Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster Review

First Impressions of Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster

The Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster promises comfortable and versatile concealed carry at an affordable price. As someone with over a decade of experience in tactical and outdoor gear, I’m always on the lookout for reliable and practical solutions for everyday carry. This holster, manufactured by Rothco, immediately caught my attention with its ambidextrous design, magazine pouch, and elastic storage slit.

I was particularly drawn to it by the need for a more comfortable and adaptable carry method for various clothing styles and activities. I’ve struggled with traditional IWB holsters that can be bulky and uncomfortable, especially during extended periods of wear or when engaging in physical activity. The promise of all-day comfort with the Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster‘s soft neoprene backing was intriguing.

Upon unboxing, the holster felt surprisingly lightweight and flexible. The neoprene material felt soft against the skin, and the overall construction seemed adequate for the price point. Compared to more rigid Kydex IWB holsters, the Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster seemed less bulky and potentially more comfortable for all-day wear. However, compared to higher-end belly bands with reinforced stitching and more robust closures, it appeared somewhat less durable.

I was initially excited by the potential for comfortable and versatile concealed carry offered by the Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster. However, a slight skepticism lingered regarding its long-term durability and retention capabilities compared to more expensive alternatives.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster at an outdoor shooting range during a moderate-weather day. I carried a Glock 19 and a spare magazine while performing various drills involving movement and drawing from concealment. The holster initially felt comfortable against my body, but after about an hour of activity, I noticed some slight shifting and bunching of the neoprene material.

During a few rapid draw attempts, the metal snap closure securing my Glock 19 felt a bit flimsy, raising concerns about retention under more demanding conditions. Also, adjusting the holster while wearing it proved to be somewhat cumbersome, requiring me to loosen my belt and readjust the entire band.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of daily wear during various activities, including hiking and light yard work, the Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster began to show some signs of wear. The hook and loop closure started to lose some of its grip, requiring more frequent adjustments throughout the day. The neoprene material, while initially comfortable, began to retain moisture and odors, even after cleaning.

There were no major rips or tears, but the overall feel was less secure than when I first started using it. While not a complete disappointment, the Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster did not outperform my expectations for long-term durability, especially compared to other belly band holsters I’ve used in the past that incorporated reinforced stitching.

Breaking Down the Features of Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster

Specifications

The Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster is designed for ambidextrous use and is primarily constructed from neoprene. It’s available in black and is advertised to fit standard-sized sidearms like the Glock 19, Ruger LCP, and SIG Sauer P365. The holster also features a removable, adjustable magazine pouch and an elastic pocket for EDC items.

• Key Specifications:
  • Material: Neoprene.
  • Hand: Ambidextrous.
  • Holster Type: Belly Band.
  • Application: Concealment.
  • Gun Make Compatibility: SIG Sauer, Ruger, Glock.
  • Gun Model Compatibility: SIG Sauer P365, Glock 19, Ruger LCP.

These specifications are crucial for understanding the holster’s intended use and limitations. The neoprene material contributes to its comfort, but it also impacts its durability and retention capabilities. The ambidextrous design is a significant advantage for both right- and left-handed shooters.

Performance & Functionality

The Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster performs adequately for basic concealed carry. It allows for multiple carry positions, including IWB, OWB, cross-draw, and appendix. However, the retention provided by the metal snap closure is not as secure as Kydex holsters.

The elastic storage slit is useful for carrying small EDC items. However, the overall comfort and stability can be affected by the weight and bulk of the items carried. The Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster meets the basic needs for concealment, but its performance doesn’t exceed expectations for demanding situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster features a simple, minimalist design. The neoprene material is soft against the skin and relatively breathable. The hook and loop closure allows for size adjustments, but it can be cumbersome to adjust while wearing.

The holster’s lightweight design is comfortable for extended wear. However, the lack of reinforced stitching and a more robust closure system detracts from its overall build quality.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster is not designed for heavy-duty use. After several weeks of regular wear, the hook and loop closure showed signs of wear. The neoprene material retained moisture and odors.

Maintenance involves hand-washing and air-drying. But the long-term durability is questionable compared to more expensive options.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster comes with a removable, adjustable magazine pouch. There are no other official accessories or customization options offered by Rothco. However, users may be able to attach compatible magazine pouches from other brands that utilize hook and loop attachments.

The absence of extensive customization options limits the holster’s adaptability. This may deter users who prefer more specialized setups.

Pros and Cons of Rothco Concealed Carry Neoprene Belly Band Holster