Leather vs Kydex

[chinaheart]

OK, we're all tired of the 45 vs 9mm discussion.
And there's no point in having the Glock vs XD debate (The correct answer is Glock, by the way... )

So I figured I'd set the ball rolling on another discussion that's not as heated as others tend to be....... Leather vs Kydex. (Holsters of course)

I love the look of a good quality leather holster. But after noticing one of my favorite holsters develop cracks on the thumb break, I'm starting to give more consideration to Kydex.

I recently acquired a Sig 220C SAO. The leather market is pretty bare for this model, especially if I want retention such as a thumb break. (It's the stinkin' beavertail that screws everything up).

So now I'm considering dropping some coin for a quality kydex holster. (Such as TCB or something like that). I would have no qualms about this, but I hate the way kydex wears out the trigger guard area. But at the same time, leather wears out the whole slide in many cases.

So, ladies and gentlemen, I was wondering. When it comes to holsters, do you prefer Kydex or Leather? Please state why, and as with anything else on this board, don't feel shy to post pics.

To keep things simple, let's assume OWB unless otherwise stated.

[GLSHOOTER]

It has to be leather brother. I usr plastic in only one area and that is in duty carry matches.

Greg

PS: Did I mention I hate plastic?

[The Wolverine]

Yep the 45 vs 9mm, is a waste of time cause the 40 beats them both

To qualify, we are horse people, I had a horse given to me the day I was born, and have owned somewhere between one and ten ever since. That to say I am a leather guy, and thought kydex was for toys, and leather was for guns, period.

I have been carrying open and CCW in leather since I have owned pistols, until last year when I bought my first Glock 23. Glock is best defensive handgun ever made, by the way.

I was looking for a leather IWB, and OWB for my new Glock, and could not find any in stock. I wanted to start carrying it right away, and had a sheet of kydex laying around that I was going to replace the dash panel on my bass boat with. So I thought what the heck I will make one, and did, and I love it.

I had no clue what I was doing and made a tuckable IWB with a toaster oven, and a hair dryer, using a towel to press and form it.


Then I wanted a OWB for around the farm, and for training. My buddy has a kydex press, and we made a OWB with it, and it came out great.

The double mag carrier was made with a towel, not the press. I have all the parts and the foam to make my own press, but just have not done it yet.

I am a huge kydex fan now, love having adjustable tension with no thumb strap, love how slim they are, love the durability, and love I can make them myself for next to nothing, I have less than $10 in all three pieces.

I do not worry about the wear on the trigger guard, my guns are tools, not show pieces.

The OWB used the rivets and screws because that is what he had, and how he does his. When I get my press put together I am going to experiment with stitching it together like you would leather, if it works ok it will make a much smaller and compact holster, and I think much more attractive also.

Paul

[GLSHOOTER]

That is good looking work Paul. You have a talent for sure.

Greg

[BiggerHammer]

If having to choose between the two for all around carry. I would hands down opt for the Kydex. I'm not against leather, a quality 1911 in Galco leather fit snuggly against ones hip on a evening out with some cute little thing gives a guy a classy, warm, secure feeling. While Kydex on the other hand is the bullet proof work horse. I'm faster on my draws with Kydex and I don't care if it gets wet. So while out in the field on rainy days or on the ranch, I don't have to worry about wet leather, drying it and oiling it. I have used several Kydex manufacturers Raven, Kaluban and Gunfighters Inc. Gunfighters Inc being my Kydex of choice, quality, well built and super durable. With endless custom options made to my exact specs with a simple phone call to the owner. The fast delivery time is a pleasure as campared to a 3-6 month wait I have experienced with both Raven and Kaluban.


Some of my assorted Kydex and handguns.

Raven Kydex with dual mag carrier. Clark Custom Springfield "Champion" 1911.










Kaluban Claok Kydex, Sig Sauer Scorpion 1911 with SureFire X300.









Some sexy Gene Ingram's along with the Scorpion. By far one of the most dependable 1911's I have ever owned.





Gunfighters Inc "Ronin" carry holster with a Glock 22.








Gunfighters Inc Kydex for my Sig Sauer Scorpion without the SureFire.

I handed the owner my handgun seeing he did not have a "Blue gun" for the Scorpion yet. This is the the teaser photo he sent me when he was finished. The handgun is a pleasure to carry in it. I sometimes forget it's even there!








Kaluban Cloak/ duel mag holder, Springfield XDM Competition .45.







1911 & Springfield Kaluban Cloaks.




I still have a soft spot for Galco carry leather and quality knives .

[Win75]

I just don't care for plastic as far as holsters are concerned.

[nate]

I never thought I would like an all kydex holster. But I do. Specifically the Phantom from Raven Concealment. I REALLY like the holster and it's versatility. In a couple minutes I'm able to change out the mounts on it depending on how I feel like wearing the holster. Lately I've been wearing it IWB. But it's just as good OWB and even more comfortable.

Here it is set up for IWB with a set of kydex clips from an old holster. I tried the loops from Raven and didn't care for them at all.




screen grab

[Shadow]

I've had my fair share of using both. In the military i think it is pretty essential to be using a synthetic material to avoid issues with deterioration. I used to be set that plastic was the way to go. After I got out and began concealed carrying (could never concealed carry before, God bless California) and was introduced to Milt Sparks holsters and never looked back. The leather holsters have been more comfortable and can be drawn quieter than kydex. However, not all leather holster manufacturers will have a model available for your pistol which makes the cost much higher. If you've got an oddball handgun and need a holster, kydex can always be molded in your garage at a very inexpensive cost.

[varminterror]

I own and make kydex for certain applications (a guy can never have too many holsters), but they all look the same, and all lack a certain sex appeal. A well done leather rig is a work of art, many of which grace the halls of museums around the globe. A well done piece of plastic, well... it's just a piece of plastic...

[GLSHOOTER]

Personally I have one kydex to use with one pistol to use in one match I shoot in. Besides that it's all leather and I have a collection that rivals the crown jewels in that. Rodgers and Ernie Hill are my Old School heroes and the new kids on the block at matches can't believe how nice they are.

Greg