Updated on May 3, 2025
I still remember the first time I slipped a Glock 43X into a concealed‑carry holster. The slim slide and just‑right grip made it feel like an extension of my hand. But without the right holster, even the best pistol can become uncomfortable or—worse—unsafe. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about choosing the best Glock 43X concealed carry holster.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which holster style suits your lifestyle, shooting habits, and carry position. Let’s get started.
The Glock 43X isn’t just another compact pistol—it’s Glock’s answer to shooters craving a sub‑compact profile with a full‑size magazine capacity. Two key traits influence holster fit and performance:
Slim‑Slide Profile: At just 1.10″ wide, it prints less and demands a snug, form‑fitting holster.
Optimal Grip Length: Retains grip comfort while minimizing bulk, but leaves little room for sloppy molding.
Holster style often makes—or breaks—your daily carry experience. Here’s where I place each option:
| Style | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Inside‑the‑Waistband (IWB) | Maximum concealment |
| Appendix IWB (AIWB) | Quick access, front‑carry |
| Outside‑the‑Waistband (OWB) | Comfort & faster draws |
| Hybrid (Leather + Kydex) | Balance of comfort and retention |
| Pocket Holster | Ultra‑light, backup carry |
Below are my seven favorite holsters.
1. MUNALO
Key Specs
- Material: Rigid Kydex
- Carry Position: Strong side IWB
- Features: Concealment claw, adjustable retention & ride height
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Concealment claw tucks grip tight to body | Clip height fixed |
| Smooth Kydex mold allows easy re‑holstering | No option for OWB carry |
| Adjustable retention screws for life‑long fit | |
| Budget‑friendly without sacrificing quality |
When I first slipped on the MUNALO, it felt so light I almost forgot I was carrying. The concealment claw really does press the grip into my body, virtually eliminating printing—even under a T‑shirt. I calibrated the tension myself by loosening the screws a quarter‑turn; now drawing the Glock 43X is a slick, repeatable motion. The only catch? The claw adds noticeable depth at the appendix position, so if you prefer minimal bulk, you might feel it against your belt line. Overall, it’s a fantastic budget pick that rivals options in the best concealed carry holsters category.
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2. Amberide
Key Specs
- Material: 0.08″ Kydex
- Carry Positions: IWB & OWB
- Features: Adjustable cant, ride height, and retention; sweat guard
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual‑carry options (IWB & OWB) | Requires tool for adjustments |
| Full‑length sweat guard protects firearm finish | High ride can affect concealment |
| Smooth edges prevent clothing snags | |
| Wide variety of cant settings for personalization |
After testing Amberide for two weeks, what stood out was its versatility. Switching between IWB and OWB clips took seconds, and I could fine‑tune the cant for appendix carry on my morning jog, then dial it back to a more neutral angle for office carry. The sweat guard kept my shirt fabric from pinching the slide, and the Kydex shell feels tougher than most. My only gripe: adjusting ride height and tension requires a screwdriver, so if you like on‑the‑fly tweaks, this might not be for you. Still, Amberide’s flexibility makes it my top value pick.
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3. POLE.CRAFT
Key Specs
- Material: Premium Kydex
- Carry Position: IWB strong side
- Features: Adj. cant, retention, mag‑button cover
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mag‑button cover prevents wear | No OWB option |
| Crisp retention “click” when holstering | Slightly stiff break‑in |
| No‑jitter design stabilizes draw | |
| Premium feel without premium price |
I’ve carried the POLE.CRAFT daily for a month now. The retention is firm enough to prevent any wiggle, yet the draw feels crisp—like clockwork every time. The mag‑button cover is a thoughtful touch; my gun’s finish stays spotless even after heavy sweat sessions. It’s designed strictly for IWB, so if you’re after OWB, look elsewhere. I also found the initial insertion a bit stiff, but after a week of use, it broke in nicely. This holster’s precision fit makes it my editor’s pick for IWB-only users—though those seeking more flexible carry options may want to explore a belly band holster.
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4. Amberide
Key Specs
- Material: 0.08″ matte‑finish Kydex (rust‑proof hardware)
- Carry Position: Snap‑on IWB clip + quick‑swap OWB paddle
- Features: 360° cant adjustability, ride‑height & tension screws, mid‑length sweat guard, reversible clip orientation, built‑in sight channel
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless transition between IWB and OWB in under 10 seconds | Clip tension may loosen over months without periodic check |
| Matte finish resists scratches and masks wear over hundreds of draws | Paddle can be slightly bulky under slimmer shirts |
| Reversible clips let left‑ or right‑handed shooters use the same kit | |
| Integrated sight channel prevents snagging on red‑dot optics |
When I first strapped this Amberide onto my belt for an early‑morning hike, I was surprised at how rock‑solid it felt—despite the quick‑swap design. The matte Kydex finish has held up against tree branches and damp foliage without a single scratch showing. I started with an appendix IWB carry at a 15° forward cant, then popped off the IWB clip in seconds and reattached the OWB paddle for range practice. That flip‑over capability meant I didn’t have to buy a second holster or fumble with extra hardware.
Tension adjustments required nothing more than a tiny hex key—after I found the sweet spot, the Glock 43X stayed locked in place through jogs, crouches, and even a sudden downpour. The mid‑length sweat guard kept moisture off both my shirt and the pistol’s finish, which means fewer wipe‑downs at the end of the day. Plus, if you run a micro‑red dot optic like the Holosun 507C, the integrated sight channel glides over the optic housing instead of catching on your shirt.
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5. Relentless Tactical
Key Specs
- Material: Full‑grain USA leather
- Carry Position: IWB
- Features: Custom–molded, reinforced mouth, sweat guard
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Classic leather look & feel | Break‑in takes time |
| Reinforced mouth for easy re‑holstering | Less retention than Kydex |
| Full‑grain leather molds perfectly to the body | |
| Strong sweat guard adds comfort |
Leather purists, rejoice: The relentless tactical defender molds to your body in just a few wears. I noticed that after a couple of days, the holster hugged my hip contours so well that I barely felt it. Every draw feels soft and natural, though retention isn’t as crisply defined as Kydex. Expect to baby the leather—conditioning is a must. If you prize style and comfort over rock‑hard retention, this American‑made holster easily ranks among the best Glock 23 concealed carry options.
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6. WARRIORLAND
Key Specs
- Material: 0.08″ Kydex
- Carry Position: IWB
- Features: Concealment claw, optics‑ready cut, adjustable cant & retention
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Optics‑cut fits red‑dot slides | No OWB clip |
| Adjustable ride height for comfort | May require deeper carry |
| Strong passive retention | |
| Budget‑minded optics‑ready design |
I fitted a Shield Sights RMS on my 43X MOS and the WARRIORLAND never let me down. The optics‑cut sits snug around the red‑dot housing, and the claw ensures zero printing even when I lean into a turn. The trade‑off is a bit more bulk, but for me, the ability to carry with an optic on board was worth it. A solid mid‑range pick for red‑dot enthusiasts.
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7. ANOLE
Key Specs
- Material: Injection‑molded polymer
- Carry Position: OWB paddle
- Features: Adjustable retention, release‑button lock, 60° adjustable cant
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick‑release button lock for secure draw | Not suitable for deep concealment |
| Adjustable cant caters to draw preference | Polymer feels less premium |
| Ideal for open‑carry or range use | |
| Affordable and sturdy |
When I take my Glock 43X out for range days, the ANOLE paddle holster is my go‑to. The snap‑button lock is intuitive—press and draw in one motion. It rides low and angled for a fast presentation, though it’s not made for deep concealment under everyday clothing. If you alternate between range practice and open carry, ANOLE earns its spot in your kit—especially when paired with the best tactical vests for added utility and gear support.
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| Holster | Style | Material | Adjustability |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUNALO IWB | IWB | Kydex | Claw, tension, ride |
| Amberide KYDEX (IWB & OWB) | Hybrid | Kydex | Cant, height, tension |
| POLE.CRAFT IWB | IWB | Kydex | Cant, tension |
| Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather | IWB | Leather | None |
| WARRIORLAND IWB w/Claw & Optics Cut | IWB | Kydex | Claw, cant, tension |
| ANOLE OWB paddle | OWB | Polymer | Cant, tension |
Emerging Trends in Holster Design
- Ultra‑Slim, Anti‑Print Shells: Brands are shaving off millimeters of material to reduce printing under tight shirts.
- Modular Attachments: Integrated magazine carriers and light‑bearing options streamline your gear.
- 3D‑Printed Customization: Holsters tailored to individual body scans are moving from concept labs into mass production.
- European Leather Craftsmanship: Traditional tanneries in Spain and Italy are partnering with U.S. CCW makers for premium leather blends.
How to Fine‑Tune Your Holster Fit
- Retention Tension: Start snug, then back off one notch until your draw is smooth but secure.
- Ride Height Adjustments: Higher ride for appendix carry; lower for 3–4 o’clock IWB.
- Cant Tweaks: A 10°–15° forward cant hits the natural draw angle for most users.
Tip: Practicing draws from each adjustment is crucial—my ammo‑dump drills revealed subtle improvements in smoothness and speed.
Maintenance & Care for Longevity
- Kydex Shells: Wipe with mild soap and water; avoid solvents.
- Leather Backings: Apply a thin coat of saddle‑soap every 2–3 months.
- Hardware Checks: Inspect all screws and clips monthly; replace thread locker if needed.
Tip: Proper care not only extends lifespan but reinforces trust in your gear’s reliability.
Legal & Safety Considerations
Even the best holster can’t replace sound practice and legal compliance:
- CCW Regulations: Brush up on your state’s carry laws (e.g., open vs. concealed carry distinctions).
- Safe Donning/Doffing: Always keep your finger off the trigger until the draw is complete.
- Transport & Storage: Use a locked container and follow local transport mandates.
Fact: Building safe habits earns you both authority and peace of mind.
Final Recommendations
Choosing the best Glock 43X concealed carry holster comes down to your daily routine:
- Budget Shooters: MUNALO or ANOLE deliver solid performance.
- Value Seekers: Amberide’s dual‑carry flexibility shines.
- Leather Enthusiasts: Relentless Tactical’s Defender molds like a glove.
- Optic Users: WARRIORLAND’s cut keeps your red‑dot secure.
FAQs
Comfort depends on personal preference and body type, but many users find the Relentless Tactical Defender Leather Holster extremely comfortable due to its soft, full-grain leather construction. For a Kydex option, the Amberide IWB/OWB holster offers solid comfort with added adjustability for cant and ride height.
The Glock 43X is ideal for inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry due to its slim profile. Common positions include the appendix (AIWB) position for quick access or the 3–4 o’clock position for traditional side carry. For open carry or range use, outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters like the ANOLE are a good fit.
While the Glock 43X is compact, it may be too large for most standard pockets. Pocket carry is generally more suited to micro pistols. However, with the right cargo pants and a dedicated pocket holster, it can be used as a backup carry option in low-profile situations.
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