Both the concealed carry and competition markets understand belts and holsters are important kit. As a reviewer, you can feel bombarded with holsters, belts, and various mundane accouterments.
The result: we tend to find a holster that we like and a belt that works and steer clear of reviewing the next kydex or nylon sensation around the corner.
However, High Threat Concealment got my attention.
Not because they appeared to be trying to do something remarkably different, but because they seemed to be using tried and true design types, applying their own commitment to quality, and bringing products to market at a reasonable price point.
There was a bit of a buzz growing around them. More and more they were being mentioned along with ol’ stand-by reliable brands. I decided to check them out, and I’m glad that I did. I asked for one of their everyday tactical belts and an IWB two loop holster to be sent out.
Today let’s talk about the holster.
It’s easy to become weary of all the kydex out there. If you’ve got a holster company, and you’re making good stuff and a good living, more power to you—I’m throwing no shade. However, there’s little to differentiate kydex makers, so some turn to gimmicks; others cut corners trying to be the cheapest game in town, and still others try to pretend that they are the only game around.
It’s refreshing to come across a company like HTC. They sent me a holster with almost no claims or marketing.
Initial impressions:
The holster arrived, and I inspected it. Out of the box, the attention to detail was apparent. The design is simple and functional. The components used are industry standard. The care in craftsmanship is where the unassuming little holster really shines. The barrel end is nicely closed and polished, and the holster’s retention sucks up your gun like a fat man stepping into North Carolina mud. The aesthetic quality is good too. When you’ve handled as much kydex as I have, you begin to notice the subtle differences. For example, on this holster, the profile of the gun is more distinctly visible from the exterior of the holster than most of the best market examples from manufactures with similar retention.
Many might read about these subtle distinctions and wonder why it matters; what practical or functional difference do they make?
Perceived distinction:
I would imagine they will make three important differences.
- Owner enjoyment—in a world of hastily thrown together widgets, it’s nice to own something that has been crafted with time and care.
- Comfort—the subtle differences in design and finish make this holster more comfortable than most in the appendix or kidney position (at least for people of my body type.) For me, I would put this holster alongside my favorites: PHLster and Incog. The finish of this is better than my old PHLster, but I’ve heard that he has improved his process over the years and mine is getting pretty old.
- Longevity—I can’t prove this one yet because I’ve only owned it for four months or so, but I’ve used it every day and it shows no signs of wear. The quality of construction is apparent, and I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t hold up better than most over the long haul.
The price point is comparable with the mid-range competition, but roughly twenty dollars cheaper than the top dogs in the industry, and there is no quality difference between the two.
Overall, this holster is so good that it’s become my every day holster, and there’s a storage bin full of losers proclaiming that that’s a pretty big deal.
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