Kydex clips VS Leather loops

[fotomaker57]

I am thinking about purchasing a Dakota Defender from K&D. Now I have never owned a holster with kydex clips and was wondering about the pluses and draw backs of each design. I like the idea of being able to adjust the cant and depth of the holster with the clips but not sure of how well they grip during the draw. Anyone have any problems with the kydex clips not holding the holster secure? Share your wisdom with me so I can make an informed decision.
Mike

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[unrequited]

Speaking purely from a Crossbreed Supertuck (IWB) user, the J clips are more than enough "hold" to secure the holster against my draw, and since it's an IWB, I also have the tension from my pants against myself to grip the holster when I draw. It hasn't been a problem ever. My OWB/Shoulder system is the Blackhawk CWB Serpa, and it's a belt pass through or full shoulder rig so that is also moot, when I pointer-finger the Serpa, and pull, there's no resistance from the gun, it just falls away from my holster, and no chance of pulling the holster out as well. Does that help at all?

[ELCruisr]

I have holsters with both leather and kydex. Works just fine either way. I think as long as the package is well made you'll have no trouble. Just make sure you have a good gun belt to use with it. Dress belts just don't do as good a job. You'll love adjustable cant, really lets you dial in a holster for you.

[Landor]

I like Kydex because of the way they are made you can modify any holster that uses them so that the holster can be adjusted to lay flush with your waist line. With leather and snaps you always have that half inch or so sticking up from the width of the snaps.

[madecov]

I prefer leather loops. I have seen Kydex crack. I think it has a place, but leather just is nicer to me and is less likely to scuff your belt.

[Gary Brommeland]

I prefer leather loops. I have seen Kydex crack. I think it has a place, but leather just is nicer to me and is less likely to scuff your belt.

+1 for leather. I too have seen kydex crack, and personally I do not trust it.

[raytracer]

I like both. The Kydex is much easier to take on and off for obvious reasons, and offers the option of adjustability. I have a KD holster and 3 Tuckers that use Kydex clips, and on the ones that I take on and off a lot, the clips do eventually get sprung. You can restore them several times with hot tap water, but they do eventually wear out - usually over a period of many months or a year or more. I've only ever had one break, and only after repeated "restorations".

Since I have several holsters that use them, I keep several extras around - any potential problem solved.

Joe

[cockedlocked01]

I've used all three (Kydex, leather, & metal). I actually prefer the kydex. You can adjust them, but they can develop cracks over time or from misuse. But, leather will develop play overtime, too. It's like everything thing else, stuff wears out. You should check-out your equipment periodically. One more thing, you can replace the kydex clips easily, especially if you bought extra ones.

[maclean3]

I've used kydex and I prefer leather. Considering "most" gunbelts run $70 to $100 or more I sort of cringe at roughing up the fine finish with hard plastic clips. I've got one holster for my J-frame that clips to the waistband underneath the belt so it doesn't the finish but even that tore up the waistline of my Levi's.

I use Gary's MaxCon V for my daily carry and he's designed the holster so the leather loops can be replaced or even changed to a different width with a simple screw driver. Loop sets are only a few bucks extra so it's affordable to have one holster function for both 1.5" and 1.25" belts for those dressier occasions.
Jack

[fotomaker57]

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like it is going to be leather for me.
Mike

[TonyW]

I've used both and while kydex works, I just simply perfer leather.

[frankmako]

should not be a problem. over the years it has got better.