IPSC Production and xDPA: Leather or Kydex?

[Freedom Ventures]

I've got a line on a holster company that makes leather and cordura holsters, but not the kydex type. The prices, once landed - are really good. For those of you looking for non-competition - "tactical", "practical" or "USPSA production legal" holsters, would you choose leather, if the price was competitive - over Kydex? (which seems most popular these days)

 

[Canuck223]

I'm growing to love well thought out kydex holsters. I used to lump them in with the cheap cordura crap, but no longer.

 

[Steve David]

Sean, will these be IPSC or concealment style holsters?

 

[Canuck44]

Sean, while I have seen some shooters at State matches using leather, some Americans tend to shoot IDPA with the same kit they use to CCW. Guys who are in the sport to compete pretty much all use Kydex. Up here where CCW is not allowed IDPA is just a game Kydex is much faster to draw from and hence more popular.

All that said, I would buy a quality leather holster for my Shadow/SP-01 for those days when I am working on other aspects of my shooting at the range. Leather is, for me, far more comfortable on the hip.

Take Care

Bob

 

[Freedom Ventures]

Sean, will these be IPSC or concealment style holsters?

Concealment. Like IDPA and USPSA Production want...totally uncompetitive against a CR Speed or Ghost or Limcat.
(I already represent the best IPSC competition line)

 

[Redlight35]

Any pictures? I would be interested in seeing what they look like.

 

[Freedom Ventures]

Any pictures? I would be interested in seeing what they look like.

Sorry, not right now. I'm deciding whether to carry this line in Canada; I may and I may not. I can't show my hand to my competitors right now.

 

[dinsdale]

I would take a reasonably priced leather holster for Defensive pistol and I know a couple of others who would as well.

 

[Freedom Ventures]

Almost four to one in favor of Kydex...
That confirmed my suspicions. I'll be staying out of the leather holster business for a while.

Thanks all who participated.

 

[Westicle]

if I had a CCW I would prefer leather.... less noise then kydex, but we are sadly a nation of ###mers.... so kydex is quick, and durable.

 

[Steve David]

I have to agree with Wes, although Kydex is nice and a trend, there is nothing like a nice leather rig.

You are right though Sean, the numbers show that more people will by the Kydex. Any leads on a Kydex line of concealment holsters?

 

[Jarlath]

Kydex Pros: Lighter, faster, all weather
Kydex Cons: Noisier, more pistol finish wear

Leather Pros: Comfort, Quiet, Less pistol finish wear
Leather Cons: Heavier, wears out (Level 1 retention)

All that being said. I have to agree with Wes and David. I personally prefer a leather rig over a Kydex one.
I have a HBE leather askins style holster for my CZ-75 and a Blackhawk Serpa CQC for my HK USP. I like both but just for quality and visual and comfort the leather wins.
If we had CCW here in Canuckville, leather due to quietness, as nothing bangs against it with any real noise.

 

[Freedom Ventures]

I have to agree with Wes, although Kydex is nice and a trend, there is nothing like a nice leather rig.

You are right though Sean, the numbers show that more people will by the Kydex. Any leads on a Kydex line of concealment holsters?

None that are available to me. Bladetech, Fobus, Blackhawk, Safariland and Uncle Mikes have already saturated the canadian market through LE dealers and others - plus the ability to still buy these direct from the US; so until Rescomp comes out with thiers (probably a year out) - I'll leave it to them.

Thanks again for the info, guys.