The 4 Best Leather Paddle Holsters

If you’re interested in an outside the waistband holster, but you’re not a fan of the classic pancake style, you should consider a paddle holster!

Many paddle holsters are made with polymer. They are nice and all, but a leather holster hust makes it that much more natural and high class. We’ve sifted through the online market to find you the best leather paddle holsters.

	Cardini Leather USA Paddle Leather Holster	Cheapest option Leather paddle comfortable to wear against body Plenty of stitching No height adjustments	$47 Shop NowClick to read my review
Top Pick	GGD Galco Speed Paddle Holster	Made with durable material Fits the gun perfectly Good retention Inner lining might rub on front sight	$87 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Galco Combat Master Belt Holster	Quality made leather Good retention and fits great No printing with most clothing Because there is no flap, the side part of the holster may rub	$71 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Aker Leather 268A FlatSider XR19	Sweat guard Air-Flo paddle Most coverage of all the option Not as adjustable as other holsters	$70 Shop NowClick to read my review

As a quick note: when searching for a paddle holster online, you’ll want to search specifically for whichever gun or model you need a holster for. Since this is a more general review on our part, we’ve selected products that fit with certain handguns, but the brands offer the style of the holster for a range of common pistols, revolvers, etc.

Things To Consider When Buying A Leather Paddle Holster

Paddle holsters are rapidly gaining popularity. This type of holster uses a rubberized paddle that rests against your leg and secures your firearm. Paddle holsters make concealing your weapon easy if you’re dressed properly, so having one is a good investment.  

Here are some factors to consider when selecting or purchasing a paddle holster to help you decide what is best for you. 

Type of Holster

OWB paddle holsters typically provide a faster draw than IWB items at the price of less concealment. This is one of the reasons many people prefer OWB holsters, However, there are others that you can choose from.

Durability

Check the manufacturer’s review and the brand of your choice before purchasing a holster that will provide years of dependable service. Many people prefer leather holsters because they are lightweight, smooth, comfortable to use, and long-lasting.

Concealment

Of course, you’ll want a holster that conceals it well. The nice thing about this leather holster is that it is easy to conceal because most leather holsters are smooth and not bulky. As a result, when it comes to concealment, this holster is extremely reliable.

Ease of Access

A holster should be able to securely hold your weapon while also allowing you to draw it quickly. Because this is important especially if you need it for self-defense or any other situation involving your safety or the safety of those around you.

Now that we’ve seen the factors to consider when choosing and purchasing a leather paddle holster, let’s move on to our top picks.

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4 Best Leather Paddle Holsters

Cardini Leather USA Paddle Leather Holster

Materials – Cardini Leather’s paddle holster is made entirely of leather, including the covering on the back paddle. It can be purchased in either all tan or all black for left-handed and right-handed shooters. This selection, in particular, is made for the Glock 42, but you can find the style available for a variety of handguns. The holster is molded to the shape of the gun, and it is lined with reinforced stitching. There is double stitching at the trigger guard, as well. Inside the holster is the suede lining, which helps with a smooth draw and protection of your weapon. The paddle has an adjustable cant, so it can be worn as FBI or at a cross draw. For a higher level of retention, secure the paddle behind your waistband, or you can wear it normally over a belt.

Performance – Cardini makes a really nice leather paddle holster, and it’s definitely one of those most comfortable you’ll ever buy. This is mainly because the leather covering over the belt paddle makes it smooth enough to wear against the skin if you want a little more retention. If your handgun is larger than a compact, this feature can really come in handy. This option also features the most reinforced stitching out of any of the other choices here, while still being highly molded. A little adjustability with the cant, and there isn’t too much to complain about. However, the height is not adjustable.

What we say – The Cardini Leather paddle holster is the best option for those who feel more comfortable wearing the paddle behind the waistline, as opposed to over their belt only. You can play with the cant a little as well.

Galco Speed Paddle Holster

Materials – The Galco Speed Paddle Holster is crafted of premium saddle leather and a polymer belt-lock paddle. It covers the trigger guard of your revolver and has a tension screw adjustment for added security and a firm grip. So it’s fully secure, and you don’t have to worry about it breaking easily. Another advantage of this holster is that it includes a convenient on/off switch which is a plus.

Performance – This holster is well-known for its flawless combination of form and function. It also has the same great retention and fit that you’d expect, so it’s very comfortable to use even if you’re carrying it for a long period of time. Another advantage of this leather holster is that it makes switching easier and faster from your everyday carry firearm to your range pistol, which is especially useful if you have errands to run.

What we say – The Galco Speed Paddle Holster is ideal for people looking for a smooth, comfortable, and good fit, especially with small guns. And with the features it provides, I can say that this holster is fantastic for a quick and easy draw, so it is well worth the money.

Galco Combat Master Belt Holster

Materials – The Combat Master Belt Holster is made of two pieces of high-quality leather. Its body is double-stitched around the belt loops for added durability. The inside of the holster is suede, which prevents your gun from being scratched. Another eye-catching feature of this holster is its butt-forward cant, which features a traditional pancake design with an open muzzle, allowing for easy concealment of even large handguns. Fits belts with a width of up to 1 3/4 inches.

Performance – The hand-molded open-top design of this holster allows you for a quick draw and presentation while also providing secure retention. So that even after carrying the gun on my hip several times throughout the day, the holster left no marks on the slide, making it extremely awesome and comfortable to wear.

What we say – The Combat Master is available in a wide range of guns for both righties and lefties, including small and large semi-automatics and revolvers. So, if you want an ambidextrous holster, this one’s for you. Its leather appearance and durability are more than make up for the price.

Aker Leather 268A FlatSider XR19

Materials – Aker Leather’s FlatSider paddle holster is made with vegetable-tanned cowhide in all black. This selection was made for the Colt 1911, but it’s available for other handguns and revolvers as well. The contour molding offers high coverage of the weapon for a super low profile, with a sight channel within to protect the top and the inside of the holster. A retention screw is below the trigger guard, and there is also a sweat guard installed. The belt paddle features Air-Flo dual-retention barbs, which will hold the holster in place during use.

Performance – To knock it right out of the park, the best features of the Aker FlatSider holster are the fuller coverage you get of your weapon and the sweat guard. This option allows you to secure this baby nice and close to your body without worrying about damaging your weapon or becoming uncomfortable yourself. The retention within the leather is pretty standard, but the paddle itself is specially designed for a really good hold against your belt. Yet, this one is not as adjustable as some of the other choices.

What we say – This is the best leather paddle holster for anyone looking for high coverage and wants to wear their handgun close to the body. You’ll be comfortable, and your weapon will be protected.

Our Favorite Leather Paddle Holster

Our favorite leather paddle holster is the Galco Speed Paddle Holster. It’s a solid choice that should make just about everybody happy. It hits all the marks needed for a good holster that isn’t lacking particularly in any one area. Not on the cheap end, but still good value for money.

Our favorite part about this option was the leather covering over the paddle. This makes it comfortable enough to wear behind the pant waist, and it also acts as a bit of a sweat guard in that sense too. The stitching is throughout the holster, so you’re getting retention in more ways than one.

What is your favourite leather paddle holster?

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