Kydex Holster Basics

Kydex holsters continue to gather a following in nearly*Water/moisture Resistant
every facet of the shooting industry from range use toOne potential downside of leather is that it isn't truly
competitive shooters to concealed carry permitwaterproof. Over time, leather holsters can and will
holders. Today nearly every style of leather gunabsorb moisture.That moisture can soak into the
holster is available in a comparable kydex version. Ifholster and affect the weapon finish, as well as
you follow any popular gun forums, youll eventually seeproduce a foul odor. Kydex is virtually waterproof,
someone post a question about kydex holsters and itsmaking it an excellent choice for holster use in humid or
advantages or disadvantages. To answer questionstropical climates.
about kydex, we first need to define exactly whatLike everything in life, kydex also has a downside:
kydex is. Kydex is a durable acrylic/PVC thermoplastic*Weapon wear
manufactured and marketed by the KleerdexFirst, we need to talk about some facts in regards to
Company in Bloomberg, P.A. It is manufactured in afinish wear.. Wear on the weapon is generally
wide range of different colors, patterns, textures,associated with friction that takes place each time the
thicknesses, and grades. Produced for long-termweapon is drawn and holstered. Over time, that
durability, kydex has a assortment of diverse end-userepeated friction causes wear on the weapon. This
applications.type of wear occurs on weapons that are holstered
In addition to gun holsters, kydex is also used for:and unholstered no matter what the holster itself is
Aircraft interiors, Medical products, Food processingmade of.
equipment, Electrical components, and Store fixtureNow do kydex holsters cause wear?
componentsThe short answer is yes it will, but several other
First produced in 1965, kydex was introduced to thefactors will play a big role in the level and amount of
market by a company called Rohm and Haas.wear. To further explain, leather holsters are molded
Originally designed to be used in commercial aircrafts,specifically to fit a particular weapon. The close fit of
its strength to weight ratio and durability made kydexthe leather grabs the weapon and keeps it in the
an excellent choice for other commercial applications.holster. Kydex holsters typically provide retention
Shortly after its inception, kydex was quickly adoptedthrough specific points within the holster that "grab"
for use by United, American, Delta and other majoronto the weapon itself. These specific retention points
airlines.are usually located around the trigger guard, and front
The rights to kydex were eventually sold to theof the muzzle (front slide area for semi-automatics).
Kleerdex Company in 1987, and they began producingOver time, repeated holstering and unholstering will
it at their P.A. plant.most likely cause some finish wear at these points. In
As with any material, Kydex holsters have pros andmost quality kydex holsters, the amount of wear is
cons compared to traditional leather holsters. Here areusually dependant on the frequency of draws and
a few pros:re-holstering.
*DurabilityHopefully this information will be helpful to you and
Using the pound for pound analogy, kydex is a moreanswer some of the common questions that you may
durable material than leather, and has a much higherface when deciding on a kydex gun holster.
impact resistant rating. Accidentally spill gas or someBrad Justus is the co-founder of Gunner's Alley, which
other solvent on your favorite leather holster, or catchspecializes in handgun holsters and related shooting
that holster on a sharp object, and you'll see wheresupplies. Please visit Gunner's Alley if you would like
kydex could be beneficial. In addition, leather will stretchmore information on kydex holsters.
out over time, while kydex will retain its original form.