Paddle Holster or Belt Holster

[Zamkn]

I just purchased the blackhawk level two serpa holster. I bought it to be a belt holster, but I did not know it would come with the paddle holster version as well.

For those of you that have this holster, which of you use the paddle vs belt holster?

I saw a video where someone wearing a paddle holster (this one was kydex) had their gun and holster completely ripped off of them, breaking the paddle part of the holster.

I would like to hear your thoughts on each set up. I am going to leave it as a belt holster for now.

[JohnD58]

I'm assuming you're referring to this vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDeKtgkZKmQ
That's a Fobus paddle. Fobus holsters suck. The Blackhawk piece is very stout. I have the Serpa 2 for my USPf 45. Altho there is a time/place for the paddle, I personally prefer the belt setup. Here's a real world experience with the Serpa 2 paddle:
http://hkpro.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72611

[10-31Mike]

Serpa CQC here. Paddle Always.

I Love it.

And it's got little gripper things on it that makes it nearly impossible for even me to get the thing off. It's as solid as my duty rig.

Never tried the belt option, but it was nice that it came with it.

[farrellsm77]

I have a SERPA Lvl II for my Glock 22 or my gf's Glock 23, I use my paddle all the time ! The only time I change it out is when I go to shoot IDPA, then I use the belt holder. They are both very tough and I love this holster. My only comment is make sure you have a good solid belt to wear it with. My Dickies Leather belt is too flimsy, but my 5.11 Operator belt works perfectly!

[SammyCal1]

If you use it as a paddle holster, make sure the bottom below your beltt clips onto the belt or you will pull out the holster with the gun.

[LASD6833]

I do not like paddle holsters. Belt loop feels better to me and seems more secure. I have a Blackhawk holster (the non Serpa one.)

[opskmallory]

Paddle for plain clothes. Belt attachment if I wear it as a duty holster.

[MPDCjock]

I'm thinking of purchasing this holster. Officers that I work with rave about it.

[toasterlocker]

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[GCPD0171]

I don't do a lot of plain clothes work but prefer a paddle holster when I do. Most of the time I wear it I am going too or from training. Its easy to take off while in class. When I wear mine concealment isn't an issue so I don't have to be concerned with that. For CCW carry I use a IWB holster. I have some of the FOBUS paddle holsters. They are kind of flimsy and I only use them at the range.

[SmallCityCop]

I have a duty Serpa III, so my Serpa II, since I use it off-duty, I use the paddle because I hate having to undo my belt to get holsters on and off. THis way I can quickly pull it off and put it on, plus it's solid and doesnt move around like a belt-mount one sometimes feels like it's doing.

[ArkansasFan24]

First, let me concur that the holster in the video is a Fobus, and they're crap.

Secondly, I have the same holster you are inquiring about as well as many others. Originally, I had planned to use the belt feature on the Blackhawk, but I had to try out the paddle. It's very wide so I assumed it would be uncomfortable, yet it's not. I've never been burdened by it in anyway. I actually find the belt attachment more uncomfortable to wear as my Don Hume trouser belt has never wanted to conform to that tight of a bend.

Also, the "lips" of the paddle make it difficult for me to get it out of my pants by myself let alone if someone is trying to take it from me with me fighting them. However, I have found it faster than undoing my belt, pulling it out of the first loop, sliding the gun off, and putting my belt back. I like this feature because sometimes (being in an admin/supervisory role) I wear my paddle holster and no other equipment depending on what I'm doing and being able to get the paddle off and strap the duty belt on in a short amount of time is handy should I need to respond to something.

Usually I wear the duty belt because they're not uncomfortable to me. Well, I'm babbling. Don't sweat the paddle. I think you've got the best on the market, and this is coming from someone who used to be literally paranoid about paddles due to the video in question.

[MPinBaghdad]

I have one for my glock 27 and use it as a belt holster i use it when im in the field training so i use a riggers belt that has no problem at all holding in in place never used it as a paddle though

[scuba4321]

I have had no problems with the paddle set up.

[playmaker]

They are both great setups, if you are in a hurry the paddle is awsome. Got to love the blackhawk stuff.