Hidden Hybrid Holsters Appendix Holster Review: Comfortable EDC for Your Red Dot Pistol.

If you’re looking for an appendix concealed carry holster that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for concealment, hybrid holsters like the Hidden Hybrid Appendix IWB holster are worth considering.

The Hidden Hybrid holster I have for review is an optic-cut appendix strong side concealed carry holster with a single belt clip. In this review, I’ll cover the materials, construction, concealment, retention, and comfort.

Verdict Up Front

The Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster is an exceedingly comfortable and concealable leather/kydex hybrid holster. With an optic-ready cut, adjustable cant, and ride height, it’s an ideal choice for Glocks or any common pistol design.

The build quality is outstanding, and I see no reason why the holster won’t last for many years. If you need an ultra-comfortable and concealable appendix holster, the Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster is an excellent choice.

Best for: Strong-side AIWB, optic-equipped carry guns

Not ideal for: Deep concealment with tight clothing

Holster Overview & Key Specs

Build Quality & Craftsmanship

The Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster uses a hybrid leather Kydex design. The backer is made of Amish leather with soft suede for the portion that touches your body.

The Kydex shell of the holster is well-formed and features strong retention. Hidden Hybrid uses .093″ thick Kydex for durability while minimizing bulk. The holster’s retention can be easily adjusted by loosening or tightening using two screws. Out of the box, retention was perfect, and I didn’t need to make any adjustments.

The screws and hardware of the Hidden Hybrid Appendix IWB holster are nicely finished and show no signs of rust or wear.

Comfort & Everyday Carry

Hybrid holsters, such as the Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster, strike a sweet balance between comfort and concealment. Full leather holsters are comfy but thick and bulky. Pure Kydex holsters are usually thin, but can be uncomfortable. The Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster is the best of both worlds. It’s relatively thin yet offers comfort comparable to full leather holsters.

The leather backer conforms to your body, alleviating hot spots that can occur with some holsters. There is no break-in period. The holster was incredibly comfortable from the very first day.

The holster features a full sweat guard, ensuring that no portion of the slide comes into contact with your body. The suede is soft and doesn’t cause discomfort from rubbing against bare skin.

The day I received the Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster, I put it on and carried my Glock 19 for ten hours straight. I’ve been wearing it daily for the last month, and it not only conceals well but is one of the most comfortable appendix holsters I’ve ever used.

Concealment & Printing

The Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster conceals as well as, or better than, any of the seven other appendix holsters I’ve used. The holster features a claw that helps pull the pistol’s grip into your body. This is a mandatory feature on appendix holsters for me, and the claw on the Hidden Hybrid holster works well. With proper belt tension, the holster and gun stay flush against my body, resulting in minimal printing.

With some appendix holsters, I have to wear a thick hoodie or a baggy shirt to avoid excessive printing. When wearing the Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster, I can conceal a Glock 45 or 19 with just a T-shirt. That’s not something I can get away with on many appendix holsters.

I don’t typically tuck my shirts, but the Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster is designed to be tuckable. For testing, I tried tucking in my shirt, and the gun completely disappeared when doing this.

Retention & Draw Performance

The Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster utilizes passive retention through its molded Kydex. Adjusting retention is easy and can be customized by tightening either of the two retention adjustment screws.

The hybrid leather Kydex holster design works well for safe one-handed reholstering. Since the Kydex maintains its shape, there is always a clear path for the gun’s muzzle.

When drawing from concealment, the holster releases the gun with a subtle click. The suede backing helps anchor the holster in place during the draw, which is a welcome feature.

The design of the holster allows a firm grip, facilitating a fast and consistent draw. When comparing draw speed with my other appendix strong side concealed carry holsters, I’m able to draw just as fast as my full kydex or full leather holsters.

Compatibility

The holster I have fits all generations of Glock 19s. It also fits the Glock 45 and Glock 19x. Hidden Hybrid makes holsters for most common pistol designs, so no matter what pistol you carry, they likely make a holster for it.

The holster features an open-bottom design, allowing it to work effectively with both threaded and non-threaded barrels. You could even use the Glock 19 version of the holster with a Glock 17 or Glock 47. The slide would protrude half an inch beyond the Kydex but only an 8th of an inch beyond the leather backer. Alternatively, you could buy a Glock 17 version of the holster, which would provide a single holster that fits any 9mm Glock, from the sub-compact Glock 26 to the full-size Glock 17.

The optic cut is wide enough to accommodate any of the popular pistol optics, such as the Trijicon RMR, Aimpoint ACRO, and Holosun EPS. Even if you don’t use an optic, there is no downside to having the optic cut. A pistol without an optic works just as well.

The sight channel on the Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster extends half an inch above the pistol’s slide, providing ample room for suppressor-height sights.

Pros & Cons

Is It Worth Buying?

For those seeking an American-made, optic-ready holster who want all-day comfort, the answer is a resounding yes. The Hidden Hybrid Appendix holster is the most comfortable appendix holster I’ve used. There are no hot spots, no raw skin, just pure comfort and outstanding concealment.

The great thing is that you’re not sacrificing concealment or speed for comfort like some other holster designs. With Hidden Hybrid’s excellent build quality and lifetime warranty, I’ll be using this holster for many years to come.

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