Review: DeSantis Veiled Partner and the Hellcat RDP

By Andy Grossman

The second I saw the new Springfield Hellcat RDP 9mm hit the market I knew right away I needed one to add to my EDC lineup. The Rapid Defense Package (RDP) version of the Hellcat adds on an optional manual safety, the terrific micro-sized HEX Wasp red dot and a highly effective Self-Indexing Compensator.

However, with a new gun — or a gun with added features like the RDP — we all know finding a company that makes a holster that fits it properly can be almost as big of a challenge as finding ammo to feed your gun in 2021.

Fortunately, DeSantis Gunhide was ready and had a great option for this new pistol with its Veiled Partner Kydex holster, designed for outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry of this capable, optics-equipped micro 9mm pistol.

The Tougher Path

Sure, DeSantis already had a mold for the original Hellcat, and they could have taken the easy route and simply opened up the end of an existing Hellcat OSP holster to clear the compensator. They also could have simply hacked some clearance into the top of the holster to clear the HEX Wasp. But they didn’t. Instead, they went back to the drawing boards and designed an OWB holster that is a perfect cradle for the new RDP.

Also available for the standard Hellcat and the Hellcat OSP (as well as a host of other pistols on the market), the Veiled Partner is offered in both left- and right-hand versions. Featuring a precision-molded Kydex design, the holster utilizes a comfortable curvature that keeps the footprint slimmer while still offering an extraordinarily strong, sure grip on the firearm. This curvature brings the gun close and tight to the body, making it easier to conceal the pistol under a shirt or jacket. Every element of the holster’s design simply screams deep concealment.

The DeSantis Veiled Partner can be adjusted easily for both height and cant using 1½” or 1¾” belt loop openings. DeSantis also built adjustable tension into the design so you can customize it to your specific needs.

Carry Time

I carry pretty much every day and use a wide variety of pistols in a very diverse number of holsters. I would say I carry inside the waistband (IWB) more often than OWB, but I wanted to give the latter mode a shot with the Hellcat RDP.

The first thing I noticed when I received the holster was the quality of the Kydex. The edges were fantastic; very smooth with rounded corners. One place many holster companies seem to fall short is the edges of the shell, which should not be sharp or pointy. I have honestly cut myself on the edges of some Kydex holsters that cost almost double of what DeSantis is charging for the Veiled Partner. It’s a very affordable $59.99, by the way.

I also really love the overall look of the holster. It has some attractive lines and a bit of flare in the mold, which just gives it an overall attractive look. That is not an easy thing to achieve when talking about black Kydex.

DeSantis also decided to extend the shell to wrap nicely around the compensator on the RDP, which was awesome to see since they really could have just hacked the end from their regular Hellcat holster and taken the easier route. I like to have that comp covered while carrying to prevent it from knocking into things and possibly getting foreign materials in it.

Conclusion

The DeSantis Veiled Partner OWB holster has been fantastic paired with the Springfield Hellcat RDP. As noted earlier, the Veiled Partner retails for just $59.99, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking to comfortably carry daily without having to fork out a ton of cash.

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DeSantis Veiled Partner

9^mm

Hellcat® RDP Series