This is a holster that I’ve been wanting to get my hands on for some time now, and was finally able to in order to do a review. If you’re a fan of the hybrid IWB holsters, you’re going to love this thing.
StealthGearUSA is a holster company out of Utah that got up and running in 2012. They aimed to make a great holster after the owner had a firearm fall onto the floor of a store while using a less than perfect holster at the time.
The one we’re looking at today: the StealthGearUSA ONYX IWB Holster
Let’s jump into the Feature List, from their website:
- Adjustable for cant and depth
- Adjustable retention
- Designed for rapid combat presentation
- Tuckable
- .093 Kydex shell
- Full coverage of firearm’s slide and partial wrap-around of muzzle for extreme firearm protection
- Lighter weight than leather hybrid holsters
- Strategically-placed padding and ventilation make the ONYX the most comfortable holster that you can buy.
- Hand-Built in the USA
Starting from the back, you’ll notice something different right off the bat. Of course that’s not leather, and no it’s not neoprene. It’s made up of a “unique combination of synthetic, non moisture-absorbing materials.” I mean, you can literally see through this thing.
Of course it’s flexible, which means no break-in period that you’d typically need with an IWB with a leather backing. This holster will immediately form to your body and be as comfortable as ever.
Taking a closer look at the backing, you’ll notice that it’s a bit… puffy. It’s a soft material that’s basically a pillow. The bottom line, it’s a breathable pillow that’s comfortable. When looking for a holster based on comfort, what could sound more appealing than that?
The holster comes shipped with two plastic clips. Polymer to be exact. Why polymer over metal? Well first, many companies are opting for the strong polymer vs. the metal for one top reason: they’re still super strong.
From StealthGearUSA’s site as an explanation:
All IWB holsters ship standard with polymer belt clips. Designed in-house, our injection-molded polymer clips outperform metal clips in multiple categories. If you’re ordering an IWB and still prefer metal belt clips, please put ‘METAL CLIPS’ in the notes at checkout and your order will ship with metal clips installed. (All FLEX™ OWB holsters ship with polymer belt loops. Metal loops and clips are not available for the FLEX™ OWB.)
That’s right, you can still get metal clips if you so desire. I’ll tell you from experience though, the polymer clips seem to be just as sturdy as the metal. I used to be an all-metal-clip guy, but have been using polymer with nearly all of my holsters for the last year or so. I won’t go back, mainly because they tend not to squeak with my belt.
When you looked at the backing about three pictures ago, you likely noticed the three holes on either side for the clips. That’s where you’re able to adjust your ride height and cant of your holster. With three backing holes and two clip holes, you’re allowed a total of six options on each side. That should be enough for even the pickiest concealed carrier.
The shell is made of Kydex like all the rest, and has it’s edges polished to perfection. These kydex shells are .093 mil and are just beautifully crafted. See that info, along with more, below.
Want more or less retention on your firearm? You got it! The shell, at least on mine, has five screws and bushings to hold it in place. The screws can be tightened or loosened to help you get the perfect amount of retention on your firearm. While the factory tweaking is typically good for 90% of users, others looking to make adjustments can easily do so with a few twists.
All in all, I am extremely happy with the StealthGearUSA ONYX IWB Holster. It made it’s way quickly into my heart, and is a staple for my concealed carry attire.
Each is hand-made, right here in the US, and comes with a Lifetime Warranty. They’ll even give you a 30-day test run with it. You really can’t lose.
Price: $99 (Purchase Here)
Have a StealthGearUSA holster yourself? Let everyone know how you like it in the comments section below.
