As a gun writer, I have my fair share of opportunities to review holsters. It’s like holster makers get that concealed carriers are always on the search for a really good, comfortable holster or something…
Just because I probably get to try more holsters than you, simply for the fact that I get mine free—doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with finding a good one.
From expensive to super cheap, from Kydex, nylon, leather and even lace, to standard belt carry to unconventional, you name it, I’ve tried it. Most end up discarded because they don’t meet my expectations long term. Those I really like I’ve given up because I don’t own the gun anymore.
Like you, I’ve been on the hunt for years and about five years ago finally found the one holster that I’m completely satisfied with. I’ve used that one until White Hat Holsters walked into my life. The owner, Tony Farah, is the brother of a friend of mine, as well as they are located in the same city as my employer and since we’re both in the firearms industry, doing business in the same town, we might as well be friends and help each other out. We collaborate with Triarc Systems, as well.
Now, you might be thinking I’m biased, and I could be, but if Tony’s product was crappy, I’d just find a nice way to tell him I wouldn’t be able to review it. But instead, after testing my MicroTuck Hybrid IWB White Hat Holster, turns out, it’s legit. So, to help a partner in the industry and a nice guy, as well as helping you out, I’m writing an honest review about the White Hat Holster I was given to T&E.
When you ask, “What makes a good holster?” there is an industry-standard response. A good holster must cover the trigger to prevent accidental or negligence discharge, retain your gun well (meaning keep it in the holster tightly), make the gun easily accessible for drawing, as well as protect the firearm from being snatched from the holster.
However, those of us who carry regularly have a whole other list of requirements—ride, cant, how smooth the gun draws, how well it conceals and especially for me, how comfortable the holster is.
White Hat sent me the MicroTuck Hybrid IWB (inside-the-waistband) for my Kimber Micro .380. The MicroTuck is the sub-compact version of White Hat’s flagship MaxTuck Obsidian Series. (Obsidian is a rock formed from Volcanic glass and is used to make incredibly sharp knives.)
The Hybrid Tucks come standard in black Kydex with a cowhide back. Brown leather and horsehair backs are also available, as well as a wide range of customizable choices—there is camo Kydex, gray Kydex, Come and Take It Kydex, different color leathers, any engraving you can think and Tony says he’ll even fully customize you a holster with whatever colors and engravings you want.
I’m discussing just the standard one, though…
So, the MicroTuck Hybrid IWB comes in a large variety of the most popular concealed carry sub-compact handguns and one is available to accommodate a light and laser. Choices include right- or left-hand draw, types of clips, type of light or laser where applicable and even if you have suppressor height sights—White Hat has thought of everything. It is also adjustable for ride height and cant.
I didn’t adjust any screws or the clips for my first foray with the White Hat MicroTuck holster as I wanted to see what it would give me right out of the box. My first impression is that it is a very stiff holster without much bend. This can affect comfort level for a woman (which I am) depending on where she chooses to carry. Holsters that don’t bend or curve with our bends and curves can have the ability to dig. The leather is soft enough, but I always wear an undershirt when carrying, so this isn’t a huge factor for me.
The clips are incredibly strong. I might be a weakling, but I had a difficult time getting them over my leather belt and secured to my jeans. I had better luck putting the holster on when my pants were off and putting in under my belt and not over it.
My Kimber fits perfectly, sliding in with ease. The most comfortable position for me when carrying inside the waistband is between small of the back (SOB) and strong side hip—where I’m the flattest. The White Hat holster is no different.
The jeans I wore that day were a bit higher rise than my regular jeans and so the gun rode a bit higher than my liking—easily fixed by adjustment so I can deep conceal when needed.
Drawing is super smooth, and I had no issues returning my gun back to the holster safely. After drawing, presenting and reholstering, drawing, presenting and resholstering quite a few times, I thought, “ohhhh, this is very nice.”
Now for the real test—out in public.
I decided to take the dog for an extended walk around the block as it being the first time, I carried the White Hat MicroTuck, I didn’t want any embarrassing or unsafe incidents out in the general public. I wore jeans and an untucked t-shirt offering amble concealment. (The MicroTuck is also tuckable…meaning you can wear your shirt tucked in and your holster and gun are still concealed.) I put the dog in her harness and set out.
Even with the higher ride than my preference, the MicroTuck is very comfortable when walking and despite my overall impression that the holster is a little too stiff, it didn’t take long at all, about a block, for it to settle in and feel as inconspicuous as a holster possibly can.
As far as retention goes, I can’t speak highly enough. I bent down many times to untangle the pup from her leash and the gun absolutely stayed put.
It’s nice having another holster to rely on. The White Hat holster is definitely not one that will end up in the junk draw! Thanks, Tony!
The White Hat Holsters are available in the MicroTuck and MaxTuck Hybrid IWB, MaxSlide OWB, MaxClip Hybrid IWB, Max Velcro and Micro Velcro. All White Hat holsters also come with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day trial.