Leather Holsters vs. Kydex Holsters - Unbiased Opinion!

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LEATHER Holsters VS. KYDEX Holsters
Alright guys I am here today with the age old debate of Leather Vs. Kydex…
One of the main issues with this debate over the years is it started with the holster manufactures. So you get the leather holster makers that hate kydex holsters as they came to the scene and took a good chunk of there business. Then the kydex holster companies don’t want you to consider leather as that is not good for there business…
So you get a very biased opinion and some true facts, and some facts that just aren’t facts at all.
With us at Muddy River Tactical, we have absolutely zero bias as we make both leather holsters and kydex holsters. A lot of us here will use both at different times and situations.
Today we are going to break it down a little and go over the advantages and disadvantages of Leather Holsters vs. Kydex Holster….
1.COMFORT
Lets start by clearing the air…. comfort in concealed carry is a relative term. If you have never carried inside the waistband, sticking a hunk of metal in your pants is going to be an adjustment no matter what holster you have! No different if you don’t wear a watch your whole life, then start wearing one. Its going to feel weird and uncomfortable until you get used to it!
If comfort is your MAIN concern and objective, leather is always going to be more comfortable. Leather has a “padding” effect as it is softer and molds to your body.
Kydex holsters no matter the maker or style, are rigid and hard against your skin.
Now that’s not saying kydex is uncomfortable, but in comparison the leather will have the edge over kydex in straight comfort. Now, Lets not forget the “ relative term “ of comfort in concealed carry.
Leather tends to be a great entry level holster as it makes the transition from nothing in your waistband, to a hunk of metal easier. However most people as they progress in there concealed carry journey and start training more will transition to a kydex holster for the other benefits that kydex offers!
2. Retention
Retention is a subject that if you ask 100 gun guys, you will get 100 answers on what the perfect level of retention is! You will get the guys that want to be able to shake a holster upside down absolutely as hard as possible and the gun not move. Almost like king kong is shaking them from there feet!
Then on the other edge of the spectrum, you get guys that want the gun to barely have to be pulled to pop out of holster.
I personally like a good “ middle “ ground. I want my firearm secure obviously, however I don’t want to have to take both hands to pull it out either!
Leather vs kYdex retention is two totally different types.
Leather holsters are designed to have retention when you are wearing the firearm. The friction of your body and belt against the holster and firearm give it plenty of retention to stay in the holster without falling out.
Kydex holsters however have the classic “ click “ in retention. The firearm will have the same constant retention whether you are wearing the holster or not. When you place the firearm in the holster you get that audible sound and you know its secure. You can hold the holster upside down and the firearm does not come out of holster.
3. Re-holstering
A kydex holster is rigid and will stay open all the time whether your firearm is in the holster or not. This is a huge advantage to kydex holsters as it allows you to quickly and easily re-holster your firearm.
Leather holsters will partially collapse when the firearm is not in the holster. You can still re-holster your weapon, however it will take a little more time and possibly your second hand when doing so. So when you are training and practicing draw cycles etc, it will take you more time and be a little more tedious.
The people that are not concerned about this have the thinking process that, if god forbid they ever have to draw or use the weapon in a life threatening situation, re-holstering super quickly will not be on top of there priority list.
There is many takes on this argument, however if re-holstering quickly and easily is a priority to you and how you train, then kydex holsters are the way to go without a doubt!
4. more options with kydex
It allows you to “ build” the hoslter for you and your situation
No matter what holster you have, training and being comfortable with your setup should always be the #1 priority.
Thank you all for joining us today, we appreciate you all more than you know! If you have any questions please leave them in the comments section below, we are always here to help!
Hope you all have a great day and we will see you on the next video!

[@Owen4it]

Everyone should have a couple of each! Good info in a direct and easy to understand delivery. Thank you!

[@billwhelan869]

I love your very clear and detailed explanation of the pros and cons of each holster type. Thank you! What’s your take on managing the proverbial “wear and tear” that makes an otherwise well cared for and maintained weapon look old, marred, and weathered?

[@muddyrivertactical]

Keeping your holster clean is the biggest thing you can do. Dirt and dust in your holster will act like sandpaper against the finish of your pistol.

[@chrislocke1042]

I just ordered my Tuckable leather IWB yesterday first leather holster for me. Can't wait. Re hosltering for me is definitely not a "get in a hurry" thing.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thank you for your support sir, we truly appreciate it!

[@MDCreload]

I just received my first leather holster iwb today. From different company. But, between the kydex and leather. Comfort is leather. I am going to love my leather holster. I can move it anywhere from appendix to 4 o clock. Sitting in the car and be comfortable. With my kydex. When placed at appendix. It was digging hard into my thigh. I got use to it and be okay with it for like 9 hours of driving and being out and about outside of vehicle. But at the end of the day I would be sore and have a bruise on my thigh. Which is why i went to leather. The comfort is outstanding. It took 30 mins to break the leather in to fit the handgun properly.

[@tonyzapata9976]

Great video, great product. Your water buffalo holsters are a thing of beauty. I just received my second one and love it. Muddy River Tactical has great customer service, and very fast response time to questions.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thank you for your support sir, we appreciate you more than you know!

[@Scorp333]

What's your discount code?

[@tonyzapata9976]

@@Scorp333 I didn't know there was a discount code, but the holster I was referencing, the soft IWB is on sale right now.

[@cheeng1]

Excellent perspective that leather is a great material for someone who hasn’t carried before with respect to comfort.

[@muddyrivertactical]

For sure. Having it on you if you ever need it is main thing!

[@TheOGJeff]

I don't understand why there can't be a slim leather holster with a sweat guard and retention adjustment or even just the bare minimum of something in the leather holster to hold on to the gun and also keep the holster from collapsing.

[@cfbodman2]

I like the leather against the skin and Kydex to hold the gun secure, which is why I choose that combo in a holster and more makers are offering that today

[@muddyrivertactical]

Yes sir our comfort carry hybrid holsters are kind of a best of both worlds

[@trey2297]

What’s the website?

[@trey2297]

What’s the hybrid holster called ?

[@dansherman1980]

The comfort category is subjective. If it’s hot and humid the leather will stick to your skin and some folks are allergic to the treatments put on leather. Kydex will make your skin sweat and create a channel for sweat to flow causing a wet spot. However leather will flex and move with you but kydex can as well if they’re equipped with the hardware.

[@rkendall94]

Just ordered a Kydex holster from you for my new Canik MC9. Cant wait to try it out!

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thank you, we truly appreciate the opportunity to earn your business!!

[@draxodrax8371]

I have several of both, but I carry OWB, and Kydex tends to carry the weapon higher on the body, so Kydex it is for me for ccw.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Both have there place for sure in different situations. Thank you for your support!

[@gunslinger270]

Love this objective take on the subject. I will be looking at your products as it's obvious that your company keeps customer preference as one of your priorities, a rare sight in this day and age.

[@muddyrivertactical]

If you need anything we are always here to help!

[@gunslinger270]

@@muddyrivertactical you dont make custom fitted holsters, and I have a model almost no one carries...the Sig P250, and I refuse to part with it. I'll keep you in mind next time I purchase a more popular model of pistol.

[@leoguy1609]

Like leather holster but they are harder to clean require more maintenance and harder to remove if not well fitted to your gun. Real drawback of the Kydex holsters is that they can become slippery when wet. Just bought one of your Kydex Holsters and looking forward to seeing it.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thank you sir, we truly appreciate your support!

[@theloki72]

That's an easy one. Leather for revolvers, kydex for semi autos.

[@michaelsaine]

What about guns like 1911 or even the browning hi power

[@Gnome-kc7pr]

@@michaelsainewhichever is better

[@phantomstrike3310]

Just ordered a leather holster from you for my Mete MC9. I actually have 3 MC9s. I have heard great things about the company. Im looking forward to getting it.....i hope the hype is real 👍

[@muddyrivertactical]

We appreciate you!

[@phantomstrike3310]

​@@muddyrivertacticalI saw my holster actually already shipped earlier....that's great customer service 👍. Question, do you make the leather IWB holster for the CZ P-01? I couldn't find it but might have missed it. If you do, I'll be sure to order one

[@morgansnell3762]

Thanks for the information and thoughts on this! Always perusing for the best IWB holster! I do use one of your holds for my EDC

[@muddyrivertactical]

Absolutely sir we are always here to help. Thank you for your support!

[@livebreatheadaptevolve]

Great video but one thing you didn't address and I'd appreciate your opinion on - if you have a "collector" firearm, would leather be the BETTER choice for OWB? If you're carrying an SK Customs or Cerakote firearm I'm worried my Kydex is going to Mar the custom finish? Looking forward to your advice & opinion

[@Anw120]

did you ever find an answer to this question?

[@livebreatheadaptevolve]

@@Anw120 Not from the creator as you see. I did speak to SK and they agreed with me: Leather would be the "better" choice since it's softer. Leather can also mar but that would be over decades in my opinion. I own a bunch of custom firearms (I need to post more videos) but will use my old duty Glock as the example. 30 years later it shows very MINIMAL "wear" marks and it was used in a Safariland rigged leather holster with soft interior and retention lock. Love Kydex but wouldn't trust it with my gold plated firearms. Currently testing my deadpool in Kydex that I use as my EDC. I'll keep you posted. Hopefully the Kydex doesn't wear off the paint. So far about 6 months and no issues.

[@Anw120]

@@livebreatheadaptevolve thanks - I have a older model P239 in good condition, I bought it to be my carry gun, but feel kinda bad about scratching it up in a kydex holster. I’ve been reading kydex is much faster on the draw, so I guess kydex it is. Will just have to get scratched up I think, no way around it. Was going to get a leather AIWB holster, but it seems the draw would be inconsistent and could take longer, which defeats the purpose it seems

[@albertptran]

Love how kydex is rigid and keeps its form open for easy reholstering with one hand

[@muddyrivertactical]

yes sir that is one of its main benefits

[@andersonwire]

Very well explained! You bought up a lot of good points in re-holstering

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thanks for watching!

[@henrywhenryw812]

Can you offer black leather holsters and not only brown?

[@muddyrivertactical]

only brown as they are natural leather

[@stevegreenfield6631]

Can you tell me the difference between your "soft' leather IWB holster & your regular leather holster. Thanks.

[@muddyrivertactical]

We make a soft leather holster and a tuckable leather holster for inside the waistband. Both are natural water buffalo leather Soft leather has 5-6 oz leather, metal clip fixed at 10 degree cant angle Tuckable leather is 11-12 oz leather with tuck-able clip and adjustable cant angle

[@stevegreenfield6631]

@@muddyrivertactical So they are basically the same, Except the soft leather is thinner & more pliable. And the tuckable holster has a space for shirt tucking and the soft leather doesn't have the space. Yes? Thanks.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Yes the tuckable is the upgraded version. Full grain leather, tuckable clip and tuckable feature, adjustable cant angle, better clip

[@job1685]

Good info. It helped me make up my mind on this.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the opportunity to earn your business!

[@iRIDE279]

Hmm. I'm wondering know if I made the right choice. Guess I'll find out once it gets here.

[@rudygonzales2003]

Need something for us who wear overalls.

[@matthewrobinson4323]

Excellent video. What's your website?

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thank you sir! www.MuddyRiverTactical.com

[@sammathis]

I just bought your water buffalo leather iwb holster last week. I am new to the world of concealed carry, but I definitely fell into the camp of people who wanted to be comfortable as possible. Being the new guy in the club, it's such a strange feeling to have a big chunk of metal shoved in my pants while I do my daily stuff, but the leather holster is very comfortable. I also wanted to try to buy from somebody as local to me as possible, and you guys are just a few hours away from me. If I decide to get kydex, I will probably get it from you guys as well. Thanks for making a great product.

[@muddyrivertactical]

We appreciate you and the opportunity to earn your business! If you need anything along the way we are always here to help!

[@Philmoscowitz]

What about holster wear on the firearm? I've only used kydex, so I don't know whether leather is better, but it seems like leather would cause less wear.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Both are equal really. Man thing about holster wear on any holster is simply keeping holster clean

[@Philmoscowitz]

@@muddyrivertactical Thanks, man.

[@stanleychamallas2331]

Excellent explanation of both types of holsters

[@muddyrivertactical]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@TheChaz81]

Off topic but does your guys kydex iwb holster for the Prodigy 4.25" fit the enigma system?

[@muddyrivertactical]

As long as you get the claw

[@PeterFusco]

I have three of your leather holsters. My opinion is that they are far more comfortable and if tshtf, reholstering is not a consideration. After all, in the old West it was pull and shoot. If you were successful you could reholster at your leisure.

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thanks for your support!

[@redserv3nt62]

What is a good holster for sar b6 sar 9 or sar 2000

[@donnierunyan504]

Which one is better for your pistol wear marks

[@cecilwilliams8709]

Leather will polish the finish off of your gun, kydex will scratch the finish off of your gun.

[@dimassalazar906]

Haven't found a kydex holster I can wear all day yet. End up wearing a iwb or owb leather holster.

[@muddyrivertactical]

That is why we offer both leather and kydex. One is not perfect for everyone for sure. If you need anything we are always here to help!

[@edwardburd6338]

All a personal opinion but I love my Muddy River leather holster.

[@muddyrivertactical]

We appreciate you!

[@MilitantX1]

I have both, Leather and Kydex holsters for the win! 😂🤣😎

[@muddyrivertactical]

Can’t go wrong with options!

[@billhollis3977]

Comfront carry my edc now

[@muddyrivertactical]

Great choice

[@MarineRecon6682]

For me leather.

[@terryburton971]

Leather inside and outside

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thanks for your support!

[@michaelwren5276]

Well said sir

[@muddyrivertactical]

Thanks for watching

[@AledkNick-z5j]

Gideon Glens

[@ColemanKarz-v2y]

Norris Stravenue

[@cjykqn]

Just get one of each

[@muddyrivertactical]

That works too 😂 Thanks for watching

[@LizzieGeorge-e4l]

Precious Stravenue

[@wayne8276]

Leather for me .

[@BetsyOwen-b5b]

Ericka Roads

[@IoneWinterberg-d4x]

Cleo Mills

[@jeff7389]

The soft Buffalo Hyde leather is very comfortable....how comfortable? I carry a glock 43X, ill be doing stuff around the house, and forget im wearing. I like the darker brown, don't care for the lighter color.

[@JohnnyJohnson-f5n]

Runolfsdottir Pines

[@JackCook-e2f]

Kirstin Field

[@DunlopValentina-t9b]

Jalyn Brooks

[@EricGibbs-y7u]

Desmond Forks

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Kamron Way

[@nathanielgamis3038]

The finger

[@CamilleLopez-u8n]

Turcotte Corner

[@MatthewJohnson-e7z]

Carroll Shoal

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Brakus Street

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Mollie Divide

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Godfrey Manor

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Ullrich Ville

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Deja Streets

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Jesse Tunnel

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Dibbert Brooks

[@GlennJudah]

Leather for OWB, kydex for IWB.

[@Bananahammock88]

I’d say the opposite. lol kydex cuts the crap out of me

[@heavenbound358]

​@@Bananahammock88EXACTLY!! Opposite is true😮😮

[@jdykstra3365]

Its the opposite... kydex is painful up against skin, bone and muscle ... leather is for comfort, so leather is way better against body... kydex should be owb, leather iwb

[@heavenbound358]

@@jdykstra3365 bingo!!

[@GlennJudah]

@@jdykstra3365 for you maybe, good. I am 👆

[@PansyTiffany-n3x]

Conn Mall

[@SamuelJulia-f4o]

Denesik Squares

[@AldridgeJoyce-j3i]

Denesik Plaza

[@Abclyfestyle]

I dont like how they plastic holsters have taken over the market

[@muddyrivertactical]

That’s why we still make leather as well. Not everyone likes the same things.

[@michaelkelly7830]

What. Leather Company do you work for!

[@Abclyfestyle]

@@michaelkelly7830 I don't, bro. Can't use that plastic bullshit.

[@Triangle66]

Hybrid

[@ShantelLopez-g8g]

Eva Stream

[@GeorgeKracht-p9y]

Paul Valley

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Jenifer Cliffs