The problem is youre not sure what kind you need.
In this article, I will cover five great holsters for your XD-E. ## DeSantis Thumb Break Mini Slide
Traditionally, holsters have been made of leather.
For the XD-E, DeSantis makes a number of holsters including the Thumb Break Mini Slide.
This is an outside-the-waistband holster that uses the traditional belt slide style.
What is an outside-the-waistband (OWB) rig?
Most often, the holster attaches to a sturdy belt for secure carry.
Carrying outside-the-waistband on a good belt is one of the most comfortable ways to carry a pistol.
However, it shares very few similarities with the DeSantis rig above even though both are outside-the-waistband designs.
Once locked in, the gun will not fall out even if you shake it upside down.
Simple, intuitive, easyandsafe.
Ive used a paddle version of the GLS Pro-Fit holster for several years.
Generally, these kinds of holsters are appealing because they are easy to don.
Safariland uses a paddle system that Ive found to be the most secure paddle on the market today.
Called SafariSeven, the polymer is rigid enough to hold the gun in place during vigorous activity.
Yet, it doesnt wear on the gun like Kydex or other hard materials can.
The grip is exposed above the belt line so you’re free to easily draw the gun.
The major advantage of this carry method is increased concealment.
IWB holsters can be made of leather or synthetic materials.
However, there is another option that is highly regarded for its comfort and concealment qualities.
Called a hybrid holster, this rig style uses a synthetic shell attached to a leather slab.
Sort of a best of both worlds approach, you might say.
Possibly the best-known company for designing and building hybrid holsters is CrossBreed Holsters.
One of the rigs they make for the Springfield Armory XD-E is the Hybrid ST2.
The ST2 uses a wide, soft leather backer that is comfortable against the body.
The Tulster Profile is a perfect example of a modern appendix holster.
It uses a minimalist design to reduce bulk and improve concealability.
Tulster uses synthetic materials that are precision shaped to the Springfield Armory XD-E.
This makes for positive retention with an audible click when you insert the gun into the holster.
Profile holsters completely cover the trigger guard for safety.
Yet, the rig design allows for a high undercut.
This allows you to get a full, high grip on the pistol when you draw it.
This should minimize the need for any hand readjustments once you present the weapon.
To enhance comfort, Tulster buffs the edges of the holster.
Buffing takes the small edges off to eliminate sharp corners that can cause pinching or other discomfort.
Also, the holster is cant adjustable.
For these circumstances, an ankle holster might make sense.
An ankle holster is a specialized concealment rig that secures your XD-E pistol to the lower leg.
Your pants leg completely conceals the handgun, and the pistol is completely out of the way.
I carried a backup gun as a police officer on an ankle every day I was in uniform.
It was not the fastest location to draw from, but I found it a comfortable way to carry.
One of the keys to successful ankle carry of your XD-E is in selecting a great holster.
The most comfortable rig Ive found is the Comfort-Air Ankle Holster from Telor Tactical.
Telor Tactical was founded by a gun enthusiast with a background in materials designed for the medical industry.
These materials had to be durable yet comfortable for long-term wear on the body.
Medical materials must have good airflow to the skin plus be resistant to bacteria and dirt.
What better materials could be used for holsters?
The Comfort-Air Ankle Holster uses a wide cuff to secure the rig to the leg.
A hook and loop material secures the cuff to your body.
On the outside of the cuff is a pouch that holds the pistol.
On the inside of the cuff, behind this pouch, is a panel of Sil-Air padding.
Sil-Air is a breathable, silicone-bang out padding that offers incredible cushioning without cutting off airflow to the skin.
Ive worn many different ankle holsters over the years.
Without any doubt, the Telor Tactical is the most comfortable ankle holster Ive ever used.
MSRP: $48.99
Conclusion
So, there you have it.
A good cross-section of holsters for the excellent XD-E group of pistols.
