To begin this review I'll start by covering the what I consider the three most important features of any holster.
Since the provided holster was almost the same as the Storm, a lot of the same information and review data applies. Only the sections that refer to the SD features changed.
Once I started the review I found that two places really felt comfortable for me, the 3:30-4:00 position and for enhanced concealability the 5:30 position. While it was most comfortable in the same 5:30 position its real use and benefits come out in the 3:00-3:30 position. The SD provides a wider base and an even more secure attachment plate.
The holster was not uncomfortable for me when riding in vehicles, but it was a little less comfortable than the standard Storm. Of course many readers will find is that their body shape will be a major factor on how comfortable any holster is on them.
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I have found that the Kydex material is an extremely durable material. Almost all the metal rivets are wide topped which helps prevents them from getting pulled through the Kydex body if it were to get caught on something.
The rivets have a very shallow curve which helps prevent them from protruding from the holster, and are smooth surfaced so they are less likely to snag on the clothing.
If you are looking for a holster that can be concealed and work openly for I.D.P.A. then the SD belt frames type Storm definitely deserves a good look. The holster concealability is a little better than average. When being worn the holster hangs out even less than the standard belt loops.
Street Clothes
While wearing the casual t-shirt setup, there was a little less printing with the SD belt attachment option as it held tighter against the sides and didn't hang out as far. However because of It's double loop design it will not shift around between the belt loops which may be a plus or a minus depending on the user.
While wearing the button-up shirt outfits tucked in, the gun was not concealed at all. To conceal the gun, the shirt still had to be untucked. As you can see below the amount of printing was small and what was there was confined to one place because of the stable belt loop rigs.
As of right now I cannot post a review of how well the Tuxedo concealed this holster because my Tuxedo is at the dry cleaners because I'm getting married in 2 weeks so once I get back from my honeymoon I'll have my tux back and I'll take a few pictures of how well it conceals.
Retention
The retention mechanism works in two ways, the holster itself is molded around the trigger guard which proves a very stable pinch to keep the gun from wobbling back and forth. The second method was the retention screw by using a standard phillips screwdriver allows you to tighten the holster sides down to the preferred level of required draw pull.
This setup works very well it took several (5-6) hard shakes to get my gun to come out of the holster while being held upside down over my bed.
Draw speed
The gun draw was impressive, during draws I could withdraw my firearm extremely fast. I had the retention mechanism tightened down quite tight and it didn't affect my ability whatsoever. The holster hangs out away from the body a little which makes drawing very easy because you have total access to the grip of the firearm.
Tactical Reholstering
Tactical reholstering was extremely easy. The Kydex body holds the form very well, and does not shift shape once the firearm has been drawn.
Grip Presentation
The holster provides full access to the grip. Because it leans out a from the side a bit it provides full access to the entire grip. Because of the full access to the grip I was able to reach the grip fully and wasn't required to adjust my grip after drawing.
Ease of Removal
The SD belt frame holsters come with a wide double belt slotted curved panel. The loops is not removable and are permanent. This holster is not going to get knocked or pulled off the belt because of the double closed loop design. The belt must be unfastened and partially removed. If you frequent places that restrict the carrying of a firearm this holster would be a little tougher to remove since it cannot simply be unhooked and tossed in the glove box.
However if your need for a holster is for I.D.P.A. competition this would be a very good choice.
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Cant Adjustability
The Storm is only available in a straight drop option and cannot be adjust to have any forward cant.
One noticeable and nice thing is the belt loops are pre-configured for the right belt sizes so you can choose what size of belt you want it to on.
The outer holster body employs a textured finish which is non reflective, and provides a good gripping surface. The holsters inner surfaces are very smooth. Because of the smooth inner surfaces the holster is very easy on the finish.
Sharp Edges
The holster is very well manufactured. It has no sharp edges or places to snag the holster on the clothing.
Product Care.
If the holster becomes dirty, to clean them just rinse with soap and water and let dry. You can pull a clean hand towel through the inside to clean out the inside if it gets dusty.
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These holsters have a gun specific design. This holster style does not function as a slide type holster.
You can get this holster to fit the following models.
XD Series Pistol |
Compatible Standard Holster |
| XD 9mm Sub-Compact |  |
| XD 9mm Service 4" | |
| XD 9mm V-10 Ported 4" | |
| XD 9mm Tactical | |
| XD .357 SIG Service 4" | |
| XD .357 SIG V-10 Ported 4" | |
| XD .357 SIG Tactical | |
| XD .40S&W Sub-Compact | |
| XD .40S&W Service 4" | |
| XD .40S&W V-10 Ported 4" | |
| XD .40S&W Tactical | |
XD Series Pistol |
Slide Holster Available |
9mm |
|
.357 SIG |
|
.40 S&W |
Turnaround Time
My order was placed on 4/6/04 I was pleased to have received my package on 4/16/04 The package had an excellent return time under two weeks with a 10 day turnaround time.
Customer Service
When I corresponded with Frank at Cen-dex, he was always polite, professional and he answered any questions that I had come up with during this review.
Warranty
The warranty is the standard one year warranty that many manufacturers provide.
Repairs (If Necessary)
No repairs necessary to date.
Value vs. Cost
This is a well made holster for the price. This would make a great holster for I.D.P.A. events. And also is a very acceptable concealment holster as well.
Cen-Dex