Falco CX85 Carbon Fiber Holster: Carry Review

Expensive. That’s the first word that came to mind when learning that the Falco CX85 Carbon Fiber Holster retails for $599. Surveying the holster market, I only found exotic leather holsters and some hand-carved leather costing as much. “Worth” is subjective, but few true carbon-fiber holsters exist. Many holsters appear as carbon-fiber, though they're usually a plastic or Kydex shell with a simulated carbon-fiber appliqué. Due to specialized manufacturing techniques necessary to shape the carbon cloth in a useful way, the CX85 is actually a testament to what’s possible rather than a holster expected to sell in large quantities.  

To create the CX85, carbon-fiber cloth is embedded with resin. The carbon fiber used is made by the same source supplying carbon-fiber components to supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg. The mold with the formed sheets enter an autoclave where the material hardens through simultaneous elevated pressure and temperature. Semi-finished holsters are hand-tapped by Falco for a perfect fit, then rounded, drilled and finished. A special adhesive is used to permanently join the two thin halves of carbon-fiber. In fact, each sheet of carbon fiber only measures .05-inch thick. Comparatively, a common sheet of Kydex is .09-inch thick and a piece of leather averages around .18-inch thick. The difference may appear insignificant, but the CX85 is one of the lowest-profile OWB holsters available. 

The edges of the holster are buffed and smoothed by Falco before the mounting holes for the belt loops are bored using a special drill. The plastic loops accommodate a double-thick belt up to 11/2-inches wide with a tenth-of-an-inch extra to allow a belt to thread through it.

The CX85 was engineered with a vertical, no-cant, 3-o’clock presentation, and there are no rubber bushings or screws to adjust tension or ride height. However, adjusting tension is unnecessary due to the holster’s rigidity and tight-tolerance fitment.

The long-term benefit to wearing a carbon-fiber holster is that it will not wear differently or change its dimensions when a pistol is inserted. The CX85 has a slightly curved contour that comfortably wraps around the hip and pulls the grip towards the body for concealment. Of course, the most attractive feature of the CX85 for everyday carry is its lightweight, scaling a scant 31/2 ounces. When worn, only the weight of the gun was noticeable. The high polish and smooth contours make this holster seem forgettable. 

Due to the limited production, Falco Holsters is only offering the CX85 Carbon Fiber Holster in one configuration: A pancake-style, OWB, thread-on holster for the Glock 19. The CX85 was tested without, but it can be optioned to accept a red-dot optic. Currently, there is no option for pistols with mounted lights. Tested with a Lone Wolf Dusk 19, the holster proved fast and comfortable.

Falco CX85 Carbon Fiber

• Materials: Carbon fiber (shell), polymer (belt loops), steel (hardware)
• Carry Type: Outside the waistband (OWB)
• Retention Type: Level 1; friction fit 
• Adjustability: No
• MSRP: $599
• Handgun Fit: Glock 19 (Lone Wolf Dusk 19, tested)
• Accessory Rail Accommodations: No
• Positions to Carry: OWB; 3 o’clock (right hand)
• Average Time to Attach: 1 minute
• Comfort Rating: 5/5
• Concealment Clothing: Untucked, button-down shirt or jacket
• Average Draw-to-Fire Time: 1.23 seconds
• Manufacturer: Falco Holsters, 800-490-7147, falcoholsters.com

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