U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black Review

First Thoughts on the U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black

The U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black enters a crowded market of nylon hip holsters, promising basic functionality at a budget-friendly price point. Coming from U. Mike’s, a manufacturer not particularly known for high-end tactical gear, I approached this holster with cautious optimism. Could this be a surprisingly effective solution for those on a tight budget, or would its low price translate to poor quality and performance?

I was initially drawn to this holster because I needed a simple, inexpensive way to carry my Glock 26 while hiking in areas where open carry wasn’t practical. I’ve used high-end Kydex holsters with active retention in the past, but for casual outdoor activities, something more basic and less bulky seemed appealing. After a quick search, the price of the U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black was too attractive to pass up.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the lightweight construction of the black Kodra nylon. It felt relatively sturdy for its price, but certainly not as robust as the thicker nylon used in higher-end tactical gear. The stitching appeared adequate, though not reinforced in high-stress areas. My initial thought was, “This is what I paid for,” – a functional holster, but not one built for serious abuse. Compared to a DeSantis nylon holster I own, the U. Mike’s felt noticeably thinner, and less structured.

My first impression was a mix of mild excitement and a healthy dose of skepticism. At $13.99, my expectations were low, so I wasn’t exactly disappointed. I was, however, eager to see how it would perform in real-world conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My first use of the U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black was during a day hike in the local state forest. I carried my Glock 26, as intended, and spent the day navigating trails, crossing streams, and generally enjoying the outdoors. The holster stayed securely attached to my belt loop, as advertised.

The holster did a reasonable job of keeping the Glock 26 secured. I noticed some slight shifting during more vigorous movements, like scrambling over rocks, but nothing that concerned me. However, the nylon material seemed to soak up moisture quickly and retained it, something to consider in wetter conditions. After a few hours, the draw stroke felt less smooth due to the moisture affecting the nylon.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, mostly during weekend hikes and trips to the shooting range, the U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black showed some noticeable wear. The stitching around the belt loop attachment began to fray slightly. The nylon started to lose some of its shape, causing the holster to collapse somewhat when the firearm was removed.

Cleaning the holster was simple enough – a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removed most of the dirt and grime. But I found that the nylon retained odors easily, even after cleaning. Compared to a more structured hybrid holster I sometimes use, the U. Mike’s lacks the long-term durability and comfort required for extended or demanding use. It’s adequate for light use, but I wouldn’t rely on it for serious tactical applications.

Breaking Down the Features of U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black

Specifications

• Type: Hip Holster. This denotes a basic, outside-the-waistband carry method.
• Color: Black. A standard color for tactical and concealed carry gear.
• Material: Nylon. The U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black is constructed from Kodra nylon, offering some durability and weather resistance at a budget price.
• Size: 12. The size designation indicates the holster is specifically designed to accommodate compact pistols like the Glock 26.
• Model: Right Hand. Designed for right-handed shooters.
• Finish: Textured. The textured finish likely refers to the weave of the nylon, offering a slightly better grip against clothing.
• Gun Mod: Glock 26. This confirms it’s molded (albeit loosely) to fit a Glock 26.
• Add Mod: Belt Loop. A simple belt loop secures the holster to the user’s belt.

These specifications matter because they define the holster’s intended use and limitations. The nylon construction keeps the cost down but sacrifices durability compared to Kydex or leather. The Glock 26 specific sizing is beneficial, but the lack of adjustable retention might be a concern.

Performance & Functionality

The U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black performs its basic function adequately: it holds a Glock 26 securely enough for casual carry. The draw stroke is relatively smooth when the holster is dry and clean. However, the lack of any active or passive retention system means the firearm relies solely on friction for retention.

Its primary weakness is the lack of adjustable retention. It only works for the Glock 26, limiting it’s usefulness. It meets the bare minimum of expectations for a budget holster.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price. The Kodra nylon is lightweight and relatively comfortable against the body, but the stitching is basic and prone to fraying. It is user-friendly with minimal learning curve, but also lacks features, making it a “what you see is what you get” product.

Durability & Maintenance

The U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black isn’t built for long-term durability. Expect to replace it after a year or two of regular use, especially in demanding conditions. It’s easy to maintain – a quick wipe-down is usually sufficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black is extremely basic and offers no additional accessories or customization options. It’s designed to be a simple, standalone product. Because of it’s basic design, there are no real customization options for the U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black.

Pros and Cons of U. Mike’s HIP HOLSTER RH 12 Black