheets.
If you use a pistol with a rail, select a paddle holster that will fit. Many paddle holsters are available in select sizes to accommodate rails. For open carrying, look for a Kydex holster that holds the gun very securely or uses thumb latches to keep it in place.
The Top Ruger LCP Holsters of 2019
The Ruger LCP is a great weapon for concealment, and the slightly larger LCP 2 balances the need for concealment with a slightly larger grip and slide. While any type of holster is suitable for these models, a paddle holster provides the optimal balance of concealment and comfort.
Our Kydex holsters for Ruger LCP and LCP 2 pistols are impact- and abrasion-resistant. Most of the holster is shaped from a single Kydex sheet, and the remaining parts are firmly attached to make sure your gun is always secure.
Top Picks For SIG P226 Holster
The SIG Sauer P226 is a full-size pistol, which may not be easy to carry in an IWB holster. A paddle or other OWB holster works best for this model. While this makes it more difficult to conceal, it makes it much easier to move while wearing. A good jacket will keep the P226 concealed while in a paddle holster.
Just like our Ruger holsters, our SIG P226 holster is built solidly to keep you and your gun safe. It’s available in rail and non-rail versions.
IWB and OWB: Pros and Cons
The best holster style is often a matter of personal preference, but OWB and IWB holsters are the most popular for several reasons. OWB holsters, including paddle holsters, tend to be more comfortable than IWB holsters. They are easy to use and remove from the belt or pants when not needed.
IWB holsters are the best for concealed carry. It takes a little practice to draw quickly from an IWB holster; make sure you are confident in your abilities before adding an IWB holster to your everyday carry.
Paddle holsters offer the most convenience. Being a type of OWB holster, it isn’t the most concealable type. However, the paddle holster’s size is typically in between those of IWB and OWB holsters, and the paddle system makes it incredibly easy to attach and take off your belt.
Final Thoughts
At Incognito Concealment, we offer the best hand-crafted Kydex holsters on the market. Whether you prefer IWB, OWB, or paddle holsters, all our products feature rugged belt loops or clips designed to be as secure as possible.
We offer a wide selection of holsters for a broad range of pistols, but if you cannot find what you need, we also provide a custom holster service so that none of your handguns are left out.
For any information or requests, call our customer service team at (586) 333-4240.
