Today’s review is about a product-line, to wit, holsters, manufactured by one of the most reputable and/or renown holster manufacturers in the industry, Hidden Hybrid Holsters.
Hidden Hybrid Holsters is a name which might at first sound like a generic label that describes an entire line of products, as opposed to a well-known private label which it is, as we shall care to further discuss in much more detail in this review.
So, as I always say, however, first things first. Before delving into this extraordinary product-line, why not share some basic knowledge to define the meaning of the term “hybrid” holsters - what they are all about.
In the simplest way I can think of, a hybrid holster is defined as a holster that uses a hard polymer shell on one side and some sort of malleable material on the other side of the firearm.
Most companies use either a slab of leather or neoprene as the non-polymer side.
The so-called hard polymer shell is typically made of Kydex – a name which you will repeatedly hear me mention along this review.
Kydex is, in fact, an integral part of the holster world, so if you are not familiar with it, I might as well acquaint you with this important product.
Kydex is a line of thermoplastic acrylic-polyvinyl chloride materials manufactured by Sekisui SPI, originally designed for use in aircraft interiors.
Kydex is made in thin sheets that can be heated up and then molded around a gun or a replica to perfectly fit all of the nooks and crannies.
For some applications Kydex it is used as replacement for leather where it has the following advantages:
- Waterproof
- Scratch resistant (Rockwell scale "R" hardness of 90)
- Holds its shape better and will not stretch or shrink under normal conditions
- Lower friction
While Kydex is used in many different applications and products, one of its most popular applications happens to be in firearm holsters as the Kydex shell minimizes the collapsing of the holster after the draw, thus improving the ease of re-holstering.
Although thin, Kydex thermoplastic sheets are quite durable besides the fact that they can be molded to virtually any shape.
As a result, it is a good material for making holsters.
About Hidden Hybrid Holsters
Hidden Hybrid Holsters, from here on out a/k/a “HHH,” was the brainchild of Dave Kerry, which he founded in 2011.
In his own words, Dave set out to make the most comfortable and most concealable holster in the marketplace as he was not satisfied with the quality and variety of holsters in the market at that time.
Pure leather holsters eventually lost their shape and retention while pure Kydex holsters felt like you were being pinched in your side by the end of the day.
And from his garage in Ohio, Kerry started tinkering with both leather and Kydex. And, like they say, the rest is history.
Today, HHH is one of the nation’s leading holster manufacturers in this particular niche market.
HHH uses the best 9-10 oz. Amish leather as the backer for all their holsters.
Their fitted Kydex shells use a proprietary method of forming the Kydex tightly to the gun which makes for great retention, correct trigger coverage, and a proper sight channel.
HHH’s state-of-the-art manufacturing process goes through several steps by hand--shaping, grinding, and polishing all the edges so nothing will snag on your gun.
While regular leather is already more comfortable than pure Kydex, HHH went a step above with a silky suede backer that stays put and wicks away moisture.
Hidden Hybrid Holsters’ Kydex shell is tightly fitted with no excess bulges, but they also added the option of a "claw" to further push the holster more inwards for concealment.
As far as warranty, Hidden Hybrid Holsters claims to stand behind their products with their 30-Day "One Question Return Policy", plus a Lifetime Warranty on the Kydex and Leather.
As a matter of record, there is probably no other holster manufacturer that accommodates and fits more different firearm manufacturers than Hidden Hybrid Holsters.
Whichever brand name of handguns, pistols, and firearms you own, HHH has a holster for you – a feature and/or claim that cannot be made by most of their competitors.
Hidden Hybrid Holsters Product Line
As you well can imagine, over the 11 years since the company first opened its doors, today, Hidden Hybrid Holsters has expanded its product-line into a versatile line which encompasses a wide-array of assorted products.
Notwithstanding said versatility, though, they have five major categories of products as follows:
- Single Clip Holsters
- Double Clip Holsters
- OWB Holsters
- Mag Carrier
- Apparel
Some of the top-selling models of the Hidden Hybrid Holsters’ line are detailed in the outline that follows:
1. Single Clip Holsters
- Small of the Back Carry
- Appendix Carry – Strong Side
2. Double Clip Holsters
- Springfield Armory – Helicat and OSP or RDP Model - OWB
- IWB & OWB
- OWB w/o Rail
As much we would like to review the entire HHH line, it is well beyond the scope of our review today to do so.
Instead, we have chosen their Double Clip IWB [Inside the Waistband] and OWB [Outside the Waistband] model as our favorite holster - as the star of our review today.
Hopefully, by the end of this review, we will have answered most questions as to why we chose this particular system as our preferred model of the vast HHH line.
Design
A. Common Sense Basics
So, we can all agree to the fact that not all holsters are created equal, especially true when we talk about hybrid holsters.
Matter of fact there are all kinds of hybrid holsters out there, some good, some not-so-good, and some that should not even be out there.
As a rule-of-thumb, my advice is never buy one of those run-of-the-mill hybrid holsters made of collapsible Nylon fabric.
As far as I am concerned, the two most prominent features of any good holsters are:
a) Protection of Trigger – cheaper versions do not protect the trigger.
b) Good Positive Retention.
Collapsible holsters offer no retention whatsoever – meant for universal fit where you end-up with a very loose fit.
Overall, collapsible holsters are extremely dangerous.
B. About Hidden Hybrid Holsters Design
I have to say, when it comes to hybrid holsters, I personally am biased as I think Hidden Hybrid Holsters are just the best of the best in the market. Below some of the features that you will find in all the holsters made by HHH.
I say, without hesitation, that Hidden Hybrid Holsters have the best design of any hybrid holster manufacturer that I know of.
They have taken their design one step beyond anyone else’s, as shown in the 0.93 thickness of their Kydex shell, offered in 12 assorted colors.
Their 9 – 10 oz. Amish-sourced leather backing makes for the smoothest most comfortable design you could ever ask for.
Their back resembles a suede felt material.
All of HHH holsters work with firearm optics.
And, as I mentioned before, they happen to have the longest list of compatible firearms – bar none.
C. About our Choice - Double Clip IWB and OWB
Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip
So, as I mentioned earlier, while we can safely endorse all holsters made by Hidden Hybrid Holsters, our top pick and favorite model for today’s review is HHH’s Double Clip IWB and OWB.
Well, case you are wondering what made us decide for this model, the simple answer is, this particular model offers the option to wear your holster either inside the waistband [IWB], or outside the waistband [OWB] as well, not to mention all the features which I shall discuss in a moment.
Before getting into any further details, I should mention, though, the fact that Hidden Hybrid Holsters makes a model which is strictly for OWB carry, however good this particular holster is, still, in my opinion, our pick offers the best of both worlds to those of us who want to have a choice in our carry.
Notwithstanding the double carry option, HHH’s Double Clip IWB and OWB, has many other features which makes it our preferred choice.
Below please find a list of all those features, which, in my expert’s opinion, makes the Double Clip IWB and OWB, the best in its class.
Functionality
According to Webster’s Dictionary, functionality is defined as the quality of being suited to serve a purpose well – the ability to perform a task or function; that set of functions that something is able or equipped to perform.
That said, I have to say the functionality of HHH’s Double Clip IWB and OWB, is, simply said, unsurpassed.
HHH’s Double Clip IWB and OWB, has to be, by far, [the] most comfortable holster I have ever owned in my lifetime.
The quality of the materials is above par.
They use the highest quality of hooks to make this holster.
It has great retention and, whereas, in some other holsters you could not get your entire hand around your firearm, you can with the Hidden Hybrid Holster Double Clip IWB and OWB.
For me, personally, whenever I am drawing my gun, I do not want my fingers hitting the holster.
I want, instead, my fingers getting a good firm grip on the firearm, which I find in my HHH, allowing me for a good clean draw and redraw without having to change your grip.
Simply put, HHH offers excellent functionality in all the extent of the word.
The way these holsters are cut, the way they fit, the way they hide, just makes them a great holster.
As far as I am concerned, there are three functional aspects I look for in any hybrid holster as follows:
- Protect the trigger to make sure it does not go off.
- Hold the firearm with good retention.
- Conceal well.
Well, I think it is safe to say that my Hidden Hybrid Holster Double Clip IWB and OWB, offers all three of these and then some.
In addition, one of the greatest things about this particular model is that, if you want to change from an IWB and wear it as an OWB, all you need to do is take the clips off and simply run your belt through the system’s holes – can not get any simpler than that, can’t it?
Pros and Cons
I guess, like everything else in life, there are Pros and Cons to everything, and our choice today is no exception.
Pros
Cons
Price Point
So, while Hidden Hybrid Holsters have different price points for their different systems, starting at $64.95, our particular choice the Double Clip IWB and OWB sells for $84.95, and while I did not classify this price point as a one of the Cons above, to some this may be a premium price to pay for a hybrid holster.
Then again, as far as I am concerned, I really believe you are getting top value for your dollar with all HHH holsters.
Hidden Hybrid Holsters vs. Crossbreed
One of the most common arguments I always hear out there is a comparison between Hidden Hybrid Holsters and their Crossbreed counterparts.
My comment on this specific topic is that the HHH Double Clip IWB and OWB holster is a concealable holster that can either be worn as an IWB or an OWB carry.
Hidden Hybrid Holsters are made of leather that has been molded into the needed shape.
They are reinforced on one side to allow you to clip it to your belt, and they usually have a spring-steel band wrapped around the barrel for added support.
The main difference between the crossbreed holster and the HHH holster is that it is not attached to your belt.
Instead, you wear it over your clothes so that the grip of the gun can be concealed under a loose shirt or jacket.
The clips however are just like other holsters but without the reinforced side for added stability.
These holsters are best suited for people who want an easy-to-access but fast drawing option while still being able to conceal their weapon at all times.
Summary and Conclusion
A. Brief Synopsis of our Review
Well, as all of us in this business know, holsters are an integral part of the tactical gear world, albeit as they play a critical role in carrying our firearms to where they can go as far as even saving your life in certain situations.
While there are quite a distinct variety of holsters in the market for all kinds of missions and applications, our review today narrows down these options to one particular style only, to wit, the so-called “hybrid” holster type.
Within the umbrella that covers all hybrid type holsters, we have narrowed it down further to the particular model chosen for this review, namely, the Double Clip IWB and OWB holster made by renowned manufacturer Hidden Hybrid Holsters.
As detailed in the above-captioned narrative, both the company Hidden Hybrid Holsters and the particular system, the Double Clip IWB and OWB, are, as far as we are concerned, the absolute best of the best in this especially important niche market for all of us who share a passion for firearms.
While we are not committed to endorsing anyone in particular, nor are we in any way financially linked to any company and/or any of the product[s] that we review, we do pledge to make all of our reviews as fair and as objective as we possibly can, so as to make you, our loyal audience, the ultimate beneficiary.
B. Our Final Verdict
Enough was said, we believe, about Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip IWB and OWB system, however, I am compelled to, once again, list some of the main features on which we based ourselves in choosing this particular product and why, at the same time, we strongly urge you to give it your utmost consideration, before purchasing your hybrid holster.
Quality
Functionality
Price
Below some of these top features as follows:
- Custom made, leather / molded Kydex holster
- Each holster is carefully crafted to fit the gun specifications
- Kydex is .093 thickness
- Comfortable 9-10 oz. Amish leather backing, with suede so your holster stays in place
- Adjustable retention screws. 1 3/4-inch belt clips adjustable to fit the height and cant of your liking
- Outside the waistband belt holes, it fits up to 1 3/4-inch belt
- Excellent holster for concealed carry
- Clips are mounted in a way that makes it possible to tuck a shirt in while wearing the holster
We sincerely hope you have enjoyed our review as much as we hope that it will be instrumental in your choosing our pick and share our outlook on what the Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip IWB and OWB system can offer you.
As such, and as always, we, at Tactical Dept., wish you the best in your purchasing journey – one we hope to have made simpler for you.