Remember when handgun holsters were simple leather carriers with either belt loops or steel clips doing the work of keeping the rigs where they belonged? Retention was either good old friction or leather flaps or straps that folded over and snapped. That was a long time ago. Sure, traditional holsters like that are still around — many of them are timeless designs — but since then, and mainly in the most recent 20 years, we’ve seen an abundance of innovation not only in holster materials but also in design. Kydex and other plastics seem to rule the day, both as the carrier materials as well as the clip or loop materials, and there seems no end in sight to the creativity. Indeed, these are good days to be a person who wants to safely, securely — and with ingenious comfort — carry a handgun concealed. And it can happen for $20.
Clinger Holsters makes a very good holster using no leather, Kydex or steel. In fact, the holster has no clip nor other similar means of attaching it to a belt. It’s a design based almost entirely on the friction that comes from various materials. And while it is comprised of no less than three layers (on two sides of your gun), it is still thin and very comfortable. And, like other well-designed holsters, it has revolutionized my approach to concealed carry.
You’ve probably seen holsters similar to the Comfort Cling (retail $19.99). Generally, this style of holster is used for pocket carry. And while the Comfort Cling can serve as a pocket holster, it actually works better as an inside-the-waistband holster. The magic to getting a clipless, loopless holster to serve as an IWB holster is in the materials — and primarily the outer layer. The Comfort Cling’s outer layer feels like rubber and behaves like rubber: tacky, sticky, non-slip. Tucked in my waistband, this material helps the holster stay put. The rubber-feeling fabric grabs my skin, grabs my waistband and just hangs on. It doesn’t shift or move or droop or slip.
But it’s not uncomfortable in the least. It doesn’t pinch or pull and is, in fact, exceptionally comfortable. Partial credit goes to the outer layer but more credit goes to the middle layer, which is comprised of a gel-like substance. This puts a layer of padding all around the gun, covering up sharp corners, breaking up the pattern of the gun and helping conform the holster to my body. Or is it vice versa?
The third layer is inside the holster — the part that actually contacts the gun. This is low-friction fabric that allows the gun to slide in and out without fuss. And it does.
In real-life use — including multiple instances of normal office life and suburban life but also including a vacation with long walks on the beach — the Comfort Cling lived up to its name. I never had any slippage or shifting and carrying was not only comforting but comfortable. So this creatively designed holster not only works, but works very well (and for only $20!).
More info at: Clinger Holsters
