First AIWB Holster

[Yankee]

I normally carry behind hip, but looking to try AIWB. Just went through forum and read a bunch of threads on holster options. I'm leaning towards the JMCK Wing Claw 2.0 or Tenicor Velo. This will be for a Glock 43, but I'm thinking a G48 length will be more comfortable?

For the Wing Claw 2.0, how are the plastic clips compared to the discreet carry clips? I want something that's easy on/off while in a car as I can't carry at work, the plastic clips look maybe better for that?

And how necessary is a muzzle pad? Is it really uncomfortable without one? I'd like to minimize bulk, but also want it to be comfortable obviously.

The Velo looks interesting, but not sure how I'd like that body contour bulge.

Also, can both these holsters be adjusted high enough to get a full grip on gun while holstered? I hate holsters that ride so low you can't wrap fingers around grip while in holster.

Thanks!

[Bucky]

Your body weight, shape, type, and size will dictate a lot of the answers to your questions.

As for clips, I much prefer plastic to metal.

[Tensaw]

Yank... the JMCK 2.0 is a good/safe call. I ordered mine a couple of weeks ago for my 43X. I ordered for a 48 (partly on the theory that I may run a comp at some point). You would probably be fine with either set of clips. The DC clips are bit more of a pain to release, but not terrible once you learn how to hold your mouth. I think you will want the muzzle pad - both for comfort and concealment. Tony at JMCK is a shooter and gets the grip / ride height thing. I’m the same way wanting grips to ride high enough. I know exactly what you are saying. You should be good to go.

All that said, if you go the VELO route, you would *probably* be fine. (I think Tenicor has a money back guarantee.). But it is a newer design and somewhat less common. To me, the VELO is more suited for a big gun. The 43X isn’t hard to hide or carry so the more straightforward design of the JMCK WingClaw seems more appropriate - to me.

[Hambo]

I normally carry behind hip, but looking to try AIWB. Just went through forum and read a bunch of threads on holster options. I'm leaning towards the JMCK Wing Claw 2.0 or Tenicor Velo. This will be for a Glock 43, but I'm thinking a G48 length will be more comfortable?

For the Wing Claw 2.0, how are the plastic clips compared to the discreet carry clips? I want something that's easy on/off while in a car as I can't carry at work, the plastic clips look maybe better for that?

And how necessary is a muzzle pad? Is it really uncomfortable without one? I'd like to minimize bulk, but also want it to be comfortable obviously.

The Velo looks interesting, but not sure how I'd like that body contour bulge.

Also, can both these holsters be adjusted high enough to get a full grip on gun while holstered? I hate holsters that ride so low you can't wrap fingers around grip while in holster.

Thanks!

You can definitely get a full grip using the JMCK. I'm not sure about on/off while seated in a car, or what it would look like you're doing, but I carry a full size pistol. I really didn't expect to like AIWB, but at this point I'd hate to have to go back to strong side IWB.

[Det1397]

As I've posted a few times, I've been carrying a pistol almost exclusively for many years OWB, either off duty, duty or plainclothes. But, lately I've decided to "try" AIWB. In doing so, I have had very good experiences with the VELO (G43X and P365) and the Raven EIDOLON with the claw and wedge (G19/G45). I do believe AIWB is an "acquired taste" and it varies from person to person, body shape and build, as far as how well you can adapt to this mode of carry.

And +1 on you being concerned about getting a full fighting grip on the pistol while holstered! It drives me nuts when I see so many AIWB holsters advertised with pictures that show the gun low on the belt line, touting maximum concealment... At the cost of not being able to get a good positive grip for a safe and efficient draw stroke. I find both the Tenicor and Raven are very adjustable and afford me a full grip on the gun.

The plastic clips on the Raven work fine, as do the metal clips on the Tenicor, but bear in mind, part of the formula is an efficient and well designed gun belt- I use the
V Development Group MEGINGJÖRÐ AIWB specific belt version 3.0- works for me.

[Yankee]

Your body weight, shape, type, and size will dictate a lot of the answers to your questions.

As for clips, I much prefer plastic to metal.

Thanks everyone for replies so far! Good call, should have mentioned that. I'm 5'7", 150lbs, not skinny, but fairly thin.

[Doc_Glock]

For the Wing Claw 2.0, how are the plastic clips compared to the discreet carry clips? I want something that's easy on/off while in a car as I can't carry at work, the plastic clips look maybe better for that?

I find the metal clips a PITA to remove and less so to don the holster with gun holstered. I prefer plastic as they are secure enough, and I can get the holster off without drama when I want to.

[M2CattleCo]

Body type makes such a big difference, especially with appendix, that recommendations are not gonna be absolute.

I'm 5' 7", 140. Very little fat. Long waisted.

If I pull my pants up to what is described as the waist, 1) I have a huge wedgie and a moose knuckle, and 2) when I let go of 'em, they immediately fall back down to where they normally ride.

Appendix carry is difficult for me from a comfort and concealment perspective.

If I carry in an AIWB holster I can comfortably walk around, but sitting is uncomfortable, bending over is painful, I have to remove the holster tie shoes. I have to carry closer to centerline to able to move my legs, but now the other things that occupy the space behind the zipper are all crowded together with the muzzle of a gun. It really doesn't work, holster design and gun size don't matter. G43 or 17 are about the same. I do regularly carry AIWB with a Raven Vanguard, but it's more for just short stints like hitting the ATM or filling up with gas.

IWB at 3-4:00? Fine. I've carried a 17/17K and 5" 1911 for over a decade. Being smaller, I need more cant to stay off the sciatic nerve, but other than that, it's pretty easy.

[SAWBONES]

For easy on-off, I'd recommend the JMCK Wing-Claw 2.5 with wide-set soft pull-the-dot loops over the Wing-Claw 2.0.

The discreet carry clips are definitely not as easy on-off as the loops. (I keep trying them though, on different holsters.)

The Tenicor VELO gen 4 is a very good option too, with the same loops.

The muzzle pad adds comfort, but its primary purpose is to push the muzzle forward, thereby bringing the rear of the pistol into the body, with resultant improved concealment. The "body curve" protrusion on the VELO accomplishes the same thing, but without a closed cell foam pad.

I find the JMCK Wing-Claw 2.5 and Tenicor VELO gen 4 to be equally comfortable, carrying a G26.
Both are excellent rigs. As with all CCW holster choices, there's unfortunately no substitute for actually trying the holsters yourself.

Both holsters permit height adjustment, the VELO offering a bit more "fine tuning" due to the hole-spacing being shorter, and with 3 height-choice options rather than 2 on the Wing-Claw 2.5.

In practice, the lowest-set carry option of the 3 VELO settings did not provide adequate clearance for a full master grip, but the middle hole option did, while even the lower height setting (upper hole) for the Wing-Claw 2.5 did do so.



After practicing CCW for over 30 years with behind-the-hip IWB, I find AIWB carry to be definitely more comfortable and faster, with the requirement for a front cover garment being the only potential downside.

(A purposeful belt is important, of course, as others noted. Mine are all of Mastermind and Graith manufacture, adjusted to a fairly tight fit. Not having an overly-protuberant abdomen definitely helps with AIWB carry concealability and comfort. :rolleyes:)

[Larry T]

The holsters you mentioned are the two I use almost all the time. The Velo allows for carrying a little closer to the hip crease (~1:30 to 2:00) than the JMCK 2.0 by a little bit. The 2.0 allows for carrying between 12:30 and 1:30 better than the Velo.

The body contour on the Velo works and isn't uncomfortable unless you try to carry too close to mid-line. The pad on the 2.0 also works and is pretty durable.

As for clips, I won't use plastic clips of any kind. It's either the DCC clips or PTD loops. The loops are super-easy but don't conceal as well as the DCCs but unless you're wearing a skin-tight cover, they conceal fine. The DCCs conceal best but there's a definite learning curve to getting them on and off without breaking fingernails (even short manly ones). The DCCs are indestructible and the holster will explode into a thousand tiny pieces in a fight before the DCCs will fail.

For me, it comes down to the cover I'm wearing and also the belt loop position on the pants. You can't go wrong with either, and at some point you may want both.

[Yankee]

Thanks all for the replies, all really helpful input! To get a feel for how I might like AIWB I took one of my current holsters for my G43 and moved the clip to different holes for a straight drop and tried that AIWB. I didn't find this very comfortable at all, definitely worse sitting than standing. Sitting the muzzle pressed into top of leg and back of slide into stomach/bottom rib. If I pulled holster up a bit as sitting down and didn't lean forward much it wasn't so bad. Standing wasn't great, but I guess tolerable. Grip stuck out obviously since nothing pulling it in, but was more interested in getting a feel for comfort.

Do you all think this holster can give me a decent idea whether I'd like AIWB? Or is this not even comparable to comfort of a purpose build AIWB holster? Based on finding this not very comfortable, any thoughts on options/features of an AIWB holster I should look for that would be better for me? Thanks

https://i.imgur.com/jUFzCWR.jpg

[HopetonBrown]

That ain't an appendix holster.

I've seen quite a number of IWB/AIWB holsters with plastic and metal clips (not DCC) pop off the belt during the draw. There's a reason why people like Craig Douglas prefer fixed loop attachments and not plastic clips. The DCC changes the paradigm about clips. Easy off is not a positive design attribute for a holster attachment.

[Det1397]

...Do you all think this holster can give me a decent idea whether I'd like AIWB? Or is this not even comparable to comfort of a purpose build AIWB holster?...

For me, I tried using a few different IWB holsters that their makers touted as AIWB... No luck! But as soon as I tried a couple of actual AIWB holsters with an AIWB specific belt, I found holsters that are beginning to work for me. YMMV, but AIWB (at least for me) is an acquired taste.

[Rex G]

Thanks all for the replies, all really helpful input! To get a feel for how I might like AIWB I took one of my current holsters for my G43 and moved the clip to different holes for a straight drop and tried that AIWB. I didn't find this very comfortable at all, definitely worse sitting than standing. Sitting the muzzle pressed into top of leg and back of slide into stomach/bottom rib. If I pulled holster up a bit as sitting down and didn't lean forward much it wasn't so bad. Standing wasn't great, but I guess tolerable. Grip stuck out obviously since nothing pulling it in, but was more interested in getting a feel for comfort.

Do you all think this holster can give me a decent idea whether I'd like AIWB? Or is this not even comparable to comfort of a purpose build AIWB holster? Based on finding this not very comfortable, any thoughts on options/features of an AIWB holster I should look for that would be better for me? Thanks

https://i.imgur.com/jUFzCWR.jpg

I have a better idea... Karma Time! :) We are a community, here.

I have what I reasonably believe to be a JMCK George, for the elongated-slide variant of the G43, whatever that pistol model is called. I acquired it as part of a batch of pre-owned Kydex gear. I wanted the JMCK mag pouch, from that batch of stuff, which I use for a 1911 mag. I have not yet bought a bought a slim-line 9mm Glock, and if I ever do, I probably never will carry it right-handed, as my right wrist has aged-out of shooting small-gripped 9mm pistols right-handed.

My G42 fits just a bit loosely. It will not allow a G19 to be inserted.

PM an address, if you are interested.

[Yankee]

I have a better idea... Karma Time! :) We are a community, here.

I have what I reasonably believe to be a JMCK George, for the elongated-slide variant of the G43, whatever that pistol model is called. I acquired it as part of a batch of pre-owned Kydex gear. I wanted the JMCK mag pouch, from that batch of stuff, which I use for a 1911 mag. I have not yet bought a bought a slim-line 9mm Glock, and if I ever do, I probably never will carry it right-handed, as my right wrist has aged-out of shooting small-gripped 9mm pistols right-handed.

My G42 fits just a bit loosely. It will not allow a G19 to be inserted.

PM an address, if you are interested.
Wow, thank you very much for that generous offer! Unfortunately I'm a lefty :(, but I really appreciate the offer.

[Yankee]

For me, I tried using a few different IWB holsters that their makers touted as AIWB... No luck! But as soon as I tried a couple of actual AIWB holsters with an AIWB specific belt, I found holsters that are beginning to work for me. YMMV, but AIWB (at least for me) is an acquired taste.
That's good to know a real AIWB will likely be better. I definitely plan on giving AIWB a try and seeing if I can make it work for me.

What makes an AIWB specific belt better besides a low profile buckle? Are there any that don't use Velcro? I currently use a Nexbelt and like the adjustability of the ratchet.

[Yankee]

Just placed an order for the JMCK Wing Claw 2.0. Interested to see how I like it!

[UNM1136]

Holster shopping lists are varied, based on user needs. Comfort and.concealability can be very subjective.

Fortunately the free market provides wide and varied solutions and the secondary market makes holsters fairly easy to get rid of with a sometimes surprising ability to recomp costs.

pat

[JAD]

For a gun that conceals as easily as the 43, you may prefer the simplicity of the George.

[JATA]

I have carried appendix for 20ish years. I only started using a holster (full time) about 2-3 years ago. I had tried a couple, a long the way, didn't like any of them. I'm not just talking Kydex or IWB, I tried A LOT of different holsters and then carried without one for well over a decade.

I do not think there is any such thing as a truly comfortable Kydex AIWB. The closest thing I have found is Vedder Light Tuck (about to get my third). It is the only Kydex IWB I have literally forgot I was wearing. Don't misunderstand - putting my boots on SUCKS but long car rides do not..... the way they did with other brands. The holster allows for a full grip, sits high enough to minimize bbl stab, low enough to prevent waist line roll over, they're just "right"

Like I said - I have two, I wear a Vedder T-shirt, and I'm about to buy a third.

[alex]

Tenicor Velo is the bees knees.

[Bob45]

On Tonys reccomendation, I have a wing claw 2.5, PTD loops, wide set. It is the only holster I have ever had that allows me to carry AIWB. I have one for a Shield, and another for an M&P 2.0 compact. I rarely carry the shield anymore, as the compact in this holster is very comfortable, and I shoot it much better. You have to try it, and the smallest adjustment in height or position can make a huge difference. I use a Graith specialist belt, and that made a huge difference as well.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[pangloss]

On Tonys reccomendation, I have a wing claw 2.5, PTD loops, wide set.

That exact set up is what I have settled on as my personal standard. It works very very very well for me.



Sent from my moto e5 cruise using Tapatalk

[Clusterfrack]

A few thoughts:

1. AIWB carry is a skill that takes time to master. Not hours or days, but months or even years. Initially, plan on this carry method feeling very wrong.
2. AIWB can be very comfortable. I've hiked for days in rugged terrain with a P-07 or even a Glock 20 carried AIWB. I prefer AIWB to strong-side IWB, comfort-wise.
3. There are a lot of variables in AIWB carry: Gun, holster, pants, belt, and most importantly your body type. Here are some things that help my carry work:

-enough holster below the belt to keep the top of the gun from tipping out. The top of the gun must be pushed in to your body for this carry method to work.
-not so long a rig that it digs into your leg
-nice soft wedge pad in just the right place
-pants loose or stretchy enough that they don't push the muzzle toward your body (makes the top of the gun tip out)
-pants with the right rise--not too low, not too high
-belt that is stiff enough, but flexible
-holster not too wide for your waist size (JMCK AIWB 2.0 is too wide for me, but the 2.5 is just right)
-maximizing concealment requires a lot of other variables that I don't have time to write about not, but the 2.5 with wide pattern PDT loops is the best I've found.

***safety issues related to AIWB carry should be obvious. A lot has been written here about that, and getting training is a great idea***

[GearFondler]

I agree with Clusterfrack on everything he said except the need for a Soft wedge. Yes, they feel good right away but in my experience a hard wedge can be just as comfortable once your body adjusts to it. Initially it may cause a sore spot but within a week you should adjust to the pressure and stop noticing it. I did anyway. My first AIWB was an Eidolon and now I'm using a Sagax Lux, both featuring hard wedges, and I don't even notice either one even with extended driving.

[blues]

A few thoughts:

1. AIWB carry is a skill that takes time to master. Not hours or days, but months or even years. Initially, plan on this carry method feeling very wrong.
2. AIWB can be very comfortable. I've hiked for days in rugged terrain with a P-07 or even a Glock 20 carried AIWB. I prefer AIWB to strong-side IWB, comfort-wise.
3. There are a lot of variables in AIWB carry: Gun, holster, pants, belt, and most importantly your body type. Here are some things that help my carry work:

-enough holster below the belt to keep the top of the gun from tipping out. The top of the gun must be pushed in to your body for this carry method to work.
-not so long a rig that it digs into your leg
-nice soft wedge pad in just the right place
-pants loose or stretchy enough that they don't push the muzzle toward your body (makes the top of the gun tip out)
-pants with the right rise--not too low, not too high
-belt that is stiff enough, but flexible
-holster not too wide for your waist size (JMCK AIWB 2.0 is too wide for me, but the 2.5 is just right)
-maximizing concealment requires a lot of other variables that I don't have time to write about not, but the 2.5 with wide pattern PDT loops is the best I've found.

***safety issues related to AIWB carry should be obvious. A lot has been written here about that, and getting training is a great idea***


I agree with Clusterfrack on everything he said except the need for a Soft wedge. Yes, they feel good right away but in my experience a hard wedge can be just as comfortable once your body adjusts to it. Initially it may cause a sore spot but within a week you should adjust to the pressure and stop noticing it. I did anyway. My first AIWB was an Eidolon and now I'm using a Sagax Lux, both featuring hard wedges, and I don't even notice either one even with extended driving.

I'm on both sides of the fence but as Clusterfrack says, the clothing and the belt have a lot to do with it.

First off, imho there is no "perfect" holster, just different degrees of excellence among the top tier offerings.

For example, I have AIWB holsters from JMCK, DSG, Mastermind and most recently, Tenicor. Each is excellent in its own right but not necessarily perfect with each article of clothing depending on the factors Clusterfrack mentioned...which include rise, fabric, belt loop position and the belt itself.

All of my holsters feature "foam" wedges but for the Tenicor. I'm comfortable with all of them but I can tell and appreciate the nuance and differences when I switch from one to another. And, along with that, the slightest variable in positioning inbound or outbound, (toward 12 o'clock or away), also makes a great deal of difference in comfort and concealment.

In truth, no matter the recommendation that any of us with years of experience carrying AIWB can share, it all comes down to how a given holster fits your body, choice of clothing and ability to reliably draw from concealment.

The best advice is to buy from one of the reputable makers whose name comes up repeatedly in these discussions. They're there for good reason.

[Medusa]

That exact set up is what I have settled on as my personal standard. It works very very very well for me

it did for me too, and I recommend it often since the investment is relatively low, but the 5-shot Leather SME is the business, for me, and the weapons I carry, which are 92 variants. It is just superb.

I use a jmck aiwb mag carrier for the reload. I used the clip for a long while but went to PTD loops and prefer them.