Many gun owners love AIWB (Appendix Inside the Waistband) holsters because they’re exceptionally practical. But choosing the right one for you is a little more complex.
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There are many benefits having your pistol placed right up front. The placement helps you reach your gun in seconds. An AIWB is your best bet for emergency situations.
Unfortunately,there are so many products available,andmanufacturers keep producing new options that the choice seems impossible. How can you even begin to narrow down the giant selection?
Well, we’re here to help We’ve gathered all the information available and can help you find the top AIWB holster for you.
Contents
Value Section
There are 4 primary areas you should take concern in when deciding which is the best AIWB holster for you and your gun. The features and bonus options are great, but your personal preferences should always come first in finding good value.
Consider weight, size, connection, retention, compatibility, and your handedness. Hand orientation is exceptionally difficult for left-handed people. While right-handed people hardly must think about hand orientation, many holsters claim to work ambidextrously but in truth are still very uncomfortable.
These aspects take your personal preferences with the focus on safety and help guide you towards the best value for you.
Compatibility
No AIWB holster is made to fit every pistol although some leather ones do well. Often time one particular AIWB holster will cater towards a series of guns that have the same general build. However, you will be hard-pressed to find a quality AIWB holster that is genuinely versatile.
This lack of versatility is because each gun is constructedwith its advantage in mind. Many AIWB holstersare crafted to fit only one gun providing an “exclusive fit.”
Connection and Retention
The tension that keeps your gun in place is called retention. Many holsters allow for some adjustment so that you can cater towards your preferences. But at the end of the day retention plays a vital role in the safety of the gun while it sits in the holster. You can loosen or tighten the retention to ensure your gun is either staying put or is easier to draw.
Connection refers to the point where the AIWB holster connects with your belt. Usually, hardware creates a safe and secure connection with a clip. Many people prefer steel clips,and they are probably the most commonly seen clips on AIWB holsters.
Weight and Size
Although these are often listed separately they are so interdependent we couldn’t help but combine them. The weight and size of the gun your wearing is already something you must worry about daily. But the holster shouldn’t significantly add to this already existing weight.
If a holster is too large, it is uncomfortable and difficult to get used to wearing. Just the same if a holster is too heavy it can throw off your natural walking stride and leave you with constant back and hip pain. What you don’t want is any unnecessary weight around your waist. The size also determines how easily it conceals.
If you have an exceptionally large holster the attempt of concealing it is lost. Now, if you’re not worried about concealing, you might not care. But even for those who don’t worry about concealment big and bulky holsters are an inconvenience.
Many first-time holster buyers want something with an attachment like a mag pouch and then quickly regret their decisions. Be conscious that whatever weight is on your holster will sit directly on your hips. Focus on your comfort first and aim to find a lightweight AIWB holster.
Hand Orientation
As we mentioned before left-handed people have issues finding quality holsters. But the AIWB holsters can come in right-hand preference, left-hand preference, and ambidextrouspreference. The ambidextrous designs most often rely on a clip that is reversible. So, they aren’t truly ambidextrous only that they come with both a right and left-hand option.
Top 5 AIWB holsters for Glock 19
1. Hazmat Holster
- Very practical
- Adjustable
- Trigger protection
There is some versatility with the Hazmat holster because you can also wear it as an IWB for additional concealment. This AIWB holster is meant to fit several the Glock models but specifically the Glock 19. The Kydex molding is rigid and tough.
What We Liked
- Comes with camouflage wing and edge
- Kydex molding
- Chemical resistant
What We Didn’t Like
- Tension is not adjustable
- Price
Our Final Thoughts
This AIWB holster will secure your handgun and allow you easy access to it with only one hand. The form and design kept the holster exceptionally lightweight. This model is a great option for the Glock 17, 19, 22, and 23. It’s important to note that this product only comes in a right-handed orientation.
2. BravoBelt
- Ambidextrous
- Deep concealment
- Designed to fit a fewdifferent handguns
The BravoBelt is more of a multi-functional item than your standard AIWB holster.
The BravoBelt is a belly band with a holster that has many compartments. The fabric for the belly bad is breathable and offers a lot of flexibility,so it moves with you. If you need something while working or running this is a great choice.
The waist extends up to 44,” and there is virtually no inconvenience in wearing it. The device sits well underneath any clothing type without catching. But many people, women especially, prefer the BravoBelt because of how easy it is to reposition the holster.
What We Liked
- Multifunctional
- Ambidextrous
- Compartments for mag and phone
What We Didn’t Like
- Heavy
Our Final Thoughts
This is a reasonably priced holster option for many different models. The draw is quick once you get through your clothes, but the re-holster is slow because it doesn’t retain its shape so well after drawing the gun out. The tension level is fantastic for being such a versatile model. Then on top of it, the grip remains firm and tight.
It’s also the first holster on our list that fits both right and left-handed gun carriers. If you’re ambidextrous or left-handed, you should seriously consider the BravoBelt.
3. PHLster with TuckStrut
- Designed for concealment
- Body shield
- Compatible with aftermarket upgrades
The PHLster with TuckStrut is the closest thing you’ll find to a versatile holster.
Because the holster fits most body constitutions, it’s easy to modify for your weapon. The cant is adjustable,and it’s easy to concealPHLster with TuckStrut has a fast release and easy access. You can modify both the angle and height for adjusting it to your preferences.
What We Liked
- Small
- Attempts to be versatile
- Tight enough to hold most weapons securely
What We Didn’t Like
- Designed for Glock 17 and 19
- Only for Right-Hand Users
Our Final Thoughts
After all, is said and done the PHLster with TuckStrut was designed for the Glock 17 and 19. It attempts to provide an experience that spreads out to other models, but it doesn’t work. As mentioned before, the attempt at versatility is never well received.
If you do have the Glock 17 or 19, this AIWB holster for you. It’s priced a little high,but you’re getting a much smaller and lighter holster than almost any other option.
4. MIE Productions Kydex AIWB Holster
- Multiple sizes available
- Great belt clip
- Comfortable ride height
The belt clip is strong and like the other materials in this design its meant to outlast many of your other gun accessories. It fits snugly on nearly any belt which means you don’t have to keep track of which belt works with your holster.
What We Liked
- Multiple size options
- Long lasting materials
- Disguise carry feature
What We Didn’t Like
There isn’t anything we didn’t like about this holster. Everything from design to craftsmanship was considered when making this AIWB holster.
Our Final Thoughts
It’s very likely thatyou’ll still be using this holster in 15 or even 20 years. The holster is durable, lightweight and offers fantastic support for a secure fit. Its meant for everyday use and went well under most types of clothes.
5. Alien Gear ShapeShift Starter Kit
- Wide variety of sizes available
- Left or right-hand preference purchase options
- Many different carry options
The Alien Gear holster that established the Alien Gear brand is included in this kid which almost covers the initial cost. The holster is well-known for its long lifespan and ease of usability. With all the accessories included in this kit you can wear the holster 4 different way.
Of the options available you have both concealed and open visibility carrying options. Alien Gear accessories are always reliable and practical. Every piece of equipment in this kit is useful, however many shooters or daily carriers know which parts they prefer, and which don’t suit their individual needs.
What We Liked
- Based on 4 core elements of a quality holster
- Robust, practical and stable
- Very secure
- Full trigger cover
What We Didn’t Like
- Heavy
- Expensive
Our Final Thoughts
The 2 things that keep this Alien Gear kit from the winner’s circle on this list is the fact that the holster itself is heavy and the kit is expensive. If you know what you want from AlienGear, it’s easy to track down that holster apurchase any additional accessories you want. However, this kit does offer a unique experience for someone buying their first holster.
If you have the budget and don’t mind the extra weight from the Alien Gear, this product is worth a try. Modification on retention and connection are very easy. The compatibility is flexible as it fits a number of handguns. Finally, the kit comes in both left and right-handed orientation. There’s virtually no reason to not purchase the kit if you’re a fan of Alien Gear and have the budget for it.
The Clear Winner…
The clear winner here is the MIE Productions Kydex AIWB holster for several reasons. Initially, it does well in all if our value areas. It’s exceptionally lightweight and very compact in design. Its also made with significantly superior materials so it will last fir years.
The belt clip is a quality connection as it doesn’t’ budge when you draw the gun. The retention can adjust but it’s internal which means there is some difficulty. However,the internal retention featuresare there for safety purposes. Because with the retention inside, it means there’s no possibility of accidentally loosening it.
For compatibility this model wins out. Unlike other AIWB holsters, it doesn’t try to make a one-size-fits-all model. Instead MIE Productions took a quality product and adapted it for many different sizes. This holster is also well suited for either right or left-handed shooters because the belt clip is reversible.
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