What is a Holster Wedge and How Does it Work?
There are so many variables when it comes to creating an effective carry system. The holster, belt, clips, and accessories you choose all make a difference in how comfortable and low-profile your concealed carry setup will be.
If you’ve been searching for an accessory that can help reduce firearm printing, you’ve likely heard that a holster wedge can help. But, what is a wedge, and how does it aid in concealment?
A holster wedge is a small device that attaches to an IWB holster to reduce printing. It works by lightly pressing against your abdomen to draw the top of your gun closer to your body, making it easier to conceal.
Holster wedges are different from other concealment devices like claws and clips in that they stick or Velcro to your holster, making them easy to install, remove, and adjust. They can also be used in conjunction with other devices, like a holster claw, for ultimate concealment.
While these devices come in a few different styles, the best ones are made with lightweight foam and an angled design for maximum comfort and effectiveness. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what wedges are, how to use them, and what to look for in a quality piece.
Products Mentioned In This Article
What is a Wedge?
A holster wedge is a small foam device that’s designed to reduce printing and increase comfort while concealed carrying.
While these accessories come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, most of them are made from a lightweight foam or Kydex and are designed with a triangular or “wedge” -like shape.
A wedge is usually secured to your holster with Velcro, which allows you to adjust its position depending on your comfort and which part of your firearm needs to be drawn into your body.
This adjustability is part of what makes the wedge so popular in comparison to other concealment devices, though they are often paired with a holster claw for maximum concealment.
How do Holster Wedges Aid in Concealment?
While it may not look like much, a holster wedge can actually make a huge difference when it comes to successfully concealing a pistol.
More often than not, printing occurs because either the grip of your gun is sticking out or you have an accessory that is causing bulk on your slide. A wedge can help mitigate this issue by putting pressure on the bottom of your gun, which draws the top of it closer to your body.
If you have an adjustable wedge that sticks or Velcros to your holster, you can strategically position it to help with your specific issue. For example, if the grip of your pistol is printing, place the wedge on the slide side of the gun to draw it in closer. And if you have a light or optic that’s causing printing, place the wedge on the grip side of your gun to draw that portion in.
While a wedge alone can draw your entire carry setup into your body when placed at the center of your holster, pairing it with a holster claw can double down on this feature. A claw is designed to press against your belt to draw the grip of the gun closer to your body. And if you combine that with a wedge positioned to draw the slide side of your gun in, you can achieve maximum concealment of the entire setup.
Are Holster Wedges Comfortable?
While concealment should be a priority when it comes to carrying a firearm, comfort is also critical when talking about something you carry for long periods every day. And having a triangular device wedged between you and your holster doesn’t exactly sound comfy.
But don’t worry. A quality holster wedge won’t add any discomfort to your EDC system.In fact, it’s designed to improve your comfort level by keeping your gun nice and snug against your body.
Not only that, but foam wedges like the Vedder Holster Wedge [link] – which is made with a flexible, cushy foam wrapped in a soft jersey fabric – add extra padding to your carry setup to make it more comfortable for all-day wear than it would be otherwise. So, if your current carry system is causing you discomfort, adding a holster wedge just might make the difference you need.
Which Holsters Are the Wedge Compatible With?
Naturally, when it comes to concealment devices, the right holster makes all the difference. So, what kind of holsters are wedges compatible with?
Wedges are flexible devices that can be attached to any inside the waistband holster and worn in any carry position. While they’re designed for IWB carry in general, they’re extremely popular among those who carry in the appendix, or 12-2 o’clock, position – so popular, in fact, that you’ll often see them referred to as an “AIWB holster wedge.”
While the Vedder Holster Wedge [link] will work with any of Vedder’s inside the waistband holsters, it is most compatible with our number one selling LightTuck™. This all-Kydex IWB holster is one of our most versatile, featuring adjustable retention, ride height, and cant. It’s an excellent choice for appendix carry or any other IWB position on the waistline.
The LightTuck™ comes with either a holster wedge, claw, or ideally both for your best carry setup, whatever that may look like.
Do I Need a Holster Wedge?
The answer to this question is simple: if you carry an inside the waistband holster, you can benefit from a wedge.
If you ever have trouble concealing the grip of your gun, your pistol has an accessory that prints, or your carry setup is causing you discomfort, a holster wedge can help minimize the bulk of your carry system and keep it all in place. That means anyone with lights, lasers, optics, or larger guns should definitely give the wedge a try!
That being said, even if you carry a smaller gun without any bells and whistles, a wedge can be helpful. If you ever experience printing – even if it’s just every now and then – having the wedge on hand can give you added flexibility with the kind of clothing you wear while concealed carrying.
The best part is, you can easily remove the wedge so you don’t have to carry it all the time. You can put it on when you need it, and take it off when you don’t. So, why not have a holster wedge?
Which is the Best Holster Wedge?
So, you’ve decided to add a wedge to your carry system. But, which is the best holster wedge on the market?
The Vedder Holster Wedge [link] is a foam wedge that is lightweight, durable, and easily adjustable, making it a great addition to any inside the waistband holster.
This Holster Wedge weighs a mere 0.2 ounces and features an advanced ergonomic, angled design. It’s easy to install and is attached to the holster with Velcro, making it easy to remove and readjust.
The wedge is made with a super soft interlock jersey fabric and a flexible, closed-cell foam designed to repelwater, 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.
And if you’re looking to pair your holster wedge with other concealment devices, we’ve got you covered there as well. The Vedder Holster Claw, a polymer “wing” that presses against your belt to draw the grip closer to your body, is the perfect companion to the wedge as it allows you to easily draw both sides of your weapon as close to your body as possible.
You can check out both of these devices, along with a variety of other holster add-ons, on our Parts and Accessories page here.
Summary
A holster wedge is a small, angled device that helps draw the top of your weapon closer to your body for greater concealment. They’re adjustable, comfortable, and durable, making them the perfect companion for everyday carry.
If you’d like to upgrade your carry system, check out the Vedder Holster Wedge here [link]. Or, 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.
