JackFanToM
07-10-14, 19:51
Moderators I hope I got this in the right spot, please move if not and feel free to chide me. I placed this review on the Walther forum, PPQ subforum, and thought I would share here as well.
OK, 2nd try...somehow I closed the window last time and lost the whole review. To begin, allow me to get a few things cleared up to prevent such questions later. First, I have no affiliation with any gun or gun accessory manufacturer (I currently manage 2 hotels and I'm former USMC). Second, I'm not a fanboy of any particular single platform or manufacturer (currently own a walther p22 and ppq, remington 597, stevens 820b, and a BCM AR15). Third, I have zero preference of button or paddle mag release, but just happen to have an M2. Had there been an M1 available when I was going from M&P to PPQ I may have owned that, but the M2 was in stock and the M&P had to go. Last, I currently own 2 custom kydex holsters, a safariland, a Mintotaur, and the Oynx, so I have a bit of experience with what is out there and what the benefits are of each. I'm also a firm believer of 2 things regarding posts on forums...it's your money buy whatever makes you happy, and what works for me may not work for you. Ok, we have the disclaimers handled to work!
In order for this to be of the most benefit for the readers I think some background of how I reached my conclusions will help, and some of the paths I took to reach them as well. I began my polymer CCW pistol quest with a S&W M&P, and I chose that platform based solely on reviews and ergos...my end thoughts are that those were all the M&P had going for it out of the box. I replaced just about everything on that platform in search of...well the PPQ, so I traded a fully modified M&P (KKM match barrel, hackathorn sights, APEX FSS, all new springs, custom stipple job, improved striker and stronger spring, etc.) + $80 for a brand new P22 (don't ask I wanted the M&P gone...it was a good gun but I was disgusted with what had to be done to it to achieve good functionality). The reason the M&P comes into the discussion is that I learned a ton regarding holsters during this period, as well as gunsmithing (another story). After researching IWB CCW holsters for quite a while I decided upon a hybrid, and after looking at what offerings were available at the time I decided upon the Comp-Tac Minotaur. Let me say that this was a very good holster, but it had some major flaws. Unfortunately at the time, none of the flaws the Minotaur had were truly corrected by any other manufacturer. Sure there were some that had one improvement or another over the Minotaur, but usually at the cost of a sacrifice elsewhere (usually you lost modularity for some construction improvements).
The major issues with most IWB holsters come from materials. Whereas each material comes with benefits and costs, and the hybrid tries to fix these by being the best of both worlds, they still have some of the drawbacks.
Leather - leather is more comfortable and less restrictive than other materials while still being relatively durable. Leather does not breath, and can become slick, sticky, or soggy with sweat. This can lead to issues like movement, the gun sticking during a draw, or bacterial growth in the holster...plus leather up against the skin isn't really comfortable. Solution to these issues is to wear a tshirt between the holster and the skin...this is fine unless its summer and plus 85 degrees outside. In addition leather requires mechanical retention, is heavier, and the draw isn't as smooth or quick as kydex.
Kydex - kydex is simply not comfortable IWB. It can pinch, bind, rub, or just shift. IWB kydex has the same needs as leather in regards to needing to wear an additional tshirt between the holster and the skin. Kydex has better retention, a smoother more repeatable draw, and retains its form.
Hybrid - the hybrid uses the leather backing of leather to increase comfort, and the kydex shell to give consistent draw and retention. This seems to be a great answer, but again it still cannot be worn comfortably against the skin for extended periods in hot weather.
Enter the Oynx - the backing of this is some type of soft mesh...likely made of scuba webbing. It is comfortable and breathable. I have now roughly 48 hours of total wear time, and 3 times I have worn it longer than 8 hours straight. I went to 2 movies with it, and I can tell you that the longer you wear it, the less you notice it. This is truly unlike the Minotaur, as after several hours I began to become increasingly aware of the weight and movement of the holster. The backing material does not need to "form" to your body over repeated wearings like stiff leather. The craftsmanship is simply amazing. Stainless steel hardware, the kydex is some of the best I've ever seen...on par with Matt's from Grizzly Outdoors, the material is a lot tougher than it looks and yet still very very comfortable.
Oynx's Kydex shell - this alone is so much better than the Minotaur's. The retention of the kydex is much much better than the Minotaur, and yet the draw is much smoother and faster. I am guessing as to why, but I think the Minotaur's shell relies on the belt to assist in the retention. This means you need to really cinch your belt tight and now the draw is less than smooth. I have cranked the Minotaur's adjustment screws down as tight as I can and the gun will still not retain as well as the Oynx, and further when the screws are that tight it is very difficult to draw the gun from the Minotaur. This issue does not occur with the Oynx. In addition to retention and construction quality, the Oynx has a lower profile shell so it creates less of a print. As the kydex is actually thicker, it is an engineering feat that it is about a .25" thinner overall than the Minotaur.
Weight - the Oynx is actually overall a longer holster and about the same height, but is lighter (I don't have a small enough scale to measure these weights but the difference is obvious). This goes along with all long carry items - "ounces = pounds".
I discovered this holster in a review in the magazine that comes with your NRA membership, and honestly I was skeptical, as I know those reviews are pretty biased. At times I tend to leap before I look when I feel the need to "try something new", and sometimes I'm surprised that it pays off in a big way. This is definitely one of those cases. It took about 1.5 months from order to reception of the holster, but since I bought it shortly after the NRA review that was to be expected. StealthGear was very good about corresponding with me, and I ofter heard from either the CEO or COO when I emails were responded to, and believe me after about 3 weeks I began to be a pain in the ass, as is my way :D! They were patient, and their product is worth the wait. My opinion is, if you carry year round, and for long period get one. If you want the best draw and comfort combo from an IWB holster designed for a 3-5 o'clock carry, then get one. If you simply want to wear an IWB without an extra shirt, get one. I consider $99 for a good holster a no brainer.
Ok, now for photos - keep in mind I'm 42 years old, so the torso shots are only to demonstrate the ride of the holster, the profile, and the fact that I'm bare skinned under the shirt. Also keep in mind these are selfies with an iphone, as that is all that I have available...so be kind!
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195252_zpsd03c7f71.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195252_zpsd03c7f71.jpg.html)
note the light passing thru the material..shell blocks some of the light but not the air flow
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195235_zpscdb4743e.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195235_zpscdb4743e.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195229_zpsb2ca64a6.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195229_zpsb2ca64a6.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195225_zps76500d1d.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195225_zps76500d1d.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195221_zps33d7d397.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195221_zps33d7d397.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195215_zps36045949.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195215_zps36045949.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134043_zpsa5918868.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134043_zpsa5918868.jpg.html)
no peanut gallery comments - this is so you can see the ride with the PPQ in the holster, for size I'm 6'2" 216lbs
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134109_zpsf9c7e1e9.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134109_zpsf9c7e1e9.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134246_zps7f0e892f.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134246_zps7f0e892f.jpg.html)
front shot for side printing - shirt is a mesh golf shirt...super thin
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134259_zps25cce9b9.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134259_zps25cce9b9.jpg.html)no side printing
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134305_zpsffa68197.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134305_zpsffa68197.jpg.html)
yes it is still there
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134414_zpsc1d81156.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134414_zpsc1d81156.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134426_zps6a45b2ad.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134426_zps6a45b2ad.jpg.html)
no printing
OK, 2nd try...somehow I closed the window last time and lost the whole review. To begin, allow me to get a few things cleared up to prevent such questions later. First, I have no affiliation with any gun or gun accessory manufacturer (I currently manage 2 hotels and I'm former USMC). Second, I'm not a fanboy of any particular single platform or manufacturer (currently own a walther p22 and ppq, remington 597, stevens 820b, and a BCM AR15). Third, I have zero preference of button or paddle mag release, but just happen to have an M2. Had there been an M1 available when I was going from M&P to PPQ I may have owned that, but the M2 was in stock and the M&P had to go. Last, I currently own 2 custom kydex holsters, a safariland, a Mintotaur, and the Oynx, so I have a bit of experience with what is out there and what the benefits are of each. I'm also a firm believer of 2 things regarding posts on forums...it's your money buy whatever makes you happy, and what works for me may not work for you. Ok, we have the disclaimers handled to work!
In order for this to be of the most benefit for the readers I think some background of how I reached my conclusions will help, and some of the paths I took to reach them as well. I began my polymer CCW pistol quest with a S&W M&P, and I chose that platform based solely on reviews and ergos...my end thoughts are that those were all the M&P had going for it out of the box. I replaced just about everything on that platform in search of...well the PPQ, so I traded a fully modified M&P (KKM match barrel, hackathorn sights, APEX FSS, all new springs, custom stipple job, improved striker and stronger spring, etc.) + $80 for a brand new P22 (don't ask I wanted the M&P gone...it was a good gun but I was disgusted with what had to be done to it to achieve good functionality). The reason the M&P comes into the discussion is that I learned a ton regarding holsters during this period, as well as gunsmithing (another story). After researching IWB CCW holsters for quite a while I decided upon a hybrid, and after looking at what offerings were available at the time I decided upon the Comp-Tac Minotaur. Let me say that this was a very good holster, but it had some major flaws. Unfortunately at the time, none of the flaws the Minotaur had were truly corrected by any other manufacturer. Sure there were some that had one improvement or another over the Minotaur, but usually at the cost of a sacrifice elsewhere (usually you lost modularity for some construction improvements).
The major issues with most IWB holsters come from materials. Whereas each material comes with benefits and costs, and the hybrid tries to fix these by being the best of both worlds, they still have some of the drawbacks.
Leather - leather is more comfortable and less restrictive than other materials while still being relatively durable. Leather does not breath, and can become slick, sticky, or soggy with sweat. This can lead to issues like movement, the gun sticking during a draw, or bacterial growth in the holster...plus leather up against the skin isn't really comfortable. Solution to these issues is to wear a tshirt between the holster and the skin...this is fine unless its summer and plus 85 degrees outside. In addition leather requires mechanical retention, is heavier, and the draw isn't as smooth or quick as kydex.
Kydex - kydex is simply not comfortable IWB. It can pinch, bind, rub, or just shift. IWB kydex has the same needs as leather in regards to needing to wear an additional tshirt between the holster and the skin. Kydex has better retention, a smoother more repeatable draw, and retains its form.
Hybrid - the hybrid uses the leather backing of leather to increase comfort, and the kydex shell to give consistent draw and retention. This seems to be a great answer, but again it still cannot be worn comfortably against the skin for extended periods in hot weather.
Enter the Oynx - the backing of this is some type of soft mesh...likely made of scuba webbing. It is comfortable and breathable. I have now roughly 48 hours of total wear time, and 3 times I have worn it longer than 8 hours straight. I went to 2 movies with it, and I can tell you that the longer you wear it, the less you notice it. This is truly unlike the Minotaur, as after several hours I began to become increasingly aware of the weight and movement of the holster. The backing material does not need to "form" to your body over repeated wearings like stiff leather. The craftsmanship is simply amazing. Stainless steel hardware, the kydex is some of the best I've ever seen...on par with Matt's from Grizzly Outdoors, the material is a lot tougher than it looks and yet still very very comfortable.
Oynx's Kydex shell - this alone is so much better than the Minotaur's. The retention of the kydex is much much better than the Minotaur, and yet the draw is much smoother and faster. I am guessing as to why, but I think the Minotaur's shell relies on the belt to assist in the retention. This means you need to really cinch your belt tight and now the draw is less than smooth. I have cranked the Minotaur's adjustment screws down as tight as I can and the gun will still not retain as well as the Oynx, and further when the screws are that tight it is very difficult to draw the gun from the Minotaur. This issue does not occur with the Oynx. In addition to retention and construction quality, the Oynx has a lower profile shell so it creates less of a print. As the kydex is actually thicker, it is an engineering feat that it is about a .25" thinner overall than the Minotaur.
Weight - the Oynx is actually overall a longer holster and about the same height, but is lighter (I don't have a small enough scale to measure these weights but the difference is obvious). This goes along with all long carry items - "ounces = pounds".
I discovered this holster in a review in the magazine that comes with your NRA membership, and honestly I was skeptical, as I know those reviews are pretty biased. At times I tend to leap before I look when I feel the need to "try something new", and sometimes I'm surprised that it pays off in a big way. This is definitely one of those cases. It took about 1.5 months from order to reception of the holster, but since I bought it shortly after the NRA review that was to be expected. StealthGear was very good about corresponding with me, and I ofter heard from either the CEO or COO when I emails were responded to, and believe me after about 3 weeks I began to be a pain in the ass, as is my way :D! They were patient, and their product is worth the wait. My opinion is, if you carry year round, and for long period get one. If you want the best draw and comfort combo from an IWB holster designed for a 3-5 o'clock carry, then get one. If you simply want to wear an IWB without an extra shirt, get one. I consider $99 for a good holster a no brainer.
Ok, now for photos - keep in mind I'm 42 years old, so the torso shots are only to demonstrate the ride of the holster, the profile, and the fact that I'm bare skinned under the shirt. Also keep in mind these are selfies with an iphone, as that is all that I have available...so be kind!
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195252_zpsd03c7f71.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195252_zpsd03c7f71.jpg.html)
note the light passing thru the material..shell blocks some of the light but not the air flow
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195235_zpscdb4743e.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195235_zpscdb4743e.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195229_zpsb2ca64a6.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195229_zpsb2ca64a6.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195225_zps76500d1d.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195225_zps76500d1d.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195221_zps33d7d397.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195221_zps33d7d397.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09195215_zps36045949.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09195215_zps36045949.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134043_zpsa5918868.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134043_zpsa5918868.jpg.html)
no peanut gallery comments - this is so you can see the ride with the PPQ in the holster, for size I'm 6'2" 216lbs
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134109_zpsf9c7e1e9.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134109_zpsf9c7e1e9.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134246_zps7f0e892f.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134246_zps7f0e892f.jpg.html)
front shot for side printing - shirt is a mesh golf shirt...super thin
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134259_zps25cce9b9.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134259_zps25cce9b9.jpg.html)no side printing
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134305_zpsffa68197.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134305_zpsffa68197.jpg.html)
yes it is still there
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134414_zpsc1d81156.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134414_zpsc1d81156.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/Oynx/2014-07-09134426_zps6a45b2ad.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/Oynx/2014-07-09134426_zps6a45b2ad.jpg.html)
no printing