N8 Tactical Xecutive Holster: Carry Review

No, “xecutive” is not a misspelling, at least as it applies to the latest inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster introduced by N8 Tactical. N8 Tactical is a continuation of the former company N82 Tactical, which was acquired by MTC Holsters, the parent company of Crossbreed Holsters, in January 2020. A lengthier history of N8 Tactical can be read in the “Carry Rig” column of Guns & Ammo’s January 2021 issue.

The Xecutive is made of Kydex plastic, a material known among holster users for its durability and wear resistance. It is complete with steel hardware including Phillips-head fasteners and a steel belt clip, a notable upgrade. Steel clips will not crack or fail under normal use as plastic can, and the clip installed on the Xecutive provides 11/2 inches of engagement along the length of a 11/2-inch-wide belt, and it hooks over and under the belt. A flared finger-tab at the bottom of the clip assists in prying the clip away from the belt for removal, and two screws with rubber bushings at the top allow the clip to adjust for ride height and cant. A vertical string of four holes molded into the Kydex shell allows the user to change the clip for an optional setup. Among those is a polymer appendix-inside-the-waistband (AIWB) clip with an integral wedge. The fixed wedge of this optional clip pushes against the belt to keep the pistol grip tight against the body for maximum concealment.    

The Xecutive model was designed to address comfort, concealment and versatility. It can be ordered for the most popular micro, compact, mid- and full-size pistols. There is not an accommodation for a laser- or light-bearing setup, but the holster can be ordered for right- or left-handed draw. There are a number of Kydex colors available, a $6.95 upcharge, as well as Custom Shop patterns and graphics for an extra $15. One could argue that some of the graphics could be considered “Pop Art,” such as the “80s Vibe” and “Sprinkles,” which looks like the top of a pink-frosted doughnut. The hardware color can also be optioned in one of several colors for a touch of flare costing $9.95. With a retail price of $39.95, the Xecutive is one of the more affordable Kydex holsters on the market, so to personalize one wouldn’t be an extravagant expense.

More important than aesthetics, the Xecutive was designed with practical features for modern configurations.   Though formed from a single piece of folded-and-molded Kydex, the Xecutive features no sharp edges, beveled corners, a sweatguard that completely shields the slide, and a triggerguard relief that allows for a full firing grip before unholstering the pistol. There is also a suppressor-height sight groove that accommodates up to .36-inch tall sights. Every Xecutive includes an optic cut that extends to the rear edge of the barrel hood. It is scalloped with a curve for optics that hang over the slide cut, such as the Trijicon SRO, and it even works with closed-emitter sights. 

30-Day Carry

The Xecutive was evaluated using a G19 and several optics for 30 days without issue. It was quick to draw from and provided a tactile click once the pistol was inserted. This modular holster proved to be a dependable, high-value proposition. 

N8 Tactical Xecutive Holster

• Materials: Kydex polymer (shell); steel (clip, hardware); rubber (bushings)
• Carry Type: Inside the Waistband (IWB)
• Retention Type: Friction fit
• Adjustability: Yes; cant, ride height, clip style (AIWB or IWB), wedge, tension
• MSRP: $40 (tested)
• Handgun Fit: Semiautomatics, optic ready (Glock 19 Gen5 MOS tested)
• Accessory Rail Accommodations: No
• Positions to Carry: Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB) or IWB (3 to 5 o’clock)
• Average Time to Attach: 25 seconds
• Comfort Rating: 5/5
• Concealment Clothing: Untucked t-shirt (AIWB); untucked button-down shirt or jacket (IWB)
• Average Draw-to-Fire Time: 1.27 seconds (AIWB); 1.38 seconds (IWB)
• Manufacturer: N8 Tactical, 888-732-5011, n8.crossbreedholsters.com