Kydex Operator Holster/RE Factor

Initial evaluation

Brian Montgomery, BOLO Report Associate Editor

RE Factor Tactical has a molded  holster available, the “Kydex Operator Holster“. Now, to be clear, I understand in advance that there are a number of different custom kydex manufacturers out there. Our staffers so far have worn and evaluated (and some of us continue to wear) holsters from several of the bigger names in this particular niche. There isn’t going to be a huge number of differences from holster to holster. It takes some time wearing one, off duty and on the range, before you can tell what you like about each style.

I’ve been wearing the kydex operator holster for a couple of weeks now. At first, I admit I was skeptical primarily because there are soooo many new Kydex gizmos and “high speed” contraptions being made of it, by everyone from true craftsmen to guys with the right tools in their garage (which is occasionally the best kind).

Wearing a typical Vertx polo, had to stretch to get it to ‘print’. Excellent concealment qualities.

So that said in advance, I now admit it. I loved it.  It rode high, close to the body and was barely noticeable as an off-duty/plain clothes accessory.  I wore it off-duty under a t-shirt and never worried about printing (it took a little effort to actually get to print for a picture, though in fairness that’s going to also depend on your choice of clothing and your body style–you’re going to see a full size Glock on the hip of a garden gnome in a spandex shirt, regardless of the holster).  I took my motorcycle for a spin and wore a soft shell jacket over the top and found it remained largely covered while riding.

I didn’t wear a full-size Glock, instead I carried my 23 and 27 at different times and the fit was great.  No rattle, never any feeling of not having my weapon secure.

Yes, that’s a maple bacon donut from Voodoo Donuts.

The “cons”: First, some wearers will have an issue with passive retention by itself. I would never wear it on duty, where I had to worry about weapon retention. That said, very few people would buy this style of holster for duty wear, at least on a standard duty belt. More significantly, I have to remove my entire belt in order to don and doff the holster.  This is a problem with almost all the holsters I use because yes, I’m one of those guys…one of the Devil’s children…a Lefty (not politically – but that’s for an entirely different article).  If I could have it my way, I would ask the designers to figure out a way to attach and remove the holster from a belt without removing the belt (oh well).

The price is reasonable, compared to most other kydex holsters. They all seem to cost about the same.

So, southpaw issues aside,  it is definitely worth checking out and I plan to use this in my regular rotation of off-duty holsters.

That is all for now. 

Specs:

Kydex Holster Specifications:

- Kydex LLC; 0.080″ Flat Tactical Black Kydex T

- 18-8 Stainless Steel Screw Posts – Slotted

- Black Oxidized Low Profile / No Snag Phillips Screws

- Weather resistant rubber washers. Increased thickness for more screw anti-walk security.

- Black 0.125″ Kydex T belt loops.

- Slight forward cant to accommodate large variety in carry positions. Also allows easier draw/reholster while seated in a vehicle.

- Enough room for a full firing grip while holstered.

- Reduced sweat guard with Index point for easy reholstering. Completely clears the primary thumb during a proper Full firing grip.

- Threaded Barrel mold with drain hole for debris to fall from barrel and allow easy rinsing or blowing out of dust/dirt.

-Holster is molded to exact Glock external dimensions, for perfect fit to firearm. All cuts and contours are made to aid in comfort and concealment.

-Passive retention system allows security of firearm while providing a fast and clean draw.

-Holster will never lose shape or retention.

by Brian Montgomery

Associate Editor

Kit Up! recently mentioned the lizard man lookin’ camouflage from Kryptek (http://kitup.military.com/2012/06/reptilian-camo.html)

Here’s another mention with some more background, courtesy of Last Stand on Zombie Island.

New US Army reptile camo?

Kryptek, Inc. of Fairbanks, Alaska  has their new camo in the running for the US Army’s new pattern. Kryptek is one of four finalists  to get close enough to the brass ring to replace multicam, which replaced ACU, which replaced woodland green, which replaced OD, which replaced khaki, which replaced blue.

The cool thing about their patter is it looks like reptile scales.

The old 1953 French style lizard camo  is very different from what the US is now testing. The french lizard camo is often seen around teh world and is popular with paintball groups, third world dictators, and Chinese arms dealers.

You don’t have to have a Mayan calendar in your living room to be a little freaked out about living in the year 2012. Epidemics, solar flares, global warming, economic collapse (not to mention the constant threat of zombie apocalypse) are all knocking on your doorstep. Luckily, you’re an outdoorsman, so you know a thing or two about what it takes to survive when civilization isn’t around to baby you. Over the last few months, the Active Junky staff looked in our closets and dug up some gear that could come in handy when it hits the fan. Check out the first two items on our Apocalypse gear list and follow the series over the next three weeks as we reveal the best gear to keep you alive when the end comes. Good luck out there.

Come back later today for following installments in the series.
Triple Aught Design Stealth Hoodie LT

The Stealth Hoodie LT softshell sports a low-profile design to help you cruise past bands of marauders, but within its unassuming design lies a variety of features: reinforced elbows fend off wear and tear, while harness-compatible pockets let you access your goodies without taking off your pack.

Read the full review on the Triple Aught Design Stealth Hoodie LT

First Ascent Uprising Jeans

It’s nice to know that some things don’t change. Jeans were the best pants before the end of the world, and they’re going to be the best pants to wear after the end of the world, and Eddie Bauer First Ascent’s Uprising climbing jeans are the best of the best. designed as a rock climbing pant, the denim fabric is bolstered by Cordura for more durability with a dash of spandex thrown in for more mobility.

Read the full review on the First Ascent Uprising jeans

Icebreaker GT 260 Quantum Hood

Who would have thought that one of the most technical fabrics in the world wasn’t developed in a lab, but growing on a bunch of sheep in New Zealand? Merino wool does it all: it keeps you warm when it’s cold, it breathes when you get hot, stays warm when it gets wet, and it never smells.

Read the full review on the IceBreaker GT 260 Quantum Hood

Polarmax AYG Undies

It’s hard to overstate the importance of good underwear – if your boys are happy, you’re happy. Some might say that keeping it simple by going commando is the way to go when society burns, but let me ask the guys something: you ever try running without underwear? Not fun. Polarmax’s All Year Gear Boxer Briefs are our choice for the last pair of underwear you’ll ever wear.

Read the full review on the Polarmacx AYG Undies

You don’t have to have a Mayan calendar in your living room to be a little freaked out about living in the year 2012. Epidemics, solar flares, global warming, economic collapse (not to mention the constant threat of zombie apocalypse) are all knocking on your doorstep. Luckily, you’re an outdoorsman, so you know a thing or two about what it takes to survive when civilization isn’t around to baby you. Over the last few months, the Active Junky staff looked in our closets and dug up some gear that could come in handy when it hits the fan. Check out the first two items on our Apocalypse gear list and follow the series over the next three weeks as we reveal the best gear to keep you alive when the end comes. Good luck out there.

Come back later today for following installments in the series.

Buff Headwear Wool Buff

If you’re carrying all of your earthly possessions in your pack, it makes sense to keep that pack as light as possible by filling it with multipurpose gear. Buff Headwear’s Wool Buff is the multitool of headwear, with its insulating/ventilating merino wool and nearly endless uses.

Read the full review on the Buff Headwear Wool Buff

Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Hiking Socks

Your feet are one of the most important survival tools that you’ve got, whether you’re hunting game or racing to a high point of land after a flash flood. With dense cushioning wrapping around the foot, the Micro Crew Hiking sock provides some softness without feeling squishy, and the merino wool/nylon blend wicks away sweat, keeping feet dry and blisters at bay.

Read the full review on the Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Hiking sock

Revo Bearing shades

A good pair of shades is going to be key if Earth is overtaken by a rise in solar activity (a la The Book of Eli). Revo’s Bearing shades sport wide frames and high contrast polarized lenses that provide wraparound coverage to block out the sun’s blinding rays.

Read the full review on the Revo Bearing sunglasses