If you are looking for a new Kydex holster for appendix carry, you may have heard about the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster. It is one of the more popular holsters on the market and promises comfort, performance, and concealment. It comes with a number of model selections and customizable options as well. To find out more, read on to see our full product review, complete with the features, ratings, and FAQs about the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster.
Features
The TREX Arms Sidecar Holster comes with several notable features. Here are a few:
Appendix Holster and Mag Carrier
The TREX Arms Sidecar Holster is an appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) holster that includes a built-in mag carrier. The mag carrier balances the weight of the firearm and distributes the bulge. More so, the extra magazine is an important selling point to those who are adamant about carrying an extra magazine.
The carrier is canted slightly in order to increase comfort and access during all body movements including, but not limited to, walking, running, standing, or sitting. Both the firearm carrier and magazine carrier have variable retention that allows you to adjust them to your preferences. I found the retention to be sufficient straight out of the box.
Pre-Installed Features
The TREX Arms Sidecar Holster comes with two preinstalled Tuckable Clips and one pre-installed Raptor Claw. The Raptor Claw pulls a firearm closer to the body, which will help improve concealment and prevent the firearm from jutting out. Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the Raptor Claw or remove it completely.
Two Purchase Options
To order the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster, you can choose between two purchase options. You can choose a Quick Ship Sidecar Holster or a Built-to-Order Holster. For the Quick Ship Sidecar option, the holster will be right-handed, black on dark gray, have a mid-height shirt guard, and accommodate threaded barrels and slide mounted optics. You will need to choose a weapon system and optic cut. After you purchase the Quick Ship Sidecar Holster, it will be ready to ship in 1 to 5 business days. This option is around $105 at this time.
For the Built-to-Order Holster, you will choose everything: the weapon system, dominant hand, color front, color back, shirt guard, optic compatibility, and threaded barrel. Since this option is customizable, it is not premade and will take longer to receive. It will take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks to ship.
If you choose the base selections for the Built-to-Order Holster, both options will cost the same amount of money. With that being said, there are some Built-to-Order Holster selections that will charge an additional fee, causing the Built-to-Order Holster to be more expensive than the Quick Ship Sidecar Holster.
Light-Compatible Sidecar Holster Option
In addition, there is a Light-Compatible Sidecar. With this option, you can select a Quick Ship Holster or a Built-to-Order Holster, both of which have the same selection options as mentioned above. What makes the Light-Compatible Sidecar different is that it is equipped for a gun with a weapon light mount. It also features a built-in mag carrier.
Additional Pattern Upgrades
The outside of the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster can be decorated with different colors. It has 26 front color options and 17 back color options. In addition, you can opt for a pattern upgrade. These patterns make the Sidecar unique and personalized to your preferences.
Ratings
Overall, the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster performs pretty well. It especially stands out for its concealment abilities.
Comfort
When you first put on the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster, you will notice that is pretty comfortable despite its rigid setup. The angles of the Kydex allow this model to fit comfortably on your body while you are standing, moving, or sitting. It does not have a flexible center, which some people may find less comfortable, but we did not find its rigid set up to affect the comfortability as a whole.
More so, the mag carrier effectively distributes the weight, which makes the holster feel more natural on your body. As a result, the holster does not slip uncomfortably as you move around throughout the day.
Holster Performance
The TREX Arms Sidecar Holster performs well in terms of firearm holstering, draw, and positioning. It holds the firearm off the beltline in a way that will allow you easy access to the grip. This allows the rig to work extremely fast. Additionally, the two clips keep the holster from shifting, which further ensures that the holster provides a consistent and steady positioning for the firearm.
Personalization
Additionally, the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster rates well in terms of personalization. As we have seen, this holster comes with a light and non-light option and a Quick Ship Sidecar option and a Built-to-Order option. More so, you can further personalize the holster with its additional pattern upgrades.
These various customizable options are great in terms of both performance and personalization. These options ensure that you get a holster that best matches your firearms and equipment. At the same time, it allows you to customize the holster, which does not enhance performance but makes it more suited to your stylistic preferences.
Ability to Conceal
Finally, the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster can be concealed very well. In fact, you may be able to wear this holster while just wearing a T-shirt without it being completely visible. The reason for this is that its angles are designed for concealment. At the same time, the Raptor Claw pushes the holster into the belt, furthering its ability to conceal.
I will say, it does have a large overall “footprint” and it takes up a little too much real estate for my ideal setup. This larger size does help reduce printing issues common with other holsters, but I would prefer it to be smaller overall.
Final Verdict
Overall, the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster is a good firearm holster. It provides decent comfort and is able to be concealed easily. It also comes with a number of customizable features, which ensures that the holster matches your firearm and stylistic preferences.
With this in mind, we recommend the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster to firearm users who want a highly functional, inconspicuous, and personalized holster. This holster provides quick access to your firearm, attaches securely to your belt, and comes with a number of customizable options.
I don’t carry mine as often as I thought I would with my Glock 43, but it does make an appearance from time to time for EDC or range time. Personally, if the the overall size was a little smaller I would probably carry it more. As with most holsters, you need to try it for yourself!
Pros
- Comfortable
- Fast draw
- Firearm positioning on the beltline
- Magazine carrier
- Raptor Claw
- Several customizable options
- Easily concealed
Cons
- Rigid setup
- Large size
FAQs about the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster
Can I wear this holster and tuck a shirt in over it?
Yes. You can tuck the shirt behind the clips, which will make the clips visible over your belt.
I’m heavier. Will this holster fit me?
It is difficult to give a straightforward answer to this question because everybody is different and wears different clothes. Generally, larger people have no issue with this holster. With that being said, the holster fit will depend largely on what you wear, the tightness of your belt, and your personal comfort preferences.
Which shirt guard height is best?
The mid guard is best for most purposes. It will help you to re-holster, keep your shirt out of the holster, and won’t jab your stomach once the firearm is removed.
Conclusion
Overall, the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster is good in terms of comfort, performance, customization, and concealment. It comes with a mag-carrier, two pre-installed clips, and one Raptor Claw. More so, you will be able to customize your TREX Arms Sidecar Holster by selecting between a Quick Ship Holster or a Built-to-Order Holster, and you can even select a Light-Compatible Holster. All around, these features make the TREX Arms Sidecar Holster one of the more popular models on the market.