Holster Wedge vs Holster Claw: What’s the Difference?
An effective carry system is a bit of an art: it requires finding the right combination of holster, belt, and accessories to seamlessly hide your pistol in a way that’s also comfortable and accessible to you.
So if you’ve been struggling to keep your CCW from printing, it may be time to add a concealment device – like a holster wedge or claw – to your carry holster. But, what’s the difference between these two attachments, and how do you know which one will work the best for you?
While both holster wedges and claws are designed to draw the top of your weapon closer to your body to reduce printing, they work in different ways and are often paired together for ultimate concealment.
A holster claw is an attachment that presses against your belt to draw the pistol grip toward your abdomen, while a holster wedge is a foam device that can be strategically placed on the back of your holster to draw different sides of your gun toward your body.
In this article, we’ll cover all the differences between holster claws and holster wedges to help you determine which setup will be best for you.
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What is a Holster Claw?
A holster claw, otherwise known as a holster wing, is an attachment designed to draw your gun closer to your body to reduce printing.
Holster claws are secured beneath the trigger guard and press against the back side of your gun belt to draw the grip of your pistol closer to your abdomen, making it easier to conceal.
They’re often made with a strong plastic or polymer for durability and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Claws utilize the natural curve of your body to keep things low profile and in place no matter what you’re doing. Not only that, but a claw helps to evenly distribute the weight of your pistol, making it more comfortable to carry.
The Vedder Holster Claw is custom-engineered to provide maximum concealment and greater comfort while carrying. It easily attaches to the LightTuck™ and works in nearly any IWB concealed carry position. It’s crafted from a composite polymer with two-part resin for added strength and durability, and can even be made to accommodate pistols with aftermarket lights and lasers.
Check out the Vedder Holster Claw add-on kit here to learn more.
What is a Wedge?
Holster wedges function in a similar way to the claw, though the design is completely different.
A wedge is a foam device that sticks or Velcros to the back side of your holster to press the bottom of it forward, pushing the top of it back toward your torso. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and are easy to install and remove on the go.
Holster wedges are a great option if you’re looking for versatility, as their position can be moved around on your holster. This allows you to adjust which part of the pistol is most concealed. For example, if you’re struggling to conceal the grip of your gun, you can place the wedge on the slide side. And if you have an accessory that’s printing, putting the wedge on the grip side can help conceal it.
The Vedder Holster Wedge is designed with an ergonomic angle for maximum comfort and concealability. Weighing a mere 0.2 ounces, the holster wedge is made from a super soft interlock jersey fabric and a flexible, closed-cell foam designed to repel water, sweat, and humidity while also being chemical, UV, fire, and bacteria-resistant.
Thanks to this unique feature, you never have to worry about the wedge taking on outside odors, grime, or germs, so cleaning it is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth.
You can take a look at the Vedder Holster Wedge here.
Can I Use a Wedge and Claw Together?
When it comes to concealed carry, less is often more – except when it comes to concealment devices.
While both wedges and claws do wonders for concealing your weapon on their own, they work even better together. By combining the versatility of the wedge with the larger claw, you can successfully conceal even full-sized guns without printing.
This is especially true if you have a firearm with a larger grip and an added accessory on the slide. While claws are designed to draw in a pistol’s grip, a wedge can be paced to conceal either side of the gun.
So, using a claw to conceal your grip and a wedge to draw in your slide is an effective way to keep everything close to your body and print-free.
Which is Best for Me?
There is no one right answer as to which concealment device is the best – it all depends on your specific carry setup and personal preferences. That being said, there are a few factors that can help you decide which one (or both!) will work for you.
Most of the time, the grip of your gun is the troublemaker when it comes to printing. Luckily, both holster claws and wedges are designed to bring the grip closer to your body, so either will work well to mitigate this issue.
If your gun is equipped with any aftermarket accessories like a light, laser, or optic that you’re struggling to conceal, a holster wedge is an excellent choice as it can be positioned on the grip side to draw the slide side of your pistol toward your body.
That being said, if you find that both the grip and slide are printing, you may want to try combining the two for ultimate concealment. While both are effective at reducing printing on their own, at the end of the day, they work best when paired together.
Summary
No matter which concealment device you need, Vedder Holsters has you covered.
While the claw is designed to draw the grip of your gun closer to your body by pressing against your belt, a wedge functions by pressing the bottom of your holster forward and the top toward your torso.
Though both are highly effective at concealing even larger pistols, they work best as a pair. The Vedder Holsters Claw can be viewed here, and you can check out the Vedder Holsters wedge here to take your carry setup to the next level.
If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster, visit our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.
Interested in items beyond holsters? Check out our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more, and browse our selection of apparel, and accessories at our website, vedderholsters.com.
To stay up-to-date on all the latest Vedder Holsters content and offerings, check out our blog and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And be sure to visit our sister company, GeoGrit, for all your American-made minimalist wallet needs.
