Wanted to see which holsters I might want to avoid, due to bad customer experiences or quality issues? Somewhat new to this and looking at a whole bunch of different IWB options. But because of how these things are all so similar it seems like a few might not be worth the money? I don’t care about name brand or any of that as much as functionality and durability.
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I recently swapped out my galco leather holster, due to the thumb button enclosure kind of softening up over time from sweat. But it was a great holster. I just dont think I like leather for IWB
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I don’t like the Alien Gear.
A great tool to have a heat gun.
I have this one, but anything will probably do.
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This is the kind of question that will give you posts that show everything is crap and everything is the greatest thing ever, and they are right. Something might work for one person that doesn’t work for another. We all have different body types, shapes, dress and attire requirements, perspiration levels, climates and environments that might cause something that works for one person but not another. Perfect example is @Sully_LST doesn’t like Alien Gear, yet I love Alien Gear. In fact, that is what I am wearing right now as I type this.
If you are looking for a good holster, first avoid the cheap no-name stuff on sites like amazon. Not only are they going to fit poorly, they are going to be made with substandard materials and construction. Stick with brand names such as, but not limited to, Galco, Desantis, and Bianchi. The reason is support. If you ever lose a fastener, or break a clip, you want to be able to get a replacement cheap (or free) and quick. That is where the big guys will help with. If you are not familiar with a brand, and you are not finding much on it, don’t get it. There are a lot of great small holster manufacturers out there, and you are going to pay for it. So, you can use price as your guide, and if it is more expensive than the “big” brands, you are probably ok. BUT, that said, the good small guys have cult followings so you should be able to find lots of reviews with an internet search.
More specific than that, it would help if we knew what you were looking to carry. Perhaps the best question would be “What holsters do you have experience with for (insert your firearm here)?”
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Kris, anyone here who has carried a few years or more likely has a drawer with countless holsters they don’t use. I have all sorts I don’t use. I’ve even given away some to others looking to try them out. from cheap to stupidly expensive, I feel like whether a holster is “right” or not depends on the person wearing it, not necessarily the manufacturer.
I’ve tried Apendix carry, ankle carry, abdomen carry, IWB, OWB, shoulder holsters and holsters at nearly all positions on the clock around my waist. I tend to prefer a nice hybrid (leather & Kydex) over leather alone because I live in a hot area and sweat has caused leather only to get misshapen. I don’t care for kydex only because I like the leather preventing hot spots and digging into skin since I wear a tshirt and shorts most of the year. Beyond that…You’ll need to determine for yourself what style of holster and where you like wearing it and decide what feels best for you based on your body type and firearm you carry.
WIsh you the best!
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THe only way to find the holster that’s right for your firearm and YOU, is test, test, test, carry 24/7 and you’ll know what feels right! Sure you’re going to spend some bucks, so I recommend when you find the right one, buy two!
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As stated, you kinda have to try a few, or even a bunch to find what works for you.
Things I look for:
1)Holsters made for a specific gun, not one holster that fits a lot of models.
2)Trigger covered when the gun is in the holster.
3)Not a flimsy holster. I wear OWB, and I want one I can reholster with one hand and not have to worry about the holster folding in on itself.
4)Good retention. Again, I like OWB leather, with no strap. But I want the gun to be held firmly enough I don’t worry about it during the day.
Just some stuff I look for, you may find other things you demand in your holster. I have also found some good deals on used holsters on some other forums.
If you want recommendations on some brands to look at, let me know. Good luck finding what works for you!
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Everyone has a draw full of holsters that they did not like for one reason or another
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Uncle Mike’s, cheap but does the trick.
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@Fred_G made it clear. If your holster meets these 4 points - it is good. Otherwise it is something you should avoid.
Sometimes people make some exception with retention… That’s ok, but for sure holster shouldn’t be made from nylon!
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What don’t you like about Alien Gear holsters?
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What I have learned over the years is the more you spend honestly equates to a quality product. It also depends on how you carry. I carry AIWB and will only purchase LAS or Tier 1 holsters. But this again has come from about 15 years of carrying concealed. You eventually learn what works for you and what doesn’t. Everyone’s body is different so what works for one doesn’t work for the other. I can’t recall ever having any quality related issues with any holster I have purchased, it always came down to how it fits on my body. Typically, if a majority of the gun community, especially trainers and LEO utilize specific holsters, there is a reason why.
I also try and stay away from gimmicky holsters. I relate this to companies like Alien Gear and Bravo concealment. The whole “buy one holster and it does three things.” Nope, I want a dedicated holster for a specific purpose.
Really what it comes down to is spend the extra money and buy a quality holster. You spend $500 on a firearm so it doesn’t make much sense to spend the minimal amount on holster. A good holster is like a good pair of running shoes. The more you spend the better the fit.
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What I learned is to avoid those that aren’t specific to my gun model. Generic types are hit or miss, mostly miss.
I use Clinger Holsters for my three CCW 
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I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for. Buy cheap get cheap. If you could avoid those that’s a step in the right direction. I recommend American made such as Vedder, Concealment Express, C&G and they are a little more expensive but are decent holsters if you like Kydex. I don’t buy leather but there are good leather holster companies out there. I suggest you research on your browser holster companies.
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I primarily use two holster companies I settled on after much trial and error. I to have a space full of holsters from years gone by.
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I have had great luck with Crossbread holsters. They are a combination of a good leather backer with a custom molded, firearm specific kydex pocket. American made and owned. They have a great selection. A little expensive, but the quailty is there.
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Alien Gear Holsters have a life time warranty and a 30 day test drive, also will let your trade in, if you want a different shell for a different gun.
Our holsters are built to last a lifetime.
With a Forever Warranty and 30-Day Test Drive, your Alien Gear Holster will never let you down. Guaranteed. Learn how we back each handcrafted holster below.
Forever Warranty
If anything on your Alien Gear Holster ever breaks for any reason, we’ll repair or replace it for free. We’ve got you covered—forever! This gun holster warranty applies to the following products:
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ShapeShift Modular Holster System
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Cloak Tuck (Original, 3.0, and 3.5)
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Cloak Mag Carriers (Single & Double)
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Cloak Slide OWB Holster
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Cloak Mod OWB Holster
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Cloak Dock Holster Mounts (IWB & OWB)
30-Day Test Drive
Wear your Alien Gear Holster for a month and if you don’t agree that it’s the most comfortable, concealable holster, we’ll buy it back—no questions asked. The 30-Day Test Drive applies to the following products:
-
ShapeShift Modular Holster System
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Cloak Tuck (Original, 3.0, and 3.5)
-
Cloak Mag Carriers (Single & Double)
-
Cloak Slide OWB Holster
-
Cloak Mod OWB Holster
-
Cloak Dock Holster Mounts (IWB & OWB)
Please note: If you purchased your holster from a retailer other than the Alien Gear Holsters website and wish to return it, please return it to the store it was purchased from within the 30-Day Test Drive. Alien Gear Holsters’ Customer Service is unable to refund holsters purchased from a retail outlet.
Free Shell Trades for Life
Due to the advanced nature of the ShapeShift Modular Holster System, the shift shells are not covered by this offer. For additional information, please visit our ShapeShift FAQ.
Free Shell Trades applies to the following products:
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Cloak Slide OWB Holster
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Cloak Tuck (Original, 3.0, and 3.5)
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Cloak Mod OWB Holster
If you ever decide to carry a different handgun, send us your old holster shell (the hard polymer portion) and we’ll swap it for a new shell from our extensive lineup.
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No thanks, not a fan.
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That,s cool, I don’t think their gimmicky holsters. If you think they are a gimmick, that alright.
Train hard and stay safe 
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For $50, I might try an Aliengear. https://aliengearholsters.com/belt-holster.html I am a leather guy, but kydex has it’s place.
I like this because I have a similar IWB holster for a Sig P365. Never know, I might like it, or it might wind up in the bin 'o holsters… 
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