There is a saying that goes, ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.’ That is exactly how I have felt during a month spent learning to appendix carry. If you are still unaware, appendix carry (also known as AIWB or Appendix Inside the Waistband) is a concealed carry option where the handgun is carried between the 10 and 2 o’clock position. It is fairly new to the concealed carry scene and is being adopted by many who carry. But, is it right for you?
What is AIWB Carry?
AIWB is the carry option du jour of the tactical/EDC carry world. A method firearms and tactical instructors hail as THE standard for concealed carry. Specifically because it allows for a faster draw, better retention, and maximum concealability.
It is also a concealed carry option I have steadfastly avoided. Ok, that’s not entirely true. I have tried appendix carry before. In fact, that is how I routinely carry my S&W 442 revolver. But any attempts to carry a larger pistol have rarely lasted more than a week.
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The main reason for bailing on AIWB was the comfort factor. That is, the annoying rub of my beer gut against the grip and the barrel digging into my pelvis. Second, (but perhaps more important) was the general anxiety I felt anytime I thought about the loaded pistol pointed at my junk.
I mean, who wants that?
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Going All in on AIWB Carry
Having realized that I’d never given appendix carry my full attention, I decided to go all in. The first step in mitigating the comfort factor was to lose the ten pounds of extra “fun” I’d picked up since hitting my 40s. Then, I scoured the internet for anything and everything I could find that might make AIWB more bearable.
Picking a Belt
I’ve always heard that a solid belt is the foundation of any concealed carry option, but I never really listened. I mean, a belt is a belt, right? Well, it turns out that not all belts are made the same. This is a fact I learned firsthand when I bought a Kore Essential X7 EDC belt.
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Made from tactical nylon with their patented spring-loaded ratcheting buckle, the X7 is a reinforced belt rated to carry up to eight pounds. This is a masochist’s belt. It is built like a tank. If you can stand wearing what feels like a stomach tourniquet, then this is the belt for you.
For the middle-of-the-road option, there is the Bianchi B9 “Fancy Stitched Belt” (yes, that’s what it’s called). Name notwithstanding, the B9 is a serious belt. In fact, legend has it that this 1.75-inch leather-stitched belt works so well that it was the belt of choice for many DEVGRU operators during the Global War on Terror (GWOT).
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Bianchi is known for its long-lasting leather goods, and the B9 is no exception. This is a classic belt that will be there when you need it.
I’m more of a minimalist. When I finally ordered a Tenicor Zero Belt, I knew I had found the belt for me. Comfortable and stable, the Zero belt isn’t as stiff as the Kore X7 essential or the Bianchi B9. However, it easily holds up my SIG P365 X-Macro.
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While some thicker/heavier belts add to the bulk of AIWB carry, the Zero belt offers a low-profile alternative that is rock solid.
Verdict: Any of these belts would be a welcome addition to your EDC game.
Picking a Kydex Holster
Since its transition from the airline industry to the shooting world, Kydex has become the “go-to” material for holsters, mag carriers, and just about any other accessory you can imagine.
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Compared to leather, this thermoplastic wonder is light, durable, moldable, and virtually unbreakable. On the other hand, Kydex lacks the breathability and cushion of leather. Although it is comfortable enough at the 3 o’clock position (where I have plenty of padding), the dig of Kydex into my pelvis is less than desirable.
Tulster Profile
Knowing this, I began searching for a slimmer design, not quite minimalist, but less bulky than the traditional holsters. I found what I was looking for in the Tulster Profile. For anyone searching for a holster, Tulster has you covered.
Not only do they ship fast, but they also last forever, and their competitive pricing is hard to beat. More importantly, they are light, and the DCC Monoblock Steel Clip keeps the pistol secure. Prior to checking out, I stumbled across the Tulster Wedge, which proved to be a game changer.
Like its name suggests, the Tulster Wedge is basically a piece of padded foam that adheres to the bottom of your holster. Its goal is to prevent printing by “pushing” the grip closer to your body. I found the wedge to work as advertised. However, it was the additional cushion it provided that proved to be a game-changer.
Verdict: Like everything from Tulster, theProfile is a serious contender for any position. The addition of the Tulster wedge gave me hope that I might actually be able to pull off appendix carry.
Odin Holsters Valknut
The second Kydex option I tried was the Odin Holsters Valknut. I have a Valknut for nearly every pistol I own and can attest that they are durable and comfortable holsters. Like all manufacturers, Odin offers a variety of clip options. I went with the single clip option but passed on the Modwing.
Like the Tulster Profile, the Valknut offers a comfortable ride. It is slim, and the rounded edges prevent excessive skin dig. But what I really loved about the Valknut was how the combat cut option allows me to establish a full master grip before the draw.
Verdict: I love my Odin holsters, but this one rode a bit high. This was my fault, and having learned from the experience, the next time I order one for appendix carry, I will add metal clips and a ModWing.
Running a Leather Holster
Before there was Kydex, leather was king. The first holster I ever owned was a Galco Royal Guard, and so began my love affair with leather holsters. Besides being significantly more comfortable than Kydex, leather reduces holster wear, and I’ve never had a retention issue that many reviewers worry about.
This affinity for leather led me to Falco Holsters. Falco is a Slovakian falconry glove maker turned holster manufacturer. The company’s custom holsters deliver a unique combination of modern techniques and old-world, traditional craftsmanship.
The Falco Enhanced Timeless is a newer offering from Falco, one designed and crafted specifically for AIWB carry. I chose the single metal clip, which comes out of the box tight as a bear trap and guaranteed to keep your pistol secured.
The ModWing helped prevent grip printing. However, the Enhanced Timeless rode high and was bulkier than both the Tulster and the Odin Valknut.
Verdict: The Falco Enhanced Timeless holster rides well and doesn’t rub or dig. But it has a larger footprint than the rest of the holsters. This makes it difficult to conceal while wearing my usual T-shirt and jeans.
Hybrid AIWB Holsters
The second offering from Falco (and the most comfortable holster I tried) is the TalonGuard. This hybrid holster offers the best of both worlds. The durability of Kydex and the comfort of leather, all in a discreet package.
If comfort is something that has kept you from carrying AIWB, then I highly suggest the TalonGuard. Not only does the supple leather offer just the right amount of padding, but it also protects the slide from holster wear. The retention is spot on, and though the ModWing arm could be a bit longer (fell about a quarter inch short of my belt), it still does its job.
Verdict: The most comfortable AIWB holster I have tried to date. Conceals well, feels great, and protects your pistol from holster wear. ModWing height is too low to make contact with the belt.
Parting Thoughts
After a month carrying appendix, I have learned that choosing the correct holster/belt combo is essential for comfortable AIWB carry. Seriously, I cannot stress this enough.
Body size and shape are another thing. At 5’7, I’m a relatively short dude. While the Tulster wedge offered some relief from the barrel of my SIG P365-XMacro digging into my pelvis, it wasn’t nearly as comfortable as my S&W 442.
Then again, maybe AIWB, like beauty, is all about the pain, and I am just a big baby.
