Why Are Custom Holsters Important
When I first joined Falco Holsters as a marketing manager, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of custom holsters. To be honest, I thought a holster was just a functional piece of gear—a tool to carry a firearm that simply needed to fit. I had almost no idea that custom holsters represent so much more than just function. Now, with years of experience with custom holsters, all the carry methods, and various materials, I know exactly what custom holsters mean. Here’s why I believe high-quality, custom-made holsters are important and why they should be on every gun owner’s radar.
A New Beginning
I was about to market premium holsters and needed to learn as much as possible about them. The Falco is well-known for its high-quality hand craftsmanship and I quickly realized I didn’t fully understand the passion behind custom holsters. My previous experience was with generic products - Mass-produced items with no real connection to the customer. Falco, on the other hand, was a company rooted in individual customization and attention to detail. My first question was: What drives our customer's decisions? Why do they want such a holster? The more I interacted with you guys, the clearer it became. Falco customers don't want just any holster, they want a holster tailored to them to their needs, their preferences, and even their style. That was my first revelation: custom holsters were more than a niche product; they were a necessity for serious gun owners.
The Aha Moment
One of the first tasks I undertook was reviewing our product catalog. At first glance, it looked like a sea of different materials, designs, and options. Did you know that Falco Holsters offers compatibility with a staggering 3,100 handguns and over 80 rail-mounted lights? Configuration options are very wide too! This means the end products come in millions of different versions. No vertigo yet? In the end, not only does everyone get a fully custom holster, but it can even be made for unknown pistol and revolver brands. And as if that wasn’t enough, the list of compatible firearms expands every week I had never, in my life, encountered a company that not only serves owners of mainstream handguns but also values customers with unique or rare firearms. The thinking behind this is that absolutely everyone deserves quality, safety, and uniqueness. Very likable, right? I was sold straight away.
Do you want to know what can be configured on our holsters? Here it is:
- Cant: The angle at which the holster sits.
- Hand: Lef-handers are not left off too!
- Sights height: From standard factory sights all the way to red dots or suppressor high sights.
- Grip: Preference for a fully covered trigger guard or comfortable grip for quick draws.
- Belt width: Belt loops can be custom-made in a variety of options.
- Leather underlay: Want to treat your precious iron especially well? This is something for you.
- Sweat guard: Full sweat guard, half sweat guard, or even no sweat guard all based on what you like.
- Claw: A special device that enables better concealment in the appendix position.
- Color: The color of leather, stitching, and edges can be picked based on your preferences.
- Design: Embossing and Laser engraving can further personalize your holster.
- More: Multiple products have special configuration options that are specific only to them.
Why Custom Holsters Matter
At my first Shot Show during a conversation with one of the Falco fans, he explained that he had tried several holsters over the years—standard off-the-shelf models, and none of them fit him properly. His gun would dig into his side while sitting, or the holster would print too much under his shirt, revealing the weapon. He wanted something tailored specifically to his lifestyle, clothing preferences, and the shape of his body. He appreciated he finally found it with us. That's when it hit me: There is no universally best holster. Nowadays, you would hear opinions that the Kydex & Appendix position is the only acceptable way of carrying. These statements are far from the truth. It dawned on me that no two people are alike when it comes to carrying preferences. Whether you need a holster for concealed carry, for duty, or even for competition, the right fit and correctly configured holster makes all the difference. After that conversation, I started to see the true value of customization. Here’s why I believe custom holsters rock:
1. Perfect Fit for Your Gun and Body
Universal holsters are made to fit a range of guns, which means they don’t fit any gun perfectly. With custom holsters, you’re getting something made specifically for your firearm and your body type. Whether you're tall, short, stocky, or slim, a custom holster ensures that your firearm sits comfortably and securely.
2. Concealment Without Compromise
Concealed carry is all about keeping your firearm hidden while maintaining quick access. A poorly fitting holster, without preferred cant or claw, can print (show the outline of the gun), especially when wearing certain types of clothing. A custom holster eliminates this issue, making sure the gun stays hidden without sacrificing comfort.
3. Comfort Throughout the Day
One of the biggest complaints about generic holsters is discomfort. A holster that’s not designed for your specific needs can dig into your side, rub against your skin, or shift awkwardly while sitting or standing. Custom holsters are designed to keep you comfortable throughout the day, whether you’re sitting at a desk, driving, or out in the field.
4. Personalization
At Falco, customers love the fact that they can personalize their holsters. Want a specific color to match your firearm? We’ve got you covered. Want your initials, a logo, or even a custom design etched into the leather? That’s possible, too. The ability to customize the look of your holster allows gun owners to express their personal style, which is something that’s often overlooked in the industry.
5. Better Performance and Durability
A custom holster is made to last. The materials are carefully selected, and each holster is handcrafted with attention to detail. This means that not only do you get a holster that performs better, but it also lasts longer, saving you money in the long run.
Understanding Custom Holsters
What kind of marketer would I be if I didn’t experience the process firsthand? I ordered my own custom holster to find out what it felt like to go through the customization process, and it taught me a lot. As I went through the steps, I realized just how personal this process could be. I chose the Grand Power Q1S MK23 pistol and leather material because silence and comfort are most important to me. I already knew the A105 Falcon was a great option in this category, so I went with it. I selected no cant, no sweat guard, and a 1.5-inch steel clip to ensure the holster was tailored exactly to my wardrobe, style, and comfort during concealed carry. Once it was crafted by my skilled colleagues, it was perfect in every aspect. However, I realized not everyone is as lucky as I am to know exactly what they want before ordering.
Tips for First-Time Custom Holster Buyers
This is why I made a list below. If you’re considering a custom holster but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few tips based on what I’ve learned:
- Know Your Carry Style: Whether you prefer IWB Holsters, OWB Holsters, or appendix carry, make sure you understand how you like to carry your firearm. This will guide your decisions. If you are unsure of the prefered carry style try them via universal holsters that wouldn't dig that deep into your wallet. Overall when it comes to positions there is a saying that everyone should wear a holster where they are wide. Huskier gun owners would probably benefit from hip position and petite gun owners might prefer appendix.
- Consider Your Wardrobe: The clothes you wear on a daily basis play a big role in how your holster fits. Do you wear a suit every day or are you more of a jeans-and-t-shirt person? Your wardrobe can impact the holster material and design choices. In the case of IWB carry I highly recommend shirts made of heavier fabric and one size larger size.
- Think About Comfort: Don't sacrifice comfort for aesthetics. Make sure the holster is something you’ll feel comfortable wearing all day long. In case you want a Kydex holster but are unsure how you would feel wearing it, rather opt for hybrid holsters. Whatever you choose your comfort is mainly tied with a carry position & material holster is made off. For maximum comfort choose leather holsters or nylon holsters.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: The team at Falco is always happy to help with recommendations. If you’re unsure about what will work best for your specific needs, if we make holsters for your handgun or even if you have a special request out of our configuration options, reach out and ask for guidance.
Wrapping Up
My journey from holster novice to custom holster advocate has been enlightening. I’ve seen firsthand how a holster designed specifically for you can enhance comfort, performance, and even style. Custom holsters are truly important, not just because they’re functional, but because they’re a reflection of who you are as a gun owner. They offer a level of personalization and care that mass-produced holsters simply can’t match. As a marketing manager at Falco Holsters, I now proudly stand behind the belief that every serious gun owner deserves a holster that fits them like a glove—because, once you experience the difference, you’ll never go back.
Martin Lukačko
7.11.2024