I have been shooting IPSC since the early 80's, and like most, got away from it because the "equipment race" got out of hand. That was not what the sport was meant to be all about. (just ask pops who regularily kicks ass with a womens Glock, stock, out of the box). The IDPA was formed by some of the founding members of IPSC in order to bring things under control. (check out the names of some of the top competitors). IDPA is basically looking after the interests of concealed carriers in the US. and there are a lot of them. All rules are strictly set in that direction and although some of them may seem anal, like all good training, drill, drill, drill, until you can do it with your eyes closed. CDPA which is now CDP because it is not an association, is a carbon copy of IDPA which caters to some of the bizare rules we have to deal with in Canada. As an ex IPSC shooter, an IDPA and CDPA RO, SO, MD and instructor, I have to say all three have merit, some just cost a lot more. This whole holster issue is out of control. If you join IDPA there is no competitor's course, you just join and shoot. If you join CDP you must take a short course in order to allow you to compete. It is not painful and as I have witnessed on several occasions probably a good idea. At the Pembroke Outdoor Sportsman's Club Pat, Jeff, and I hold Skills and drills days from time to time at no cost, to help new shooters get more out of the sport. Everyone seems to enjoy this and if you check our website you will see that we have quite a few people classified from marksman to expert, and believe me we do not give those classifications away easily. I hope I have shed some light on this issue (without using too many Acronyms).
Steve
PS Trillium and Popurhedof are the two worst shooters at our club!