{TOP 6} Best Paddle Holster Reviews {2023 UPDATED}

Carrying a pistol stuffed in your pocket or tucked into your waistband can be extremely dangerous.

Responsibly armed citizens always use an adequate holster.

Today you have an endless sea of gun-carrying rigs. These are designed to be worn on almost every part of your person.

In the end, the best holster type for you is often a matter of personal preference and shooting style.

Factors to Consider

The most popular holsters are the traditional on-the-belt models. They can range from standard OWB (outside-the-waistband) holsters to the more esoteric IWB (inside-the-waistband) appendix carry holsters.

Each of these carrying styles has benefits and limitations. When selecting the best holster, you need to do your research. A perfect holster should be able to hold your sidearm securely. It should conceal it well. It should also allow you to draw it quickly. But you have to be prepared for some compromise. Concealment, weapon security, and draw speed usually don’t go hand in hand.

The best paddle holsters are made from Kydex and leather. They will be precisely molded to a specific weapon. The holster should fit the pistol like a glove. It should also provide passive retention and cover the entire trigger mechanism.

Paddle Holster

As its name suggests, this holster type is shaped like a paddle. The paddle is what slides inside your clothes and attaches the holster to your waistband in IWB carry.

The paddle may be rubberized or made of leather.

Modern paddle holsters are made of many materials. These include Kydex, leather, injected molded plastic, and even nylon.

As with all holsters, you need to consider a few things when researching paddle holsters. It should hold your weapon securely. It should be comfortable to use. It should also provide years of dependable service.

Weapon security is a primary consideration when choosing a new holster. Comfort and ease of access are also extremely important.

These two factors have contributed to paddle holsters rapidly gaining popularity. They are now the first choice for lawn enforcement, competitors, and individual gun owners. Paddle holsters are especially good for people who work at a desk all day.

Paddle vs. Belt Holster

Paddle holsters are similar to belt holsters. Both can be carried inside or outside the waistband holster.

Belt holsters use single or multiple belt loops or hooks to attach to the belt. They work for both CCW and EDC because they have a very low profile.

Paddle holsters are also used for OWB. But they don’t require a belt. They also provide a quick draw and are quicker to detach.

In addition, many manufacturers design paddle holsters as modular rigs. That allows you to detach the paddle from the waistband holsters. You can replace it with a belt loop or clip.

The concave-shaped paddle rests against your leg and holds the holster in place. It also inclines the holster a bit away from the body. This ensures you have a good grip on the weapon.

The common feature of paddle rigs is flexibility. There are multiple carry positions.

If you carry a full-size or duty sidearm, paddle holsters are viable options for open carry or concealed carry.

For compact and subcompact handguns, you should purchase paddle holsters that ride high. This combination provides discrete protection for your pistol. It enables you to conceal your compact even under a T-shirt.

BEST PADDLE HOLSTER REVIEWS

2. Concealment Express OWB Paddle Kydex Holster

This relatively new holster series comes from the renowned Concealment Express which is a great holster for active retention.

The Concealment Express OWB paddle holster is made in the USA. It is constructed from 0.080″ Kydex. It is made of very thin material. However, the holster retains its shape and structure for longer than similar imported products.

This convenient OWB rig has a minimalist design and a top-notch finish. The holster comes without sharp edges. The corners are rounded and filed smooth. There will be no pokes and prods.

The fiber-reinforced stealth paddle attaches easily. It allows you to carry high on the hip. The holster also features an adjustable cant. It ranges from -5 to +20 degrees.

You can carry this product on your strong side (hip) or in your waistband at 3 or 9 o’clock.

This minimalist outside-the-waistband kydex holster has an over-cut open-face. It accommodates threaded barrels and silencer height sights.

Holstering and re-holstering are simple and clean. The Posi-click feature will tell you that the weapon is secured. In addition, you can adjust the retention. Just use the two screws below the trigger guard.

This lightweight and durable OWB paddle rig has a full-length sweat guard with a rear sight shield.

This is Concealment Express’s first attempt at OWB holster offerings. It is higher priced than the competition. Yet, the price is still very reasonable for the quality.

Pros 

• Can be worn on the waistband 
• Incredibly sturdy and durable. It’s made from high-quality materials.
• Can conceal firearms easily. 
• It clears sight and conveniently accommodates threaded barrels
• A lifetime guarantee 

Cons 

• Does not fit as tight as the manufacturer claims

3. Uncle Mike’s TACTICAL OPEN TOP Kydex Paddle Holster

Off-duty and Concealment OT Hip Holster with PBA

Uncle Mike’s is a renowned US manufacturer of holsters, swivels, slings, and ammo holders. The brand has more than 20 years of experience creating handgun holsters. Uncle Mike’s offers a wide selection of carry rigs for combat, daily duty, hunting, or concealed carry. They are designed to suit any carry style.

Uncle Mike’s Kydex Paddle Holster is high quality. It is made from slightly thicker Kydex than average. It will be a little bulkier th

The Uncle Mike’s Kydex Conceal Paddle holster is not gun specific. But it does come in a variety of sizes. This Kydex paddle holster has an open-top design. There is adjustable passive retention.

As you would expect, there is a thumb snap for additional retention.

Surprisingly, the Kydex Paddle Holster from Uncle Mike’s includes a belt loop attachment.

Nevertheless, the main selling point is the adjustable semi-rigid Kydex paddle. It will mold itself to the wearer’s hip. The soft, pliable paddle rides closer to the body. It features generous vent holes to improve air circulation.

Uncle Mike’s CCW holster is best used for conventional behind-the-hip carry at a mid-level height. It is also suitable for hip, cross draw, and appendix carry.

Pros 

• Comes with a paddle attachment 
• Incredibly comfortable 
• Compatible with popular handguns and Glocks 
• Both males and females can use it. 
• Smooth and easy draw
• Excellent retention 

Cons 

• It has some hard edges that become visible after some draw strokes 

4. Galco Speed Paddle Holster for Ruger LCR

This is the only leather paddle-style rig on our list. It comes from another USA holster manufacturer – Galco Gunleather.

Galco creates many different styles of paddle gun holsters. One of the most popular is the Speed Paddle Holster.

Actually, the Speed Paddle is a hybrid holster. It combines premium thick saddle leather and Galco’s patented copolymer injection-molded belt-lock paddle. The Galco Speed Paddle holster includes a convenient on/off switch. There is also a tension screw adjustment system for added security.

The model SPD300B-8 features expertly molded leather bound. It has a thick double-stitching and beautiful finish. It comes in a rich “whiskey” brown color.

This holster is well-known for its perfect balancing. It provides a quick draw, firearm access, and improved safety. It is a fantastic blend of traditional steer hide leather and modern Kydex. This Galco Belt Holster features an open-top design. It provides a speedy draw. There is also a covered trigger guard for added security.

The Speed Paddle holster is available for semiautos and double-action revolvers. It works best with belts up to 1.75 inches in width.

Pros

• Made with quality materials 
• You can secure the holster with a thumb break retention strap. 
• Ideal for open carry 
• Features a belt-lock injection-molded paddle

Cons 

• Not recommended for concealed carry 
• Firearms don’t fit in well

5. 7371 7TS ALS Concealment Paddle Holster – Safariland

Another world-class holster manufacturer is Safariland Holsters. Their Model 7371 7TS holster is the top-of-the-line. All Safariland holsters feature an ALS (Automatic Locking System) system. The 7371 7TS also provides the simplicity of an open-top design.

Safariland’s 6378, 7378, and similar paddle models are bulky. They are less suitable for concealed carry in warmer climates. To address this flaw, Safariland has offered a new holster line. This includes the micro paddle (571 BL).

The 7371 holster is much smaller than previous rigs. It belongs to the “slim” line of holsters. This OWB rig has a concealment-driven design created specifically for CCW.

The Safariland Model 7371 7TS ALS Concealment Paddle Holster rides close to your body. It has a small footprint. This makes it ideal for sidearms with thinner profiles.

Safariland offers the same holster in standard-size paddle configuration (568 BL) as well. That holster is dubbed the Model 7378.

Like other Safariland holsters, the 7371 holster is built from durable SafariSeven impact-resistant thermoplastic. It can withstand extreme temperatures from +300°F to -50°F (150°C to -45°C). This proprietary nylon blend is completely non-abrasive. It won’t scratch or mar the firearm’s finish.

As said above, the 7371 7TS comes with Safariland’s innovative ALS retention system. It is officially rated at retention Level I. The ALS allows for quick retrieval of a firearm. There are no thumb breaks on this holster.

Like other ALS models, the Model 7371 features an ALS system that locks the firearm securely in place. However, it uses a wider version of the standard ALS lever. In this version, the lever is deactivated by your thumb during the draw. You can do a natural straight-upward draw with this holster.

The Model 7371 features a 3-hole belt-loop pattern. It is compatible with all belt mount options found in the Safariland catalog.

Pros

• Smooth and quick draw 
• It fits adequately 
• It holds the holster very securely onto the waist 

Cons 

• It may not fit P30L.

6. Fobus HPP Evolution Holster

For Hi-Point .380, . 40, . 45, 9mm, Ruger American 9mm Compact, 9mm & .40 Full, P94, P95, P97 (with or without rail), SR45, Right Hand Paddle

Fobus is an Israeli-based manufacturer of inexpensive plastic holsters. Their products fit a plethora of handgun models and makes (semiauto pistols and revolvers). They have been in business for more than 40 years. Thanks to his firsthand knowledge, Fobus has mastered the technology of injected molded polymers.

As you would expect from an Israeli defensive company, Fobus excels in the polymer holster market. They offer thoughtfully-designed holsters made of high-density polymer.

The Fobus Evolution gun holster features a one-piece holster body. It is carefully molded to fit each handgun. It will exert passive retention. The retention adjustment screw is placed at the lower portion of the trigger guard. This allows you to find the perfect amount of retention.

The other part of this minimalist design is the rubberized paddle. It incorporates a steel-reinforced rivet attachment for stability.

The Evolution series is built as an OWB holster . However, this low-profile design is awesome for any kind of concealed carry.

Pros

• Lightweight 
• Has a straightforward on/off design 
• Produced with high-density polymer
• Provides proper protection for firearms 
• Features steel reinforced rivet attachment 

Cons 

• Made for only right-handed users  
• Has zero adjustable retention 
• Has no smooth draw. It’s usually awkward, especially with no belt on. 

Best Way to Wear Paddle Holsters 

Follow our practical tips to adequately wear a paddle holster: 

• Choose a subcompact handgun for concealed firearms 
• Always check if the gun’s safety works well
• Always check out your ring setup to see if your holster is working fully. This includes knowing if it comes with a modular design and needs to be switched. 
• Ensure your gun is properly seated when putting it in your holster. 

Tips For Buying Paddle Holsters 

Here are some tips that will help you buy the best paddle holster. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Kydex or leather holster. These tips will help you to make the best decision: 

1. Determine the Type of Holster 

First, you will need to decide if you want an OWB or IWB holster. An OWB paddle holster offers a faster and smoother draw than an IWB holster. This is why many users prefer to go for it. The only downside is that you will have less concealment. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, you can buy an IWB holster.

2. Prioritize Concealment 

Another crucial tip is to prioritize concealment. You will definitely want to go for a holster that can conceal well. Leather holsters are always the go-to paddle holsters for concealment. This is because leather holsters are not bulky but smooth. This makes it significantly easy to conceal. So, a leather holster is incredibly reliable when it comes to choosing the best concealed carry holster. 

3. Go For Ease of Access

Another tip that will help you choose the best paddle holster is to always go for ease of access. The holster you will go for must safely hold your weapon while giving you a smooth draw. This will help you when you need your firearm for self-defense or protect those around you. A few seconds can make all the difference. 

Final thought

iwb holsters are all the rage today. They may be the most obvious choice for concealed carry. Yet, they are not perfect for every situation and person. OWB holsters tend to be more comfortable and versatile.

Considering the size, paddle holsters are a compromise between IWB and OWB holsters. This makes them a very convenient way of carrying a firearm for prolonged periods.

You know that holster selection is a matter of personal preference. But read our guide anyway. It should help you to make a better-informed decision.

Brian Belko is a freelance writer and blogger. His primary areas of focus include the outdoors and shooting sports. In addition to his freelance work, Brian also writes for Wide Open Spaces and is on the Pro Staff at Military Hunting and Fishing. When he isn’t busy writing, Brian enjoys fishing farm ponds for bass and hitting the spring woods during turkey season.