While holster manufacturer DeSantis is long known for classic-style leather goods, that’s not all they do. They also have a small nylon holster line for those who want a lighter weight option. One such offering is the Variable 87, introduced at SHOT Show 2020.
The Variable 87 starts with a sheath of strong 1060 ballistic nylon, which is lined with a layer of foam and topped off by slick pack cloth to prevent marring the finish of the firearm. The holster is held onto the belt by DeSantis’ proprietary DeSantis Tuckable 360 clip that swivels on a single screw for infinite adjustability options. Because it’s tuckable, you can hide your gun under a dress shirt or other tucked in look when you want a clean belt line.
The back has an integrated sweat shield to prevent the holster from slipping and to increase the lifespan of the nylon.
Unlike kydex holsters, the nylon Variable 87 gets its name from fitting a variety of guns. Available in five sizes, there is a size for just about any typical carry gun, from the smallest pocket pistols to a full-frame.
While a nylon holster is certainly a comfortable option and the tuckability is a nice option, one drawback to such a soft structure is reholstering, which typically requires either two hands while the holster is still concealed or removing the holster, sliding the gun in and reinstalling the whole package inside the belt. This is a personal preference that you will have to decide if you like.
At $39.99 on DeSantis’ website, the Variable 87 is certainly a cost-effective option.
