Crossbreed Rogue System Kydex Holster: Full Review

Founded in 2005, Crossbreed Holsters made its mark on the concealed carry scene with its leather-backed kydex holsters, including the popular -Tuck and -Slide models. More recently, Crossbreed has managed to stay in the headlines with innovative additions such as the Founder’s Series, Freedom Carry and The Reckoning. Crossbreed championed the so-called “hybrid” category, which comprises of holsters featuring a combination of leather and an outer kydex shell. I can’t see Crossbreed forfeiting its domination of hybrid holster sales, but the brand is boldly moving into the all-kydex segment, and I think it’s about to expand the company’s marketshare with its Rogue System.

Crossbreed’s first all-kydex product is the Rogue holster. Instead of predictably launching an inside-the-waistband (IWB) or outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster to carry near the hip, the Rogue launched as a versatile multi-position holster for the brand’s first effort. Additionally, the Rogue System is unique because it adds a spare magazine pouch attached to the holster. Perhaps why this hasn’t been done in a major way yet is because previous attempts were for concealing larger mid-size or duty pistols with uncomfortably long magazines. Now, with the demand for efficient stack-and-a-half micro pistols for concealed carry, Crossbreed’s timing couldn’t be better to introduce a holster and mag-pouch combination.

Modularity and durability make all-kydex holsters attractive to concealed-carry devotees, and the Rogue System offers a lot of flexibility. It has adjustable cant, adjustable retention, a concealment wedge and various clip options. The Rogue System can be configured for wearing strongside, appendix and even crossdraw if you install Crossbreed’s OWB loops. Let’s consider these features.

The objective of canting any holster is to provide your hand with the quickest access to the pistol’s grip. Adjusting cant is important to position the Rogue appropriately for your body type and preferred IWB location. Loosening the Phillips-head screws of each clip allows them to be rotated for cant. A rubber bushing between the kydex and the clip provides the necessary resistance to keep the clips in your desired position when the screws are re-tightened. The provided spring-steel clips also feature a second hole to adjust the holster’s height. The top hole supports deeper concealment while the bottom hole raises the holstered pistol and affords more clearance for the fingers to wrap around the grip when it’s time to draw.

Adjustable retention is also subject to personal preference. Too loose and the holstered pistol doesn’t ride secure. Too tight and attempting to draw the pistol cleanly is hindered. The left belt clip Phillips-head screw serves double duty as the Rogue’s retention screw. Tightening it squeezes a rubber bushing between the holster halves. Similarly, the screw that attaches the belt clip to the spare magazine pouch is also tension adjustable.

Though the Rogue System can be worn over the hip IWB or in the crossdraw position, it is especially interesting to those who carry Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB). To make this style of carry more comfortable, the Rogue includes a so-called “claw” that presses against the interior waistline behind the rigidity of a belt to keep the pistol grip straight. The claw is removable if it causes discomfort.

The Rogue is available as a singular holster product ($80), too, but upgrading to the Rogue System ($100) for the benefit of a spare magazine pouch doesn’t mean that you can’t remove the pouch later if your carry style doesn’t warrant it. (You can also wear the pouch separately.) The mag pouch is attached the Rogue holster by a flexible polymer strap that links the two assemblies.

Don’t prefer spring-steel belt clips with pull-tabs? Crossbreed offers several different clips and loops for a modest upcharge, usually between $10 and $20. All of this is selectable when ordering online. There, you’ll also find that you can select unique color combinations of Ceracoat’d screws (Blaze Orange, NRA Blue, Magpul FDE, and SIG Pink). The plethora of options gives the Rogue system many personalities. Though available for right- or lefthanded shooters, what the Rogue holster doesn’t offer is compatibility with rail-mounted lights or lasers.

60-Day Carry

I initially tested the Rogue System for the SIG Sauer P365 XL equipped with SIG’s RomeoZero red-dot sight. Being all-kydex, there was no break-in period. Though I explored carrying this pistol IWB over my strongside hip and crossdraw for two weeks, I wore the Rogue System in AIWB for 45 days of this test. What I truly appreciated with the System was how fast I was able to draw and engage a target from concealment, and how easily it hid a pistol under a simple t-shirt. The Rogue System proved very discreet.

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The spare mag pouch was tight and seemed reversed for a proper reload. Still, drills involving a reload were quicker than when the Rogue holster was configured separately on the hip. I enjoyed testing this versatile and fast-to-draw rig. I wouldn’t rate it 5/5 for comfort, but it isn’t uncomfortable either. I now own Rogue holsters for several pistols.

CrossBreed Rogue System:

• Materials: Kydex (holster); spring steel (belt clips); steel (hardware)
• Carry Type: Inside the Waistband (IWB); right hand or left hand available
• Retention Type: Level 1 (friction fit)
• Adjustability: Yes; cant and height
• MSRP: $100
• Handgun Fit: Semiautomatics; SIG Sauer P365 XL (tested)
• Acessory Rail Accommodations: None
• Positions to Carry: Appendix, Inside the Waistband (AIWB), strongside IWB, crossdraw
• Average Time to Attach: 1 minute
• Comfort Rating: 4/5
• Concealment Clothing: Loose t-shirt, untucked
• Average Draw-to-Fire Time: 1.32 seconds
• Manufacturer: Crossbreed Holsters, 888-732-5011, crossbreedholsters.com