The best OWB Kydex holster gives gun owners plenty of benefits. One, it offers them fast and quick access to their firearms. When you use OWB Kydex holsters, you don’t need to worry about drawing your weapon quickly because it secures your gun outside the garment unlike IWB holsters.
OWB holsters are also useful for concealed carry depending on the selected design. But if you prefer open carry, outside the waistband Kydex holsters also are advantageous because they can be worn on your side and anyone with a bad intention will have to think twice because they can easily see your firearm on your hip.
Outside the waistband Kydex OWB holsters also offer all-day comfort even if you’re on the bigger side of life. Also, keeping a larger gun will be much more comfortable with these holsters than with an inside the waistband tactical holster.
OWB holsters also allow you to wear yours in several positions, making it really flexible and convenient to use.
To find the right Kydex OWB holster for you, we’ve prepared a buying guide featuring the top OWB holsters in the category. Keep reading and make a better decision later.
What type of material for holsters?
Whether you’re shopping around for IWB holsters or OWB holsters, shoulder holsters, modern concealed carrier, IWB carry holsters, or a competition holster, or open or concealed carry holsters, you must consider the material that often has to do with comfort and durability.
The most common choices for a holster material are leather, Kydex, and nylon. Each has its pros and cons, so you should weigh these well when thinking about the material for your OWB holster.
The following are a basic comparison of these holster materials.
Kydex
Kydex, a brand of polymer/plastic, is a popular and easily moldable material that can be made into the specific shape of the gun for the right fit. This is why you should check your handgun model before picking a Kydex holster unless you’re buying a universal holster that fits different gun types.
This Kydex material for your OWB holster retains their shape over time unlike some leather holsters. It is also lightweight and less expensive compared to OWB leather holsters. That is why it is more preferred by those who have just started to invest on their first holster or are not yet ready to buy a more expensive leather holster.
Kydex doesn’t also require breaking in when compared to leather holsters. If you would select an Kydex holster, you also don’t need to worry about buying creams or lotions to maintain it. All you might have to do is to wipe it down if it’s dirty.
Without even saying, maintenance is not a problem with Kydex OWB holsters. Most of the time, all you need to do is to wipe it with clean cloth to bring back its appeal.
However, drawing from Kydex/plastic can be a bit noisy and might wear against your gun’s finish. It might result in scratches to it if you don’t buy the right Kydex holster for your specific gun model.
Leather
Leather outside the waistband holsters are classic looking and feeling holsters that have been the standard for many gun owners for their appeal, resiliency, and durability.
Over time, these best owb holsters can also form to the wearer’s body. It is also easier to draw from a leather holstering device than from a plastic holster and is also quieter.
Leather, nevertheless, is still a favorite among many gun owners for these benefits and its classic appeal.
On the downside, OWB leather holsters may offer lesser support as time goes by. Sweat may also be a problem when it comes in contact with your skin. Leather also requires upkeep to maintain its integrity and nice appearance.
Nylon
Nylon is another material used in the manufacture of OWB holsters, typically the cheap ones.
It is known for its durability, and most of the time, holsters with this material are built with hook and loop fasteners, allowing for quick customization in the manner of carrying one.
You’ll also find nylon holsters that typically have a stiffener to keep its shape. Nylon, as the material, also makes a cheaper, or maybe even the cheapest holster.
Nylon holsters are also commonly a universal OWB holster, meaning not custom fit for a firearm. Moreover, it offers less structural integrity that translates to less security.
So if you’re buying an OWB holster, I recommend going for either Kydex or leather, and stay away from nylon holsters.
Is Kydex good for OWB holster?
Yes, outside the waistband Kydex holsters are good holsters provided you buy yours from a reputable brand that minds the performance of their holsters, like a quality OWB competition holster.
For example, the best OWB pancake holster can offer superior durability that ensures your holster will last almost a lifetime.
A Kydex holster, either an IWB holster or an OWB holster, is also resistant to the elements, temperature changes, heat, and pressure.
It can incredibly retain its shape and offer consistent performance no matter what and even as years go by.
In addition, an OWB paddle holster is also lightweight and typically has a low and slim profile, preventing printing issues. And as it isn’t bulky or heavy, wearing it for many hours will still be comfortable.
Because it’s also molded to your specific firearm model, it is neither loose nor tight for your gun. A quality Kydex holster is designed and made to conform to your gun’s dimensions, ensuring a custom and snug fit.
Kydex paddle holster or any type of holster made of this material is also tough and resistant to chemicals and water.
It doesn’t deform and collapse, ensuring that single-handed re-holstering would be easy. It can keep its shape and offer consistent performance, too. And if you’ve chosen ankle holsters, a great OWB holster will offer that better rigidity.
The Best Kydex OWB Holsters
1. Concealment Express OWB Paddle KYDEX Holster
Concealment Express Kydex holsters are a popular choice among holster users because they have unique features and qualities, like this paddle holster.
This Kydex paddle holster features an undercut trigger guard that works to keep the material from hindering a quick draw. It is important especially in tight situations when you may have to defend yourself or another person from an intruder or attacker.
The best OWB holster also has an adjustable posi-click retention and carrying angle. The positive click you’ll hear when you holster your firearm means that it’s already locked in place and that it won’t come out on its own. I can easily adjust the firearm retention to ensure a holster tight and perfect fit for my gun, too.
Then, this Concealment Express holster also has this carry angle or cant ranging from -5 to 20 degrees, which is enough for many gun owners. This cant can let you adjust the right angle for your holster, which can be worn in several ways – behind the hip, strong side, appendix carry, or cross draw. You have all these options for better comfort.
This best outside the waistband holster is also compatible with several gun models, like the Colt and Kimber, and others. However, be sure to check your handgun’s compatibility with it before buying to avoid any hassle.
In addition, this Concealment Express OWB range holster only uses a thicker 0.08 inch Kydex material, which is highly recommended for its toughness to last through the years.
This Concealment Express holster is also wear resistant and can keep up with the changing temperatures. Nevertheless, it is a highly durable material for a tactical gear like a holster.
Moreover, this holster is designed with a rear sight shield and sweat guard that can protect your gun from sweat. The manufacturer has also added a stealth belt clip on this one for added concealment.
Plus, you never again have to worry about losing screws because this Concealment Express holster comes with black oxide steel hardware, which also allows you to easily adjust its retention.
It also has an over-cut and open face design that accepts suppressor height sights and threaded barrels, making it super versatile unlike other holsters.
Overall, paddle holsters like this one from Concealment Express are some of the best holsters for outside the waistband wearing.
This holster designed with the durable Kydex material and form fit for your specific gun is undoubtedly one of the most precise holsters on the market that won’t disappoint you.
Pros
- Precision and consistency
- Durable material for long lasting use
- Stealth belt clip adds concealment capability
- Open face and over-cut design
- Water-resistant and heat-resistant
Cons
- A bit stiff
2. R&R Holsters: OWB Kydex Holster
This basic and affordable holster delivers nothing more and nothing less. It has a simple design that doesn’t have any interfering components for a quick draw.
If you need something really basic for an outside the waistband holster, I suggest this Kydex holster.
Aside from a simple design, the R & R Kydex holster is also made of a thick 0.08 inch Kydex material, which is tough to last for many years. This means that you don’t need to buy a new open or concealed carry holster soon.
Kydex is also weather resistant, which makes it a suitable material for an OWB holster. Users can wear it in the winter without any problems that its integrity will fade. It can keep its look for the years to come.
This OWB holster can maintain its shape and form no matter what kind of weather there is, so you can rely on a really durable holstering gear to be with you in your adventures.
This Kydex holster is also one of the most sought after affordable holsters for those who want a little to no maintenance OWB Kydex holster unlike leather that need upkeep from time to time.
Using this OWB holster, you don’t also have to spend on leather holster maintenance products, so that’s added savings for you.
In addition, I’d like to note that this best OWB holster offers an adjustable carry angle, from zero to 15 degrees. This is just right for the majority of gun users.
This means that you’ll have more options in adjusting how you would like to carry this outside the waistband holster.
This affordable holster also has a partial sweat guard backing that protects the gun’s slide from moisture.
On the downside, this holster with a style for the 1911-22/380 caliber Small Frame has a shorter replacement warranty of one year when compared to other molded holsters, either OWB or IWB carry.
But then, it is still one of the top OWB holsters that you must consider if you’re looking for an easy to use and adjustable holster for everyday carry.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable material
- Weather and temperature resistant
- Adjustable carry angle
- No maintenance required
- Available choices for different firearm models
Cons
- Short replacement warranty
3. Concealment Express OWB KYDEX Belt Loop Holster
When looking for molded holsters, one good option to look at is a belt loop holster like this Concealment Express OWB Kydex holster that is very easy to put on and remove, ensuring quick holstering of your gun.
This belt loop holster is unlike an uncomfortable holster that might hinder fast access of the gun. It has a simple design and build that gives gun owners an easier time to use and wear it.
Part of the design of this good holster is a retention device that ensures your gun will stay in place no matter your movement.
Plus, you’ll know when it is locked up in place with the posi-click retention system, which gives out an audible click, letting you know that you have secured your firearm properly.
In addition, these best OWB holsters from Concealment Express for carrying OWB are designed with an easy to adjust carry angle and ride height, which you can set up using the belt loops in the holster.
The cant adjustment is also adjustable from -15 to +15 degrees, offering you a lot of options when it comes to adjust its angle for hip or strong side carry.
This paddle holster with belt loops is also ambidextrous, so you can wear it either on the left or right side of your body. No worries on that.
More about the design, this comfortable OWB holster also has an over-cut and open face design that can handle your pistol’s suppressor height sights and threaded barrels.
This paddle holster also features a steel hardware with thread lock, so losing another screw won’t become a problem again.
It also offers more security for your gun and holster for its fiber reinforced stealth 1.5-inch belt loops.
For durability, a perfect holster should be made of tough material like 0.08 inch Kydex, which can withstand heat, pressure, and temperature changes.
This also makes the holster an all-weather OWB holster, such as for winter use. Nevertheless, such outside the waistband holsters made of thick Kydex is a dependable holster for unmatched consistency.
Not to forget, this model comes with a fully enclosed trigger guard, ensuring nothing will get in contact with the trigger.
This ensures the security of gun owners and the people around them because it can prevent accidental pulling of the trigger. It also prevents the material from hindering a quick draw.
This holster also comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Belt loop closure type
- Ambidextrous design
- Can withstand the elements
- Easy to use design
- Comfortable all-day wear
Cons
- Unless specified, not compatible with laser/light combo
4. CCS Gunwear K2A OWB Tactical Holster for the CZ P-01
This easy to re holster, wear, and remove tactical holster from CCS Gunwear is another option for the best OWB holster to consider if you own the CZ P-01.
It’s adjustable outside the waistband holster, which has a retention device to allow you to adjust its tension pressure based on your preference, whether light or full retention.
It comes with tension screws, which also have rubber bushing, that are what allow gun owners to adjust their desired draw tension.
Using the same retention screw, I also find it easy to adjust the ride height and cant, allowing me to adjust to the carry angle and height that I want. This tactical holster also comes with belt loop attachments for easy use and removal.
I also liked that this pancake holster creates four different contacts with my belt. This makes it more comfortable to wear because the holster can move with my waist no matter the kind of movement I make or whether I am walking or standing.
This holster with a nice retention system and concealment capabilities for conceal carry method also has a nice contour.
I found out that the manufacturer has used a shaping process of a bending phase to reduce the OWB holster’s width on the user’s belt, while also pulling it tighter to one’s body for more concealment.
Being one of the most popular in the holster world and everyday carry category holster, this OWB carry holster is also made with durable Kydex material with 0.08 inch thickness.
This material has always been known for its moldable property. It gives a nice and fit profile to my weapon, which is one of the things I am looking for in a holstering gear.
Kydex holsters like this one are also known for their all-season use, always delivering consistent performance no matter what the weather outside is.
This model also has a high back that prevents the contact of the skin and the gun, while also preventing clothing from falling into it. And lastly, this K2A OWB holster comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- All-weather performance
- Easy to use and all-day comfort
- Slim and nice profile
- Easy to adjust ride height and cant
Cons
- A bit stiff
5. Outlaw Holsters: OWB Kydex Holster for Guns with Olight PL-Mini 2
Outlaw Holsters are known for their superior quality and performance OWB holsters. So in this review of the best OWB Kydex holsters, we should not miss it out!
This black holster outside the waistband style of carry holster is comfortable to wear based on my test. I don’t find it uncomfortable to wear even for long hours in the field or range, whether I am standing, walking, or doing any casual movements.
The USA Stealth black OWB holster also has many features that make it standout. Like other OWB holstering gears we’ve featured earlier, it is made of durable and thick 0.08 inch Kydex material.
Modern concealed carriers like it can withstand even the harshest elements, so wearing it even in the winter won’t be a problem.
It will remain consistent even when used in changing temperatures, too. It will not deform or lose its shape when exposed to high heat.
This OWB Kydex holster is also compatible for guns with Olight PL-MINI 2 attachment.
Speaking of compatibility, this holster is also MOS and RMR compatible because it has a clearance for optics mounted via a slide.
For quality, this holster is made in the USA, giving you peace of mind that it will last long and that you won’t have to keep buying OWB holsters. This model also comes with a one-year replacement warranty.
These Outlaw Holsters have a slide closure type and are compatible for Sig, Scorpion, TACOPS, and others.
This particular model also fits like a glove, and that’s a good thing for a holster.
Overall, it is decent outside the waistband holster that money can buy. You might want to check it out if your gun has the attachment specified. It is heavy-duty and can withstand temperature changes and heat.
Pros
- Durable and tough Kydex material
- Affordable and quality
- Compatible with PL-MINI 2 light attachment
- Delivers a consistent performance
- Comfortable for everyday carry
Cons
- Short replacement warranty
FAQs
What is the best OWB Kydex holster for Glock 19?
This black, right hand orientation R&R Holsters: OWB Kydex Holster is an excellent OWB Kydex holster for G19. While it has a basic design, it delivers what it has to do – provide gun security, concealment, and comfort.
However, I suggest choosing the right model from the available choices because there are 250 options.
Nevertheless, it is a well made holster from a good tactical gear brand, so you can look forward to using a good holster that offers excellent performance and long lasting durability.
What is the best OWB Kydex holster for SIG P365?
The Concealment Express OWB Paddle KYDEX Holster is a highly recommended OWB Kydex holster for Sig P365 because it is a custom fit for the firearm, so it can sit right into the tactical holster perfectly.
These best OWB holsters are also RMR and optics compatible and has a simplistic and straightforward design, which even newbie users won’t have a hard time using. This comfortable OWB holster also receives positive reviews from most gun owners using it, so you should be fine if you would select it.
But then, I suggest choosing the right model for your pistol because there are 94 options you’ll find.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for an pancake holster, concealed carry holster, or OWB paddle holster made of Kydex material, you must compare your options well and ensure that your gun will fit right into the tactical device.
Check your handgun model and look for a modern OWB rig that will accommodate it, especially if it has sights or optics.
Also, it is important to consider features like the design of a good holster because it should not hinder quick access and draw. It should also offer a comfortable and secure carry especially if you’re using it as a duty holster or competition holster.
This buying guide on the best Kydex holsters should be able to give you a good start in comparing your options for open and concealed carry holsters.
But at the end of the day, your holster should be one that will give you the most comfortable and satisfying experience. Be sure to refer to these reviews and some advice we’ve discussed about Kydex outside the waistband holsters earlier.
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