What is a Hybrid Holster?

A Comprehensive Guide

A holster is a holder for handguns, most often carried in the waistband or on the belt. A holster also serves as insulation between handgun and body. A holster can either be a more permanent form of equipment or simply just some leather that the gun is held into. Holsters are also used to carry handguns concealed and provide safety and quick access to the wearer’s firearm.

Table of Contents

Holsters can be made out of different materials. The more common are cloth, ballistic nylon, molded plastics, and leather.  Leather is the most common material for high-quality holsters. In this article, we will discuss what is a hybrid holster?

What is a Hybrid Holster?

A hybrid holster is a type of holster that has several materials in its construction. For example, makers of high-quality holsters commonly use leather and Kydex to make the product durable and flexible. The leather provides comfort while remaining strong and flexible, while components like the Kydex ensure that your firearm stays safe and secure in place. Hybrid holsters can come in practically any style, color, size, or material to fit all different kinds of firearms.

Using different materials ensures that the holster can withstand years of wear without showing signs of cracking or deteriorating while remaining comfortable to wear. A well-made hybrid holster can last a lifetime and serve as a safe way to carry a firearm every day. Some styles include adjustable cant and ride height; others are made with carbon fiber to provide extra security without adding weight to the gun itself. No matter which type of holster you are looking for, a hybrid option is perfect for your particular needs.

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Types of Hybrid Holsters

There are many different types of hybrid holsters available. Here we discuss more these common types:

Leather and Kydex Hybrid Holsters

The first type of hybrid holster is a Leather shell with a Kydex insert. The leather provides the structure for the holster, while the Kydex holds it to your waistband or another area around your belt line. This style allows you to have custom-made shells and an unlimited number of Kydex colors and patterns able to be cut on your style.

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Kydex and Leather Blend Hybrid Holsters

The next type is a combination of leather backing with injected molded Kydex front. This holster is strong, durable, easily cleaned, will not absorb sweat allowing the firearm to be easily accessible. The leather provides comfort for the wearer, while the Kydex not only secures the gun but allows for a smooth draw.

Leather and Carbon Fiber Hybrid Holsters

The third type of hybrid holster is a great option for someone looking to carry their firearm concealed. The leather is used as the backing, while the carbon fiber face ensures that your firearm will stay safe and secure without adding any bulk to the gun itself. This style has all the comfort of leather with no unnecessary thickness or additional weight.

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Leather and Nylon Hybrid Holsters

The fourth type is made of two separate materials that are molded together to create the perfect holster. The leather provides the structure while the nylon secures it in place with clips fastened either directly to your belt or around your waistband. This style comes in many different colors and patterns with the option for custom-molded shells.

Leather and Steel Hybrid Holsters

The fifth type is another great concealed carry option because the steel plate helps keep your firearm in place while remaining completely invisible on your body. This style offers all the leather structure and stability benefits with added security and concealment to hold your gun.

Leather and Polymer Hybrid Holsters

The sixth type has a leather backing and a molded polymer front. This holster provides all leather comfort with the durability and strength that only injection molded polymers can offer. This style offers great retention and adjustable cant and ride height for convenience and ease in reaching your firearm.

Leather and Elastic Hybrid Holsters

The seventh consists of an elastic polymer front. This style comes in many colors and patterns to fit your needs, which helps provide leather comfort while remaining breathable for everyday wear. The elastic polymer creates an easy draw from concealment without being too noticeable or bulky. A hybrid holster simply combines two or more materials to construct the best possible product for every individual. Each material has its benefits and properties, making for the perfect option for your everyday carry needs when you combine them.

Why You Need a Hybrid Holster?

If you are looking for comfort, durability, and ease of access with your concealed carry holster, it’s important to find the right one.  A hybrid holster is a perfect balance between durability, safety, and ease of draw. Depending on your needs and what you are looking for in a holster, a hybrid option may better suit your particular style. The leather backing provides great structure and stability, while the polymer exterior helps create a smooth draw from concealment. No matter which material you choose, it will provide the same retention benefits and prevent wear and tear. The only difference is in how it looks or feels with your gun inside of it.

Why Not Use a Hybrid Holster?

While there are many reasons why a hybrid holster might be a great option for you, it may not be a great option for you if you do not carry a gun every day. Hybrids are typically thicker than other holster types, so this may be uncomfortable f you do not wear a belt every day. Some hybrid holsters are attached with clips on the outside of your pants, which can cause discomfort when sitting down. Not all hybrids are adjustable, so if this may not be a great option. Every person’s needs and preferences are different, so it is important to find the perfect holster for you.

Materials Used in Holsters

Here are  some of the most common materials used in holster construction

Leather

A natural material that is great at maintaining its structure over time. With proper care and regular cleaning, leather can last for decades with proper maintenance. Leather is a porous material, so it can be dyed to almost any color or pattern you choose, which is why it’s a great material for both men and women. It is also great at accommodating body shape over long periods of wear, which is why it can be a great option for everyday carry.

Polymer

A synthetic extreme high-density plastic that is incredibly durable and easy to maintain. It has no retention benefits like leather or steel, but it provides a very smooth concealment draw. Polymer holsters are usually more affordable than their leather counterparts, making this option great for everyday carry if you are on a budget. This material is also easy to fit different handguns into because it has no stretch like elastic materials.

Kydex

This is a plastic material that can be molded into different shapes for individual handguns. It is durable, has no stretch, and is not porous, so it does not retain sweat or water. Like polymer, there is no retention, so this type of holster may not be the best for concealment purposes, but it is a great option for those who love to run or train regularly. This material can also be easily cleaned, making this holster a popular choice for working outdoors or regularly encountering inclement weather.

Neoprene

This material is a synthetic rubber that can be stretched to fit different handgun shapes, but it does not provide any retention benefits. The primary purpose of a neoprene holster is for comfort and concealment purposes, so this might be a good choice if you need something comfortable or have a larger waist size.

Steel

This material works well in a holster because it provides a smooth draw from concealment while also providing the same stability and retention benefits as leather. This material is not porous, which means you do not have to worry about it retaining water or sweat throughout regular wear, so this could be a good choice if you work outdoors regularly or go hiking regularly. It has no stretch, so if you plan on sitting regularly, this might not be the best choice for you due to being too tight around your waist when sitting.

FAQs

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Conclusion

While a hybrid holster may not be the best idea for every person, it is an option to consider. Depending on your preference and the needs of users, many different materials can accommodate you. It also gives you the ability to change the look of your holster by allowing you to choose from a wider variety of color options. If you are looking to take your concealed carry game up a notch, then this might just be the upgrade you need. We have covered everything about what is a hybrid holster? Thank you for reading this article.