Ever wondered how some people carry their firearms so comfortably and securely? It often comes down to the right gear, and when it comes to outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry, Kydex holsters are a big deal. But let’s be honest, picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle. You want something that holds your firearm tight without being a hassle to draw, and you also want it to be comfortable enough to wear all day. It’s easy to get lost in all the different styles, retention levels, and mounting options.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down everything you need to know about Kydex OWB holsters. You’ll learn what makes them great, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to find one that fits your needs perfectly. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident in choosing a holster that keeps your firearm safe and accessible.
Our Top 5 Kydex Holster Owb Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Kydex Holster Owb Detailed Reviews
1. OWB Kydex Holster for Glock 19 19x 25 30s 44 45 17 Glock 26 (Gen 1-5) / 22 23 27 31 32 33 (Gen 3-4) Pistol
Rating: 8.8/10
The PoLe.Craft OWB Kydex Holster is designed for outside-the-waistband carry, offering a secure and reliable way to carry your Glock pistol. This holster is specifically molded for a range of Glock models, ensuring a snug fit for your firearm. It’s crafted from durable Kydex, a material known for its toughness and resistance to the elements, making it a dependable choice for everyday carry.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong and lightweight US .08″ Kydex that is waterproof and sweat-proof.
- The holster has a safety lock belt clip that fits belts from 1.5 to 2 inches wide and can be adjusted for height and angle.
- You can adjust how tightly the holster holds your gun using a screw, so it feels just right for you.
- The opening is made wider to help you put your gun in and take it out easily without scratching it.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can buy it with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- The holster is specifically designed for Glock pistols; it won’t fit other brands.
- While durable, Kydex can be a bit stiff compared to softer holster materials.
This holster offers a secure and customizable carry experience for Glock owners. Its robust construction and safety features make it a solid option for those who prioritize reliability and ease of use.
2. WARRIORLAND OWB Kydex Holster
Rating: 9.0/10
The WARRIORLAND OWB Kydex Holster is built for serious Glock owners. It’s designed to fit a wide range of Glock models, including the popular 17, 19, and their MOS versions, as well as many others. This holster is made in the USA from tough Kydex, so you know it’s durable. It’s also ready for your favorite red dot sights and has a special paddle to keep it secure on your belt.
What We Like:
- It fits many Glock models, making it super versatile.
- The “Posi-Click” system makes a satisfying click when your gun is secure.
- It’s optic-ready, so you can use your red dot sight without problems.
- The holster covers the trigger fully, which is important for safety.
- It’s made from strong Kydex and the edges are smooth to protect your gun.
- The paddle fits belts up to 1.75 inches and has a hook to keep it in place.
What Could Be Improved:
- It doesn’t work with certain Glock models like the Gen 5 G22/23/31 or any with lights or lasers attached.
- The product description could be clearer about which exact models are compatible.
Overall, the WARRIORLAND OWB Kydex Holster offers a secure and reliable way to carry your Glock. It’s a great option for anyone who wants a well-made holster for their favorite handgun.
3. OWB Holster – Matte Black (Left-Hand
Rating: 9.4/10
This OWB Holster in Matte Black is designed for left-handed shooters. It fits a wide range of Glock models, including the 17, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 34, 35, and 41. It’s made entirely from Kydex, which is a tough plastic. The matte black finish looks sleek on both the front and back. It comes with strong belt loops that are 1.5 inches wide.
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What We Like:
- It’s made from sturdy, all-Kydex material for lasting use.
- The matte black finish gives it a cool, non-reflective look.
- It includes strong, injection-molded belt loops for a secure fit on your belt.
- This holster is proudly 100% made in the USA.
- It comes with a one-year replacement warranty for peace of mind.
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What Could Be Improved:
- This is a slide-style holster. Guns with barrels longer than 3.5 inches will have some of the barrel sticking out.
- You might see small marks inside the holster from the way it was made, but the holster is brand new.
This holster offers a secure and durable way to carry your Glock. It’s a solid choice for left-handed shooters who value American-made quality.
4. Glock 20 OWB Holster – USA Made – Fits Glock 20
Rating: 8.5/10
The Blade-Tech Signature OWB Holster for your Glock 20 or 21 (Gen 3-5) is built tough right here in the USA. It’s made from strong, heat-resistant polymer that holds up well. This holster gives your firearm a snug and secure fit, making it a great choice for carrying your pistol openly outside your waistband. Blade-Tech believes in their product, offering a lifetime warranty to back it up.
What We Like:
- Built tough and made in the USA from strong, heat-resistant polymer.
- Offers a superior fit compared to Kydex.
- Keeps your Glock 20 or 21 (Gen 3-5) secure and comfortable for everyday carry.
- Works with many different belt attachments thanks to its versatile mounting pattern.
- Comes with a Tek-Lok attachment that fits belts from 1.5” to 2.25″.
- Features adjustable retention so you can get the perfect snugness for your gun.
- Has a positive lock trigger guard that gives you a clear click when your gun is safely holstered.
- Can fit most red dot sights and suppressor height sights right out of the box.
- Backed by a Carry Confident Lifetime Guarantee – they stand by their product against normal wear and tear.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for a superior fit, some users might find the adjustment screws take a little practice to dial in perfectly.
This Blade-Tech holster provides a secure and reliable way to carry your Glock 20 or 21. Its durable construction and user-friendly features make it a solid option for open carry.
5. Glock Kydex OWB Holster – Fits 17 19 19X 31 32 45 (Gen1-5) & 22 23 (Gen 1-4)
Rating: 8.9/10
The Glock Kydex OWB Holster is designed to carry your Glock pistol securely and comfortably outside your waistband. This holster is made for a variety of Glock models, including the 17, 19, 19X, 31, 32, and 45, across generations 1 through 5. It also fits the 22 and 23 models from generations 1 through 4. If you have a red dot sight on your firearm, this holster is compatible. You can also adjust how tightly the holster holds your pistol for a custom fit. It’s made for right-handed shooters.
What We Like:
- It fits many different Glock models, making it versatile.
- The holster is compatible with red dot sights, which is great for modern setups.
- You can adjust the retention to make sure your gun stays put but is still easy to draw.
- It’s designed for outside-the-waistband carry, which is often comfortable for everyday use.
- The Kydex material is known for being durable and lightweight.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description doesn’t mention specific details about the mounting system or how adjustable the cant is.
- More information on the exact thickness of the Kydex would be helpful for some users.
This holster offers good compatibility and adjustability for many Glock owners. It’s a solid option for carrying your firearm safely.
Choosing Your Perfect Kydex OWB Holster: A Buyer’s Guide
When you need to carry your firearm safely and comfortably outside your waistband (OWB), a Kydex holster is a top choice. Kydex is a strong, durable plastic that molds perfectly to your gun. This guide will help you find the best Kydex OWB holster for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Several important features make a Kydex OWB holster great.
- Retention: This is how well the holster holds your gun. You want it to be secure enough so your gun doesn’t fall out, but easy enough to draw quickly.
- Adjustable retention screws let you fine-tune how tight the holster holds your firearm.
- A good “click” when you re-holster tells you the gun is seated properly.
- Cant (or Angle): This is the tilt of the holster.
- A zero-degree cant is straight up and down.
- A forward cant (like 10-15 degrees) can be more natural for drawing.
- Adjustable cant offers the most flexibility.
- Belt Attachment: How the holster attaches to your belt is crucial for stability.
- Belt Loops: These are common and secure. Look for loops that fit your belt width.
- Molded Belt Loops: These are part of the holster and offer excellent stability.
- Paddle Attachments: These slide over your belt and offer quick on/off but can be less secure than loops.
- Coverage: How much of your firearm the holster covers matters for safety and protection.
- Full sweat guard coverage protects your body from the gun and your gun from sweat.
- Partial sweat guards are also common.
- Open or Closed Muzzle:
- An open muzzle allows dirt and debris to fall out easily.
- A closed muzzle offers more protection for the firearm’s muzzle.
Important Materials
Kydex is the primary material. It’s a thermoplastic that is tough and holds its shape. Good quality Kydex is rigid but can flex slightly without breaking. The hardware, like screws and belt loops, should be made of strong, rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or durable polymers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Fit: The most important factor is a perfect fit for your specific firearm model. A holster that is too loose or too tight will not work well.
- Good Fit: The gun snaps in securely and draws smoothly.
- Poor Fit: The gun rattles, falls out easily, or is difficult to draw.
- Construction: Look for clean edges and smooth finishes.
- High Quality: Smooth edges prevent irritation against your skin and clothing. Precise molding ensures a snug fit.
- Low Quality: Rough edges can snag on clothing or scratch your gun. Sloppy molding leads to poor retention.
- Adjustability: Holsters with adjustable retention and cant offer more versatility.
- Durability: Well-made Kydex holsters last a long time. Cheaper Kydex can become brittle over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Kydex OWB holsters are versatile and popular for many situations.
- Everyday Carry (EDC): Many people find OWB holsters comfortable for daily use, especially when worn with a sturdy belt and a slightly looser shirt or jacket.
- Range Practice: They allow for easy drawing and re-holstering, which is great for training and target shooting.
- Competition Shooting: Some shooting sports require OWB carry, and Kydex holsters are common choices for their speed and reliability.
- Open Carry: Kydex OWB holsters are the standard for legal open carry in many areas.
When you wear a Kydex OWB holster, it sits outside your waistband, usually attached to your belt. This makes it easy to access your firearm. Some people prefer them because they can feel less restrictive than inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters. You will need to wear clothing that can cover the holster if you wish to carry concealed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Kydex?
A: Kydex is a strong and durable plastic that is molded to fit your specific firearm. It holds its shape well.
Q: Why choose an OWB holster over an IWB holster?
A: OWB holsters sit outside your waistband. Some people find them more comfortable and easier to draw from than IWB holsters.
Q: How do I know if a Kydex holster will fit my gun?
A: You must buy a holster made for your exact firearm model. Check the product description carefully.
Q: Is Kydex safe for my firearm?
A: Yes, when made properly. High-quality Kydex will not scratch or damage your gun’s finish.
Q: How do I adjust the retention on my Kydex holster?
A: Many Kydex holsters have small screws. Turning these screws tightens or loosens how well the holster holds your gun.
Q: What does “cant” mean for a holster?
A: Cant is the angle or tilt of the holster on your belt. Some holsters are straight up and down, while others tilt forward.
Q: Can I wear a Kydex OWB holster for concealed carry?
A: Yes, you can. You will need to wear looser clothing, like a jacket or untucked shirt, to cover the holster.
Q: How do I clean my Kydex holster?
A: You can usually clean it with mild soap and water. Dry it thoroughly afterward.
Q: What is a “sweat guard”?
A: A sweat guard is a piece of Kydex that covers the top edge of the holster to protect your body from the gun and the gun from sweat.
Q: How do I attach a Kydex OWB holster to my belt?
A: They usually attach with belt loops or a paddle attachment that slides over your belt.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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