CCW How to choose a AIWB

[Papa "J"]

Tried to search but all I found was for sale posts.

How did you go about trying to find the right AIWB holster for you?
Did you just start buying trying them out then sold them as used when going to another?
is there a way to get a better idea of what would work without buying 4-6 and using them.

I haven't carried AIWB yet but looking at it as an option, now because I have had back issues and wearing OWB 3-5 o'clock sometimes aggrvates it.

I looked at the Phlster systems just seems expensive just to be able to use with one gun unless you swapping out the holster. Just seemed like a lot of work to swap holsters.

if there is a link or vidoe which has helped oyu please share it.

 

[9mmContagion]

@Papa "J"
Honestly, I think it’s a “different strokes for different folks.” Most of us have a bin full of holsters we’ve tried that didn’t work.

With that said, I can recommend a few holsters that I’ve tried and really like.

Hard to beat Tier1Concealed or Black Rhino Concealment.

Tier1Concealed I have and use the “Axis Elite” and the “Xiphos 2”.

Black Rhino Concealment: I have and use the “Herrin” and the “ACS”

I feel quality of either of these is top notch! I have used all 4 at different times throughout a 10 year period. When choosing between the 2, it comes down to price for configuration along with weapon light configuration. You’ll find that between the two, one might not have the light of your liking, or one might be a little more expensive then the other. I basically configure my gun/light combo with both of the holster makers and see who comes out on top price wise.

ETA: You’ll also really want to consider a proper gun belt if you haven’t already. This makes a huge difference in carrying, and will also alter the type of holster clips you’ll be using

 

[DrJonesUSA]

As the other poster stated, unfortunately, yes; you do build up a bin / box of holsters.....I ***SWORE*** I'd *NEVER* do that; I'd research like crazy & be 100% certain to only buy the perfect holsters!!!

Yeah...didn't really work out like that....

Couple ideas;
- Use forums to buy / sell / trade; you can usually get screaming deals on lightly used (sometimes never used!) gear.
- You can also obvi use it to sell stuff you've bought & no longer need / want
- Check the manufacturer return policy. Be sure to try it out extensively & return before the window closes

As for appendix..... I'm NOT flaming; it SEEMS like a cool / convenient option, but holy freakin' crap.... it's so ridiculously uncomfortable.... it's definitely not for me.
I usually carry 4-5 o-clock in a fobus paddle, otherwise off-body.
Have you looked at any fanny packs, Maxpedition, Vanquest bags?
There are zillions of really great options of bags with built-in, dedicated CCW slots / compartments, that are extremely functional overall.

Vertx in particular has a couple really great fanny pack options.

 

[Ron Swanson]

To minimize or lessen the losses, some companies offer return windows. You might lose some shipping but you’ll have to decide if that’s worth it to you or not.

FAQ Page

tenicor.com

Full return

I’ve never been able to get an AIWB holster to work for me. I gave up. I ended up figuring out a regular iwb holster from Stealthgear but moved up into the 1:30/2:00 position works best for me, so i feel like I’m between AIWB and iwb.

Stealthgear also returns but might not cover shipping.

 

[Tank Mechanic]

I went through 5 holsters before I found one that really works well for me. Tried Appendix and did not work for me. Could not sit comfortably. Tried several recommended by others. Ended up with Alien Gear's IWB at 5 o'clock. I think everyone's results are different.

 

[SomeOne]

Tenicor Velo4 are really good AIWB. Having said that, I admit AIWB didn't work for me. I ended up with IWB and pocket carry. I can probably tolerate while walking, but driving with AIWB is super uncomfortable for me.

 

[3rd Rock from the Gun]

Bradec Holsters was the winner for me . $35 bucks shipped to my door.

BraDeC Holsters

BraDeC Inside the waistband holsters can be carried in a variety of ways due to the adjustable cant. Carry the BraDeC original Kydex holster strong side, appendix, or anywhere in between and feel confident that your firearm will remain concealed and safe no matter the task at hand.

bradecholsters.com

 

[Chukarman78]

Pretty much got to purchase and try them out. No easy way around it. I like tier one, tenicor, and JM custom kydex. Also Henry’s holsters. Use a foam wedge for comfort and concealment

 

[vplaza96]

No one option is best for everyone. But for me, I've been happy with my Tier 1 Concealed MSP Pro Flex and Axis Slim AIWB holsters. I'm able to wear it all day without any issues. And that's with the full size XD9 with a TLR-1 light and Holosun RDS.

My main things with appendix carry:

• I always have positive control of the front of my shirt/jacket to ensure that I'm not showing accidentally
• I can draw from this position much faster than I can from strong side carry

With strong side carry, the opposite of the above is true for me: I worry that if I bend over or a strong breeze lifts the back of my shirt, I will show and I am not as fast drawing from this position.

But the truth is, you have to find out what works best for you. And above all, once you do....TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN... and TRAIN some more.

 

[kdub1290]

A lot of people, myself included, have experimented with buying a bunch of different holsters to carry AIWB over time and have figured out what works for us through trial and error. However, in the age 2024, it DOES NOT have to be that way. If you’re willing to do some research and experimentation, you can narrow in on what features you need in a holster and find a holster to suit your needs without spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars on gear that sits in a drawer.

You mentioned looking at the Phlster systems (I assume meaning their Enigma products). I can’t blame you for not wanting to go that route. However, even if you’re not interested in their products, Phlster puts out the best information in the industry about how to achieve concealment and maximize comfort while carrying AIWB. Their YouTube channel has a ton of really great videos about different aspects of concealment, carry locations, holster features, etc.

Of their videos that I’ve watched, this one drives home the main points that I think could save a lot of people time, frustration and money if they understood these principles earlier on in their holster selection journey:

They also have a playlist on their channel about common AIWB mistakes:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrjZ_jHF_SpkDaMLR1i2TQmJNfBDxgZ9E&si=M82CNuyY-7e2roN3

The Phlster Concealment Workshop group on Facebook has a ton of great threads and a really informed user base that is great at helping people out with their holster/concealment questions (forgive me, mods - I’m not trying to drive traffic away from this site. The group is just really good).

I’m not going to make any recommendations for holsters because I don’t know anything about you or what you’re looking for in a holster. Instead, I’ll end this post by saying this: comfortably concealing a gun on your person is a SKILL that can be learned. A good holster is PART of the equation, but it is NOT the whole solution. Without learning what drives concealment and comfort, you’re bound to waste money and time on gear that doesn’t work for you, even if somebody else says that same gear worked for them. It’s not as simple as someone telling you “I like ____ holster. Buy that one.” However, leveraging the existing resources that places like Phlster have already invested a bunch of time in making available for free can save you a lot of headache in the long run.

 

[Optimus0318]

Tenicor Velo4 are really good AIWB. Having said that, I admit AIWB didn't work for me. I ended up with IWB and pocket carry. I can probably tolerate while walking, but driving with AIWB is super uncomfortable for me.

masterminds tactics appendix fixed pillow will change the game

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

Tried to search but all I found was for sale posts.

How did you go about trying to find the right AIWB holster for you?
Did you just start buying trying them out then sold them as used when going to another?
is there a way to get a better idea of what would work without buying 4-6 and using them.

I haven't carried AIWB yet but looking at it as an option, now because I have had back issues and wearing OWB 3-5 o'clock sometimes aggrvates it.

I looked at the Phlster systems just seems expensive just to be able to use with one gun unless you swapping out the holster. Just seemed like a lot of work to swap holsters.

if there is a link or vidoe which has helped oyu please share it.

I watched youtube videos for a few months, thought I could do that. Bought the equipment and starting making my own and for friends.

Nothing ever felt like it fitted me right, and buying holsters to try on gets expensive. So I now make it and adjust it as I'm making it for comfort. Wear for a few days/weeks and adjust/modify it for comfort/conceal ability until it's just right.

 

[D.A.V.I.D.]

I have gone through lots of holsters, my favorite that I’ve carried every day for the last 2 plus years is the tenicor velo 4. They just came out with the 5 version of it with more adjustability.

 

[colossians323]

A lot depends on what platform you are using too.
I have IWB, OWB, semi drop on a belt for concealed.
But I carry exclusively 1911/2011 platform of many sizes.
You will have to experiment what is right for you, but you need to surely figure out what platform(s) you like to carry

 

[pikachu]

I love Tenicor and the stretchy Hunter Constantine belt. Excellent concealment and comfort for my body ergonomics.

Both are pretty pricy, but Tenicor has a 100% satisfaction guarantee return policy (they’ll even pay return shipping); Hunter Constantine I think has a 30day return policy (you pay return shipping).