fobus paddle holsters review

Before we begin this review of Fobus Paddle Holsters, let me first say that the name “Fobus” is legendary in the tactical gear industry. 

The brand “Fobus” was established by the late Mr. Chanan Har-Shen in 1978, who started out the company by selling leather holsters.  

At the turn of the Millennium, Fobus International Ltd., became the first ever holster manufacturer worldwide to introduce mold-injected polymer holsters, which was a landmark contribution to the holster and firearm industry. 

Today, Fobus International is Israel’s largest manufacturer of holsters, magazine pouches and accessories for small firearms.

Fobus gear are used by police, law -enforcement, security personnel, SWAT and anti-terrorist teams as well as gun owners in Israel, Europe, United States and worldwide in general.  

Fobus holsters were originally designed and made specially for the Israeli security services and SWAT team. 

Fobus holsters are mold-injected of RX-18 polymer – a compound of polymers designed for durability and high performance in tactical applications. 

Fobus Product Line

As we speak, Fobus has a rather varied product line of holsters comprised of approximately 160 different models of holsters and pouches, including but not limited to right and left handed models designed to fit hundreds of different pistols and revolvers, with all the possible carry options you can think of: inside-the-waistband [IWB], fixed and rotating paddle, fixed and rotating belt holders, duty belt holsters, thigh rigs, shoulder rigs and MOLLE attachments – you name it.  

Some of Fobus holsters and pouches featuring passive and active retention systems include a number of product series as follows: 

  • Passive retention with/without retention adjustment screw ('standard' / 'ND' series)
  • Trigger Guard Locking System holsters ('SH' / 'CH' / 'RSH' series)
  • Tactical Holsters ('EM' & 'RBT' series)
  • Thumb Release Holsters ('DB' series)
  • Inside The Waistband Holsters

Key Features

So, as with anything, when you set out to purchase a new tactical gear system, you should always try and know ahead of time, what key features you want, you are looking for, and/or you expect of a particular product, as well you should. 

And, needless to say, this generic concept applies first and foremost to your purchase of a Fobus Paddle Holster.  

As I said earlier, the Fobus world, in and of itself, is quite vast.  

Matter of fact, the subject of this review, namely the Fobus Paddle Holsters have a varied number of sub-categories, each of which have their individual characteristics and features which you need to consider prior to choosing the one that best suits your needs.

One key leading consideration of course, has to do with fitment for your particular firearm.   

In line with my opening commitment, to wit, making life as easy as possible for you, what I chose to do today is, notwithstanding your specific firearms, I picked, what I consider 5 of the top best Fobus Paddle Holsters and reviewed them each on their own merits, independently.

In doing so, I hope to have helped narrow down your purchasing options making it easier for you to pick the system / model that best suits your needs. 

1. Fobus Standard Holster RH Paddle
SWMP S&W M&P 9mm, .40, .45 (compact & full size), SD 9 &40

Fobus Standard Holster

Fobus Standard Holster

Features

  • Maintenance Free – No need to oil, do not breathe or sweat. Stands up to the most severe elements and can be washed out with soap and water
  • Lifetime Warranty – All Fobus products carry a 100% Customer Satisfaction “no questions asked” policy
  • For Right-Handed Shooters
  • Steel reinforced rivet attachment system
  • Paddle Version- Attached using a rubberized Paddle
  • Fobus Evolution Holster S&W M&P 9mm, .40, .45 (compact & full size)
  • Lightweight 2oz., Low Profile Paddle Holster Right-Handed. Rubberized paddle
  • One piece holster body construction
  • Steel reinforced rivet attachment system
  • Protective sight channel

2. Fobus SWS Evolution Holster
for S & WM & P and M&P M2.0 Shield 9mm & .40, Taurus Slim 708, 709 & 740, Walther PPS 9mm & .40, CZ97B, Right Hand Paddle

Fobus SWS Evolution Holster

Fobus SWS Evolution Holster

Features

  • Passive retention, one-piece holster body construction
  • Retention adjustment screw with passive retention
  • Protected sight channel
  • Low profile design for concealability
  • Rubberized paddle insert for extra stability
  • Maintenance Free – No need to oil, do not breathe or sweat. Stands up to the most severe elements and can be washed out with soap and water
  • Lifetime Warranty – All Fobus products carry a 100% Customer Satisfaction “no questions asked” policy
  • Fits: Walther PPS / CZ 97B / Taurus 709 Slim, 708, 740
  • Fits: S&W M&P Shield, Walther PPS / CZ 97B / Taurus 709 Slim, 708, 740

3. Fobus GLCH Concealed Carry OWB Holster
for Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, 31, 32, 34, 35, 45, Active Retention, Right-Handed

Fobus GLCH OWB Holster

Fobus GLCH OWB Holster

Features

  • Active Retention – Safeguard your valuable asset by eliminating accidental or unwanted access to your handgun with the locking trigger guard mechanism
  • Quick and Convenient – Disengage the active retention by pressing the button with your index finger so you can draw your sidearm without changing your grip or stroke
  • Effective Concealment – The low profile OWB design sits close to your body and provides proper concealment without compromising draw speed
  • Secure and Comfortable – The rubberized paddle insert provides rigorous stability for the holster and long-lasting comfort for the user so you can wear it all day
  • Precision Fit – Holster is molded from durable polymer material to withstand years of use and ensure an ideal fit for Glock pistol models 17, 19, 22 (Gen 1-4), 23, 31, 32, 34, 35 (Gen 1-4), and 45
  • Index finger release
  • Provides level 2 retention without the need to alter the draw stroke
  • Includes all the features found in Fobus’ E2 Evolution Series of holsters
  • Rubberized paddle

4. Fobus SPHCX Concealed Carry Holster
for Springfield Hellcat Pistol, Optics Ready, Tuckable IWB and OWB, Right-Handed

Fobus SPHCX Holster

Fobus SPHCX Holster

Features

  • Effective Concealment – Tuckable to minimize weapon printing; paddle and belt clip allow for IWB and OWB carry
  • Precision Fit – CNC machined to fit the Springfield Armory Hellcat Micro-Compact pistol; all Fobus holsters come with a Lifetime Warranty
  • Optics Ready – Compatible with all standard optics such as Crimson Trace, Vortex, Trijicon, Holusin, Sig Sauer, and more
  • Adjustable – Features adjustable passive retention and holster cant so you can draw and holster your weapon efficiently from inside or outside your waistband
  • Made in the USA – Proudly made by veterans and law enforcement so genuine experience is put into practical design decisions

5. Fobus RBT19 Tactical Holster
for Glock 19, 23, 32, 45- Light or Laser Required, Right Hand Paddle, Black

Fobus RBT19 Tactical Holster

Fobus RBT19 Tactical Holster

Features

  • Muzzle stud and polymer strap provide retention
  • Unique hinge design allows for straight, upward draw, Requires attachment of rail accessory
  • Low profile for concealability, Lightweight compact design
  • Rubberized paddle backing for extra stability and comfort
  • Lifetime Warranty

Summary and Conclusion

So, once you have narrowed down your options and have decided to focus on a Fobus Paddle holster, the very first thing I need to bring to your attention is the fact there are quite a few different models/system under the Fobus Paddle Holsters’ umbrella – so many, in fact, that it is absolutely impossible for me to try and review them all within the limited scope of this review. 

As such, I only picked 5 variations, with which I happen to have first-hand experience with and which I also consider leading choices from this fine line of holsters.  

If you noted, the one important consideration which I did not touch upon earlier in this review was that of pricing, only because, as they say, I saved the best for last.

I have to say that Fobus holsters are among [the] most affordable holsters I can think of, if not [the] most affordable relative to what if offers.  

Of my top five choices above, prices range from $20 to $40 ±, which I personally consider quite accessible for most prospective buyers. 

What sets the Fobus Paddle Holsters apart in this low-end price category is the fact that their price bears no relativity to the outstanding quality and craftsmanship that go into the manufacturing of these holsters.

As such, I can confidently and without hesitation highly recommend the Fobus Paddle Holster, which I am sure you will enjoy as much as I have throughout the years.

With that, I now leave you hoping that my review today will have served to assist you in whichever final decision you reach.

If you, indeed, buy a Fobus Paddle holster, I do hope to have been instrumental in helping you make that decision and wish you the best of luck with your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

I think one of the best ways that I can describe today’s product line as such is by referring to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this style of holster: 

What is a paddle holster?

A paddle holster is a holster for a handgun whose method of securing the holster to the wearer utilizes a flat, concave shaped piece of plastic or stiffened leather designed to be worn against the body inside of the pants.


The broad surface area of the "paddle" and the material from which it is made use friction to prevent the holster from being pulled up and away when the handgun is drawn.

Is a paddle holster secure?

In general, as long as the holster is manufactured with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, a paddle holster works just as well as a standard belt loop holster, providing the same safety and retention levels for your firearm.

Are paddle holsters good for open carry?

Paddle holsters rely on friction between the paddle and your pants and undergarments to remain in place.


Paddle holsters are a compromise between comfort and retention, so they should never be worn open, only concealed.

Can you wear a paddle holster without a belt?

Technically, you can wear a paddle holster without a belt, since it does not actually connect to the belt (like belt-style holsters do).

Can you conceal a paddle holster?

Paddle holsters are naturally not as concealable as traditional IWB holsters; they ride on the outside of the waistband, which means you will have to wear an additional layer over your shirt to effectively conceal it, such as a jacket or a vest

Which is better: a paddle or a belt holster?

A belt slide holster usually has a slightly lower profile while a paddle holster generally covers a majority of high retention outside the waistband holsters


The reason paddle holsters are more popular in recent years has to do with the retention and design elements which Fobus has as one of their key features.

You may also like:


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.