To begin this review I'll start by covering the what I consider the three most important features of any holster.
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 5:30 position its really use and benefits come out in the 3:00-3:30 position. The Storm is an I.D.P.A. approved holster and drawing for I.D.P.A. purposes would not be beneficial in the 5:30 position.
The holster was not uncomfortable for me when riding in vehicles. 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 a 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 Storm definitely deserves a good look. The holster concealability is about average. When being work the holster hangs out away from the body a bit more than some concealed holsters. But this is what allows for some very fast draws.
Street Clothes
As you can see there is very little printing of the gun on the outside. But of course because of the usually longer shirts and thicker material I usually prefer a button up shirt but this holster performed admirably with just a t-shirt.
While wearing a button-up shirt tucked in, the gun was not concealed at all and wouldn't be a good candidate for the tucked in option. With the button up shirt it concealed very well and was just a little bit of printing.
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 tighter the holster down to the preferred level of 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 one 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 holster comes with a single built in belt loop. The belt loop is split to a hollow backed loop. The loop is not removable and is permanent. This holster is not going to get knocked or pulled off the belt because of the single 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 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 nice thing about the belt loop is that its a one size fits all. It can be adjusted for different belt sizes from 1 & 3/4 to 1 & 1/4 using rubber inserts.
The outer holster body employed 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 them 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 |
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.357 SIG |
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.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