With the expansion of concealed carry rights, the demand for the comfort innately provided by hybrid concealment holsters has produced a number of new holsters. However, I recently discovered a hybrid IWB holster that can compare to the best on the market: the Aegis Armory Shield.
I received a hybrid holster from Aegis Armory that matches, if not improves, on my old IWB. Out of the package, the Shield’s quality was apparent. The Shield’s Kydex was well formed, the leather was beveled and burnished, quality hardware was in place, and upon first inspection the clips appeared above average. The Shield uses supple leather that seems to need slightly less break-in than leather holsters, but also performs admirably.
Satisfactory retention is created by the natural flex in the leather against your body pressing into the firearm in combination with the sturdy kydex shell. For me, the Shield’s remarkable qualities boil down to two primary strengths: comfort and flexibility. Quality hybrid holsters are inherently comfortable and this one is no exception. In fact, it’s a standout. The Shield allows the user to utilize a number of different waistline carry positions effectively. I’ve used it in an appendix role by adjusting the cant into a more vertical position and orienting the clips on the outside edge of my two primary front belt loops. The cant is still there, and it just takes up a bit too much real estate for my preferences. So, the Shield likely would not be my most ideal long-term solution for the appendix position, but it isn’t bad.
I believe that the Aegis Armory Shield is a quality offering in a demand-filled market. When one considers their relative affordability ($55 starting price) and availability, the Aegis Armory Shield can hold its own; I’m certainly not giving mine away any time soon.
