I have been using StealthGear USA holsters for about a year and a half now, and I must say, they are still my go-to IWB holster, bar none. I’ve written about both their Onyx IWB holster and their IWB Mag Carriers in the past, and I still use both of those products daily. StealthGear USA makes a truly one of a kind holster, but not because of the holster shape, but rather due to the materials used. It is those materials that set their products apart from all the rest. The comfort level of their products is untouched by any other IWB holster I have ever used, and both the security and durability or their products are second to none.
Now I have never been much of a fan of appendix carry, but there are times and situations when that carry position is one of the best options. My opposition to that carry location has mostly been a comfort issue. I have never found a holster/gun combination that did not dig into either my leg or my, well, my other parts in that region. Some of the appendix holsters I have tried over the years had hard, sharp protrusions and were downright painful, which caused me to use them only once or twice before relegating them to the large box of never worn holsters in my closet. So when StealthGear announced they have come out with an appendix carry holster, aptly named the AIWB, I was intrigued. If they could produce an appendix holster that was as comfortable as their Onyx holster, my dilemma would be solved.
Seeing as I had just picked up a new Glock 42, a gun that would lend itself perfectly to appendix carry for those times when that carry position was called for, I ordered a StealthGear AIWB and crossed my fingers. At a starting price of $79, it was not remotely the cheapest option out there, but based on my experience with their other products, I had high hopes that this would indeed be a comfortable holster for appendix carry, and thus not a waste of money like all the previous holsters had been.
A couple weeks later, my new AIWB arrived. Upon opening the package, I found what I have come to expect in terms of fit and finish from StealthGear USA products, and that is to say superb. The AIWB is constructed of the same materials that their other products are made from. The chassis is made from synthetic materials so unlike leather, it is impervious to sweat. It is also padded and ventilated. The chassis is backed with the same soft synthetic material as the holsters, which means it is equally as comfortable on the wearer’s bare skin. The top side of the chassis that meets your gun is made from “RhinoMesh” which is extremely durable. The formed half of the holster is made from thick Kydex. All the edges of the Kydex are smoothed, and the fit of the Kydex to the gun is spot on. The belt single clip on the AIWB is made of plastic as opposed to two metal clips on their Onyx holsters that I already owned. Additionally, the belt clip has two mounting holes to adjust for carry depth, and there are three different screws on the clip side of the holster allowing the user even more adjustability in terms of carry height/depth.
Initially, I used the holster as delivered and found that while it was the most comfortable appendix holster I had used to date, it still was digging into my leg a bit when I sat in the car to drive. I made an adjustment to the carry depth to raise the holster slightly and I found my sweet spot. The pinching in my leg was gone and I barely knew I had the gun on me.
I carried this setup for several weeks straight and was thankful to find that the StealthGear AIWB performed perfectly. The comfort level with the AIWB is on par with the Onyx, and as the materials are exactly the same, I suspect the durability will also be equal. Appendix carry is still not my ideal carry position, for a number of reasons, but seeing as there are times when it is indeed the best choice, I’m glad to say I finally have found a holster that I can rely on to use when it is needed. If you are looking for a high quality, comfortable, secure appendix carry holster, look no further. The StealthGear USA AIWB will not disappoint.
Matt
Matt is a full time Deputy Sheriff that has been on the job since 1996. During his time as a LEO he's attended countless training classes and is a court recognized firearms expert. Matt brings a unique perspective to TBS given his LEO experience and life time appreciation of firearms and our 2nd Amendment rights.
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