Help with IWB for Echelon 4.5, etc

[RickyB]

First post for me. Greetings to all. I'd love some pointers for buying an IWB holster. I have an Echelon 4.5" full size with a red dot & with an Olight BALDR Pro R laser light. I can also use my Crossbow MA1 laser light too. I love them both equally. I'm am so confused with all the options. I'm retired & am looking for most comfortable unit. I'm thinking that non-kydex may be more comfortable but I don't know if that's true. I train at the range a lot with my gear to become as competent as possible. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Jfal]

I don't carry IWB so I shouldn't post, but you will likely have to buy 3-5 holsters before finding the right one for you. I know I did...just for a simple pocket holster. Worry not, others will chime in who will start steering you in a better direction.

 

[Jsimon78]

Yeah it’s hard to get one solid answer from everyone. I have my fair share of holsters but favor Falco Holsters hybrid holster (I wear mine at the 3 oclock position) and feels great compared to C&G holsters.

 

[BassCliff]

Hello!

First post for me. Greetings to all. I'd love some pointers for buying an IWB holster. I have an Echelon 4.5" full size with a red dot & with an Olight BALDR Pro R laser light. I can also use my Crossbow MA1 laser light too. I love them both equally. I'm am so confused with all the options. I'm retired & am looking for most comfortable unit. I'm thinking that non-kydex may be more comfortable but I don't know if that's true. I train at the range a lot with my gear to become as competent as possible. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

Thanks for joining us. Welcome to the forum from the Wild Wild Upper Midwest. I'm glad you found this place.

You'll find that everyone has their favorite holster solution, for a particular purpose, for a particular situation, for a particular gun, etc. A holster is kind of a journey so the best I can do is take you along part of my journey, hoping that you will find your own path.

I have one all leather IWB holster that is very comfortable. The only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't stay open. Once I draw my pistol the mouth collapses. Re-holstering is a little inconvenient because it take two hands, one to hold open the holster and the other to replace the pistol. That may not be a big deal in an emergency situation but it is less desirable for me when training on the range.

I also have a couple of hybrid holsters. It's basically a half kydex shell on a leather backing. They are comfortable and are a bit more convenient when reholstering. But it's not my favorite.

My favorite setup is a kydex holster with DCC clips for stability and a muzzle pad for comfort. To save me some keystrokes, check out this previous post of mine...

Post in thread 'Newbie First Time Buyer'

Jun 17, 2026

Hi!

Greetings. I just bought my first handgun an Echelon 4.0c and I am currently on my 10 day waiting period here in Cali. I am having a hard time finding a proper, good, tailored, holster recommendation for either side carry or iwb. I am left handed so that may be part of my issue but that's also why I chose Echelon for its ambi nature.

Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated and/or any other accessories that would complement my incoming Echelon.
Thank you,

Welcome to the forum from the Wild Wild Upper Midwest! I'm glad you joined us. Pull up a chair so's we can...

• BassCliff

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My Echelon rig looks like this...

Mine has an optic but not a light. Keep that in mind when you are shopping around. Many holster makers have options for lights. Hopefully someone smarter and better looking than me will be along soon to give you more options. All the best.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff