Using a high performing small of the back holster can save your life. These holsters are very popular among gun owners as they not only ensure a quick draw, but they also allow them to conceal carry.
Moreover, they do not chafe or irritate the skin, thus ensuring the user’s comfort when worn for more extended periods.
Here we will be looking at some of the best SOB holsters, talk about their advantages and disadvantages, and how can you select the best model for you.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Small of Back Holster
Comparison Chart of the Best SOB (Small of Back) Holsters
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What is an SOB (Small of Back) Holster?
The name SOB refers to the position where this holster is worn. Small of the back, as you all must know, is the curved region in the lower back where the spine curves in. It is also referred to as the Middle of Back(MOB) holster as it is worn at the center of the lower back.
Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster
The SOB holster provides excellent concealment when worn with a short blazer, suit, or jacket. Side draw belt holsters may sometimes protrude and outline the weapon, while SOB holsters, on the other hand, create a minimal print. The SOB holsters can be worn OWB or IWB depending on user preference, which further classifies them into palm-in or palm-out designs.
How Does an SOB (Small of Back) Holster Work?
A small of back holster helps to secure your pistol in one of the most discreet and least obtrusive areas of your body for concealed carry. Also known as SOB, this holster carries the gun in a ‘butt up’ position, which ensures a quick draw. There are two options available for SOB holsters.
The Palm-out draw is very popular among civilians. It uses a left-hand holster, which is worn at the 6-7 o’clock position to draw the firearm away from the body.
The Palm-In method utilizes a right-hand holster worn at the 5-6 o’clock position. When drawing the weapon using this option, the user’s palm is facing towards their body.
How to Choose an SOB (Small of Back), Holster
Nobody wants to be stuck with an SOB that is uncomfortable or does not provide a good fit for their weapons. Therefore, as a prerequisite, you must keep the following things in mind when choosing a holster that is right for you:
Material
Both Kydex and leather are acceptable materials for small of the back carry. No matter whether you carry IWB or OWB, both these materials are durable options. Kydex provides more retention, while leather is a more comfortable option. Stay away from holsters made from neoprene, nylon, or any other soft material, as they do not hold their shape and do not fulfill their purpose. Make sure that you choose a hard-body holster that is designed specifically for your weapon.
Holster Mouth
The holster that you choose must be reinforced around the mouth. You will be holstering blind, and this will help to keep the holster open even when it is empty. If the holster mouth does not retain its shape, you will have to remove the holster to put your weapon back in it, which can be quite a hassle.
Concealment
Although SOB holsters provide excellent concealment, some designs make the holster protrude or the barrel visible. Try out various models to check how they fit. Also, make sure that your wardrobe contains long t-shirts or jackets that compliment your concealed carry.
Review of the Best Small of Back Holsters
Let’s now talk about the distinctive features of some of the top SOB holsters, so then you can choose the best model for you:
Best Overall:
Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As soon as the buyers held this product in their hands, they knew that they were holding a quality product. The stitching of this holster is well done and very strong, the leather is of exceptional quality, and the sturdy belt clip is made up of steel. Buyers also appreciate the fact that this product comes with a lifetime warranty. This shows the craftsman’s faith in his products and that he is loyal to his customers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster is the epitome of comfort, durability, and function, all combined with classic American craftsmanship. This ultimate inside the waistband holster is crafted from Genuine USA Bullhide. It is comfortable, designed to provide optimum concealment, and offers excellent value for money. This holster allows users to enjoy maximum comfort and excellent performance without compromising on quality.
Who Will Use This Most?
Most of the holsters available fit slim and skinny people. However, this fantastic holster also fits people who have a little extra weight around their stomach. It is a comfortable product that is available in both black and brown color, which can be concealed easily with different outfits. It is ideal for people who appreciate quality and want to make a safe investment.
Bottom Line
The Defender is a comfortable and quality product that fits several handguns and revolvers. Its lifetime money-back guarantee provides customers with complete peace of mind. It’s doubly well-stitched, thick leather is reinforced at all critical stress points. This ensures that once you stretch it out, it will provide a perfect fit, making it the ideal everyday holster.
Runner-up:
Dazzling 2019 New Leather Holster
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers like the way it responds to drag removing the weapon. They also like the fact that it comes with the tools required to adjust its height on the belt. It is a very well-made product that fits various guns. The click which the buyers hear when they put their gun in the holster is also greatly appreciated by them as it ensures their safety.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster from Dazzling is a true work of art. Constructed with 100% cowhide, these quality holsters truly have the look and feel of something designed by an artist. These holsters are handmade, which ensures that extra attention and care has been taken to provide customers with a holster that fits their weapons completely. Special consideration has been given to quick re-holstering and drawing of weapons, that is why it is a completely safe product.
Who Will Use This Most
This holster has various essential features that add significant overall usage value, thus making it an ideal choice for gun owners. The bilateral sewing done on this holster gives it more durability and strength, ensuring that none of your handguns ever get loose and fall out. Moreover, the two holstering slots make it a product that can be used by many gun owners.
Bottom Line
It is vital that you do not endanger your safety with low-quality holsters made from synthetic or plastic materials. This holster from Dazzling provides you with the best shape, confidence, and space and is the best way to ensure your weapon’s protection. It comes with an affordable price tag and keeps your weapons concealed with hardly any effort.
Best for the Money:
Cebeci Arms Universal SOB Holster
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers have found this holster to be an ingenious and simplistic product. It is an exceptionally safe outside carrying holster during different levels of exertion. This product adequately conceals large frame guns. The belt clip is of good quality, and it offers great leather construction for this price range. Moreover, ladies have found it very convenient as it fits easily in their handbag.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This universal holster is ideal for medium to large size guns and can be used by both left-and right-handed gun owners. These quality-constructed, hand-sewn holsters are wet-fitted to ensure a proper fit for the specific guns they are made for. We simply love the versatility of these holsters as it can be worn either inside or outside the waistband, depending on your comfort and preference.
Who Will Use This Most
The Cebeci holster has many features that make it perfect for use for all medium to large-size gun owners. This is an excellent holster for large-sized gun owners who do not want to invest in a number of holsters. This adaptable unit can be easily used by both men and women.
Bottom Line
Quality, value, and comfort all come together in this holster, which is popular among both men and women gun owners. It makes a perfect addition to your holster collection as you can not only wear it on your waistband; it can be clipped on the inside of your car door for easy access.
Best Small of Back Holster IWB:
Pro-tech's in the Pants Small of the Back Holster
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
People have reported that they do not like to take their gun off and put it back on while running errands. This is why they have found this holster perfect as it conceals their gun completely without making a noticeable print. It keeps the gun close to the body even when wearing a dress belt bought from a department store.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With this holster, you can be sure of a smooth draw while providing complete concealment. The stitching is very fine, and the grip is exposed enough to provide a firm grasp. It is constructed from heavy-duty water-resistant nylon fiber, which makes it a strong and durable product. We find it to be a superb quality product, particularly at such an amazingly low price.
Who Will Use This Most
This is an ambidextrous product, which means that it can be easily used by both left and right-handed users. It is versatile and comes with a metal clip attachment that can be adjusted for right and left-handed draws. This is a strong and durable product that will conceal your medium and large size guns very easily.
Bottom line
Constructed from heavy-duty nylon fiber, this product is double-stitched with strong nylon to provide users with a comfortable and robust small of the back holster. Its affordable price does not in any way make it a cheap product. This holster comes with a limited lifetime guarantee, and a 30-day money-back guarantee ensures a worry-free experience.
Best Small of Back Holster 1911:
DeSantis Small of Back Holster for 1911
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Some buyers were hesitant about ordering this holster because of the hype created that users may become crippled if they fell backward. However, this is not so. People who have bought this product are very satisfied with their quality and fit. They have also found that it conceals nicely under an un-tucked shirt or a leather vest and hardly creates a print.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster is created with the finest leather utilizing excellent craftsmanship. It is very comfortable, and after a while, you will forget that you were even wearing a holster. The loops provided for the belt are perfect for a quick draw. It's not only a perfect fit for 1911 but is also perfect for Browning, S&W, and many more.
Who Would Use This Most
If you own a 1911 and want a holster that offers better concealability, then this DeSantis small of the back holster is for you. Constructed from high-quality leather, it is secure and attractive and has the most amazing retention. Its excellent stitching makes it durable and sturdy. It is meant to be worn in a position where your gun’s barrel is facing downwards, thus ensuring a quick and comfortable draw.
Bottom Line
DeSantis has been manufacturing quality holsters for many years. However, fitting 1911 can be quite tricky due to variety. This is why this holster has been designed with an adjustable tension device that improves this holster’s retention. Although it is a little on the bulkier side, it is very comfortable. It hardly creates a print, which makes it an excellent holster to carry.
Best Glock 43 Small of Back Holster:
Concealed Carry Clip CCW Holster
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
After comparing this model with some of the more expensive products, buyers are of the opinion that this CCW holster is the best budget holster that you can buy. It comes with adjustable retention, and the cant can also be adjusted. Moreover, buyers also have a choice to mount this holster as OWB or IWB.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a handmade holster that has been individually and carefully crafted to provide a perfect fit. Each item has been drilled, polished, and assembled with extra care, which has made these holsters one of our favorites. Moreover, these versatile holsters can be carried in multiple ways such as hip carry, appendix carry, back carry, etc.
Who Would Use This Most
Glock owners who are looking for a solid quality holster that provides a perfect fit for their firearm will definitely like this product. It has a comfortable fit, while its smooth molding ensures that there are no sharp edges to cause any cuts. Whether you use this holster as your main concealed carry or as a backup, you count on this holster’s excellent performance.
Bottom Line
Every unit of this CCW holster is crafted with special attention to providing quality products to its customers. The best thing about this holster is that it comes with a mag pouch that can be used by both right and left-hand users. It is comfortable to wear and does not put a strain on your pocket.
Best Glock 26 Small of Back Holster:
CYA Supply Co. Inside Waistband Holster
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the recent buyers are first time buyers who bought this fantastic product after reading the online reviews. They have found this holster to be of very high-quality, and they also like the fact that it comes with two adjustable screws, which allows them to adjust the retention according to their preference.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most remarkable thing about this product is that they are made from Boltaron thermoplastic, which makes these holsters chemical-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and highly durable. It is able to retain in shape even in high heat situations. Moreover, the cant of these holsters can be adjusted from 0 to 15 degrees.
Who Would Use This Most
CYA holsters are designed with much attention to design and materials. These holsters are a budget-friendly product without any major wear and friction points. They are constructed with Boltaron, which is a durable product. All these features make this holster perfect for Glock 26 owners who want a good-priced holster without sacrificing on quality.
Bottom Line
These IWB holsters are produced by CYA Supply Co. which is a veteran-owned company that provides precision craftsmanship to provide users with the best-concealed carry holsters. They give users complete peace of mind because users know that with the CYA, they can get an affordable holster without sacrificing on quality.
Best Small of Back Kydex Holster:
We The People IWB Kydex Holster
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are not only impressed with the high-quality of the We The People holster but are also very happy with their exceptional customer service. Many buyers claim that this is the best holster that they have used because of its comfortable fit and ergonomic design. It is so comfortable that buyers claim that they can wear this holster all day and drive for many hours without feeling any discomfort.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The quality and comfort provided by these holsters make it an exceptional holster. It is made from Kydex, which is a waterproof, strong, and lightweight material that does not rot. The best thing about this material is that it can be tweaked by hand, which makes drawing and re-holstering easier, faster, and consistent.
Who Would Use This Most
These holsters weigh only three ounces and can be worn inside the waistband. These can be easily concealed under an untucked shirt, thus proving to be a holster that offers the ultimate in self-protection. The above-mentioned features make it a valuable asset for law enforcement personnel, civilian gun users, tactical firearm users, and wilderness gaming hunters.
Bottom Line
We The People holster is a practical and durable holster for various concealed carry guns. Its ease of use and reliability make it a popular choice among gun owners who want a product that offers perfect concealment while ensuring a smooth and fast draw every time. Each holster is handcrafted to provide a precise fit to various gun models while creating a modest profile.
Best Small of Back Leather Holster:
Gould & Goodrich 806-G17
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are extremely pleased with the fit and quality of workmanship that this product offers. Many buyers claim that this holster has become their favorite as they love the way it is positioned at the small of the back. This leather holster not just looks and feels great, but also fits their Glock perfectly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster from Gould & Goodrich has been designed to fit at the small of your back comfortably. Its purposely designed dimensions ensure a perfect fit for your firearm. The excellent craftsmanship and high-quality material make it a dependable and durable product. This holster is a perfect combination of comfort and easy access, which ensures that it will serve you for many years.
Who Would Use This Most
This is a perfect holster for Glock owners who want a reliable holster that is comfortable and fits their weapons perfectly. It provides unparalleled comfort and ease of use, which will be appreciated by all gun owners. It is a versatile holster that works perfectly for both off-duty and a backup weapon.
Bottom Line
If you want comfort, long life, durability, and easy access in a holster, then look no further as this Gould and Goodrich holster is perfect for you. It will fit comfortably on your belt, and you can draw from it easily without any struggle. It is constructed with the finest genuine leather, which gives this holster a classy look.
Pros and Cons of Small of Back Holsters
Weighing the pros and cons of the SOB holsters will give us a better idea regarding its effectiveness.
Pros
Following are some of the advantages of SOB holsters:
Conceal With Comfort
The SOB holsters are designed in a way that places the weapon naturally in the hollow of your lower back. It can be worn comfortably under a baggy shirt, thus ensuring that you can carry your firearm with minimal printing.
Easy Pocket Access
Most holster types make it difficult to access your coat or pants pockets. By choosing an SOB holster, you can eliminate this problem. The wearing position of this holster ensures that it will not interfere with your daily tasks.
Eliminates Sway and Wobble
Another great feature of the SOB holster is that it prevents the wobble and swaying of the holster when you run or jog. This is particularly helpful if you want to run, climb stairs, or lift any weights while your firearm is holstered.
Cons
These holsters also have the following disadvantage:
Sitting Can be Uncomfortable
Even when you are wearing this holster away from your spine in a slightly canted position, it can become difficult to sit comfortably as your firearm may press into your lower back. Moreover, if you own a non-compact weapon with a more textured grip, it might rub against your lower back, making it uncomfortable to sit for long periods.
Conclusion
Finding the right SOB for your weapon may seem like a challenge, but we have made this easy for you. The above reviewed small of back holsters are some of the top picks available. They are designed to provide a perfect fit to your firearm without hindering your movements. This article will help you find the one that is just right for you. However, make sure that you follow gun safety rules to prevent any accidental injuries.