There are plenty of holster options out there and some may simply appear as just another holster, with no unique features that will entice many.  Some are custom and some are universal but honestly, most are pretty much the same and serve the same purpose.  With only a very few exceptions, in my experience, the only real difference between most is their price tag.  That’s where Sticky Holsters comes in.  I want to emphasize on the word “sticky” because it is what sets them apart from the rest in this class.  Sticky Holsters makes universal holsters for a large variety of popular handguns.  They look like pocket holsters but they are much more versatile than that.  Thanks to their unique outer material, these holsters live up to their name.  In this article, I will provide a detailed look at them and test them with three different pistols over a period of time under different conditions and carry methods.

They sent over two holsters for review.  One supports all popular pocket pistols while the other is slightly larger to support sub compact models or pocket pistols with mounted lasers.  Models provided are SM-2 and MD-2.  Nothing much to brag about packaging.  Holsters are shipped in a standard ziplock bag with a brief info sheet on its supported models.

Design & Testing

The holsters are designed like your average pocket holster.  There are no clips and none are needed, as it’s that unique outer layer that really plays a role in its ability to not only function quite well, but also allows for a different carry method.  Not exactly sure what their secret is, but it is much more “sticky” than neoprene-like holsters in the same class or any other pocket holster I have owned.  This even includes those I have owned from DeSantis, which do also feature an excellent external material that is better than most other options.  I will demonstrate just how well this texture does work a bit later in this article.

Unlike leather holsters, the softer inner material will not damage the finish of your gun over extensive use.  Some leather holsters are nice, but a softer interior is much better for daily carry.

The holsters provided were tested with three highly popular handguns reviewed here on the site.  They are the Beretta PX4 Storm SC, Diamondback DB380 and the Sig Sauer P238.  Note that all were indeed carried with the holsters for some time with a variety of attire before drawing conclusions. Unfortunately, I did have some minor issues with two of these supported pistols.

The MD-2 holster did not exactly fit the PX4 Storm SC well.  Then again, there are very few holsters that do based on my findings and according to many who have commented here on the site.  The ambidextrous safety/decocker does get in the way and does not allow you to fully slide the gun in the holster well.  It fit better with the safety on, but then again, this is a DA/SA Type F pistol that should be carried with the safety off.  This is demonstrated in the pics above.  It works, but it’s not perfect.

Moving on to their Sm-2 for smaller pocket pistols, I did encounter one issue with one of the guns carried.  The outer lining/stitching on this holster is unnecessarily large and somewhat obtrusive.  This caused some problems with the excellent but large sights on my Sig P238 Equinox.  The rear sights would snag on this outer lining and not allow me to draw the gun at times.  Guns with smaller, low profile or fixed sights should not be a problem.  In fact, the Diamondback DB380 fit like a glove.  It’s as if it was made for it.  Fit is absolutely perfect, and that’s good, as I carry this little beast more than the two other pistols tested here.  I have also been told by a close friend that the Kel-Tec P-3AT does also fit quite nice in this holster.

In addition, I also have somewhat mixed feelings about its overall design.  While I do think it should be angled/cut slightly lower for a better grip on the pistol while holstered, I do like this in a way because it allows you to easily push down on the holster while in the pocket when wearing baggy pants or shorts.  This will ensure that you draw the gun while maintaining the holster in the pocket.  This design also helps it print less than other options, which is one of the major reasons for considering a pocket holster in the first place.

Now onto its most impressive feature, and that is once again its unique outer texture.  While they look and are designed like pocket holsters, these can easily double as IWB holsters as well.  In fact, that’s what I love the most.  I’d like to focus heavily on this because it is honestly its main feature.  Sit, jog, jump up and down whatever…they will not move.  It simply bonds to any surface so well, that they do not require a clip or even a belt when worn inside the pants.

Above are pics wearing the DB380 and larger PX4 Storm SC with baggy pants and no belt.  Holster simply stays in place at all times and is quite comfortable.

I felt pics were not enough to demonstrate just how “sticky” these holsters really are.  With that said, I have provided a very brief ConcealThis HD video below.  Video was taken with their SM-2 holster inside the waist wearing baggy cargo pants with no belt.

Conclusions

Sticky Holsters are indeed “sticky” and do live up to their name.  They are better than some of the other holsters I have owned over the years.  While I did encounter some minor design flaws that can be improved upon, this holster is impressive on many levels.  No universal holster is perfect and that was revealed here in the article.  However, after using these for some time, I have grown to love them and now is my main carry holster for my DB380.  You just have to ensure your pistol will indeed be supported.  The beauty of these holsters is the fact that they can double as a very suitable and highly convenient IWB holster as well.  In fact, they are designed around this carry method and they even make them for larger framed pistols.  Thanks to its unique outer texture, they practically bond to you and there are no bulky or cumbersome clips to worry about either. Heck, you don’t even need to worry about wearing a belt.  They just stick well and are extremely comfortable.

Its handgun support remains questionable right now after my testing but it is its ability to double as two different holsters that makes them an excellent option for many with smaller carry pistols.  I absolutely love the fact that I can switch over from pocket to IWB at any time, without worrying about what I’m actually wearing. They are also modestly priced and best of all, do come with a lifetime warranty.

More information on their holsters can be found on the Sticky Holsters Website.  You can search for your pistol and order directly from them.