Looking for a simple kydex holster that conceals well and is pretty comfortable?
Rounded Gear (formerly Concealment Express) might be the key.
They are affordable, super light, and get the job done with a variety of attachment options.
I’ll cover how they conceal and ease of draw across all their offerings with a couple of my favorite handguns.
Table of Contents
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Who Is It For?
Concealment Express sent me a couple kydex holsters to me for my unbiased review…more than 2 years ago.
They were new to the scene and made good stuff…even though at that time they didn’t cover their mag releases.
Now fast forward and I’m testing their updated models. That yes…do cover mag releases!
They are still my #1 recommendation for a beginner inside waistband (IWB) carry holster that doesn’t break the bank.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Plus they have stellar reviews on Amazon.
They especially shine in appendix inside waistband (AIWB) carry since the kydex is thin and the entire holster weighs less than 3 oz for the G19 version.
What I’m Wearing
Since someone always ends up asking:
Standard IWB Holster
Nothing to see here!
The G19 is now considered relatively big for concealed carry (see all my favorite CCW guns) but you can’t tell with the standard IWB holster in appendix carry position.
Even carrying the fullsize G17 is ok.
I’m a fan of AIWB since it’s easier to draw and more comfy than with it at 4 o’clock for me.
The cut of the kydex allows me to get a good high grip during my draw. The standard belt clip is effective and I never ended up accidentally pulling the entire holster out.
Comfort is pretty good (even sitting) since there’s just a little kydex sticking up above the slide and the grip is small enough that it doesn’t dig into my stomach.
And though it probably doesn’t matter for the real world…but for classes or practice it’s easy to re-holster. Remember to take your time and be safe!
A nice upgrade for AIWB carry is the addition of their “claw” kit.
It essentially pushes your holster/gun closer to your body from the grip side…lowering your potential printing.
It never was a problem for me with their holsters…but I wear fairly loose t-shirts.
If you’re wearing tighter fitting things or using their tuckable holster (coming up)…I would suggest it!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Now how about the 4 o’clock position?
It hides well and still gives an excellent draw.
Comfort could be better since in the end it’s still a hard piece of plastic on your back. For 4 o’clock stuff I like hybrid holsters more.
Tuckable Holster
A new offering is the “tuckable” holster.
It’s a thinner belt attachment from the front.
And allows a small channel to tuck in your shirt over the holster.
Note that if your shirt is really long it will still work but there might be some bunching of material about 2 inches underneath.
But for those that want to carry and have to tuck in a shirt…the tuckable holster is a pretty good solution!
Also note that your gun will sit a tiny bit lower compared to the regular holster…maybe half an inch.
OWB Holster
A new foray for Concealment Express are their OWB (outside the waistband) holster offerings.
First up is their paddle holster.
Easy to put on and take off if you have a proper belt (check out my best gun belt suggestions).
And likely what you want if you don’t care about concealing…such as for competitions, range use, or duty.
You get a full combat grip and there’s also tons of light options for the most popular guns.
If you don’t have a torch on your pistol…check out my Best Handgun Lights article.
Ok…back to the holster! Here it is in action…
Easy to draw with adjustable tension. And good enough for drills where you’ll draw and holster a bunch.
My only complaint would that with a 1.5″ belt there’s some slack in the paddle hooks.
Here it is pulled “high.”
And how it looks after some movement or when you push it down.
You can see it cants the gun a little forward. Not a big deal when I’m at the range or competitions (I’ll move it into the “high” position).
However I never feel it moving when walking and it doesn’t negatively affect my draw even with down…nor has the holster come out with a draw.
Another OWB option is the belt loop model.
A good choice if you want it more securely attached to your belt or if you have a dedicated inner/outer belt setup to throw on.
Mag Holsters
Not much to say here except that their mag holsters work for double-stack and single stack of all the mags I had on hand to test.
Conclusion
Concealment Express kydex holsters are a great entry in simple yet effective AIWB options. The regular belt clips work, cant is adjustable, appendix carry is comfortable, and the price is right. Plus now they have tuckable and OWB options.
And of course…they conceal well and the give you a good high draw.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Have you had experience with Concealment Express? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for other options, check out our Best Concealed Carry Holsters article.
13 Leave a Reply
I periodically use my Concealment Express OWB holsters for the Sig P320 and P365. I really like them. Solid, no nonsense holsters. Comfortable and they retain my pistols really well.
I've noticed a little movement when moving, slight really undecided, but loved the owb purchased for my 320x compact.
I think you are supposed to wear the paddle inside your pants, not inside the belt.
I have the owb for my canik tpsfx and springfield xdm elite 4.5". I have carried both all day at the 4 o'clock does, a great job. Most comfortable holsters I own, keeping it tight, easy draw and easy to holster. Was concerned about durability but no problem carrying 22 round full size pistol easily concealed and covers the mag release and fully covers the slide. Buying 2 more today for other pistols.
I have their IWB with claw for my Spring field XD-E 45 and it is super comfortable and doesn't print at all. Some have said it is not meant for appendix style but for this skinny guy it is the only comfortable position. I don't get it. Well made and once I adjusted the bottom screws a bit it clicks into place and holds but also has a very smooth and quick draw. 5 stars.
I have the Concealment Express IWB for the Taurus G2C and it does cover the magazine release rather well. Very comfortable for SOB carry and is well hidden.
Are you familiar with the ADE pistol red dot? If so, as you know it comes withe a mounting plate that replaces the rear sight of the 9/40sdve. Will the holster offered by Concealment Express still work?
I own about half a dozen of these holsters all iwb (p365,p320x compact,DW guardian,M&P shield) except one (SA XDM 5.25 10MM) is an owb model.They are all great and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
I am new to conceal carry. I just got my CCP and am quite an amateur in regards to knowledge of handguns and holsters. I want to thank you for great written articles and reviews that are accessible to novice users.
Hi Eric, I know this is an old post but I have an additional thought. I have two IWB Concealment Express holsters, one for my Sig P320 compact and one for my HK VP9sk. The holster does not cover the mag release on the Sig but the HK had trigger guard mag releases that are entirely covered.
Thanks John, that's good to know!
From what I can tell about the holster with the backer on it is one could move the shell up and over (or maybe adjust the cant as well?) to better facilitate a better grip on the handgun. In your opinion, would this adjustment solve the issue with hand placement?
I have a Crossbreed SuperTuck for one of my handguns and I love it, but I am looking for a holster that is less bulky and less prone to causing sweat during summer months.
I think you might be right! I can't find more information on this holster...it's not on Concealment Express's site and the Amazon link to the backer doesn't have any shells.