Someone might see the “new” between quotation marks that think it’s a swipe at the manufacturer. Nothing could be further from the truth. While elements of the new product have been seen in various other designs, it’s tough to recall where all the elements of this new rig have simultaneously appeared in a single holster.
Now some will reject this as JAPH – just another plastic holster. That’s a mistake as the makers – N8 Tactical – have attempted to avoid design issues that drive users nuts. This includes sharp edges, a designed inability for the user to get a firing grip on the piece while it’s still inside the holster, purpose designed for one carry style when some flexibility would come in handy, a single mounting method to the design, configured for strong side only – or configured for front-of-the-hip (so-called “appendix”) carry.
N8 Tactical image.
The N8 Tactical “Xecutive” Holster started as an idea but was quickly pushed out to end-use evaluators for consideration: how can we improve the design? I was one of the evaluators and I was pleased to be asked. Some of the best firearms designs were rolled out by engineers with no end user input. Those of us in the field lauded their design intentions but lamented the fact that some of the ergonomic/ease of use aspects were missing … back to the drawing board.
When manufacturers put outsiders in the loop and get user-inputs before nailing the design/manufacturing down, the product often turns out to be Category B – just right.
A versatility aspect, shown above in the factory photo, includes the cut for pistols with red dot sights. Also shown, above, the flexibility in mounting locations and the detail molded front. Below, the smooth back of the holster is appreciated by the user.
Now holsters are intensely personal, individual things. I’ve seen rigs in images that just turned me away. When seeing the product later, used by friends and associates, I could see what the press releases and media images failed to show.
Hands on is best.
The original iterations of this new holster were just that: preproduction samples, something that wasn’t going to end up in the factory box for sale. I still have them along with light-use, proof-of-concept belt clips, wings and the such-like.
I now have the production version of the N8 Xecutive. The belt clip attached – and which will be easily changed as the other attachment options are released – is widely adjustable for carry strong-side, front-of-the-hip, cross-draw. The holster body is pleasantly finished, detail molded in front while smooth-finished on the back where it touches the body.
It’s prepared for the eventuality of a pistol with a red dot sight even if the pistol you have the rig for doesn’t yet have that functionality. The sight channel is configured for a high “suppressor-height” front sight. The back of the holster has a ‘sweat shield.’
The corners and edges are smoothly rounded – important as the three objectives of the new design included comfort, along with versatility and concealability.
As to options, consider the “ModWing” and “Wedge” – critical for front-of-the-hip carry, as well as other mounting options like the MonoBlocks, IWB Loops and others. As to price, the initial MSRP is less than $50 – and that’s with the limited lifetime warranty.
I think N8 Tactical hit the mark with the new holster. I’ve worn the pre-production prototypes and made my complaints. While it’s apparent they addressed those issues, it’s clear they addressed other things I hadn’t thought of until the final product arrived.
Well done.
-- Rich Grassi
