DME Holsters » Help & FAQ’s » Kydex Holster Types FAQ

DME Holster Types, Materials & Features

DME Holsters builds custom thermoplastic holsters for a wide range of firearms, carry styles, weapon-mounted lights, lasers, optics, threaded barrels, and compensators.

Although “Kydex holster” has become the common name for this type of holster, Kydex is only one of several thermoforming materials used in modern holster manufacturing. DME uses Boltaron, Kydex, and Holstex depending on the holster style, color, pattern, and application. Whenever possible, we prefer to use Boltaron for our .080 holsters.

DME currently offers three primary holster designs:

Standard IWB / AIWB
Pancake OWB / IWB 2-in-1
Standard OWB

Each style is designed for a different combination of carry position, concealment, mounting options, and intended use.

Every DME holster is manufactured in our Marana, Arizona shop and is built around the firearm and options selected when the order is placed.

Standard IWB / AIWB Holster

The DME Standard IWB / AIWB holster is designed for concealed carry inside the waistband and can be configured for either traditional IWB carry or appendix carry.

Traditional IWB Carry

Traditional IWB carry is generally worn around the 3 o’clock position for right-handed carry or 9 o’clock for left-handed carry.

DME normally sets this configuration up with approximately a 15° forward cant, helping angle the grip for a natural draw while carrying behind or alongside the hip.

Appendix Carry — AIWB

Appendix carry is generally worn around the 1 o’clock position for right-handed carry or 11 o’clock for left-handed carry.

AIWB holsters are normally set at 0° cant, keeping the firearm more vertical at the front of the body.

Materials and Belt Attachments

Standard IWB / AIWB holsters are normally made from .080 Boltaron whenever possible, with Kydex or other thermoforming material used when required for a particular color or printed pattern.

Available belt-attachment choices include:

1.5-inch FOMI belt clip
UltiTuck
Soft belt loops

Depending on the firearm and carry setup, a ModWing can also be added to help rotate the grip of the firearm toward the body. This can reduce printing and improve concealment, particularly for appendix carry.

Firearm and Accessory Options

Depending on the firearm and configuration, DME Standard IWB / AIWB holsters can accommodate:

Supported weapon-mounted lights and lasers
Red-dot optics
Threaded barrels
Compensators

The Standard IWB / AIWB design uses adjustable retention, allowing the amount of retention to be fine-tuned for the firearm or light configuration.

Each holster is built for the firearm and options selected when the order is placed and is fit-checked before shipment.

Pancake OWB / IWB 2-in-1 Holster

The DME Pancake OWB / IWB 2-in-1 holster is a compact two-piece design made to ride high and tight against the body while providing stability and comfort.

Every Pancake holster comes with the hardware needed for both carry styles, including 1.5-inch OWB belt loops and 1.5-inch IWB belt loops. There is no additional IWB conversion kit required.

DME Pancake holsters are normally made from .080 Boltaron whenever possible, with Kydex or other thermoforming material used when required for a particular color or printed pattern.

Compact 50/50 Design

DME keeps the Pancake shell as small as practical rather than adding large mounting wings to the sides of the holster.

Generally, the holster extends no more than approximately 5/8 inch beyond the firearm on the sight-channel side. The sight channel provides approximately 1/2 inch of vertical clearance to accommodate the taller co-witness and suppressor-height sights commonly used today.

On the opposite side, the holster generally extends no more than approximately 5/8 inch below whichever component hangs lower — the trigger guard or the weapon-mounted light.

Many pancake-style holsters use extended thermoplastic wings that bend rearward from the holster body and provide mounting locations for the belt loops. DME instead uses the Blade-Tech Mod-Lok mounting system, allowing us to keep the holster shell compact without adding large side wings.

The Pancake uses a 50/50 two-piece construction, with the firearm positioned between the two formed halves. Combined with the Mod-Lok mounting system, this helps the holster ride high and close to the body while keeping the overall footprint relatively small.

For OWB carry, the Mod-Lok provides approximately a 3/4-inch offset between the holster and belt attachment, providing clearance between the firearm, holster, belt, and mounting hardware.

Adjustable Carry Angle

The carry angle, or cant, is adjusted by changing the position of the belt-loop mounting hardware along the holster’s rivet pattern.

Pancake holsters can generally be set up for 0° cant or approximately 10° forward cant. Additional cant can be provided when requested.

Depending on the firearm and configuration, the Pancake can also accommodate:

Supported weapon-mounted lights and lasers
Red-dot optics
Threaded barrels
Compensators

The Pancake does not use adjustable retention screws. Retention is established during the forming and fit-testing process for the firearm and accessory combination selected.

The Pancake is a good choice for customers who want a compact holster that rides close to the body, provides the stability of a two-piece design, and can be used for either OWB or IWB carry without purchasing a separate holster.

Each Pancake holster is built for the firearm and options selected when the order is placed and is fit-checked before shipment.

Standard OWB Holster

The DME Standard OWB holster is designed for outside-the-waistband carry and provides a strong, rigid mounting platform for range use, open carry, duty-style setups, and other applications where maximum concealment is not the primary goal.

Unlike the Pancake’s 50/50 two-piece design, the Standard OWB uses mounting hardware positioned behind the holster body. This allows the holster to work with a variety of belt and tactical mounting systems while keeping the firearm securely supported away from the body.

Materials

Standard OWB holsters are normally made from .093 black Kydex for additional rigidity and durability.

When a customer selects a color or printed pattern, the holster is generally made from .080 material, depending on the material and pattern available.

Mounting Options

The DME Standard OWB can be configured for several common mounting systems, depending on the firearm and holster configuration.

DME currently sells:

Blade-Tech mounting hardware, including Tek-Mount and other supported Blade-Tech attachments
Safariland QLS
Safariland Mid-Ride UBL
G-Code RTI 33 and RTI 34 hangers

The Standard OWB also uses a multi-pattern mounting interface that can be drilled for other compatible systems.

For example, DME can drill the holster for Blackhawk mounting hardware, but DME does not sell Blackhawk parts. Blackhawk uses a mounting pattern that is compatible with the same general hole pattern used by the Blade-Tech Tek-Mount male disc.

If you need a mounting system that is not listed in the order form, include it in the special instructions or contact DME before ordering.

Not every mounting option is possible on every firearm or light-bearing configuration because the amount of usable mounting area varies with the size and shape of the holster.

Retention Options

Standard OWB holsters use molded Level I retention, created by positive engagement with the firearm or weapon-mounted light.

For supported firearms, the Standard OWB can also be configured with Level II retention, which adds an active retention strap over the rear of the slide in addition to the molded Level I retention.

Firearm and Accessory Options

Depending on the firearm and configuration, DME Standard OWB holsters can accommodate:

Supported weapon-mounted lights and lasers
Red-dot optics
Threaded barrels
Compensators
Suppressor-height and co-witness sights
Level II retention

Each Standard OWB holster is built for the firearm and options selected when the order is placed and is fit-checked before shipment.

Holster Materials

Although “Kydex holster” has become the common term for this type of holster, Kydex is only one of several thermoforming materials used in holster manufacturing.

DME uses Boltaron, Kydex, and Holstex depending on the holster style, color, printed pattern, and material availability.

Boltaron

DME tries to use Boltaron whenever possible. Our Standard IWB / AIWB and Pancake holsters are normally made from .080 Boltaron, while our Standard OWB holsters are normally made from .093 Boltaron for added rigidity.

We like Boltaron because of its durability, forming characteristics, and finished appearance. It works especially well for our Standard IWB / AIWB and Pancake holsters.

Availability can be more limited than Kydex, particularly when a customer selects certain colors or printed patterns.

Kydex

Kydex is another durable thermoforming material commonly used in holster manufacturing and is available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Kydex may be used when a selected color or printed pattern is not available in Boltaron.n.

Holstex

Holstex is commonly used for textured and decorative holster finishes, including many carbon-fiber-style patterns.

These finishes provide the appearance and texture customers are looking for while still using a thermoformable material designed for holster and sheath applications.

The exact material used for a holster may vary depending on the holster style and color or pattern selected, but DME chooses the material based on the requirements of the finished holster rather than appearance alone.

Holster Retention

DME uses different retention systems depending on the holster style and whether the holster is built for a weapon-mounted light or laser.

Level I Retention

DME defines Level I retention as positive molded retention created by the holster engaging the firearm or weapon-mounted light or laser.

On non-light-bearing holsters, retention is generally created around the trigger guard.

On light- or laser-bearing holsters, the accessory becomes the primary locating and retention point.

Adjustable Retention

All DME Standard IWB / AIWB holsters use adjustable retention.

All DME Standard OWB holsters also use adjustable retention.

DME Pancake OWB / IWB 2-in-1 holsters without a weapon-mounted light or laser use adjustable retention.

Pancake holsters built for a weapon-mounted light or laser do not use adjustable retention screws. Adding the additional retention hardware would require extending the holster approximately 3/4 inch farther outward to make room for the rivets and hardware. DME avoids this because it would unnecessarily increase the overall width and footprint of the Pancake design.

For light- and laser-bearing Pancake holsters, retention is established during forming and fit testing.

Level II Retention

Level II retention adds an active retention mechanism to the molded Level I retention.

On supported DME Standard OWB holsters, Level II retention uses a strap over the rear of the slide in addition to the molded retention already securing the firearm.

Level II retention is available only on the Standard OWB holster.

It is not offered on Standard IWB / AIWB holsters because the active release mechanism is not practical for inside-the-waistband carry.

Level II retention is also not offered on the Pancake holster because the Pancake rides very close to the body and clothing. That limited clearance could allow clothing to interfere with the release mechanism.

Level II Retention and Mounting Clearance

Level II retention requires additional clearance between the active retention mechanism and the belt or mounting hardware.

When additional clearance is needed, DME generally uses spacers to move the mounting system farther away from the holster body rather than simply moving the mount farther down.

This applies to mounting systems such as Safariland duty drops, Safariland UBLs, and G-Code hangers.

Spacing the mount outward provides the clearance needed for the Level II hardware while maintaining a practical mounting position.

Every DME holster is fit-tested and its retention checked before shipment based on the firearm, light or laser, holster style, and mounting configuration selected.

For a more detailed explanation, visit our Holster Retention Levels Explained guide.

Lights, Lasers, Optics, Threaded Barrels & Compensators

One of the biggest differences between a standard holster and a custom DME holster is the number of firearm and accessory combinations we can accommodate.

The firearm, light or laser, optic, barrel, and compensator options selected when ordering determine which mold and holster configuration must be used.

Weapon-Mounted Lights & Lasers

DME supports many weapon-mounted lights and lasers from manufacturers including:

Streamlight
SureFire
Olight
Crimson Trace
Viridian

A light-bearing holster is formed around the specific firearm and light or laser combination. Two accessories that appear similar may have different dimensions, switches, mounting positions, or body shapes that affect holster fit and retention.

DME does not use generic or off-brand light molds. If your exact light or laser is not listed for a firearm, contact us before ordering so we can determine whether the combination is supported.

Red-Dot Optics & the DME Optic Speed Cut

Most DME holsters can be configured with our Red Dot Optic Speed Cut.

The Speed Cut provides clearance for a slide-mounted red-dot optic by opening the front portion of the holster back to approximately the ejection-port area, depending on the firearm and holster configuration.

DME highly recommends the Optic Speed Cut on Standard OWB holsters even when the firearm does not currently have a red-dot optic. Because less holster material must be cleared during the draw, the firearm can clear the holster sooner.

The Speed Cut is especially useful on Level II retention holsters, where the firearm must first clear the active retention system before being drawn from the holster.

Choosing the Optic Speed Cut also provides room for many future red-dot installations without requiring the front of the holster to be modified later.

DME holsters also provide clearance for many co-witness and suppressor-height sights.

Why DME Generally Does Not Use Open-Ended Holsters

DME generally does not manufacture open-ended holsters.

If the bottom of a holster ends too close to the muzzle, sitting down or striking the exposed muzzle against a chair, rock, or other object can push the firearm upward in the holster and potentially reduce or defeat its retention.

For that reason, DME normally designs the holster so the material extends beyond the end of the firearm.

There are some applications, such as certain revolver holsters, where an open-bottom design may be necessary. In those cases, DME generally leaves approximately 1/2 inch of additional material beyond the firearm to help protect against the muzzle being pushed upward during normal movement.

Threaded Barrels

DME does not simply cut the bottom of the holster open to accommodate a threaded barrel.

Our pistol molds are generally designed with an extended clearance area beyond the end of the slide that can accommodate a threaded-barrel extension of approximately 3/4 inch in diameter and 7/8 inch in length.

This allows the threaded portion of the barrel and thread protector to remain inside the holster while maintaining material beyond the end of the firearm.

Compensators

Aftermarket compensators require more information because their length and shape vary significantly.

When DME builds a holster for an aftermarket compensator, we generally need the measurement from the business end (Front End) of the slide to the end of the compensator. That measurement allows us to create an extension for the mold so the compensator remains enclosed within the finished holster rather than protruding from an open bottom.

This additional mold work is one reason a custom compensator configuration may cost more than the standard firearm configuration.

Factory-Integrated Compensators

Not every firearm marketed as a “comp” model requires a special compensator holster.

Some manufacturers incorporate the compensator or porting into the existing slide dimensions without increasing the firearm’s overall external length.

For example, firearms such as certain Springfield Prodigy Comp and Smith & Wesson Shield X Carry Comp configurations may use the same basic holster fit as the corresponding non-comp model when the outside dimensions that affect holster fit remain unchanged.

In those situations, the customer does not need to select an additional compensator option simply because the firearm is marketed as a compensated model.

Built for the Configuration You Order

Accessory compatibility is about more than simply making extra room in the holster. Changes to the firearm or accessory can affect the trigger guard, frame, rail, slide profile, retention points, and overall holster dimensions.

For that reason, DME builds each holster around the specific firearm and options selected at the time of order and fit-checks the completed holster before shipment.

Belt Attachments & Mounting Systems

The belt attachment or mounting system determines how the holster connects to your belt, duty rig, or other mounting platform. The available options depend on the DME holster style and the amount of mounting space available on the finished holster.

Standard IWB / AIWB Attachments

DME Standard IWB / AIWB holsters can be configured with: IWB/AIWB Attachments page

1.5-inch FOMI belt clip
UltiTuck
Soft belt loops
Optional ModWing concealment hardware

The attachment selected can affect ride height, concealment, and how firmly the holster is held against the body.

Pancake OWB / IWB Attachments

Every DME Pancake OWB / IWB 2-in-1 holster includes:

1.5-inch OWB belt loops
1.5-inch IWB belt loops
Blade-Tech Mod-Lok mounting hardware

This allows the same Pancake holster to be used for either OWB or IWB carry without purchasing a separate holster.

Standard OWB Mounting Systems

OWB belt attachment page.

Most DME Standard OWB holsters use a multi-pattern mounting interface that can accommodate several common mounting systems.

DME sells and supports a variety of Blade-Tech mounting hardware and is a Blade-Tech dealer.

DME also sells:

Safariland QLS
Safariland Mid-Ride UBL
G-Code RTI 33 and RTI 34 hangers

Standard OWB holsters can also be drilled for certain other compatible mounting systems.

For example, DME can drill a holster for Blackhawk mounting hardware, but DME does not sell Blackhawk parts. If a mounting option is not shown in the order form, include the request in the special instructions or contact DME before ordering.

Mounting Compatibility Varies by Holster

Not every mounting system can be used on every firearm or light-bearing holster.

The available mounting area changes depending on the firearm, weapon-mounted light or laser, holster size, retention system, and other options selected.

Some older DME holsters may already contain mounting holes that work with newer attachment systems.

For detailed mounting patterns and compatibility information, visit our OWB Holster Mounting & Attachment Compatibility Guide.

How DME Builds and Test-Fits Holsters

DME Holsters does not rely only on generic dimensions or one-size-fits-most molds.

We use in-house CAD, 3D scanning, and 3D printing to develop and manufacture our holster molds. Current firearm scans are brought into Fusion 360, where we can refine the mold design for the firearm, carry style, hand, and accessory configuration.

More Than 7,000 Physical Holster Molds

DME maintains a physical mold library of more than 7,000 holster molds.

That does not mean 7,000 different firearm models. A single firearm may require multiple molds depending on:

Left- or right-handed carry
Standard IWB / AIWB
Pancake OWB / IWB
Standard OWB
Weapon-mounted light or laser
Other firearm-specific configurations

DME currently supports more than 300 firearm models, with many of those requiring several different physical molds.

Built In-House

Our molds are produced in-house using 3D printing and other manufacturing tools rather than being purchased as generic off-the-shelf forms.

This gives DME more control over:

Trigger-guard fit
Slide and frame clearance
Sight-channel clearance
Light and laser fit
Optic clearance
Threaded-barrel and compensator extensions
Retention points
Overall holster size and shape

Real-Steel Fit Testing

Completed holsters are test-fitted with real-steel firearms before shipment whenever the configuration allows.

That final fit check helps us verify:

Proper firearm fit
Retention
Clearance around controls
Light or laser fit
Optic and sight clearance
Draw and reholstering clearance

The goal is simple: the holster should fit the firearm and configuration it was built for before it leaves our shop.

DME Guaranteed Fit

DME backs its holsters with a Guaranteed Fit for the firearm and accessory configuration the holster was ordered for.

If your holster does not fit the configuration it was built for, we will work with you to determine the cause and correct the fit. If we cannot provide a properly fitting holster for a correctly ordered configuration, we will issue a refund.

For complete details about what the guarantee covers and what to do if you have a fit problem, see our DME Holsters Guaranteed Fit policy.

Because firearm dimensions, lights, lasers, frames, and other accessories can vary, it is important that the firearm and options selected when ordering accurately match the equipment being used.

DME Holsters are manufactured in Marana, Arizona.