Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster Review

First Impressions of Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster

The Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster promises a minimalist design with maximum functionality, blending Safariland’s reputation for quality with a comfortable IWB carry experience. It boasts compatibility with popular optics and adjustable retention, catering to the growing demand for versatile and adaptable holsters. The combination of durable materials and a streamlined profile instantly piqued my interest, as I’ve found that many IWB options sacrifice comfort or durability in the pursuit of concealment.

For years, I’ve struggled to find an IWB holster that offered both excellent retention and all-day comfort, especially one that accommodates red dot optics. Many Kydex holsters feel too rigid and uncomfortable against the skin, while softer hybrid holsters often lack the necessary rigidity for confident re-holstering. The Safariland Species seemed to address these issues, promising a balance of both worlds.

Upon unboxing, the Safariland Species felt solid and well-constructed. The Boltaron material appeared rugged, and the suede lining added a touch of premium feel. The minimalist design was immediately apparent, and the holster felt significantly less bulky than my previous IWB options.

Compared to my Galco KingTuk (a hybrid leather/Kydex holster) and a full Kydex holster from Vedder Holsters, the Safariland Species presented a unique profile. The Galco was comfortable but bulky, the Vedder offered great retention but lacked comfort for extended wear. The Safariland Species seemed to offer a middle ground.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential for a comfortable and reliable IWB holster, but I knew that real-world testing would be the ultimate judge. The promise of optic compatibility and adjustable retention were especially intriguing.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster during a full day at the shooting range, followed by several days of everyday carry. This allowed me to assess its performance under both controlled and real-world conditions. The holster was paired with my Glock 19 equipped with a Holosun 507k optic.

The holster performed well in varied conditions. I encountered no issues with draw speed or retention, even during rapid-fire drills. The holster felt secure and stable, even during dynamic movement.

The initial draw stroke felt natural and intuitive. The adjustable tension allowed me to dial in the perfect amount of retention, providing a secure hold without hindering a smooth draw. There were no unexpected catches or snags, and re-holstering was just as smooth and consistent.

After the first day, I noticed a slight pressure point near the muzzle end of the holster. A small adjustment to the holster’s position on my belt alleviated this issue. This highlighted the importance of finding the optimal placement for individual body types and carry styles.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the Boltaron material. The suede lining continues to protect the firearm’s finish.

Maintenance has been straightforward. I simply wipe down the holster with a damp cloth occasionally to remove any accumulated lint or debris. The design is simple and easy to clean, requiring minimal effort to keep it in good working condition.

Compared to my previous experiences with other IWB holsters, the Safariland Species has significantly outperformed them in terms of comfort and retention balance. The Galco KingTuk was more comfortable initially but became uncomfortable in warmer weather due to the leather backing. The Vedder LightTuck provided excellent retention but often felt too rigid and caused discomfort during extended wear.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster

Specifications

The Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster is designed for concealed carry, built with several key features:

• Material: Constructed from SafariLaminate thermal-molded Boltaron for enhanced durability and longevity. Boltaron offers excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and impact, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Lining: Features a suede lining to improve firearm fit and protect the handgun’s finish. This soft lining prevents scratches and scuff marks on the firearm during draw and re-holstering.
• Design: A minimalist design to reduce bulk for ideal IWB appendix-style carry. This allows for deep concealment and comfortable wear.
• Retention: Integrated passive trigger guard retention with an adaptable tension device for personalized feel. This allows users to customize the level of retention to their preference.
• Cant & Height: Fully cantable and vertically adjustable mounting clip fits standard 1.5in (38 mm) belt widths. This allows for optimized draw angle and ride height based on user preference.
• Compatibility: Firearm model-specific design with a sight channel providing clearance for standard height sights. The Safariland Species is also optic-compatible, working with Romeo Zero, RMR CC, Shield RMS, Shield RMS-C, Swampfox Sentinal, Hex Wasp, Holosun 407K, Holosun 507K, J-point, Crimson Trace 1550, or similar optics.

These specifications are critical for the holster’s performance. The Boltaron construction ensures long-term durability. The suede lining protects the firearm’s finish. The adjustable retention and cant provide a customizable and comfortable carry experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster performs its job exceptionally well, providing secure retention, comfortable carry, and a smooth draw. The adjustable retention mechanism allows users to customize the holster to their preferred level of security, instilling confidence.

One of its strengths is the optic compatibility, which is becoming increasingly important as more shooters adopt red dot sights on their handguns. The minimalist design also contributes to enhanced comfort, making it suitable for all-day carry. Its weaknesses are, at the time of writing, its right hand only configuration.

The Safariland Species meets and exceeds my expectations for an IWB holster in its price range. Its blend of durability, comfort, and functionality makes it a standout option.

Design & Ergonomics

The Safariland Species excels in its design and ergonomics. The Boltaron material is robust yet lightweight. The minimalist profile minimizes bulk and maximizes comfort.

The holster is generally user-friendly. The adjustable retention and cant allow for fine-tuning the fit and draw stroke, though some experimentation may be required to find the optimal settings.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its Boltaron construction, the Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster is expected to last for years under normal use. The material is resistant to wear and tear.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The straightforward design minimizes the risk of damage and ensures easy upkeep.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster comes with the necessary mounting clip and hardware for adjusting cant and ride height.

While it doesn’t offer extensive customization options like interchangeable shells or light-bearing compatibility, the optic compatibility and adjustable retention provide a degree of personalization. The holster’s design also allows for the use of aftermarket claw attachments to further enhance concealment.

Pros and Cons of Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster

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Who Should Buy Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster?

The Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster is perfect for:

• Everyday Carry (EDC) Users: Those seeking a comfortable and concealable holster for daily use.
• Firearm Owners with Optics: Individuals who use red dot sights on their handguns and need a compatible holster.
• Those Seeking Value: Shooters looking for a high-quality holster at an affordable price point.

Who should skip this product? Left-handed shooters, due to the current right-hand-only configuration. Those who require extensive customization options or light-bearing compatibility may want to consider other options.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality gun belt to ensure stability and proper weight distribution. A claw attachment can further enhance concealment for appendix carry.

Conclusion on Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster

The Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a comfortable, reliable, and affordable IWB holster. It offers a compelling combination of durability, functionality, and optic compatibility.

The price is justified by the quality of materials and construction. The holster is well-made and designed to last.

I would personally recommend the Safariland Species to anyone looking for a solid IWB holster that won’t break the bank. It is a great option for both experienced shooters and those new to concealed carry.

If you’re looking for a holster that blends comfort, retention, and modern features, give the Safariland Species Inside the Waistband Holster a try. You won’t be disappointed.