Safariland IncogX IWB Holster: Full Review

In the corner of my office tucked partially behind a bookshelf there’s a cardboard box overflowing with IWB holsters. Like so many other gun owners I’ve purchased lots of holsters that seemed to be the ideal solution for daily carry only to find out that those holsters weren’t up to snuff. Some were too bulky while others didn’t ride comfortably or printed and exposed the firearm. Perhaps the most common reason a holster gets relegated to the box of shame is quite simple: a better solution comes along. 

The new Safariland IncogX is going to send a lot of my current holsters to the box in the corner, and I imagine the IncogX will do the same for you. This holster is a combined effort between Safariland and Haley Strategic and it serves as a deep concealment IWB holster that is red dot compatible and mission adaptable. Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to conceal, the IncogX.  

"This collaboration represents a significant milestone for both companies as we team up to introduce the 10th-anniversary edition of the all-new IncogX," said Tim Drnec, VP of Marketing for Safariland. "With Safariland's proven history of duty holster innovation and Haley Strategic Partner's rich history in experience-based training, we've developed an elite concealed carry option for the market."

At the heart of the IncogX is a thermoformed Boltaron core wrapped in a microfiber suede skin. The result is a holster that is light, comfortable, quiet, and moisture-wicking, all key elements for a carry holster. There’s a generous cutout for compact and full-sized reflex sights and the sight channel in the holster is sufficiently tall to accommodate most suppressor-height co-witness sights. Speaking of suppressors, the base of the holster is open to allow debris to flow through and to accommodate threaded or suppressed pistols. There are also fits for guns with or without rail-mounted lights. It’s a lightweight and convenient package that’s well-suited for daily carry. 

"As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Incog holster, this redesign and relaunch was perfect with Safariland as a partner. Their development, manufacturing capabilities and traction within the market will help deliver the next evolution of our original concealment holster on a whole new scale," said Travis Haley, CEO of Haley Strategic. "We're excited to harness our collective expertise and reshape this game-changing IWB holster." 

The IncogX utilizes a passive retention system that secures on the ejection port (for light-bearing pistols) or the trigger guard of the firearm. Retention is adjustable via the Phillips screws in the holster body so you can loosen or tighten the holster for the perfect amount of resistance. This provides security in the knowledge that the firearm won’t slip free from the holster accidentally but still offers the rapid access required for an EDC personal defense firearm.

Newly designed heavy-duty belt clips slide over belts up to two inches wide and it’s suitable for a variety of carry positions. I used it in the appendix position and found that the worked well, but it could also function as a strong-side holster. Three interchangeable concealment struts (1/4”, 1/8”, and 3/8”) are included and help position the firearm close to the body for maximum concealment. The struts are easy to swap out, and the ¼” strut comes pre-installed.

There’s also an optional magazine caddy that can be affixed to the holster itself or worn separately using the included clip. Like the holster body itself, the magazine caddy is screw-adjustable for tension and can be adjusted to fit the shooter’s needs and preferences. All the hardware on the IncogX is extremely durable. Clips are sturdy and easy to use, offering a solid bite on the shooter’s belt thanks to thermoformed “barbs” on the slip itself that lock into position under the belt and keep the holster in position during the draw. The screws are high quality with clean threads, and their robust design ensures years of hard use without failure. 
The IncogX holster is backed by Safariland’s limited warranty and there are fits for multiple firearm models from Glock, SIG, Shadow Systems, and others. These holsters carry an MSRP between $90 and $120 depending upon the model and configuration. 

Range Testing and Daily Carry 

Travis Haley is a Force Reconnaissance Marine with 15 years of experience serving combat missions around the globe, and his Haley Strategic Partners employs other veterans with experience in combat as instructors. As a result, the team at Haley Strategic requires holsters that are capable of functioning properly in the most demanding situations, and that’s how the original Incog was developed. 
Haley Strategic’s partnership with Safariland has led to the development of perhaps the most functional and versatile IWB holster ever created in the IncogX. The heavy-duty clips feature finger tabs that allow you to slide the holster on and off a belt, and when it is in position the IncogX is locked in place. It won’t fall out, won’t release during the draw, and allows the shooter a full grip when drawing the weapon. 

Perhaps more importantly this holster is very comfortable, which is probably the primary reason gun owners ditch their daily carry holsters. The Microfiber suede exterior is very comfortable against the body, and it does an excellent job of wicking moisture. An extended shield prevents the firearm from digging into the body, and the exterior is quiet and doesn’t clatter against keys or EDC knives.

For testing, I carried my Glock G43X in an IncogX with the added magazine caddy. I elected to carry in the appendix position, which I rarely do simply because it’s difficult to find a holster that allows access to the gun in that position while keeping it secure and in the proper position and doesn’t jab the shooter while sitting. With the mag caddy in place, I could comfortably carry the Glock all day without discomfort, all the while secure in the knowledge that the firearm was immediately accessible yet secure. If you opted to carry on the strong side hip it was very simple to separate the magazine caddy and position it on the support side using the included clip. 

I’m a big fan of the IncogX’s shim design. I like shims or at least the idea of shims) because they keep the gun tucked close to the body during daily carry. The issue with most shims is that they don’t work with all belt/pants combinations and may cause the holster to print. Having multiple shims makes it easy to find the right size for maximum concealment. What’s more, the exterior face of the shims is molded so that it doesn’t extend so far into the belt and waistline that it creates a lump that’s easy to see. The IncogX rides close to the body and can be hidden even under light garments. It’s also comfortable enough for warm days. 

Is it time to ditch all those failed EDC holsters and find the system that’s finally right for you? I think so, and the IncogX is the ideal solution. A decade of refinement and collaboration between Haley Strategic and Safariland makes this the last carry holster you’ll need.