If you carry a concealed handgun, there are three Safariland IWB holsters you should check out: the Incog X, Species, and Schema. Each one offers a level of quality and innovation that goes beyond what you typically find in traditional IWB holsters.
I love trying out new holsters as much as I do new guns, and over the years, I have used more holsters than I can remember. I feel like holsters often take a back seat to holsters. All the attention and excitement go to the gun. I’ve had lots of people show me their cool new firearm, but no one jumps up and says, “Dude, you should check out my new holster.”
Safariland has long been respected for its duty holsters, but over the years, the company has also placed a lot of attention on IWB holsters. And that makes sense, because your holster is just as important as your gun. It needs to hold your firearm securely while making it easy to draw when needed.
My first experience with an IWB holster was not a good one, but I won’t get into that right now. I spent years switching from one holster to the next. I was introduced to Safariland during the police academy and was amazed at how much time and effort went into their duty holsters. That level of quality stuck with me.
When it comes to concealment holsters, and especially IWB holsters, people may tend to think the quality and fit of the holster are not as important. But trust me, it is. Fit, comfort, and reliability are just as critical when you’re carrying every day.
Here are three Safariland IWB holsters you need to check out if you carry a concealed handgun.
Species IWB Holster
The Species holster is, in my opinion, the best IWB holster for those wanting something simple and practical. Each holster is molded for a specific gun to ensure it fits like a glove.
The Species IWB holster has an adjustable belt clip so you can change the angle of the holster on your belt. I like to wear mine in the appendix position, so I keep the belt clip vertical with the holster. But it also works great on the side or the small of the back. Because the clip is adjustable, the holster can be canted to the position you want for that specific location.
A tension screw on the side of the holster allows you to adjust the tension on the gun in the holster. I’ve found it works great out of the package, but it’s there in case you want to fine-tune it.
One of my favorite features on this Safariland holster is the soft suede lining on the inside that helps protect your firearm from unnecessary wear. I’ve worn off more than a few gun finishes over the years just from repeated holstering, so details like this really matter.
The last feature I like about this holster is how thin yet durable it is. Even when your belt is tight, the holster will stay open so you can re-holster without issue. And because it’s so thin, it takes up as little room as possible.
Key Specs
- Adjustable tension
- Sweat guard for firearm protection
- Adjustable cant and ride height
- Thermal-molded polymer construction for durability
- Available for multiple handgun models
Schema IWB Holster
The Schema takes a minimalist approach for those who want the lightest holster available that still has passive retention.
It looks a little bit like a skeleton holster, but it’s unbelievably comfortable and easy to use. The open design not only reduces weight but also improves ventilation, which can make a big difference during extended wear.
It’s doesn’t have any type of lining, but it does have a tension screw. A plastic rod sticks up from the bottom of the inside of the holster about one inch. The barrel slides over this rod to make sure the end of the gun stays in place since the sides of the holster have been removed. It’s a cool design and one I’m finding myself using more and more.
It features the same belt clip design as the Species holster, so you have all the same features when it comes to carrying it. I like the single belt clip design because it makes the holster super easy to put on and take off.
Safariland makes the Schema for a variety of compact handguns. Check Holster Finder to see if one is available for your favorite CCW gun. I have a Schema holster for my Glock 43 and M&P Shield.
Key Specs
- Skeletonized, minimalist design for reduced weight and bulk
- Adjustable cant and ride height
- Trigger shield and passive trigger guard retention
- Sight channel for standard height sights
- Available for multiple handgun models like the Glock 43/43X, M&P, Hellcat, and more
Incog X Holster Line
The Incog X IWB holster is a lot different than the last two, with a double belt clip design and optional magazine caddy, which allows users to carry a spare magazine alongside the handgun. This is a cool design for those wanting to keep their reload close at hand.
The twin belt clips help pull the holster tight against your body for maximum concealment. While this design is effective, I’ve found it to be slightly less comfortable than the other two holsters. That’s mainly because the clips on either side create more belt tension, which can press the holster into your side a bit more.
That trade-off, however, makes the Incog X a little more concealable. When I’m wearing clothes that make it hard to hide a standard IWB holster, this is my go-to holster.
While this holster is available for multiple compact handguns, it is also available for some full-size handguns, and the list of supported fits continues to grow. This is a great setup if you want to conceal a full-size handgun with an extra mag.
Key Specs
- Optional magazine caddy for carrying a spare magazine
- Over-the-belt polymer clips
- Adjustable retention, cant, and ride height
- Low-profile design for reduced printing
Carry with confidence
More and more people are choosing to carry concealed handguns for protection, and IWB holsters remain the most popular method.
Like I said in the beginning, the quality of your holster is just as important as the quality of your handgun. Make sure it will hold up under pressure. Whatever you’re doing — running, jumping, walking, or reaching for your gun — the gun needs to stay put until you draw it.
Finding a good holster is hard and downright annoying at times. If you want to skip the hassle and go straight to something that works, check out these high-quality, comfortable IWB holsters from Safariland.
