First Impressions of Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk
The Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk immediately caught my eye as a potential solution for concealed carry of my Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ. Coming from Versacarry, a brand known for innovative and minimalist holster designs, I was intrigued by its polymer construction and ambidextrous design. At a price point of $31.49, it seemed like a worthwhile investment to explore a new concealed carry option.
I needed a reliable inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster that offered both comfort and secure retention for my Shield EZ. Many holsters I’ve tried in the past were either too bulky, uncomfortable for all-day wear, or lacked sufficient retention. I wanted something simple, effective, and affordable, and the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk appeared to fit that bill.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the holster’s lightweight design. The polymer felt durable, yet surprisingly thin, and the custom molding appeared precise. Compared to my previous leather IWB holster, the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk felt significantly less bulky.
I also considered a Kydex holster from another brand, but I opted for the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk because of its lower price and the promise of ambidextrous functionality. Another option was a hybrid holster, but I wanted to try something different with full polymer construction. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see how it performed during live-fire drills.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk‘s initial feel and apparent quality. It definitely looked and felt more premium than its affordable price suggested.
Real-World Testing: Putting Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk at my local shooting range during a standard practice session. I wore it IWB at the 3 o’clock position for right-hand draw. The weather was mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and dry, which made for comfortable shooting conditions.
The draw was surprisingly smooth and consistent, requiring only a slight adjustment to my grip to achieve a clean release. I did notice a bit of initial friction, but it quickly subsided after a few practice draws. After several hours of drills, the holster proved to be reasonably comfortable, even while sitting.
There was an initial concern with the holster shifting slightly during rapid draw sequences, but after tightening my belt and adjusting the holster position, the issue resolved.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of daily carry, the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk has held up remarkably well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear, and the polymer material seems resistant to scratching and abrasion. The draw remains consistent, and the holster provides adequate retention.
Cleaning is a breeze; I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. Compared to my experience with leather holsters, the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk requires minimal maintenance. It outperforms my previous holster in terms of comfort, ease of cleaning, and consistency of draw.
The holster has proven to be a reliable and comfortable option for everyday concealed carry.
Breaking Down the Features of Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk
Specifications
The Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk is constructed from custom-molded polymer, designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ. It is offered in black and is designed to be ambidextrous, accommodating both right and left-handed users. The holster features adjustable draw tension.
The holster’s polymer construction provides durability and resistance to moisture, while the ambidextrous design caters to a wider range of users. The adjustable draw tension is a crucial feature for customizing the level of retention based on personal preference.
Performance & Functionality
The Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk performs its primary function of securely holding and concealing my Shield EZ admirably. The retention is firm but allows for a smooth and consistent draw. While it’s not a competition-grade holster, it’s perfectly adequate for everyday carry and self-defense scenarios.
The holster’s strengths lie in its simplicity, affordability, and ease of use, but the lack of adjustable cant (angle) is a limitation. Overall, the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk meets my expectations for a basic IWB holster at this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk features a minimalist design with a focus on function over form. The custom-molded polymer provides a secure fit for the Shield EZ, and the low profile minimizes bulk. The holster is surprisingly lightweight, which adds to its comfort for all-day carry.
The holster is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or adjustments beyond the draw tension. While the minimalist design may not appeal to everyone, it contributes to the holster’s overall comfort and ease of concealment.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction of the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk suggests that it should last for several years with proper care. The material is resistant to sweat, moisture, and abrasion, making it suitable for a variety of environments. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
The holster’s simple design and durable materials contribute to its long-term reliability and low maintenance requirements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk does not come with any specific accessories beyond the holster itself. Given its minimalist design, there are limited customization options. The holster is compatible with optics-ready Shield EZ models.
The holster’s simplicity limits customization, but its compatibility with optics-ready pistols is a valuable feature.
Pros and Cons of Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Ambidextrous design caters to a wide range of users.
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day carry.
- Custom-molded polymer provides secure retention.
- Optics compatible.
Cons
- No adjustable cant.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk?
The Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk is perfect for individuals seeking an affordable and reliable IWB holster for their Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ. It is also well-suited for those who appreciate a minimalist design and require an ambidextrous option. This holster is a great choice for concealed carry permit holders looking for a comfortable and easily concealable solution.
Individuals who prefer a holster with adjustable cant or those who require extensive customization options should skip this product. A user looking for a rapid deployment competition holster will likely find this wanting.
Must-have accessories would include a high-quality gun belt to ensure proper holster support and stability.
Conclusion on Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk
Overall, the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk is a solid and dependable IWB holster for the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ. Its affordable price, comfortable design, and ambidextrous functionality make it a compelling option for concealed carry. The lack of adjustable cant and limited customization are minor drawbacks, but they do not detract significantly from the holster’s overall value.
The price is definitely justified by the holster’s performance and durability. I would personally recommend the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk to anyone seeking a reliable and budget-friendly IWB holster for their Shield EZ.
Give the Versacarry Obsidian Essential Holster Iwb Ply Shield Ez Blk a try; it might just be the perfect holster for your everyday carry needs.