Shielded Holster Phalanx Appendix Review

[snatchel]

Shielded Holster Appendix Phalanx--I didn't like it. Other than the fact that it had a screwey rivet that popped off today, I just didn't like the fit.

The way the holster is cut down for appendix carry requires less holes for clip adjustment. Because of this, the kydex portion of the holster sits below your waistband. This gave me 2 problems:

1. When the gun was holstered, my pants and belt were snugged up against the top portion of the gun, making drawing a very slow process. For deep concealment, I guess this would help maybe.. but for my purproses, I hated it.
2. When gun was out, it made re-holstering difficult because my pants and belt were over the top of the kydex. Not as big of a problem, but I didn't like it.

Second. I actually do like appendix carry, but the hybrid style appendix Phalanx just wasn't cutting it for me. It was well designed and everything, but I found it much to large to carry there. I did like the holster though, and decided that I would move it over to my strong side about 4:00 or so and see if I could make it work there--that way I could sve myself the trouble of sending back the holster and getting another. I did this, but immediately noticed the kydex-below-the-beltline problem. Ok, I figured I could work with this. So I tried some move/shoot drills with it and in the middle, one of the rivits holding the kydex to the leather fell off. I would say that this was just a problem with a bad rivet--not with the worksmanship. All the other rivets are solid, dependable, and look great.

The holster LOOKS great by the way. It's good looking, and well crafted. It just didn't work for me. I contacted Kurt at Shielded Holsters and am going to see if he can send me the double phalanx, and see if I like that better. I'll keep y'all posted.

[strider67]

ive got the double phalanx and love it

I guess I didn't realize you got the appendix, Snatchel, on my reply from the other thread. Mine is the double, and so far, so good...

[RoyGBiv]

I find having two loops/clips is a problem for me because I like carrying closer to the center line than two clips would allow. Also, even if the carry position works with two clips, it's a pain to buckle/unbuckle my belt should the need arise. I prefer a single attachment point for AIWB (my preferred carry method).

[snatchel]

Hey guys.. update on the holster.

Thanks for the input Andy. I wonder if it's a belt problem or clip problem? I only ask because I have the same style clips on another holster and have nver had trouble with it... strange..

Yeah, I originally ordered the appendix phalanx. I talked to Kurtis this morning... or Kurt.. I forgot. Either way, I explained the problem to him and he was more than happy to change my order. He is making me a Double Phalanx today, will ship it tomorrow. When it gets here, he said I could ship mine back. Excellent customer service. I'll keep y'all informed.

[Seabear]

I can see how it would allow the waistband of your pants to block putting your weapon back in the holster. I would hate that. That looks like a really poor design. Anyone that carries would hate to fight that problem IMHO. I can also see what you mean about not having any room to adjust, that goes back to my design coment. I'm sure they make some good stuff, however that one would be a FAIL.

Andy, I have similar clips on my Crossbreed and they are as tight as the day they were new, and I take the holster on and off at least 3-4 times a day depending on where I have to go. I have had holsters with plastic clips and they were a joke. Like you said the whole holster would draw with the pistol. It all depends on the quality like everything else.

[Seabear]

How long have you had it? The clips on mine went south after 7 months' worth of daily in-and-out as well as range-work.

Wow, a Crossbreed?

Have had mine about a year and a half I suppose.

[snatchel]

Had my other holster with clips like those for about a year now.. never had any trouble. Like Seabear, no problems.

Seabear, after talking with the guy who makes the holsters this morning.. He basically explained that this holster is primarily designed for small semi-autos. The shape of the revolver kinda screws the whole design up, and it just didn't work well. With a smaller gun such as... say... a Keltec or maybe even a small snubbie, you would probably have room for more adjustment. The Sp101 was just a tad too big for this holster I'm afraid.

Either way, dealing with Kurt(is) was a breeze, he was very reasonable.. and he was happy to accomodate me in getting another holster. I also have a WRB holster on order that will be much better for appendix carry I think, going on a suggestion from another forum member (Fenster). I am hoping that the Double Phalanx works out much better.

While i'm on it--what leather product do/have you guys used to help soften up and break in the leather? I dont remember how I went about that with my other holster... but if I recall it was horsehide and broke it really quick.

[RoyGBiv]

I explained the problem to him and he was more than happy to change my order. He is making me a Double Phalanx today, will ship it tomorrow. When it gets here, he said I could ship mine back. Excellent customer service. I'll keep y'all informed.

Wow.. that's some great service for sure..

[Seabear]

Hey Andy, I completely understand. I have a hard time as well using anything if I get that little feeling in my head that I can't trust it.

Like the Kimber CDP II I had. You never knew when it was gonna FTFeed. I got rid of it pretty quick. Now, this Stainless Ultra II is a whole other gun. It is so reliable it just makes me grin everytime I shoot it.

Holsters are about as bad as underwear. If they bug you, it's just hard to get through the day.