When it comes to selecting a holster for CCW holsters, police work or IDPA competition, the two most common types are belt slide and paddle holsters. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses, serving different purposes for varying preferences.
What is a Belt Slide Holster?
Belt Slide Holster - A belt slide holster, also called a belt loop holster is built to fit directly over any normal width gunbelt. The holster often has slots or loops that the belt is threaded through so you can get a tight fit from your body. This design helps the holster stay put and makes it easier for you to draw or reholster.
Benefits of Belt Slide holsters
Stable: Belt slide holsters are very stable. They keep the belt from slipping out of place thus providing less movement and a repeatable placement.
Concealment: Because these holsters are actually up against your body closer, they tend to be more concealable. This feature makes them perfect for concealed carry.
Belt slide holsters are made with durable materials such as leather or quality polymers to be long-lasting and take the abuse of being worn every day.
Cons of Belt Slide Holsters
Accessibility: Belt slide holsters are more difficult to put on and take off than paddle release holsters but not as bad as some belt loop holster.
Versatility: They are belt-mounted and a little bit less versatile in terms of positioning than paddle holsters.
What is a Paddle Holster?
A paddle holster has a flat, wide piece of "paddle" that you slide down inside the waistband which rests against your body. The paddle is made to stick by friction and frequently has maintenance hooks or tabs for additional stability.
Advantages of Paddle Holsters
Paddle designallows for easy putting on and taking off without having to remove the belt. They are designed for simplicity and quick attachment/detachment, making them a perfect choice when you want to be able to put your firearm on or off.
Usability: Wear with or without a belt offering you more choices in the sense of clothes.
Comfort: The paddle design can provide greater comfort, especially for longer periods as it distributes the weight of the gun over a larger surface area.
Cons of Paddle Holsters
However, even though they are usually quite stable in position and secure to use with no chance of getting caught on anything (not that we want any incidents like this), paddle holsters can more easily move around than the other two types under heavy activities.
Concealment- The design of a paddle holster might not sit as well against your body, which is also due to the thickness and less ideal for concealed carry by comparison to belt slide holsters.
The belt slide is an excellent choice if your primary goal is to carry comfortably, whereas a paddle holster would work the best for versatility and ease of draw.
1. Purpose of Use
If you choose concealing, a belt slide holster is usually the way to go as it rides high and tight against the body.
Rapid Equip/Removal: if you are someone who needs to constantly wear and remove the holster, a paddle is convenient for quick removal of your weapon.
2. Comfort and Fit
Comfort Over Time: Paddle holsters may feel more comfortable for extended daily wear than other styles due to the weight distribution.
Activity Level: If you are always on the move, a belt slide holster can help to keep your gun securely in place while providing easy reholstering.
3. Attire
Belt slide - Unlike the previous two styles, this holster must be worn with a belt at all times.
Beltless (Paddle) - Paddle holsters can also be worn without a belt, allowing you to carry in different attire.
Conclusion
Belt slide and paddle holsters serve different roles, have their own upsides and downsides. You can decide by knowing the pro and cons of each, while keeping in mind what you desire out of concealability; comfort level and accessibility.
So, in the belt slide vs paddle holster battle nothing is universally right or wrong. This will depend upon your use, lifestyle and personal comfort horse. The comfortability of a belt slide holster or the quick and easy on/off ability of a paddle holsters aside, this is one major step you should not skip.