Raven Concealment’s Eidolon AIWB Holster

Raven Concealment’s Eidolon holster is one of the few concealed carry products that have actually lived up to its Internet hype.

Appendix-In-The-Waistband AIWB carry has been all the rage on the Interwebs and social media for quite a while now, and for good reason. It is fairly easy to conceal in this manner and it is extremely easy to deploy from the position. Though retention is a little different from this position than traditional strong side or behind the hip IWB, the carry position is viable if it is comfortable for you. Unfortunately, after trying about half a dozen different holsters, I have yet to find AIWB anything less than extremely uncomfortable. That is, until now.

Most of you have already heard of the Eidolon by Raven Concealment Systems. While AIWB holsters are certainly not new, RCS has taken a new modular approach and incorporated some innovative features into an amazingly comfortable design. When I first read about it, I was skeptical as to its claim as a game changer, especially since AIWB has always been uncomfortable for me. For whatever reason, after carrying the Eidolon in AIWB format every day since picking one up at SHOT Show this January (2015), I am continually surprised to find that this holster is quite comfortable to carry day in and out.

The Eidolon is currently available for Glock pistols and comes in two formats, an open bottom design that fits flush with a G19 pistol, but allows a G17 or G34 slide to protrude. The other option is a closed bottom design that accommodates a G17 slide. A G19 can be carried as well, but there is extra space at the bottom of the holster. Inside the box includes all the bits to make it either right or left hand (Agency model) carry with a flat blade or philips screwdriver. ) In the box, there includes two belt loops (though you only really need one, if you prefer), two claws (right and left hand), two wedges, and the requisite hardware with which to put everything together. The less expensive Full Kit model is also available and comes either RH or LH, and includes only the appropriate belt claws and wedge.

The removable Wedge is designed to can’t the top of the pistol in toward the body, aiding in concealment of the pistol.

The wedge is a neat little rubber-like polymer, uh, wedge, that attaches to side of the holster near the muzzle end. The idea is that it pushes the muzzle end out thus tucking the top of the gun into the body. For some body types, it works extremely well in aiding concealment of the pistol. The first time I have seen this concept in action was with JM Custom Kydex’s AIWB holster. It was a fine holster in terms of overall build quality and design. I know folks who love that holster, but it did not work for me. However, the concept is sound.

The belt claw is designed to push against the wearer’s belt to cam the butt of the gun toward the body. This is typically the most difficult portion of the pistol to conceal and is usually the first part of the pistol to print.

The belt claw is unique to the Eidolon. It attaches behind the trigger guard area of the holster and sticks out toward the belt. As the wearer tightens his belt, the claw leverages against the belt pulling the butt of the pistol in toward the wearer’s body. This is usually the hardest part of the pistol to conceal and the belt claw does a great job minimizing of the gun. It comes as a set of two which allows the end user to select one that is angled up or down depending on how high the holster is worn relative to the belt line.

The belt loops themselves can be installed in various configurations with the included loops and wings, but I chose to simply install both in a straight drop type fashion. The angled sight channel not only breaks up the lines of the holster, it provides more real estate on the holster allowing the belt loops to be spaced farther apart from each other allowing for a more stable holster once worn.

The holster body itself appears to be a molded unit with a unique isolated and user-adjustable retention device. The end result is a positive click or release that doesn’t feel sluggish or mushy like many others, and can be adjusted to accommodate the wearer’s preference and difference in manufacturing tolerances of the pistol. The holster body is cut to accommodate MRDS sights mounted behind the ejection port, for those who are into that sort of thing.

I know holsters aren’t the most exciting bit of kit for those who don’t carry everyday, but I do. A pistol is useless to me without a practical and comfortable way to carry, and this holster has made available to me a carry option that was previously non-viable. If you haven’t yet checked this holster out, treat yourself to an early Christmas and get one. I think you’ll be as pleased as me.

SOURCE: Raven Concealment Systems