Holster questions.

[xYourLocalAR15x]

Problem:
I'm debating between an injection molded holster and a kydex holster.

Questions:
Are there a lot of downfalls towards the injection molded holster?
A lot of people tell me not to purchase the injection molded holsters, what are the main reasons?

I am pretty much a noob to handguns and would like some help

[Turbinator]

I can tell you a little bit about Kydex, speaking from experience.

Kydex is very hard. Extremely hard. Or so it seems. If your body is built with some extra padding around the waist, this may not be a problem for you, but for those of us who aren't quite so shaped, I find that the Kydex digs into my side a bit too much. As it is rigid, the holster doesn't "give" when your body presses against it, regardless of whether your handgun is holstered or not. Some people see this is a positive, because then the holster retains its shape at all times and reholstering with 1 hand is often easier. However, my view is on comfort, and if a holster isn't comfortable, you aren't going to use it very much - or you will dread using it.

Kydex is non-marring, so you generally don't have to worry about screwing up the finish on your items.

These holsters seem to be made by a vacuum forming process, and are made one by one (or so I've read), which generally increases the price of the holster to the customer.

Kydex is relatively silent. There is no holster squeek as there is with leather. This is good if you CCW.

I am sure that some will say that injection molding isn't as strong or durable. Maybe this is the case but I've never had any problems with my off the shelf standard Glock polymer holster, which I am sure is injection molded. It is also softer and doesn't poke me as much in the ribs. It also retains its shape well enough to allow 1 handed reholstering. As a result, the holster that gets used more often is my cheapo $15 Glock one, as opposed to my $60 Kydex one.

Turby

[bu-bye]

I have a few kydex holsters and like Turb I do not like them. They just dig into your side to the point you never want to put it on again. I only buy leather holsters now. They have a little flex to them which makes walking and sitting down a little easier.

[stevie]

Holster wear can be rough on handgun finish. Dust and dirt will adhere to inside of holster, but sure to clean holster often. My glock takes a beating in a Kydex holster.

[xYourLocalAR15x]

I will be using my holster for competition and training purposes. Will the injection molded bladetech be a good choice? I just dont want to buy something that i will junk later on the road.

[CowtownBallin]

Just put it in your pocket

hahaha

[xYourLocalAR15x]

Just put it in your pocket

hahaha

oh man trust me, i would if i could!

So you guys think i'd be fine with a cheapo blade tech?

[gmcem50]

Blade Tech Rules!

So you guys think i'd be fine with a cheapo blade tech?

Someone correct me if I am wrong here, but I beleive my 'chaepo' Blade Techs ARE kydex, not molded.

I have several Blade Tech holsters and I love them. I carry my Glock 19 and my Glock 26 regularly in them and have not experienced any problems with them. Other posters have noted problems with Kydex, but I have not experienced any of those issues.

[xYourLocalAR15x]

Someone correct me if I am wrong here, but I beleive my 'chaepo' Blade Techs ARE kydex, not molded.

I have several Blade Tech holsters and I love them. I carry my Glock 19 and my Glock 26 regularly in them and have not experienced any problems with them. Other posters have noted problems with Kydex, but I have not experienced any of those issues.

the cheapo's run for around 25-30 dollars. The kydex ones are 60-70 dollars =( Breaks my bank! ahahha

[scott.cr]

In terms of finish wear I'd have to give good old leather the nod. You can find totally affordable ($35) leather holsters of various types... concealment, duty, competition, etc... at many gun shops and especially gun shows.

[trigger_play]

uncle mikes......

[hman]

Comp-Tac Paddle. I love it. They're a little more but worth the price.

[rips31]

i'd say get a cheap one. if you like it, you can 'graduate' to the more expensive ones. a fobus is fairly cheap and a good 'learner' paddle holster. who knows, you may hate paddles and want to go w/a belt holster...

[elsolo]

It completely depends upon what you intend to use the holster for.

There have been several recommendations for a CCW holster (leather).

You mention you want to use it for "competition and training"

The cheapy injection molded holsters will not last long. I have two holsters I use for competition, a CR Speed that is a race-only holster, and a kydex Cendex that I use in games where the CR Speed is against the rules. I did slick up the Cendex so I can draw from it faster and easier. I started with a cheapy nylon universal holster, it was a waste of $15 that I should have put towards a decent holster from the start.

Get a Bladetech D.O.H. or similar, you will enjoy having decent gear long after you forgot what you paid for it.

[gobabygo]

If you're looking to use the holster in competition, you need to make sure that the holster is legal for the game(s) you want to play. I don't play it, but I know IDPA has some very strict rules on what is and is not legal. And since you're looking at using it in competition, leather is out. Leather is just too slow and it will wear on your gun much much more quickly than plastic/Kydex.