Crossbreed ST2 Hybrid IWB Holster Review

Finding a holster for a pistol with a mini red-­dot sight attached to the slide is challenging. The problem for holster manufacturers is that there are so many different makes and models of pistols and reflex sight, that making standard patterns can become financially prohibitive. For larger makers, new holsters require an investment in tooling, molds and templates, while smaller businesses can only afford to support a few popular guns for low-­volume custom production. Now that red dots on pistols are becoming widely accepted for carry, holsters are changing.

The SuperTuck has been the flagship model for Crossbreed since 2005. Invented in the kitchen of Mark and Carol Craighead, It was the brand’s first commercial offering. Mark began the business by molding kydex shells in their oven, which didn’t last long before manufacturing operations were sent out to the garage. The brand’s leather-­backed kydex-­pocket hybrid design and excellent customer service catapulted the company into success. Unfortunately, Mark passed away on August 24, 2012.

Introduced in January 2020, the new Hybrid ST2 is the second generation of Crossbreed’s legendary inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster. Still backed by your choice of black cowhide, Founder’s Series leather (add $15), or horsehide (add $20), the kydex shell is offered in various colors, including black, flat dark earth, Sniper Grey, OD Green, and Tiffany Blue. J-­ or V-­clips are also a $10 option. The holster is available with or without a combat cut that lacks the additional 1-­inch of leather, which extends below the holster’s open muzzle to protect pistols with longer barrels.

The differences between the SuperTuck and ST2 are the result of customer feedback. Though still hugely popular, the SuperTuck doesn’t offer adjustable tension, cant, or accommodation for a reflex sight. Crossbreed designed the ST2 to do all of this, plus, they oriented the pistol vertically at 90 degrees.

To allow for holster cant and height changes, new powder-­coated spring-­steel clips are attached to the leather by a set of Chicago screws. The Kydex shell on the ST2 is now attached to the leather backer by seven screws with rubber spacers that allow for tension adjustments. The ST2’s Kydex pocket is also precut to the ejection port, which will accommodate all popular reflex sights.

60-Day Carry

I evaluated the ST2 using a modified SIG Sauer P320 Carry 9mm pistol equipped with a Romeo1 sight and SilencerCo threaded barrel. The holster maintained SuperTuck’s reputation for being one of the most comfortable IWB holsters available. It was relatively quick to attach, secure, and permitted a full firing grip. The leather will conform to your waist and handgun the longer it’s worn.

If you’ve ever struggled finding such a holster, I can’t think of a reason why you wouldn’t want the ST2. It’s earned my highest recommendation.

Crossbreed Holsters ST2 Hybrid IWB

• Materials: Kydex (pocket), leather (backer), steel (hardwear), rubber (spacers)
• Carry Type: Inside the waistband (IWB)
• Retention Type: Level 1; friction fit with adjustable tension
• Adjustability: Yes; height (3 positions) and cant (15 degrees)
• MSRP: $75 (as tested)
• Handgun Fit: 1911, CZ, Glock, HK, Ruger, SIG Sauer, S&W, Springfield Armory
• Accessory Rail Accommodations: No
• Positions to Carry: IWB; 3 o’clock; Right- or left-hand available
• Average Time to Attach: 20 seconds
• Comfort Rating: 5/5
• Concealment Clothing: Untucked shirt or jacket
• Average Draw-to-Fire Time: 1.4 seconds
• Manufacturer: Crossbreed Holsters, 888-732-5011, crossbreedholsters.com

*Draw-to-fire time is the average of five clean draws producing an A-zone hit on a stationary target positioned at 21 feet.