Well, it was an early christmas, yesterday my Sparks VM2 arrived, and today my KD Dakota defender arrived. I ordered my KD about a month and a half after my Sparks. Very nice holster. The KD is simple leather, and I also ordered a mag pouch with it. All totaled my KD including the mag pouch, was about $50.00 less than my Sparks, but the Sparks had the shark trim. So, All I have to say is WOW. Kevin make a nice holster! The Dakota is both stiffer and thinner than my VM2. Drawing and re holstering is a chore with the KD, but that's OK, it will loosen up. The Sparks was easy to do both upon its arrival. I like the fact that the KD is adjustable. The Sparks is made a certain way, and if that way doesn't fit the user, well I guess you are out of luck. Fortunately my Sparks fit me well so I am one of the lucky ones. The KD also had a nice felt-type backing on it, MUCH more comfortable against the skin. I have yet to put either one of the through a real good test, as my Sparks arrived yesterday and my KD arrived today. Just from the little bit I wore both and looked at both side-by-side, so far the nod goes to the KD. I like the thinness of the Dakota, it's adjustable, less expensive, easier on and off, little quicker delivery time, felt backing, and I like the "locking click" my Colt makes when holstering. Here are the mandatory pics.