I’m in the market for a new OWB paddle holster and was looking at both the blade tech and the comp-tac. Does anybody have any knowledge on these two holsters as far as which is more comfortable and providing better concealment? I’ve been using a belt holster but I want something I can take off or put on quickly.
I have a basic Comp-Tac paddle holster for short-term class use until my Raven Phantom arrives.
IMHO, it rides too low if you want a OWB holster for concealed carry. Maybe some of the other models might work better, but I’d think in most cases, the paddles won’t ride high or tight enough to your body for true CCW use.
They work fine for class/competition use, I’m sure. The retention and smoothness of the draw seems acceptable in that setting.
I have had a Fobus, Comp-Tac, leather paddle holster. I have changed over to the Safarifand 6378 ALS paddle holster. It has been the best wearing holster that I have worn. It comes with a paddle and belt attachment, suede lined, a great holster.
I’ve had the Comp-tac Glock paddle. It’s a well-constructed holster, but I wouldn’t be able to use it for concealment successfully.
+1, great holster.
Many paddle holsters blow chunks–particularly Fobus; however, the Safariland ones are pretty good.
I use a Comp Tac paddle for competition shooting (USPSA & Steel Challenge)…works great in that role but I don’t think i’d recommend it as a concealment holster unless you were wearing a winter coat or something.
I carry with my Comp Tac Paddle for my HK45. Which I’ve had no problems carrying this in the hot summer months down here in FLA. I went with the FBI cant.
I have two Comp-Tac paddle holsters and I am quite satisfied. However, I use IWB for concealed carry.
I use a Safariland ALS for open carry. I’ve never found the higher quality paddle holsters particularly easy to remove quickly.
I’ve got a Blackhawk Serpa that does the deed nicely for my 1911.
As noted in another thread, friends don’t let friends use SERPA’s…just say NO!
I have heard enough about the Serpa to stay away, waaaaay away, from it. I am lucky enough to live in Tennessee so if I print a little I can get away with it since our permits allow for open or concealed carry. I just want to stay concealed enough so as not to draw attention to myself.
I have a Safariland 518 which I like alot. I improved on the design by removing the Safariland paddle and replacing it with a paddle I obtained from DeSantis Leather which is a hard plastic paddle. The only problem I have with the 518 was the paddle itself. It is made out of soft suede which is supposed to conform to you hip. I found that it never really did that. By replacing that paddle with a hard plastic one I now have a holster that is almost as secure as a regular belt holster. Another good idea with the 518 is the fact that it has a little hook attached to the holster itself which hooks underneath your belt making a takeaway much harder.
I hear that Kramer makes a nice paddle but have no oersonal knowkege of that. I found the CompTac to be a piece of junk.
Ober the years, I’ve had 2 paddle holsters that have withstood the test of time-a Kramer horsehide MSP, and a Safariland 5181. While I usually prefer an IWB holster, or a regular OWB holster, these two paddle holster work well, are comfortable and effective.
Best, Jon
I am in the market for a paddle holster as wel, but I am looking for something that rides higher. Do any of the Safariland paddles fit the bill?
I’ve found my Safariland 6378 to be a robust and well-fitting paddle for my Glock 30. While marketed as a concealment holster (it most certainly is not; not for me, anyway), my informal testing has found it to be VERY fast for a “retention” holster and I plan on using it as my holster when I start shooting IDPA SSP later this year.
It may not be the best choice for a concealed holster that you want to take on and off throughout the day. I’ve found that I usually have to undo my pants and belt when removing this holster after use. It does provide a solid platform for the draw though. I don’t know that I would characterize it as a “high riding” paddle, I would estimate it puts the rear of the slide 1.5" above the top of my belt. There is a video “demonstration” on the Safariland website, but as it features a female model depicting a plainclothes LEO and she is wearing the holster with the belt loop configuration it may be of limited value to you.
When I spoke with a Safariland rep some time back, she told me that all of their paddle holsters were considered “high ride” configured.
Best, Jon
So yall are not experiencing any longer then normal pistol draws Safariland 6378 retention system? I am thinking of picking this up for IDPA.
I will agree with what several people have pointed out, a quality paddle holster is great for the range or training, but very difficult to conceal without a jacket.
I used to own a Comp Tac paddle holster for the range/training and carried in an IWB, but sold the paddle so that my range/training was consistent with how I actually carry.