Find a gun holster that balances concealment withdrawal speed for perfect concealment. Appendix holsters that are the best offer no compromises in either field. An extremely popular type of holster, it can provide you with the best of both worlds.
It is the draw speed of IWB holsters that is the biggest concern. You can reach for your gun even though your clothing gives you high levels of concealment. The draw speed of an OWB holster is faster, but you have to work harder to conceal your weapon.
The appendix holster sits between the two variants in a comfortable middle position. Since it is technically an IWB holster, its unique carry position allows you to easily access your weapon, so it is one of the most popular choices for gun owners worldwide.
A good appendix holster can help you make the right decision when entering the world of appendix holsters. To ensure your investment does not go to waste, we will break down everything you need to know about this product in this article.
Top 7 Best Appendix Holster Reviews
There is no doubt that finding the best appendix holster on the market can be quite challenging. There are so many products available these days that even a professional can easily become overwhelmed. Within a short period of time, you have invested in a unit that only yields subpar results.
The following section of the article contains a complete review of each of the top products on the market so you don’t run into such a scenario.
BLACKHAWK Ambidextrous Appendix Reversible Carry Inside The Pants Holster
I am going to take a moment to introduce you to an appendix holster that is a bit on the expensive side, but has a lot of great features and exceptional build quality. Even though it comes at an affordable price, the Blackhawk appendix holster can’t be underestimated. A significant impact has been made on the industry by the brand over the years.
There is a huge list of compatible weapons included with the unit. Holsters are weapon-specific, and you must choose the model you want based on the gun you will be using with it. The performance is amazing no matter which variant you choose.
During the process of inserting your gun into the holster, you will be able to quickly adjust the retainer to make sure that your gun is held securely inside the holster whilst you are holstering it. I really like the two belt clips that are included with this unit, as they feel sturdy as well as anchor to the beltline without any noticeable wobble. This is because of the design of the holster, which is ambidextrous, that makes it easy to choose the wrist position that works best for you.
In its construction, it is made of high-quality polymer which feels strong and durable. The product is able to handle extreme temperatures without showing any signs of wear and tear. Due to the excellent design and the excellent build quality of this unit, you cannot go wrong whether you are a hunter or a self-defense buff.
Pros:
- Construction that is durable and sturdy
- The design is ambidextrous.
- A system for adjusting retention
- A comfortable gun holster that is versatile and comfortable
Cons:
- There is no adjustable ride height, but it feels great
The DeSantis 160KAB6Z0 Gunhide, Pegasus, Pipe Hitter, Inside The Pant Holster
There is no doubt that DeSantis is a well-known name in the world of guns and holsters. This brand has gained a reputation for producing high-quality holsters over the years. If you’re looking for the best appendix holster, you should check out this particular model.
The extended magazine attachment is one of the standout features of this product. The extra ammunition can be stored inside the holster to be used whenever you need it. The size of the holster will be a little larger than average, but it is worth it in the long run.
A completely custom experience is possible with the unit since both the retention and ride height can be adjusted. By adjusting the ride adjustment, you can ensure that your weapon is properly concealed. The retention allows you to ensure a smoother draw.
There is a claw compatible with the unit, but it must be purchased separately. The price point makes it a bit difficult to justify the inconvenience, but at this price, it can be overlooked. Apart from that, the quality of the build is excellent and the clip system can be used safely to anchor the unit to your waistband.
Pros:
- The ride height and retention can be adjusted
- The magazine compartment can be used as a spare
- The build quality is strong and sturdy
- Compatibility with claws
Cons:
- The packaging is not very compact
Alien Gear holsters ShapeShift Appendix Holster for Concealed Carry
Alien Gear Holsters’ next product is on our list. As you might be aware, the brand is famous for having a large group of loyal customers due to the fact that they manufacture functional and stylish gun holsters that are hard to beat. Even though this unit is a bit expensive, its user will find it very useful.
As a result of its extensive compatibility list, almost any gun on the market can be used with it. The chances are that this unit will work flawlessly with your firearm, regardless of whether you own a Glock or Shield.
You can further customize your unit with the tool-free retention adjustment system included in the unit. The feel of your gun can easily be modified without fussing with screwdrivers. The anchoring system is also designed in a clip style and works perfectly, giving you a stable and comfortable experience when you use it.
All-day comfort and satisfaction are guaranteed with this Kydex holster with Neoprene backing. The polymer construction ensures that your unit will last a long time, while the backing makes it feel comfortable against your skin. Also, your guns will stay clean and fresh with neoprene material.
Pros:
- This product combines innovative materials for a fantastic experience.
- A tool-free system for adjusting retention
- A wide variety of firearms can be fitted with this product
- A high level of sweat resistance.
Cons:
- Affordability is a problem
Concealed IWB holster for pants from Tactical Scorpion Gear
Tactical Scorpion Gear is a brand we will be reviewing for our next product, an IWB holster. As a compact holster, it allows for this carry position even though it is not specifically designed for appendix carry. This holster performs well and is highly useful as an appendix holster.
There is no doubt that you will not be disappointed by this combat-proven holster when you need it the most. There is a metal clip included in the unit that can be used as an anchor. The clip can be rotated in order to adjust the cant angle easily and conveniently. You can also adjust the ride height of the scooter so that you get the exact performance that you are looking for from it by experimenting with it.
Whenever it is activated, its retention system emits an audible click. Within a few moments, the retention can be adjusted to your liking. The compact design makes it ideal for concealed carry.
A polymer composite material is used in the construction of the unit, making it both durable and comfortable. There is a variant for every choice of firearm. Holsters like these are easy to conceal, comfortable, and allow you to access your gun without any interference.
Pros:
- A gun holster that is highly versatile
- There are many adjustment options available
- Ability to carry in multiple positions
- Build quality that is durable
Cons:
- Low-quality belt clip
The Bravobelt belly band holster is perfect for concealed carry
An excellent alternative to belly band holsters for appendix carrying is belly band holsters. The Bravobelt brand makes this particular appendix carrier an excellent choice when you don’t want to compromise comfort for appendix carry.
This unit is best known for its massive amount of space. Additionally, it has extra pockets for carrying spare magazines and is compatible with a wide range of weapons. The holster is easily compatible with any weapon that you choose
As it is ambidextrous, you won’t have to worry about how you use it depending on your hand preference. With the modular design, you can rotate the weapon in the holster to get the position you prefer for drawing the weapon. Measuring your waist size before purchasing is recommended since it fits waists up to 44 inches wide.
With a breathable neoprene base, this unit ensures maximum comfort. No matter what you do, whether you are jogging or simply walking, you can rest assured that the weapon is secure and safe. The Easy Snap retention system ensures that your guns will remain secure, even if they slip from your hand, because of its easy snap system.
Pros:
- The design is extremely comfortable
- The product can be used with both hands
- A magazine rack is included in the bag
- Wearable all day long
Cons:
- There is a slow speed of drawing
Black Arch Entrada Appedix Carry Holsters
Black Arch’s Entrada will give you enormous value for the price if you’re willing to spend more money. Designed to ensure proper drawing experience without sacrificing comfort, it is sleek and stylish. A gun holster with this unit gives you more than you expected.
Glock compacts to regular handguns can be found in this particular model. You can, however, order that model with the same features and build quality if you use a Shield or any other weapon. This holster is designed specifically for weapons, ensuring a high level of performance.
The device gives you full control over its concealment by allowing you to adjust its ride height. The clothes are not visually printed when optimized for discretion. Additionally, it comes with an additional pouch that can be used to store an extra round of ammunition that can easily be accessed whenever needed.
Each pocket can be adjusted to make it easier to access weapons and magazines. A weapon can be loaded up with suppressors, compensators, or even sights thanks to the open-ended design. Aside from the top-notch build quality, the device will also last a long time without showing any signs of wear and tear.
Pros:
- The quality of the construction is excellent
- The bag comes with a magazine pocket as well
- Both pockets are adjustable for retention and ride height
- The open-ended design allows attachments to be holstered.
Cons:
- A bit pricey, but worth the money.
Kydex IWB holster for Fierce Defender
Although it is the last item on our list, Fierce Defender’s Kydex IWB holster is among the best. With a reasonable price range and many of the modern features we like in our holsters, this is a smart investment for just about anyone.
This holster works with Glocks and Springfield XDSs. Almost all popular handguns are compatible with this weapon-specific holster, which comes with an extensive compatibility list.
A spare round of magazine is stored in an elevated pouch in addition to the holster pocket. The unit comes with both weapon and magazine storage pockets that can be adjusted, along with ride height adjustments that allow you to adjust how it behaves when you are carrying a weapon.
Additionally, the Flared opening makes holstering faster than in a conventional weapon pocket. As soon as you pick it up, you can notice the quality and strength of the product. When you use the unit regularly, you won’t have to worry about your weapon being damaged by the sweat guard.
Pros:
- A high level of construction and build quality
- Design with high degree of adjustability
- An integrated sweat guard keeps you dry
- The cost-benefit ratio is excellent.
Cons:
- Appendix carry is not appropriate for beginners
What are the benefits of using the best appendix holster?
The best appendix holster must first be understood so you can decide which one is best. IWB concealed carry holsters are already known as this type. A side or behind the hip holster is normally carried when wearing an IWB holster. You carry your gun on the front part of your body near your abdomen when you use an appendix holster.
There are many advantages to this design over other gun holsters, making it an excellent investment.
- Appendix holsters offer concealment as their primary advantage. Only the top of the unit sticks out since it stays inside your waistband. Overhanging your shirt can easily conceal it, however.
- A gun that rests naturally in your hand allows you to draw faster since it rests in a position you are used to. An appendix holster usually has a carry angle of either 3 or 4 o’clock. The firearm can be whipped out at either angle without twisting your wrist at all.
- A gun can be better kept in check by carrying it in the appendix. This style of gun holstering makes it nearly impossible to be disarmed. The assailant cannot force the weapon away from you before you react, even if he knows you are carrying it.
- A holster with an appendix gives you a sturdier grip on your weapon. As you build up your draw speed, your gripping technique acts as a catalyst. This holster allows you to get a full combat grip so you can quickly draw the gun and shoot it.
When purchasing an appendix holster, you still need to be aware of a few issues.
The holster doesn’t provide much comfort when you sit down. Long car trips can become unbearable because of this.
One of the major complaints about guns is how their barrels face your vital organs. There could be catastrophic consequences if the gun accidentally discharges.
There are, however, workarounds for these issues. This holster is perfect if you are careful and take all safety precautions when using your weapon.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Appendix Carry Holster
Having completed the list of products, we are able to focus on some of the most important features that you should be looking for when purchasing an appendix holster. There is no doubt that the design of this holster, in general, is highly efficient. On the other hand, if you buy a cheap knock-off unit, you will not get the best experience from it.
As we compiled our list of recommendations, we made sure to focus on a few essential aspects when making our recommendations. The more you understand about these factors, the better you will be able to evaluate your requirements critically and end up with a unit that meets your every expectation. The reality is that not every gun holster is going to meet the needs of every individual.
The following are some important factors to consider when choosing an appendix holster.
1. Trigger Guard
Trigger guards are essential features of gun holsters, so you should prioritize them whenever you buy a new one. Holsters with extended trigger guards prevent your weapon from being fired while holstered. A small extension prevents your firearm from being accidentally discharged when you pull it out.
Make sure that the holster comes with a trigger guard if you want to get the most value out of your purchase. While you can make a trigger guard attachment for a holster on your own, if you have one built into your unit, you won’t have to hassle with it.
2. Printing
To verify the level of discretion of an appendix holster, check to see if it leaves any prints under your clothes. Even though the gun is hidden from plain sight, printing occurs when people can see its shape from outside the cloth.
Holsters that cause printing are not truly concealed. Once you put on your holster and go about your business, you must remove all traces of your firearm. Wearing a holster should conceal your carry so that no one can tell you have a weapon.
When you try out the holster, look in the mirror to ensure that there are no prints.
3. Retention
A holster’s retention is essential, no matter what type of material it is made from. Holster grip strength refers to how well your weapon is held in the holster. Your overall experience with the unit will be negatively impacted by the lack of proper retention adjustment features.
Holsters should hold guns securely and allow smooth draws when needed for perfect retention. The retention level of leather appendix holsters tends to be set, unlike Kydex holsters that offer a lot of adjustment options.
The leather, however, will feel smooth and comfortable after several uses since it molds to the gun’s shape.
4. Material Thickness and Quality
An appendix holster’s construction quality should never be compromised. Holsters push guns against your abdomen, so you shouldn’t make them too bulky, as this could cause discomfort over time. Kydex polymer, leather, or nylon are the most common materials used to make appendix holsters.
- Nylon
Our first recommendation is to stay away from nylon holsters. The material is too unreliable, despite the fact that they are extremely cheap and might seem like a good value at first glance. It is important to note that nylon holsters are prone to collapsing on themselves. Since you have to pull out your weapon to holster it, holstering can be annoying.
- Leather
A leather holster will feel smoother and softer against your skin if it is made of leather. Even though leather holsters are a bit pricey, they are quite durable. Leather can lose its elasticity over time, which is a major problem with this material. The durability of a leather holster is, however, quite high.
- Kydex Polymer
Because of its unparalleled durability, Kydex polymer stands out as the most reliable material. In the long run, it does not bend or loosen up due to its tough and rigid nature. The hardness of Kydex polymer, however, can cause it to rub against the abdomen and feel itchy.
5. Weapon Protection
Holsters serve not only to protect handguns from perpetrators but, more importantly, from cosmetic flaws. The finish of your weapon can be damaged every time you draw the appendix holster or put it back in the holster if it is too stiff and made of abrasive materials.
Gun owners have a high sense of personal responsibility when it comes to their handguns, so damage to them is unacceptable. When buying a weapon, make sure it does not have these problems if you care about its appearance. The finish can also be damaged by too much retention.
A sweat guard is another useful feature on holsters. You will never have to worry about body sweat getting on your weapon with this handy little section. During hot summer days or when you live in a humid region, this feature is especially useful.
6. Grip
When purchasing an appendix carry holster, you also need to make sure your grip is comfortable. As a result of the position in which the holster is carried, this type of unit already has a comfortable grip. Holsters, however, may cause you problems if the design blocks your hand position.
When you are pulling your weapon out, you will not be able to get a full combat grip on it. As a result, your draw speed will be drastically affected. When it comes to life or death, every second counts in a high-stress situation. It is impossible to reliably emerge unscathed from that situation if you do not have a comfortable grip.
7. Gun Compatibility
Most people overlook the fact that holsters must be compatible with the weapon they intend to use. Although there are generic holsters available for almost any handgun, they do not perform as well as weapon-specific holsters since they were not designed for specific pistols.
There are many variants of weapon-specific handgun holsters that are suitable for different firearms. Check your weapon’s specifications to ensure you’re looking at the right product. When you have a Glock 27, you do not need a holster made for Taurus. There is just no way to make it work.
8. Barrel Rest Design
There are two types of appendix holsters: open-barrel and close-ended. There isn’t much difference between the two in terms of functionality. The open-barrel design has the advantage of being slightly more versatile. Having the barrel of the weapon threaded through the opening gives you more flexibility.
Due to the protrusion of the extra part of the weapon from the end of the unit, you are able to holster weapons equipped with suppressors or silencers without too much hassle. A second advantage of the design is that it provides better ventilation and allows your weapon to remain cooler during the summer. The issue is not as important if your weapon will not be equipped with attachments.
9. Hand Preference
Can you tell me if you’re a lefty or a righty? When choosing a holster, you should consider your strongest side. There are two different holsters available on the market depending on your hand preference. Choose one that is comfortable for you.
There are also ambidextrous units available. The holster is designed for both left and right handed drawing, so your preference will not affect your experience. You do not have to worry about your hand preference if you find one with an ambidextrous design.
10. Price
One last shopping tip we’d like to share with you has nothing to do with gun holsters. All investments you make throughout your lifetime are subject to this. Make sure to determine your budget before buying a certain product. There would be fewer headaches for you if you did it.
There are a lot of holsters available these days, which makes it hard to browse through them all. The first thing you can do is set a spending limit so that you can eliminate most of the products right away. Once you have cross-checked your requirements with the available features, you can narrow down the perfect product.
Final Thoughts
The decision to go with an appendix holster may be one of the best you ever make. Especially if you are a user of the IWB, this unit will offer you an excellent chance to enhance your shooting game by a significant margin. The OWB holster combines all of the best elements of both an IWB and an OWB holster into a neat little package that takes the best elements from both.
Here are all the details you need to know on how to start searching for the perfect appendix holster. Putting everything you learned here to use, start browsing the market instead of worrying whether you will make the wrong choice.