Why Tier 1 Concealed
Tier 1’s “This is not just a hobby” splash page isn’t just a slogan, it’s a mantra.
I’ve been a fan of Tier 1 Concealed for a while now. Super thin but rugged Kydex, smart design, and comfort that actually holds up past the first few hours. So when I finally got my hands on the Staccato HD P4, there was never a question what holster it was going into—Tier 1.
I ended up running two setups: the Xiphos Elite for IWB and the Optio V2 for OWB. And, honestly, that combo has covered just about every carry and training scenario I need. As usual, they didn’t disappoint.
I’ve tried plenty of other holsters over the years. You know the type—ones that poke you in all the wrong places, put pressure exactly where you don’t want it, or use softer Kydex that starts shaving off material with every draw. Others have edges that feel unfinished or sharp, which says a lot about attention to detail (or lack of it).
That’s not Tier 1.
I don’t know what they’re doing over there, but when you wear one of their IWB holsters—and this isn’t just the Xiphos Elite, even the minimalist T1-M—you notice something immediately: it’s comfortable. Not “comfortable for a holster,” just comfortable. All day long. Sitting, standing, driving, moving—it doesn’t become something you’re constantly adjusting or thinking about.
And despite all our good intentions, that’s what makes or breaks your commitment to everyday carry. You can train hard, you can have solid reasons to carry, you can invest in a quality firearm—but if the holster isn’t comfortable, it’s eventually going to end up in a drawer. Usually right next to the gun you “meant” to carry.
The Xiphos Elite really shines in how refined it feels. The Kydex is rigid where it needs to be without feeling bulky. The edges are smooth, the contours make sense, and nothing feels like an afterthought. It disappears better than most single-clip and dual-clip IWB options I’ve tried, especially when paired with a proper belt.
The claw system deserves special mention. This isn’t just an arbitrary wing slapped on the side. The stackable spacer system lets you fine-tune exactly how much the grip is pressed back into your body. That adjustability matters, especially if you rotate between different cover garments or body positions. Add in the tuckable clips, and you’ve got real versatility—untucked T-shirt, button-down, or fully tucked shirt, it all works.
On the OWB side, the Optio V2 is no slouch either. It offers a smooth, consistent draw and mounts easily to whatever hardware you prefer. It’s rugged enough for long range days and training sessions, but light enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re strapping a brick to your belt. That balance is harder to get right than most people think, and Tier 1 nails it.
Now, I get it—Tier 1 holsters aren’t cheap. But here’s the honest question: why are you willing to spend serious money on a quality handgun, only to carry it in a $25–$40 Amazon special? If you’re going to invest in the gun you trust your life with, it makes sense to invest in a holster that actually keeps it secure, close to your body, and comfortable enough that you want to carry it every day.
Comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s a requirement. Because comfort is what keeps the gun on you instead of at home.
Bottom line: go with Tier 1. For them, it’s not just a name—it’s genuinely how they do business.
