The Incog X series has become a go-to choice for AIWB carry. It’s one of the more modern, modular options for the concealed carrier, and the line is slowly expanding. The latest incorporates light-bearing options for Springfield’s Echelon series.
The Echelon has become an extremely popular firearm. The modularity, the optics mounting system, the awesome ergonomics, and the overall design have helped it become one of Springfield’s best handguns. As the gun gained popularity, holster options have expanded.
Not only is this the first Incog X I’ve used with my Echelon, but it’s also the first light-bearing Incog X I’ve used. The combination of the Echelon and Incog X provides a gun and holster option with all the modern touches for concealed carry.
Breaking Down the Incog X
The Incog X is intended to be carried AIWB, but could be modified for standard IWB if you so choose. However, maximum concealment comes from an AIWB design.
The Incog X comes with a pair of dual polymer clips for a solid grip on your belt. This prevents rotation and movement, but makes it easy to don and remove the holster. The clips have these little finger tabs that make it easy to use and stress-free.
The Incog X series features these amazing shims that allow you to enhance concealment.
When installed, the slip strut shims push the grip backward, toward the body. This increases concealment by eliminating printing. In practice, I also find that when the grip is pressed into my body, I have an easier time drawing.
With the grip tight to the body, I can clear my cover garment with ease, and without the risk of it getting caught on the gun. In a light T-shirt, it’s never an issue, but in the colder months, when layers are at play, it can become a snagging issue.
The outside of the holster has a microfiber suede wrap. The idea is to improve overall comfort and to prevent the odd rubbing you might feel during a long day of carry. The simple suede wrap is easy to clean and tough enough to last during daily carry.
The Accessories
The Incog X allows you to pick and choose your weaponlight. You can use smaller lights like the TLR-7 or full-sized lights like the TLR-1. I’m using the TLR-1 with my Echelon.
Additionally, the holster is cut to function with red dots. Red dots are more common than lights on carry guns, so it’s a real downer when a holster doesn’t offer a cut for the dot.
There is also the option to add a magazine caddy to the side of the holster. This does two things. Obviously, it provides you with a second magazine, should you need a second magazine. Positioning it on the appendix makes it rapid to draw and easy to reload.
Second, the mag caddy helps distribute the weight across a wider section of your belt line. It balances the load and makes the rig feel more comfortable and less like it’s pulling your pants down on one side.
From a concealment perspective, the mag caddy evens out the bulge. Instead of a mistake on one side, you get a more uniform profile that mimics the natural curve of the body.
The Incog X – Going Dark
The Incog X makes it easy to conceal this full-sized Echelon without a lot of difficulty. The threaded barrel is a bit of a hassle, and since I have both barrels, I think I might swap it out. It tends to poke out the bottom, especially in lightweight pants, and poke me a bit when seated. Beyond that, the Incog X makes concealing a full-sized gun with a light and optic easy.
It’s cold around the country, but I’m in the South East, and cold is below 70°F here. I’m not putting jackets or sweaters on except for a few times a year, so I’m still rocking and rolling with t-shirts and shorts most days.
That’s not much of a challenge for the Incog X and Echelon. However, take it with a grain of salt because I’m also a big guy, and most large guns are easy for me to conceal.
Getting a Grip
The Incog X is cut specifically to allow a rock-solid grip on the gun prior to drawing. You can achieve a master grip with your hand high on the tang and tucked under the beavertail. Pull the shirt up, establish your grip, and draw.
It’s extremely fast and allows for an easy and quick draw. I can draw and make hits in 1.2 seconds cold. With a little warmup, I was seeing my times get around 1.05. With consistent dry fire, I could drive that to under a second.
The polymer design of the holster makes it easy to reholster safely. It doesn’t collapse closed and allows for a safe reholster. As always, take it slow and look the gun into the holster between draws.
I worked with the Incog X in a seated position and found it easy to draw. Ensure you’re sitting straight up, or even lean a little rearward, and it’s easy to get the gun up and shooting rapidly.
Going Big
The Incog X makes it easy to go big. Big gun, big light, and even a big optic. The design allows for an easy draw and for basic concealment.
Toss a T-shirt over it and get about your day. Carrying a full-sized handgun, especially one with modern equipment, gives you an edge in defensive use as long as you have a good holster to carry it. The Incog X checks that box.
