First Thoughts on the Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black
The Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black is a seemingly simple inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster, but it promises a lot: comfort, concealment, and versatility. Coming from DeSantis Gunhide, a company with a long history in the holster business, I was eager to see if this nylon offering could live up to its promises. My initial impression was a blend of cautious optimism and a healthy dose of skepticism.
For years, I’d relied on Kydex for its rigidity and retention. However, the comfort factor often left something to be desired, especially during extended wear in the hot Texas summers. I needed a holster that could disappear under a tucked shirt without printing and remain comfortable throughout the day.
Upon receiving the Tuck This II, my first impression was of its lightweight construction. The padded ballistic nylon felt pliable and seemingly comfortable against the skin. Compared to my usual Kydex holsters, the DeSantis felt almost flimsy at first, but I reminded myself that comfort and concealability were the priorities. I’ve used similar nylon holsters in the past, like the Blackhawk! ARC, but the Tuck This II’s tuckable design and integrated magazine pouch were what ultimately swayed me. This seemed like a better option than a basic nylon holster, or a more rigid Kydex option that may not be as comfortable for all day carry.
I was excited to test the Tuck This II and see if it could truly bridge the gap between comfort and effective concealment. Time to find out if the Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black was the right choice for me.
Real-World Testing: Putting Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black was at an outdoor shooting range. I carried my Glock 19, a natural fit for this holster, for several hours while practicing drills. The holster performed surprisingly well in terms of comfort.
Despite a warm day, the nylon material didn’t become overly sweaty or irritating against my skin. The draw stroke took a little getting used to compared to my Kydex holsters, as the nylon offers less defined retention. It was a little difficult to get used to a different style draw, but after some practice, it started to feel normal.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of daily carry, the Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black has proven to be more durable than I initially anticipated. I’ve worn it during everything from grocery runs to hikes in moderately rough terrain. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
The stitching is holding up well, and the nylon hasn’t frayed or torn. Cleaning is simple; a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to wipe away any sweat or dirt. Compared to some of my previous nylon holsters, the Tuck This II seems to be made with higher-quality materials and construction.
Breaking Down the Features of Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black
Specifications
The Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black is built from heavily padded 1050D black Ballistic nylon and lined with slick pack cloth. It is designed to accommodate Glock 17, 19, 22, and 23 models. The holster is ambidextrous.
It features a widely adjustable belt tab for cant adjustment and accommodates belts up to 1 3/4″ wide. Auto-loader versions include a built-in magazine pouch. These specifications highlight the holster’s focus on comfort, concealment, and versatility.
Performance & Functionality
The Tuck This II performs its primary function – concealing a handgun – admirably. The tuckable design allows for deep concealment even with a tucked shirt. The adjustable cant allows you to fine-tune the holster’s position for optimal draw and comfort.
The built-in magazine pouch is a welcome addition, providing a convenient way to carry a spare magazine. One weakness is the lack of adjustable retention; the holster relies on the pressure of your body against the handgun. This could be improved.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tuck This II is designed with comfort in mind. The padded nylon and slick pack cloth lining create a comfortable barrier between the handgun and your body. The holster is surprisingly lightweight. This makes it comfortable for all-day wear.
The design is relatively simple, but effective. The adjustable belt tab allows for a wide range of carry positions. This is user friendly and minimizes any learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
While nylon holsters aren’t known for being as durable as Kydex, the Tuck This II seems to be well-made. The 1050D Ballistic nylon is tough and resistant to wear and tear. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
With proper care, this holster should provide years of reliable service. It is not designed to be repairable in the field.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black is relatively limited in terms of accessories and customization. The main customization option is the adjustable belt tab, which allows you to adjust the cant and ride height of the holster. Due to the nature of a nylon holster, it is not compatible with most aftermarket accessories designed for Kydex holsters.
Pros and Cons of Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for all-day carry: The padded nylon construction and slick pack cloth lining provide a comfortable barrier between the handgun and your body, minimizing discomfort even during extended wear.
- Excellent concealment with tuckable design: The tuckable design allows for deep concealment, even with a tucked-in shirt, making it ideal for environments where discretion is paramount.
- Versatile cant adjustment: The widely adjustable belt tab allows you to fine-tune the holster’s position for optimal draw and comfort, accommodating different body types and carry preferences.
- Integrated magazine pouch: The built-in magazine pouch provides a convenient way to carry a spare magazine, ensuring you have readily available ammunition.
- Lightweight and durable construction: The 1050D ballistic nylon provides a good balance of durability and lightweight, making it comfortable to wear without sacrificing long-term reliability.
Cons
- Lack of adjustable retention: The holster relies on body pressure for retention, which may not be sufficient for all users or situations.
- Nylon construction is less durable than Kydex: While durable for nylon, it’s not as robust as Kydex, and may show wear faster.
Who Should Buy Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black?
The Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black is perfect for individuals who prioritize comfort and concealment. This includes professionals who need to carry concealed firearms in business attire or anyone who prefers a comfortable holster for all-day carry. It’s ideal for Glock owners looking for a tuckable IWB option without breaking the bank.
Those who require a high degree of weapon retention or operate in harsh environments might want to skip this product and consider a Kydex holster. A sturdy belt is a must-have accessory to ensure proper support and stability.
Conclusion on Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black
The Desantis Gunhide Tuck This II For Glock 17/19/22/23 Nylon Black offers a compelling blend of comfort, concealment, and versatility at a reasonable price. While it may not be as bombproof as a Kydex holster, its comfort and tuckable design make it a solid choice for everyday carry. At $44.99, the price is definitely justified.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable and concealable IWB holster for their Glock. If you value comfort and the ability to tuck in your shirt without printing, give the Tuck This II a try. It might just surprise you.