Why is Kydex so popular?

[Germz]

I see more and more people at the range with custom kydex rigs and what not. Is there an underlying advantage (e.g. functionality, ergonomics, etc..) to kydex other than a "custom made for me" factor?

[whlgun]

It's fairly cheap and very customizable.

[Germz]

sounds like an answer haha.

[DBADRAT]

It s durable and easy to get a gun out of when using in competition.

[voiceofreason]

It's rigid, waterproof, has good retention from movement if molded to do so, and the qualities of a kydex holster remain consistent if used within proper parameters.

Leather stretches, changes over time, isn't waterproof.

Kydex is great if you don't require a security feature. I find it useless for concealment compared to quality leather.

Kydex + heat = sucks

Kydex + pressure = cracks/breaks (especially the parts that attach to the belt)

For a good range holster, I prefer the Safariland 6377 ALS which is a great balance of security, and super fast. Faster than kydex for me, having done trials with a shot timer. Anyone that owns one knows why.

SLS + ALS for security.

I go kydex if carrying in a military environ or range/courses.

[Citadelgrad87]

It's rigid, waterproof, has good retention from movement if molded to do so, and the qualities of a kydex holster remain consistent if used within proper parameters.

Leather stretches, changes over time, isn't waterproof.

Kydex is great if you don't require a security feature. I find it useless for concealment compared to quality leather.

Kydex + heat = sucks

Kydex + pressure = cracks/breaks (especially the parts that attach to the belt)

For a good range holster, I prefer the Safariland 6377 ALS which is a great balance of security, and super fast. Faster than kydex for me, having done trials with a shot timer. Anyone that owns one knows why.

SLS + ALS for security.

I go kydex if carrying in a military environ or range/courses.

For people who know what they are doing, this is your answer.

For the guys in 5.11 pants with the tactical condom on their Glock, it's about trying to copy what they think is tactical.

[Germz]

sounds good. I was just looking for a nice range holster for the weekend range trips and annual rifle/pistol qualifications. I like the modular idea, as I need something that is comfortable to wear while sitting (cross-legged) and prone. They make us qualify with our rifles while wearing our pistols now, which isn't a big deal but...you know how that goes.

[GW]

Leather can also leach out tanning chemicals that can damage the finish of your pistol.
(The main reason you should not store your knives in their leather sheaths)