I’m old but I have both. For me you have lots more options as far as optics and lights if that’s important with kydex. Good leather is less weather resistant but more forgiving on weapons finishes and contours to your body better. IWB is more comfortable in leather and more traditional. I’m not sure one lasts longer than the other if treated properly. Leather can dry out eventually buy kydex may crack if used every day eventually. Kydex is less expensive than quality leather. Your mileage may be different than mine.

 

I have both leather and kydex holsters. I overwhelmingly prefer leather.

My main objection to a lot of kydex holsters is that there are too many fasteners and things to break/fail suddenly.

No need to worry about torque specs and loctite with good stitched leather. Of course all those fasteners allow a level of adjustment and flexibility in positioning that most leather holsters cannot match.

Ultimately there is no such thing as a free lunch.

 

And no one best material. I have both, some for the same firearms. Depends on what I'm wearing, where I'm going, outdoor temperature, etc.

 

My reason for switching from leather to Kydex holsters is that my recent pistol acquisitions have been difficult to fit even after a reasonable break-in period. As always, I'm interested in the experiences of the Assembled Multitude.

 

OWB i prefer kydex with some form of extra retention. IWB, leather is more comfortable, given its a little thicker than common kydex.

 

I've only owned a couple of leather holsters, but I have nothing against them. I like kydex because of the trigger guard click retention, and also because they don't absorb moisture, so I can just take the whole rig off at night and put it away.

 

Are there any hardshell holsters (Kydex) that are less prone to marring the surface finish of the pistol?

I'm specifically looking for something for the Q5 Match SF Pro with SRO and so far have only found the Black Scorpion duty and competition, but have plenty of others that I'd like to get fitted for.

Marring the finish on the slide and frame is a concern since the Q5 will never see use as a duty or EDC CCW and I personally find it a beautiful pistol design, especially with the SRO installed.

And, dont pretty guns shoot better? 🤪

 

Only solution ive found to avoid holster wear is to never holster the pistol

Smoothed edges and a loose fit can go a long way towards avoiding holster wear - but I've also had guns get marred pretty quickly and severely from a poorly fit or too tight holster

 

Neither for me, I use stealthgear ventcore for IWB carry. Hybrid ventcore material against your body, outer shell is kydex. Very breathable, very secure. I wear them year round in humid West Kentucky. This Walther has been carried for years and still looks pretty good. Just a little honest wear. There's a version 2.0 available now, but I have no intentions of switching.

 

Okay, after 50+ years of favoring leather holsters over Kydex, I've changed my mind. For me, the Kydex is working better.

Will the Assembled Multitude share their observations and insights regarding the advantages of choosing one material over the other?

My view on this is what's right for the individual is right. I love leather and kydex and have both. What I carry, depends on where I'm going. My kydex holsters are great for range or EDC. My leather holsters are great for EDC in general where I want lower profile and more comfort. It's an individual thing that depends on each person and what they're doing.

 

Absolutely. I switched because I was dissatisfied with the fit of the leather holsters of the PPQ45, PDP, PPX, and the G30. The Kydex holsters regardless of their shortcomings in the eyes of some, fit better. Your milage may vary. The majority of my EDC holsters over the years have been and remain leather. As a History major, I'm a traditionalist.

 

IMHO leather is the answer. Kydex will wear on the weapon finish faster than leather. All my holsters are leather; a few are Davis leather from the mid-80s that show very little wear. Quality leather is the answer don’t waste your money on things that you have to re[lace every few years.

 

I’ve tried both and have settled (back) on leather for its lower profile and extended wear comfort for OWB carry. The side benefit is leather is generally gentler on firearm finishes and clothing.