Kydex vs leather: plastic is lighter, thinner, cooler??

**EB85** · May 21st, 2015, 09:11 PM

Lighter, thinner, obviously cheaper, and I'm assuming better in heat and humidity, correct? I bought a beautiful Wright Leather Works IWB/OWB holster for my G19 and while it works great in colder months, I'm looking for options come the usual PA summer weather. Do I go full kydex or something more like a Crossbreed hybrid? I like the leather backing so it conforms better but do you still get the sweats from that against you?

FWIW, I used to do OWB but switched to inside for ease of concealment.

**BF750** · May 21st, 2015, 11:26 PM

I use a ETW leather pancake or Blackhawk CQC paddle for my Para P13 or P12. Polo shirt one size larger, with no issues and I'm a sweater (german blood). IWB is not for me, just personal preference.

**philadelphia patriot** · May 22nd, 2015, 07:51 PM

Alien gear tuck 2.0. It has a neoprene backing so not only is it comfortable but it protects your gun from sweat.

**cham09** · May 23rd, 2015, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by philadelphia patriot

Alien gear tuck 2.0. It has a neoprene backing so not only is it comfortable but it protects your gun from sweat.

I'll 2nd Alien Gear cloak tuck 2.0

easily one of the most comfortable IWB's I've worn, and conceals well too.

**JrFreak** · May 23rd, 2015, 10:43 AM

My OWBs are all leather and my IWBs are kydex shell w/ leather backing (Supertucks). I just order an Aliengear Tuck 2.0 for my Mod 2. Anxious to see how it does. I don't like wearing my Supertucks without a wife-beater under it. Maybe the Tuck 2.0 will allow me to keep the wife-beaters in the drawer.

**sgreen10** · May 25th, 2015, 04:59 AM

i have a leather bulldog OWB holster that i actually really like and i usually wear when im out on the bike or if I have a reason (excuse) to go to PA and OC. but normally I CC and so far my favorite holster i have picked up (because everyone has way more holsters for each gun than they need trying to find that perfect one) would be my incog holster gcode. works great for appendix carry and lately i have been using it at the 3:30. waiting on a IWB LIGHT BEARING KYDEX HOLSTER from Insane Kydex creations (ordered it a few weeks ago only to find out that G-code is making light bearing ones)
But with my Incog i have no issues CCing a G17 both appendix or at the 3:30 and I'm only 5'5" 130lbs on a good day, and still get away with wearing small when it comes to shirts, or medium depending on the company. and i have never had any issue with the whole "printing"
also ill wear an undershirt so i never went with a leather backing, so i cant say if it is more comfortable or not, i always picture it as taking up more room and adding more trapped body heat

**alpacaheat** · May 27th, 2015, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by philadelphia patriot

Alien gear tuck 2.0. It has a neoprene backing so not only is it comfortable but it protects your gun from sweat.

Originally Posted by cham09

I'll 2nd Alien Gear cloak tuck 2.0

easily one of the most comfortable IWB's I've worn, and conceals well too.

Looks great...going on my "to buy" list for my new gun. Thanks for the recommendations!

**spankey** · June 2nd, 2015, 06:25 AM

I have both leather and kydex and prefer kydex. It seems to hold the firearm molded better and also seems to release better. That doesn't make sense to me but it does. I like the alien gear for my larger frame 9mm but use a kydex with a clip type holster for my MP9 ISWB. Both are comfortable but at times you do know they're there especially when you sit a certain way! I carry at 4 and ISWB and sometimes struggle getting a seatbelt on in the car. I have no idea how LEO carry OSWB and still buckle a seat belt.

**UTM** · June 8th, 2015, 12:12 PM

I have gone completely synthetic. Everything - holsters, slings, magazine pouches....After having witnessed a total nightmare wet leather - blued firearm scenario I will never permit leather to directly contact any of my guns regardless of their finish. My friend and I had spent a total rainout day in the woods during bear season. We were soaked to the bone. After making our rifles safe and putting on some dry clothes we loaded up for the four hour drive home. I realize there were mistakes made but what happened next was an eye opener. During the trip home his Remington 760 had been in contact with its accompanying leather sling. The rifle had been wiped off but the sling was still wet. In four hours time acids (I don't know what else it could have been) had leached out of the leather sling and ate the bluing off the receiver right down to bare steel. Yikes ! I know this is a "perfect storm" situation and nobody in their right mind is going to run around for hours with wet clothing, holster and a handgun. Holster makers are no doubt very cognizant of how their leather is processed and make all kinds of claims regarding the inert qualities of their products. Nobody appreciates nice leather more than me - tooling, stitching, feel and smell. This is an extreme approach and I know I'm going to take some hits but I value my firearms too greatly and I'm just not going to take a chance.