Bravo Concealment Torsion IWB: Full Review

It’s astounding to see how far Bravo Concealment has come since I first started reviewing its holsters in 2015. Back then, the company was a “mom-­and-­pop shop” run out of owner and founder Rene Aguirre’s garage. Its wares were made-­to-­order Kydex rigs that stood out for the clean external finish and reliable retention.

Like many plastic benders, though, Alamo, Texas-­based Bravo realized the difficulty of scaling an operation that relied, essentially, on custom-­made goods. At this turning point, Aguirre and his family opted to go all-in on the growing business and change direction in a radical way. The company invested in computer-­controlled CNC molding stations and digitized the dimensions of popular handguns to develop new holsters as computer-aided-design (CAD) files. It also adopted a new polymer blend that replicated the advantages and durability of Kydex, but was better suited for modern manufacturing techniques.

The result has been high-­precision molded products that are refined in their finish and details yet still ruggedly durable. Most importantly, the holsters continue to offer a reassuring click when a gun is inserted, denoting secure retention. Bravo’s new tech-­driven manufacturing facility can build holsters fast and efficiently, resulting in customer orders that ship rapidly with prices that are competitive. In the firearms industry, we’ve seen several gunmakers achieve affordability through expertise. In other words, the ability to manufacture smartly affords companies to pass savings on to its customers and allows competition at more accessible price points. Bravo Concealment has leveraged the same advantage and continues to include perks such as a “30-­Day Money Back Guarantee” and “Unlimited Lifetime Warranty.” (I’m willing to bet Bravo Concealment doesn’t get a lot of returns.)

60-­Day Carry

For this evaluation, I requested a Torsion IWB Gun Holster for a Shadow Systems MR920. According to the company’s website, this holster will accommodate Glock Model 19, 23 and 32 (Gen 3, 4 and ­5) as well as G19 variants such as the G19X, G45, G19M, and the Shadow Systems MR920 models, which conform to G19 holster specs. The holster accommodates slide-­mounted optics, too — no special order needed — but it will not accommodate rail-­mount accessories. For the latter, Bravo Concealment offers the Torsion Light Bearing IWB Gun Holster for a smaller selection of pistol/light combinations.

What immediately stood out about Bravo’s holster is the detail and refinement of the mold. These are not pressed plastic sheets that vaguely resemble a handgun. Instead, the Torsion IWB crisply follows the outline of a specific pistol model and incorporates details such as slide serrations and takedown levers to clearly indicate the firearm it fits. The fitment is also marked on the inside of the raised skin guard. My test sample read, “GLOCK 19, 23, 32 / MADE IN USA”.

Two molded polymer belt clips provide on-­body retention. Normally, I am averse to polymer clips compared to loops or metal retainers, but I knew from experience that Bravo Concealment’s mounts were robust. Still, I was surprised to find that this latest holster offered even more security. These clips are incredibly tough with serious bite and take focused effort to open. In fact, when donning the Torsion IWB, I suggest starting with the rear belt clip and then rocking the holster down and into position to attach the forward clip — you will likely need two hands to manipulate each of them. It takes a little extra time to put this holster on, but once mounted, it isn’t going anywhere.

In terms of adjustability, multiple mounting holes on the holster and the belt clips allow cant and ride height to be tailored to personal preference. There is also a screw beneath the triggerguard, accessible from the rear of the holster, that can be used to tune firearm retention. Some people prefer maximum security while others want a fast, smooth draw; the Torsion IWB can accommodate either. Its retention comes from gripping the pistol at the triggerguard, and the adjustment screw tightens or loosens that grip.

During my evaluation, I carried the Torsion at 3 o’clock on my strongside hip. In that position, it conceals the firearm well, rides close to the body, and is reasonably comfortable walking, driving or sitting. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “All polymer holsters suffer on the comfort rating compared to leather options.” That said, the slight curve molded into the Torsion IWB — the feature that gives the product its name — did allow the holster to better follow the curves of my hip and twisted the grip of the gun closer to my body. The design aids both comfort and concealment.

The Torsion IWB can also be set up for appendix carry, and Bravo Concealment sells an optional Concealment Wing ($15) to enhance concealment in that position. Although I often prefer AIWB carry, I liked the security, concealment and performance I was getting from using the Bravo holster on the strong side. I found it to be discreet, unobtrusive and my draws were fast and smooth.

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This is, without question, one of the best holsters in its price class; it’s everything you need and nothing you don’t from an American manufacturer that stands behind its product. I’ve been using Bravo Concealment’s holsters for years and still wholeheartedly recommend them.

Bravo Concealment Torsion IWB

• Materials: Polymer
• Carry Type: Inside the waistband (IWB)
• Retention Type: Level 1, friction fit
• Adjustability: Cant, ride height, retention
• MSRP: $41
• Handgun Fit: Semiautomatics: Glock 19 MOS/Shadow Systems MR920 (tested)
• Accessory Rail Accommodations: Slide-­mounted optics; light-­bearing model available
• Positions to Carry: AIWB to 5 o’clock (right hand), some left-­hand models available
• Average Time to Attach: 1 minute
• Comfort Rating: 4/5: 
• Concealment Clothing: Untucked shirt or vest
• Average Draw-to-Fire Time: 1.28 seconds
• Manufacturer: Bravo Concealment, 956-­783-­7682, bravoconcealment.com

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