When Safariland expanded its product line to cater to the Springfield Hellcat Pro, it gave a whole new segment of pistol owners a chance to buy into the top tier of the holster market.
The thing is, there are enough options that it can still be a little confusing. How do you know which holster is right for you?
I grabbed two of the best — the Incog X and Species — to see for myself and share what I found.
IWB Holster Basics
Just like any other holster, an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster needs to keep your pistol secure and accessible.
They rely on friction (the rigid material tightly squeezing your pistol) to keep it in place rather than one of Safariland’s more advanced retention mechanisms. That’s an acceptable tradeoff, considering it’s unlikely anyone is going to reach for a pistol they don’t even know is there. That said, make sure to avoid telltale signs that will undermine your effort to carry concealed.
Concealed-carry holsters arguably face the greatest challenge when it comes to comfort. Since they ride between the waist of your pants and your body, any irritation will become a deal-breaker given enough time.
Some IWB holsters are designed to be carried in a specific place on your body; for example, a holster that’s purpose-built for caring in the appendix position (AIWB). Others are more versatile.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and there’s a lot more information out there, but it’s enough to get you started.
Get to Know the Safariland Species
The Safariland Species is a quintessential IWB holster. It’s safe, compact, and effortless to conceal.
What the Safariland Species Does Well
Ease of concealment is the name of the game with this holster. I carried it in the appendix position and on my strong side with great results.
It’s comfortable because there’s not a millimeter of material there that isn’t necessary. If you’re new to carrying concealed or sensitive to discomfort, the Species will likely feel very natural.
You can also wear the Species with shorts or pants made from thin fabric because it avoids printing very effectively.
The suede lining protects your pistol’s finish and makes drawing silent. That’s a factor most people overlook. While it’s fun to shave tenths off your draw time and brag to your friends, being aware of your surroundings and slipping your pistol out with a slow draw before you get into an old-west-style shootout is a whole lot faster.
Species Limitations
The Species’ biggest strengths also create its limitations.
Yes, it keeps an incredibly low profile, but you won’t be able to use a weapon light on your CCW. Also, if you want to carry a spare magazine, it’ll have to ride elsewhere because the Species doesn’t have a magazine caddy.
It’s inherently comfortable but you can’t personalize it outside of rotating the belt clip. There are no padded shims or adjustable wings to tweak how your pistol sits on your body.
The bottom line? This is an ideal holster for days when you want to carry a pistol without all the bells and whistles.
Go Undercover with the Safariland Incog X
The latest addition to Safariland’s IWB lineup is the culmination of years of experience, experimentation, and technological advancements. When I put the Safariland Incog X next to the other holsters in my collection, it looks like the next step in holster innovation.
What the Incog X Does Well
Put simply, this is the holster for times when you refuse to compromise.
Want to employ a weapon light? Go ahead. Need a second magazine? You got it, and you can raise or lower the magazine holder so it’s always at the right level. I like to carry a 15-round magazine in the pistol and have a 17-rounder on standby. The Incog X lets me lower the mag caddy to accommodate the longer magazine.
On the other hand, you can ditch the magazine carrier and run the holster on its own because both belt clips are on the holster itself. This is a notable advantage over other AWIB rigs. Many products place one of the two belt clips on the magazine caddy so it’s a structural element that can’t be removed. The Incog X is modular and, therefore, more versatile.
You can control how the Incog X fits your body with or without the magazine carrier, too. It comes with three shims so you can modify the angle between the holster and your belt. The clips can move slightly up or down to determine how low the holster rides on your waistline.
Incog X Limitations
The Incog X is a beefy holster and I love that. It isn’t universally ideal, though.
Depending on what you’re wearing, the Incog X might require more effort to conceal than the Species. I also don’t find it ideal for strong-side carry, but that’s dependent on body type — your experience may differ.
It also takes some time to set up. There are a lot of adjustable components that you’ll need to fine-tune for a perfect fit. That’s a strength of this holster but you need to understand that you aren’t going to take it out of the box and immediately enjoy all of its potential. Grab a screwdriver and take the time to adjust for the perfect fit. You’ll be rewarded for your effort.
This is the latest and greatest from Safariland. If you want all the features with total control over customization, it’s the holster for you.
How to Choose Between the Two
The Species and Incog X are different enough that it’s possible one of them will suit your lifestyle significantly better than the other.
Looking to keep the lowest profile possible, even if that means making some sacrifices in capability? The Species gets the job done without a single extra ounce.
Do you feel like it’s better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it? Load up with the Incog X and be ready for whatever the day throws at you.
For most of us, the best holster for the job will likely change from day to day. If a weapon light and a larger holster are going to prevent you from carrying, I’d rather you pull the light off, ditch the extra magazine, and carry your pistol in the Species. When conditions allow, add those pieces back and switch to the Incog X.
Which one of these holsters is best? That’s easy: both of them.
