Your OWB holster can be configured around how and where you plan to carry it. One of the biggest decisions is choosing the right belt attachment, which affects how the holster rides, how securely it stays in place, and how easily it can be put on or removed.
From low-profile everyday carry to range, training, and Safariland QLS-compatible setups, here's a straightforward breakdown of the available options and how to build the OWB setup that works best for you.
Choosing Your OWB Setup
There isn't one OWB setup that's best for everyone. Your belt, how you plan to use the holster, how high or low you want it to ride, and whether you need quick-release compatibility all make a difference.
Here's how our OWB attachment options compare.
LOW PROFILE BELT SLIDE
Best for: Everyday OWB carry and a close-to-the-body setup.
The Low Profile Belt Slide is my preferred option for everyday OWB carry. It keeps the holster positioned close to the body and provides adjustable cant so you can fine-tune the angle of the holster.
This is a great choice if you want a clean, traditional OWB setup and don't need Safariland QLS compatibility.
Important: The Low Profile Belt Slide is not compatible with Safariland QLS and is not recommended for thick or especially stiff belts such as Kore or Nexbelt.
LOCKING COMBAT LOOP
Best for: Versatility and easy on/off capability.
The Locking Combat Loop allows the holster to be attached or removed without having to take your belt off. That makes it a versatile option for range use, or anyone who regularly takes their holster on and off throughout the day.
Once closed around the belt, the locking design provides a secure attachment while still giving you the convenience of quick removal.
Important: The Locking Combat Loop is not compatible with Safariland QLS.
PADDLE
Best for: Quick on/off convenience, especially with thick or stiff belts.
The Paddle provides another easy-on/easy-off option without requiring you to thread the holster onto your belt. It's particularly useful for thicker or stiffer belts where some of the other attachment options may not be ideal.
If convenience is your priority and you frequently put on or remove your OWB holster, the Paddle is worth considering.
Important: The Paddle is not compatible with Safariland QLS.
SAFARILAND UBL MID-RIDE
Best for: Range, training, battle-belt, and Safariland QLS-compatible setups.
The Safariland UBL Mid-Ride positions the holster lower on the belt than our traditional OWB carry options and provides a solid mounting platform for range and training setups.
It's also the attachment to choose if you want to use the Safariland QLS system. Adding QLS allows the holster to be quickly removed from the belt platform or moved between compatible mounting setups without removing the UBL itself.
A thigh strap can also be added for increased stability.
NO ATTACHMENT — SAFARILAND HOLE PATTERN
Best for: Customers who already have their own Safariland-compatible mounting setup.
Choose this option if you don't need us to provide a belt attachment and plan to mount the holster using your own Safariland-compatible hardware.
The holster will be made with the Safariland mounting hole pattern so you can integrate it into your existing setup.
NO ATTACHMENT — BLADE-TECH / G-CODE HOLE PATTERN
Best for: Customers using their own Blade-Tech or G-Code compatible mounting hardware.
Choose this option if you already have the mounting system you want to use and need the holster configured with the Blade-Tech/G-Code mounting hole pattern.
No belt attachment is included with this option.
STILL NOT SURE?
For most everyday OWB carry, I recommend the Paddle, or Low Profile belt slide.
If easy on-and-off capability is important, consider the Locking Combat Loop or Paddle.
For a range, training, battle-belt, or Safariland QLS setup, go with the Safariland UBL Mid-Ride.
If you already own the mounting hardware you want to use, choose the appropriate no-attachment hole pattern.
