on October 11, 2009 8:51 PM
I picked up a new holster for my Browning Hi-Power the other day so I have now owned three different kydex/leather hybird, tuckable, IWB holsters for three different makes of guns. Hsoi has been bugging me to do a comparo, so here I go.
The three holsters listed in order of ownership are the Crosssbreed Supertuck Deluxe, Tucker Gunleather's The Answer, and Comp-Tac's MTAC.
Supertuck
The Supertuck is your basic, no frills holster, and I don't mean this pejoratively at all. Unlike the other two examples, the kydex shell is riveted to the single layer backer and there is no stitching on the holster.
My holster came with kydex clips and I didn't care for them, to be honest. They were razor sharp and the fit with my Crossbreed belt was somewhat temperamental. Somewhat recently they switched to metal clips which are a huge improvement, although the finish on the clips on my other holster from them isn't that attractive. (I don't care about the finish, but you might.)
The Answer
The Answer is the complete opposite of the Supertuck. You can tell it was put together by someone who is first and foremost a leatherworker.
The first thing you notice is the nice suede backing. I was a little worried that the die from the black suede would get all over my boxers, but it never did and I wore it in triple digit temperatures frequently.
The next thing you notice is the nice stitching and decorative crease around the edge.
Tucker offers some frills that the other guys don't with the suede backer and the leather lined kydex option, but it does come at a higher price.
I really like this holster although I do have to mention that I did have a slight issue with mine: It kept flicking the safety off my 1911. I sent it back, and they either fixed it or sent me another one and I have not had the issue happen again.
MTAC
The MTAC is the best bang for the buck of the three holsters, and has the best standard clips in my opinion. Also, it is the only one that has interchangeable kydex shells. Personally, I would just get another holster rather than having to swap shells all the time, but if that appeals to you, you can do it.
The leather is two layers in some spots and one in others. Supposedly this adds to the comfort, without adding thickness, and adds a little grip to help keep the holster stable while drawing.
Personally, I am used to The Answer and like the extra thickness. We'll have to see how it does in next summer's heat before making the call, but I do think it would be more durable in the long run if the holster was thicker.
Recommendations?
To be honest, you really can't go wrong with any of them. I have made repeat purchases from all three companies, and I wouldn't do that if they weren't good.
If you're on a really tight budget, the Supertuck has the lowest MSRP. (I'm not going to factor in shipping as I really don't know what each place offers.) I personally would recommend getting the combat cut if you are going to get it. The extra leather tends to get in the way when drawing.
If you can afford a few bucks more, the MTAC is nicer for the money and gets my nod as the best bang for your buck. I would suggest if you do get the MTAC to get the "slide" version if your variety of gun comes in different lengths, and you have them. Also, I would be remiss not point out that Comp-Tac really gets your stuff to you fast. (They have for all my orders anyway.)
The Answer is definitely the highest quality holster of the bunch and the price reflects that. I think it rides the nicest of all of them and feels a bit more attached to you, for lack of a better word, but I should stipulate in the the interest of fairness that each holster I have is for a different make of gun so it's not a true "apples to apples" comparison. I would not recommend the leather lined option. It does protect the finish, but it also slows the draw down. Customer service with Tucker Gunleather is superb also.
The three holsters listed in order of ownership are the Crosssbreed Supertuck Deluxe, Tucker Gunleather's The Answer, and Comp-Tac's MTAC.
Supertuck
The Supertuck is your basic, no frills holster, and I don't mean this pejoratively at all. Unlike the other two examples, the kydex shell is riveted to the single layer backer and there is no stitching on the holster.
My holster came with kydex clips and I didn't care for them, to be honest. They were razor sharp and the fit with my Crossbreed belt was somewhat temperamental. Somewhat recently they switched to metal clips which are a huge improvement, although the finish on the clips on my other holster from them isn't that attractive. (I don't care about the finish, but you might.)
The Answer
The Answer is the complete opposite of the Supertuck. You can tell it was put together by someone who is first and foremost a leatherworker.
The first thing you notice is the nice suede backing. I was a little worried that the die from the black suede would get all over my boxers, but it never did and I wore it in triple digit temperatures frequently.
The next thing you notice is the nice stitching and decorative crease around the edge.
Tucker offers some frills that the other guys don't with the suede backer and the leather lined kydex option, but it does come at a higher price.
I really like this holster although I do have to mention that I did have a slight issue with mine: It kept flicking the safety off my 1911. I sent it back, and they either fixed it or sent me another one and I have not had the issue happen again.
MTAC
The MTAC is the best bang for the buck of the three holsters, and has the best standard clips in my opinion. Also, it is the only one that has interchangeable kydex shells. Personally, I would just get another holster rather than having to swap shells all the time, but if that appeals to you, you can do it.
The leather is two layers in some spots and one in others. Supposedly this adds to the comfort, without adding thickness, and adds a little grip to help keep the holster stable while drawing.
Personally, I am used to The Answer and like the extra thickness. We'll have to see how it does in next summer's heat before making the call, but I do think it would be more durable in the long run if the holster was thicker.
Recommendations?
To be honest, you really can't go wrong with any of them. I have made repeat purchases from all three companies, and I wouldn't do that if they weren't good.
If you're on a really tight budget, the Supertuck has the lowest MSRP. (I'm not going to factor in shipping as I really don't know what each place offers.) I personally would recommend getting the combat cut if you are going to get it. The extra leather tends to get in the way when drawing.
If you can afford a few bucks more, the MTAC is nicer for the money and gets my nod as the best bang for your buck. I would suggest if you do get the MTAC to get the "slide" version if your variety of gun comes in different lengths, and you have them. Also, I would be remiss not point out that Comp-Tac really gets your stuff to you fast. (They have for all my orders anyway.)
The Answer is definitely the highest quality holster of the bunch and the price reflects that. I think it rides the nicest of all of them and feels a bit more attached to you, for lack of a better word, but I should stipulate in the the interest of fairness that each holster I have is for a different make of gun so it's not a true "apples to apples" comparison. I would not recommend the leather lined option. It does protect the finish, but it also slows the draw down. Customer service with Tucker Gunleather is superb also.
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