Skip to main content

Elite Survival Systems' Mainstay Hybrid IWB Holster

Elite Survival Systems' Mainstay Hybrid IWB Holster
Elite Survival Systems’ Mainstay IWB/pocket carry holster is a minimalist with sizes ready to fit most handguns including many with lights or lasers attached. It is ambidextrous and can be carried in positions such as appendix, crossdraw and IWB. A nonslip spare magazine pouch is also available. $25

Photos by Michael Anschuetz

If it’s not a hassle, you’re more likely to make a handgun part of your everyday carry (EDC). Besides shoving a gun in your pants, which is unsafe and never something you should do, there’s nothing easier than putting your pistol in a clipless sleeve and wearing it inside the waistband (IWB) or in a pocket — regardless of belt.

There’s a trend growing in this category, and we’ve found that it’s not a gimmic. Carrying a pistol in a sleeve is not a new concept, but during the last two years we’ve seen manufacturers engineer sticky ways to help seperate the holster sleeve from the handgun during the draw. Elite Survival Systems is one of those companies. They have developed a silicone-­coated outer shell for its new Mainstay model that offers excellent slip resistance. This non-­slip shell means that the holster remains in place as you draw.

Featurewise, the holster provides immediate access to your firearm and allows multiple styles of IWB or pocket carry such as behind the hip, crossdraw, appendix, behind the back, etc. The holster is ambidextrous, lightweight and water resistant with a soft interior lining that won’t wear the finish of your firearm and eases holstering. Pricewise, it’s the same as its closest competitor, the Blackhawk TecGrip, both retailing for $25.

//content.osgnetworks.tv/gunsandammo/content/photos/Elite-Survival-IWB-Holster-1.jpg

60-­Day Carry 

For this review, I ordered several different sizes. Currently, there are 11 different sizes and three additional models that were designed around pistols with lasers attached. Using Elite Survival’s sizing chart for reference, fitment was excellent while carrying handguns ranging from a compact .380 to full-­size duty guns.

For two months, I primarily carried a Ruger SR9C in a Size 5 Mainstay. This size also accommodated the Beretta 92, CZ 75, FNP series, full-­size Glock pistols, the S&W M&P series as well as the Springfield XD and XDM.


I generally carried a pistol at 3 o’clock, but its versatility afforded me to move it to crossdraw when driving and appendix while standing, which also influenced draw times. (Size 5 was too large for pocket carry.) Because retention is friction fit, this holster proved fast. At the range I averaged near-­1.1-second draws from concealment. However, a word of advice: Always remove the holster from your waistline or pocket and then insert the pistol before placing the carry rig back into service.

Current Magazine Cover

Enjoy articles like this?

Subscribe to the magazine.

Get access to everything Guns & Ammo has to offer.
Subscribe to the Magazine

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Rifles

Gemtech GVAC

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handguns

SDS Imports Tisas PX-9 Affordable Defensive Pistol

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handguns

Walther PDP Professional Law Enforcement Exclusive Duty Pistol

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Rifles

Rossi R95 30-30 Hunting and Plinking Lever Action Rifle

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Accessories

Safariland IncogX IWB Holster: Editorial Roundtable 2023

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Rifles

New Colt CBX Tac Hunter Premium Hunting Rifle

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Optics

Bushell Match Pro ED 15x56 Binoculars: Editorial Roundtable 2023

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Optics

First Look: Trijicon RMR HD & RCR

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handguns

Guns & Ammo Magazine: September 2023 Issue

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handguns

Springfield Armory Echelon: First Look

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handgun

Guns & Ammo Magazine: August 2023 Issue

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handgun

Guns & Ammo Magazine: July 2023 Issue

Guns and Ammo Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Guns & Ammo App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Guns & Ammo stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Guns and Ammo subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now