Best Glock 26 IWB Holster In 2022 – Reviews & Comparison
For people who take the matter of home-defense seriously, one of the finest pieces of weapon available in the market is the Glock 26. This lightweight, compact handgun not only comes with decent firepower but is also highly accurate, making it the perfect concealed carry weapon for personal use.
But for every concealed carry handgun, you need a discreet IWB holster to go with it. With the best glock 26 iwb holster, you will be able to keep your weapon out of sight while keeping it within reach so that you can get to it whenever you are faced with an emergency.
Although there is not much to buying a gun holster, when you are going for a weapon-specific model, you will face some challenges. If you are a beginner who does not have too much knowledge about holsters in general, then you can easily mess up and go with the wrong product.
In this article, we will give you a quick and thorough rundown of everything you need to know about the best IWB holster for Glock 26.
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
What is an IWB Holster?
The term IWB stands for Inside the Waistband. Simply put, an IWB holster goes inside the beltline of your pants so that when you holster your weapon, it gets hidden away under your shirt’s overhang. For casual people who own a firearm for safety, this is the best holster type out there.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider buying an IWB holster:
Concealment:
The best thing about this device is the discretion it offers to the users. Most people will not be able to get an open carry license for their weapons. However, if you have only a concealed carry license, you should face no legal issues when using this type of holster. AS long as your weapon stays out of plain sight, you are good.
Easy to Wear:
IWB holsters are also quite hassle-free to put on or off. In fact, there are a few models out there that do not require any gun belts. Instead, you can use your regular belts or even belt loops to anchor the holster. Taking it off also takes no time at all.
Low-profile Design:
Another major advantage of this holster is how it does not get in the way of your daily activities. Because of the slimmer design of this tool, you might even forget you have one equipped most days. Some people even go jogging or hiking with their firearm tucked away in their IWB holster.
Although there is no beating an IWB holster when it comes to functionality, it is not without its flaws.
Can get Uncomfortable:
If you are standing or walking around, an IWB holster should not feel uncomfortable. However, when sitting down, the design of the holster causes the butt of the weapon to hit your belly. To overcome this issue, you need to readjust your holster position or take it off entirely when you sit down for a longer period.
Slower Drawing Speed:
Another issue with an IWB holster is that it is typically slower to draw from when compared to an OWB holster. By design, an IWB holster requires your weapon to be underneath your cloth. Naturally, it takes a bit of time to get to your gun when you have to snatch it from under your shirt.
Re-holstering Speed:
Similar to draw speed, re-holstering with an IWB holster is also a bit time-consuming. However, the good news here is that some IWB holsters these days come with solid openings with steel reinforcements. This design improvement deals with this issue to some extent.
Top 5 Best Glock 26 IWB Holsters
As you can see, it is hard to beat the utility that you get out of an IWB holster, especially when you are getting one for your trusty Glock 26. However, because of the wide popularity of this combination, it can be difficult to figure out which unit is the best out of the sea of products available in the market.
So, here are our top picks for the best IWB holster for Glock 26 that you can buy without having to take too much headache on yourself.
1. FoxX Holsters Glock 26, 27, & 33 – Best Overall Glock 26 IWB Holster
We will be starting off our list with an excellent and versatile holster by the brand FoxX Holsters. With your IWB holsters, you want a lightweight construction and a slim, low-profile design. We are happy to see both of these features present in this particular model.
The unit features an adjustable Kydex trigger guard, which is a surprising addition. Thanks to this element, you have nothing to worry about in terms of safety. It even allows for ride height and cant angle adjustment, giving you complete freedom to customize how the weapon feels when holstered.
You can attach the unit either to your waistband or the belt loop using the high-quality Black Spring steel belt clips. The design of the belt clip allows you to wear it at both five or three o clock positions, which is excellent if you want to experiment with your carry angles.
Although all of these features are great, the best part about the unit is probably its construction. It features a premium-grade vegetable leather body that boasts a long lifespan. Besides, since it uses a softer material, you also do not need to worry about any printing when you have it equipped.
Pros:
- Highly adjustable cant angle and retention level
- Lightweight design
- Feels good on the skin
- No visible printing
Cons:
- A bit pricey
2. Concealment Express Kydex IWB Holster – Best Made-in-USA Glock 26 IWB Holster
Up next, we are looking at a much-revered name in the world of weapon holsters, Concealment Express. When it comes to IWB holsters, not many brands can keep up with the quality that the brand offers. Although they might be a bit expensive for some people, the quality of the unit sure makes it worth the price.
This unit features an open-ended design making it a good investment if you use silencer attachments or threaded barrels with your Glock. In addition, it comes with an undercut trigger guard allowing you to fully focus on the situation at hand without worrying about your safety while drawing the gun.
The durable belt clip that comes with the device boasts a slim design with an excellent grip to anchor onto your waistband. You can adjust the retention level using the black oxide steel screws on the holster. Furthermore, the cant angle is also fully adjustable, giving you a personalized experience with the unit.
The holster, when in use, leaves no visual printing under your clothes. In addition to the trigger guard, it comes with a sweat guard to protect your weapon from perspiration. All in all, it is an excellent investment for people who want no compromise when it comes to self-defense.
Pros:
- Highly adjustable design
- Discreet and lightweight construction
- Satisfactory “click†sound when holstering the gun
- Open-ended design
Cons:
- Not very affordable.
3. CYA Supply Co. Base IWB Concealed Carry Holster – Best Veteran-owned Glock 26 IWB Holster
CYA Supply Co. is the go-to company for many Glock lovers out there. Because of its versatile manufacturing capabilities, the brand has garnered a massive following over the years. This particular model is a great choice not only for Glock 26 but also for 27 and 33.
Its trigger guard is made of Kydex and does not interfere with your draw speed to the slightest because of its recessed design. You can expect a smooth motion as you whip out your gun or holster it back, thanks to its slim and low-profile design. It also protects your handgun from any scratches while you holster or draw it.
The unit allows for cant adjustment from 0 to 15 degrees using a simple hex Allen key thoughtfully added with your purchase. For retention adjustment, you can use the two screws in front of the trigger guard conveniently. Within moments, you will be able to get a completely personalized experience from the holster.
This unit comes with a Bolatron Thermoplastic construction, which is a surprise considering its reasonable price point. Thanks to the high level of chemical and abrasion resistance, this unit is capable of taking a lot of abuse. To top it off, it also comes with excellent heat and impact resistance ensuring you get long use out of it.
Pros:
- Excellent construction quality
- Low-profile design
- Highly customizable
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- No apparent cons
4. Fierce Defender IWB Kydex Holster – Best Lightweight Glock 26 IWB Holster
If you are not one to compromise with the quality of your IWB holster, then this particular model by the brand Fierce Defender might be just right for you. It ticks all the right boxes when it comes to the IWB holster for Glock 26, making it one of the most popular options in the market.
The best feature of the unit is its safety. Once holstered, the entire trigger and backside of the weapon are fully covered, keeping it out of sight. You would think it would affect the draw speed, but in reality, the unit still allows you to get pretty decent draw speed making it a highly practical choice.
In addition, the retention screws at the front allow you to customize the gripping strength of the holster. This option allows you to fine-tune the retention giving you a custom drawing experience. Further enhancing your draw speed is the cut adjustment option allowing you to set the angle anywhere between 0 to 15 degrees.
This device comes with a Kydex construction feature .08 inches of thickness. As a result, durability is never in doubt with the unit. Furthermore, the metal J-clip on the back of the unit grips your waistband tightly and keeps the holster securely locked in place.
Pros:
- Excellent design
- Comfortable
- Highly adjustable
- Can be used in different carry positions
Cons:
- A bit rough on the edges.
5. Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster – Best Leather Glock 26 IWB Holster
Wrapping up our list, we have a unit by the brand Relentless Tactical. If you are looking for a high-quality leather holster, The Defender is your best bet. All of its aspects, starting from build quality to comfort, is excellent, making it a prime choice for many users.
The sturdy J-clip on the back of the unit allows you to mount it in different carry positions, including hip and appendix. Thanks to the durable material selection, it will last a good while without showing any signs of wearing.
Although it has a close-mouthed design, the size of the holster allows you to fit a lot of different weapons inside it, including the Glock 26. Furthermore, it leaves no printing at all, making it the perfect concealed carry holster.
Since it features premium grade leather, it is extremely comfortable on the skin. If you want a unit that you can wear for a long period, this is the unit that you want.
Pros:
- Excellent material selection
- Can fit a lot of different weapons
- Comes with a sturdy belt clip
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Limited adjustment options.
Things to Consider when Buying the Best IWB Holster for Glock 26
Now that you have gone through our list of products, you should be pretty confident about making a pick. However, before you do that, there are a couple of things that you should consider. These features will not only give you the best value but will also ensure you get the most satisfaction from your purchase.
The good news here is that most IWB holsters that you find on the market are compatible with the Glock 26 right out of the box. However, size is not the only thing that you need to consider when making your investment. Other important features include adjustability, longevity, and overall construction quality, among other things.
To that end, here are a few key features that we think you should consider when you are looking to buy the IWB holster for Glock 26.
Printing
The main advantage of using an IWB holster is its slim and low-profile nature. Discretion is the main selling point. But if the weapon, when holstered, shows its shape under the shirt, then it is not truly concealed. This is exactly what printing means when it comes to your firearm.
Some low-end gun holsters suffer from this design flaw. Printing is not something that you want to overlook when you are on the market for a new IWB holster. Make sure once you put on the holster and equip your weapon, the gun stays out of sight without leaving any imprints over your clothing.
Trigger Guard
Another factor you want to check when buying an IWB holster is if it comes with a trigger guard. This element is essentially a small plastic or leather material that obstructs the trigger of your weapon when you holster it. Although it might seem insignificant, it goes a long way in improving your safety.
If you buy a unit that does not come with a trigger guard, you should seriously consider getting an aftermarket one. However, we always recommend investing in a complete product, and that includes one with a decent trigger guard. You could also make one yourself, but having a holster with an included trigger guard is always a good idea.
Comfort
When it comes to buying an IWB xds holster, one thing that you should never overlook is your comfort. These units are notorious for being a bit uncomfortable to wear by design. However, these days you can find plenty of models that try to make the entire experience better for you.
The construction material and the overall design of the unit should not give you any sort of discomfort. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you might opt to go for leather holsters. But holsters made of Kydex or other solid materials can also be easy to wear if designed well.
Retention Capacity
The retention capacity of the holster is responsible for keeping your guns secure without interfering with your draw speed. This term refers to the ability of the holster to keep your weapon rooted when you put it inside. However, the retention should not be so high that you cannot draw your weapon smoothly.
Units that allow you to manually adjust the retention level are always a better option to go with since you can customize the gripping strength of the holster to your liking. However, keep in mind that most leather holsters do not allow you to set a retention level. But leather holsters retention does get smoother over time.
Cant Angle
The cant angle in a weapon holster refers to the angle at which the gun rests when it is inside the holster. This is an important feature that contributes significantly to your draw speed and drawing comfort. But the problem is that each person has a different preference when it comes to the cant angle.
That is why you should get a unit that allows you to manually adjust the cant angle. In addition to improving your drawing comfort, it would even allow you to get creative with the position of the holster. You will be able to try out different carry positions and figure out which position provides you with the best experience.
Hand Preference
Are you a lefty, or do you draw your weapon with your right hand? Are you cross-drawing or drawing from the side? These two questions are critical when you are buying an IWB holster for your Glock 26. The last thing you want is to end up with a unit that is incompatible with your hand preference.
However, there are some gun holsters in the market that sport an ambidextrous design. These might be a good option if you want to experiment with your drawing hand. But if you want a simple gun holster, consider which hand you are drawing from and your carry position before making your choice.
Gripping Comfort
You also need to think about your gripping comfort when the weapon is holstered. Ideally, you want to be able to get a full grip on your weapon even when it is inside the holster to ensure nothing can interfere with your drawing. This is important not only for your safety but also so that you can be reactive to any sudden emergencies.
That is why, before making your purchase, spend some time dry testing the holster in the shop. Make sure you are able to grip your weapon properly and that there is no discomfort or weird angles that you have to deal with. If you face any difficulty in drawing, the holster is probably not worth the investment.
Weapon Safety
The number one job of the gun holster is to keep your weapon safe and secure. If the holster itself scratches your weapon every time you bring it out or put it back in, there is no point buying it. Even though it seems like a simple factor, you would be surprised at how many units suffer from this problem.
Especially if you are shopping in the low-budget category, you have to be very careful about this problem. If the holster is poorly-designed, it will constantly scratch your weapon, ruining the cosmetic quality of your handgun. And we all know how precious a weapon can be to a gun lover.
Durability
A gun holster is not a small investment. Even though these devices are relatively inexpensive, you do not want to keep going through holsters one after another. Whichever unit you end up buying, you want it to last at least a good few years before even thinking about a replacement.
To make sure you get a durable unit, pay special attention to the construction material. Kydex holsters are typically more durable since it is a sturdy material. However, leather is also decent if you use it sparingly. But over time, a leather holster will loosen up, requiring you to replace it.
Price
The final factor you must consider when buying an IWB holster is the price. As we already said, these units are typically inexpensive. But that does not mean you just go out and buy the most expensive unit in the market that you can afford. Applying good sense while shopping is always a good idea.
You need to shop smart and think about your requirements before you commit to any specific product. Set yourself on a spending limit and figure out which unit gives you the best performance in that price range. That way, you will be able to get the most bang from your buck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of belt do I need for my IWB holster?
Typically, if you are a high carry guy, you can get by with any standard belt. But for low-riders, you want to go with something longer, at least by a few inches above the normal length.
Remember, some IWB holsters do not require any gun belts. That is one of the many advantages of using this type of holster for your Glock 26.
Is an OWB holster better than an IWB holster?
The one major benefit of using an OWB holster is comfort. Since the holster makes no contact with your skin, it is generally more comfortable to wear. Furthermore, since your path to the holster is not obstructed by clothing, it also allows for a faster draw speed.
On the other hand, an IWB holster takes the issue of concealment seriously. If you have a concealed carry licenses, you can only use an IWB holster to carry your gun in public legally. Although it suffers a bit in terms of comfort and draw speed, in most cases, an IWB holster is a better investment for casual gun owners.
How to sit with an IWB holster?
That is why when you are driving or sitting down on your desk; it is a better idea to take off your IWB holster for the time being.
However, if you want to keep your weapon on you, you could try shifting the position of the gun when it is in the holster. Switching to a 4’o clock position often helps reduce this discomfort.
Final Thoughts
An IWB holster is a must-have if you are a proud owner of a Glock 26. The compact nature of the gun fully complements the discretion and low-profile nature of an IWB holster.
We hope our article on the best glock 26 iwb holster could help you figure out which unit is perfect for your next investment.
