Most Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holsters need to be clipped to a sturdy belt to maintain holster, gun and pants in the preferred, non-San Quentin upright position. The Remora “No Clip” Holster is unique. As its name hints – or rather, bellows – the Remora don’t need no stinkin’ clip. Most of the time it don’t need no stinkin’ belt, either. As Farago is fond of asking, what could possibly go wrong? For the answer, read on . . .
I was driven to try the Remora Holster because the very thought of compromise makes me break out in hives. I was starting to hate even the waistband holsters that I thought I liked, because they all demanded compromise. I carry at home and away, wherever and whenever I legally and practicably can. Full-time carry presents certain issues for a retired gentleman, or even a retired non-gentleman like me. Having no place to go most mornings, like Hugh Heffner, I prefer to remain in my pajamas until I’m thoroughly fortified with strong java and caught up on critical national events courtesy of SportsCenter.
When I finally gear up for everyday tasks such as grocery shopping, piano moving, shoveling snow or re-shingling the roof, I wear jeans. Later on, I may switch to sweatpants to wear around the house. My other waist holsters don’t work for all those applications; each of them requires a belt. So, I had to compromise firepower and pocket carry my .38 snubbie when I was sans ceinture, switching to my preferred .40 when I was avec.
My current residence complicates the issue. I live in a concealed carry state where concealed really and truly means concealed. Although the Bay State has no specific statute prohibiting open carry, even a minor gun exposure can be a major problem. “Flashing” — not to be confused with a more southerly kind of exposure — can lead to a stern lecture by the constabulary, confiscation of the handgun, arrest or even shots fired in one’s very personal direction. While I haven’t known many Massachusetts police officers who are trigger-happy, it would only take one to perforate me like a wedge of aged emmentaler.
Unfortunately, my gluteus is a bit too maximus for outside the waistband concealment at the preferred 4:00 position, so I’m forced to carry IWB. Which means that when out and about, I have to cram a couple of pounds of unyielding metal into my trousers. I must be frank: if I listed all the things that might be jammed into my pants, I’d rank a hunk of metal as one of my least favorites, exceeded only by a nest of fire ants.
My overriding problem with concealed carry involves more the carry than the concealed. Most concealment holsters that I tried seemed to do the latter fairly well at the expense of the former; in other words, holsters that concealed well were not entirely comfortable to use. During a long day of schlepping the .40, either the gun poked at me like the finger of righteous indignation, or the rig chafed. After a while, I was squirming like Mel Gibson at a Mossad marksmanship competition.
Indeed, wearing the “wrong” IWB holster wasn’t just a physical nightmare, but a sartorial faux pas as well. I’ve grown weary of asking my honey, “Does my ass make this gun look big?” And I’m sure she’s tired of conning me by saying “certainly not, oh love of my life” when she really meant “your butt is big enough to screen Avatar in 3D.” I refused to accept that I should have to compromise both my comfort and my pride, which is why the Remora seemed worthwhile when I perused the Remora website. After all, it looked flat and smooth and it claimed to be grippy.
A remora is a fish, and a damn ugly one at that. So why would anyone name a nice-looking holster after a singularly unattractive fish? Well, the remora (the fish, not the holster) has a trick up its sleeve. Or to be anatomically correct, it has a trick on the back of its piscatorial noggin. The little fish sports a suction device so it can stick like a tick to a big fish, such as a Great White shark, and hitch a transoceanic ride by wearing carcharodon for a hat. It’s like the remora has its own personal bus pass, which is very good for the remora and doesn’t seem to inconvenience the shark even a wee bit. Who knows, maybe the toothy fish likes the company of his flat-headed pal? Next time I’m face to face with a big shark, the first thing I’ll do is ask.
Alan Bogdan, the honcho of Florida-based Remora, says that the tuckable holster is a made-in-the-USA sandwich of three non-absorbent layers, like Pampers but without the messy cleanup. The internal membrane is closed-cell foam, enabling the Remora to keep its shape and break up the outline of a gun while molding oh-so-sinuously to both gun and body. The inner fabric is a denier. I have no idea what a denier is, but whatever it might be, it has enough texture to hold a gun effectively while slickly facilitating a quick and effortless draw. The outer skin is made of non-slip rubber, and that’s where the magic happens.
Unlike the remora fish, the holster uses not suction, but friction. Anyone who has a pocket holster made with neoprene or other non-slip material may think they know about non-slip, but they’d be wrong. My non-scientific testing revealed that the outer skin of the Remora has a coefficient of friction that kicks a racing tire’s ass from Sonoma to Daytona and back again.
After using the Remora as an inside the waistband holster nonstop for a month, I found that it worked just fine with drawstring sweatpants, elastic waistband pajamas and shorts, and probably would work with a bathing suit if I ever need to pack more than lunch along South Beach. It worked with jeans and a heavy work belt when I was laboring in the yard and I’m sure it would acquit itself equally well were I to audition for a Village People revival while wearing the same ensemble. It worked with my best cashmere slacks and a narrow belt whether I was dressing for a night at the opera or a screening of A Night at the Opera. And in every waistband position and cant that I tried, the Remora was just dandy.
So what could go wrong? For me, nothing. Worn under a drawstring or elastic-waistband garment that applies even a teeny-weeny bit of pressure, the Remora had kung fu grip when it was in contact with flesh. In fact, I had to position the holster carefully, because the Remora preferred to stay where I put it, which was a good thing. Not to worry about skin contact, though. The Remora was as comfortable and comforting as a mother’s kiss.
Worn under a belt, the Remora clung to my clothing. It held so fast that I could run, I could jump, I could crawl on my belly like a reptile and the Remora and my gun stayed where I put them, even better than some kydex holsters. A word of warning, though. Since the Remora needed something to hold itself in place, shower carry was out of the question. I think it was Descartes, the great French marksman, who said, “lavo ergo sum madidus.” Which raises another existential question: is it possible to dry fire in a shower?
For those who live in sunnier climes than I do – which seems to be almost everyone except a few seal-eating Inuit – the Remora is available with an optional sweat shield. Those who fear being pantsed while demonstrating their queeks-draw, or feel the need for one-handed reholstering, can order their Remora with a reinforced top. For everyone else, there’s the thin Plain-Jane model that worked just great for me. Fit was spot-on, workmanship was high class, customer service was and delivery was fast.
Concealed carry holsters are supposed to conceal the gun, enabling it to be carried comfortably, safely and securely, while facilitating rapid deployment when and if necessary. Rarely, a holster like the Remora comes along that does everything it’s supposed to do, and at a great price.
Ultimately, I don’t have the vast holster knowledge of the noble Krell so I can’t promise that the Remora will work for everyone. I used it to carry a midsize compact, so I don’t know how well it will work with a different gun. However, I do know that Remora has a very fair return policy, so there’s a remedy available if the holster doesn’t do the job. My guess is that, like the Great White shark, anyone who sticks with a Remora Holster will enjoy its company for a long time.
Thanks for the review Ralph. This may end the iwb holster quest for my snubbie.
Nice review. It’s worth a try.
Please correct me if I am wrong Ralph, but I believe that you can not reholster the gun since the holster collapses? I have used a similar product which collapsed, but only in pants with an appropriately tight belt.
One of these (and the ability to edit my posts) would make my life complete.
I started using the Remora this summer after reading a review at Average Joe’s. I now own one for every gun that I may want to carry – from my peashooter Kel-Tec to my my full-sized 5946. I have worn them all with zero problems (except the one I bought for my CZ-52 – I just can’t bring myself to tote that boat anchor. But, it is there if I need it.). Great product!
To answer the Rabbi’s question, it is about what you would expect to reholster. Average Joe has some pictures of the operation about half-way down this page:
http://averagejoeshandgunreviews.blogspot.com/search/label/Handgun%20accessories
That’s pretty much what I expected and is the weakness in an otherwise very interesting holster. The ability to reholster quickly may be an essential need in a self-defense situation. While this holster carries the gun well, reholstering is its downfall.
I think the reinforced-top model would stay open and allow one-handed reholstering. I didn’t try that model, though. If you contact Alan at Remora, he can give you the lowdown.
The reinforced top solves this problem. But I don’t see where re-holstering is a major factor for concealed carry. The only time you would un-holster a firearm during concealed carry is in a dangerous self defense situation. If the firearm is used, all advice is, after firing… drop the mag, put the gun down and call the police. The first to call is usually seen as the defender in a shooting situation. When the cops come, having the weapon holstered would be useless due to they will want the weapon until they have secured the area. So the re-holstering of the firearm is useless in concealed carry and if you need to re-holster after a non-firing situation, speed is not necessary nor is it difficult with the Remora holster.
Concur re: the one-handed holstering. I have one for my SR-9C w/17rnd mags, and one for my 1911CMD. Both work exceptionally well.
One minor point regarding IWB carry generally: If it’s not comfortable at 4:00 (and it isn’t for me, especially when driving) try 3:00, or right on the hip bone. Sounds uncomfortable, I know, but surprisingly, it’s not.
That’s funny Martin. I find it very uncomfortable at 3pm and perfect at 4pm. Just shows that everyone is different! What works for one may not work for someone else.
Yup, I used to carry at the 3:00 position for comfort’s sake, but 4:00 does conceal better. I found this holster to be comfortable either way.
Great review Ralph, I’ve been looking for a new IWB holster and I’ll give this one a try.
I discovered a while back that I can carry my Kel-Tec in a nemesis holster between my belt and my pants just fine if the belt is tightened down real well.
I just ordered two of these, one for my P3AT and one for my CW9. I had a question about which model to order for the Kahr and spoke to Alan at Remora. He couldn’t have been nicer and even threw in a free magazine holster. If the product is as good as Ralph says and as good as their customer service, these will be great products. Can’t wait to try them out.
I bought three Remora holsters from Alan. One for a SIG P220 Compact SAO which has reinforced top and sweat guard, one for Taurus PT145 MilPro without reinforced top, and one for Keltec P3AT with reinforced top. I got the sweat guard to provide more padding between the hammer and me and it works. The SIG and Keltec have a 3 inch band sewn in that allows for one handed reholstering. I can’t tell the difference in thickness or comfort between reinforced and non-reinforced. Also I can reholster the blocky Taurus PT145 one-handed even with the non-reinforced version, just not as quickly. That may be a body build issue as well since I am over 6′ tall and weigh 180 and it is a straight shot down to reholster. However believe me the grip between pants and shirt is so tacky that I don’t think reholstering will be a problem for anyone as the holster simply doesn’t move under any circumstances. I position the Remora in the morning and it stays where it is positioned even during a whole day outside doing rough framing, heavy yard work, tree trimming, brush clearing, cement mixing and attaching implements and trailers to a tractor. It doesn’t come off until I get in bed. As for reholstering, if I have to draw my gun to defend myself or my family I won’t be reholstering until the threat is entirely removed or the authorities have arrived to take charge of the perp. However I go to places like churches, federal buildings, and secure customer locations where I am not allowed to carry but don’t want to have to take the holster off after locking my weapon in the car since you have to unbotton your pants and loosen your belt to reposition a Remora. If I am not carrying it is like the holster isn’t there but you can rapidly reholster when you get back to your car. The grip and friction of the Remora is so good that you cannot get back in the car and just push a Remora into a 4 o’clock IWB position so reholstering is a plus. Additionally because of the cushioning of the holster and the grip of the material the weight of the gun is spread out much more than any other holster I have ever had including OWB belt holsters. My SIG P22o Compact is my every day carry carry gun and since getting my Remora I have given up carrying mouse guns and eliminated the IWB “sciatica” hip pain caused by hard Kydex holsters. I work from home so I carry from the time I get dressed until I go to bed at night. It doesn’t make any difference if I am wearing cargo pants with a wide leather belt at the house or a business suit with a thin dress belt when meeting clients. The same holster works the same way every day all day. My search for a concealed carry holster is over. The Remora has to be the best value in gun gear and holsters on the market today. Alan has reinvented the holster and he was an absolute pleasure to talk with when I first called to order my holsters. I will be ordering more for my family members who carry.
You’re kidding about the re-holstering being a dealbreaker—-right? You’re a CCW civilian and you’ve been envolved in a shooting and you’re worried about putting the pistol back in the holster? ????????????????????????
Who cares. Stick it in your damned pocket until the cops show up. Have to admit that’s the lamest reason to not use an unbelievably comfortable holster I’ve ever read.
Dan,
I see your point, but I’m sure like most people your pant pockets vary from pair to pair. Being able to secure your weapon is very handy if you need to use both your hands in a hurry. Maybe it’s just me, but after I’ve been scared witless, rendered near deaf by gunfire, and pumped with adrenalin; the last thing I want in my hands is the gun I’ve just been forced to fire. In this condition, if you cannot secure your weapon quickly and consistently, you are more likely to have your muzzle cover something that you don’t want to shoot; like perhaps a LEO with his gun already drawn. That being said, I just ordered a Remora RFT with the sweat sheild.
If there’s a LEO on scene, you’re not going to be reholstering your firearm. You’re going to be putting it gently on the ground. No LEO is going to be comfortable with you having a firearm in easy reach until the situation is fully understood. So, I don’t see how inconvenient reholstering is any issue.
Like SIGS4EVAH I am in and out of my vehicle and customer accounts all day most days. Some calls require that I leave the gun in the car requiring frequent reholstering so the RFT does make a difference for me. I made do with the standard top for a while it just takes a little more effort and time. The RFT makes it so much more convenient. It also helps when training practicing my draw, whether dry or live fire.
I purchased the Remora about a year ago, and no problems what so ever. Drawing of the side arm is awesome, reholstering is a bit longer, but not a big deal. as Dan pretty much said, if you have the need to pull you firearm out, why are you going to put it away so fast? I carry a G21SF, and I have no issues, I also carry about the 330 position w/ a cant of the grip just right past my hip bone. If you do not own one, atleast try it before you knock it…
Great holster!
I have one for each gun and carry every day in Florida. Never have had a problem!
Wonderful review. Wonderful writer. Never thought I could read a review about a weapon accessory and enjoy it that much. Just wanted you to know that was awesome.
I also have a Remora for each of my guns. Being female, it is sometimes difficult to find a comfortable holster that will work with what I have to wear during the day. Remora works perfectly with whatever gun I choose, from a .38 Smith and Wesson to a Glock 19. Haven’t had any problems with the holsters no matter what I have on.
was wondering if Remora holster needs to be on skin to hold or will placing it between pants and an under armor t-shirt be alright?
I carry a Walther PPS in a Remora between whatever pants/jeans I am wearing and my boxers. It works great and doesn’t move around at all. I’m sure if it was up against skin it would grip even better though.
I have a Remora holster, and I think its not very good at all. The only part that is sticky, or works with friction, is the outer seams. If I use minimal retention, like the review stated, the holster and gun will drop. I have to catch it before it falls down. I have done my own tests, and they involved simply jumping up and down lightly. The holster doesnt hold at all. I have to use my belt really tight to keep it in place. I would not really recommend this holster to anyone.
Have you tried calling the company and speaking with a customer service rep? They are VERY willing to help with any situation they are able…even exchange to see if the problem could be resolved? This doesn’t seem to be an issue with 99.9% of the reviews I read. Just a thought! 🙂
The only flaw I can see and it is a major one. What do you do if you are out and have to use the bathroom?
Hold it.
The holster of course.
Product is fine…but I made a mistake in calling to inquire as to a ship date and was greeted with rudeness and a genuine lack of concern. Their way of thanking me for my repeat business was by canceling my order which I did not request. They did it to be vindictive. I called after receiving the email stating they were canceling my order. I requested a way to contact the owner and was refused. With no way to reach the owner I am basically relegated to passing my experience on to others.
The confirmation of shipping they provide is not accurate. So if you buy the product DO NOT call them inquiring as to when the holster will actually ship…it seems to be a hot button with them.
It’s been nearly 3 years since Dan’s comment on his experience. My experience in May of 2016 was much different. I received the product 4 days after ordering. I got confirmation email right away, and email with tracking information the next day. I ordered two holsters, one for a currently popular gun and other was for gun I would not say is as wide spread and popular. Got them both at same time. So far I am pleased with them and seems to be a great value.
I am new to CC, and trying out IWB-A. Gun (S&W 439) and holster ride well down to the line of the trigger guard, even with loose-fitting clothes. I got mine at a local shop, so no shipping issues.
When I visit the Remora site, I’m overwhelmed by the number of holsters. I want to get the exact one you’ve shown here. Is there a model number or something I can use to find what I’m looking for??
Thanks,
Sam
Sam, they have a “build your own customer holster” feature on the website (which sounds more expensive but isn’t, unless you add accessories, etc) for which you can simply select the make, model and size of your particular piece. It will then select the most appropriate holster for you.
Been using Remora holsters for years. I have a box of other holsters that I have purchased in my drive for a better holster. Remora by far is the best comfort and hold.
I have spoke to the service people at Remora and found them to be a pure pleasure
To deal with! The few that are whining about bad hold or bad experience with customer service at Remora may have issues with everything they purchase. Too bad life’s to short. Anyway Best Regards..
That is the funniest review I have ever read. So funny I actually bought a Remora holster. Love it & everything here is true to point…
Almost 4 years now I pocket carry in a Remora. But let me correct one thing. If you wear nylon pants like Nike or Russ, asics etc., “I owned a world gym”, it can slide down the leg once it breaks away from the waist area. If there is no tight fitting material, it has nothing to attach itself to. I have had them slide off,
If you pocket carry, or wear tight fitting pants, it’s fine. I still am in search of the anti gravity holster. Maybe a combo of a versa carry and a remora.
“The Remora was as comfortable and comforting as a mother’s kiss.”
Here’s hoping you don’t appendix carry!
But seriously, nice review
I’ve had my Remora for several years now for my TCP. It does take a few days to get used to no clip. My ultimate test of faith in this product was to wear it wade fishing in 2-3 feet of salt water! In the waistband of board shorts, commando, the firearm did not move & was very comfortable. Worked so well I got one for my SS 1911. 3 pounds of hardware carried just right,all day! They do work(grip) better against skin than cloth. Great product! Could have saved me a lot of money in holsters had I found Remora sooner! About $30.
I just purchased a Remora holster and it seems to be the best holster I have ever used.
Great & fun review! Well done Sir. As my previous post said, I own two of these. Still very pleased. I do stand by putting holster against skin though for max stability. Under drawers waistband or commando. The one for my 1911 really blew me away. It was only a house gun before the Remora. The way the Remora distributes the weight of this heavy gun made it a daily carry firearm when I feel like it. Nice product, try one.
Another comment on a fine product or tip, if you will. Get a Desantis nemesis pocket holster for pocket carry! The Remora is an IWB holster! I’ve found it’s so sticky/grippy, it’s a pain to get into a pocket unless you undo pants! And if you do get it in place in your pocket, it’s tough to grab gun because of ‘cut’ of holster. Not to speak for company, but use it for its purpose & you’ll be very pleased.
One more tip and I’ll shut up about how great the Remora is. Every couple of days, wet your fingertips under the tap & wipe both sides of holster. Seems to keep holster sticky as new. I have the standard original one & can re holster both firearms fairly easily. Depends on the firearm. A full size 1911 & TCP are no problem. Peace.
What about the Belt Clip version is that a better option.
I cant tell you how the product is because i have been waiting 3 weeks for mine to come in. I called remora and was put on hold and after about 5 min on hold was hung up on. i called back and phone picked up and i could hear someone laugh and hang up on me. i called back again and got a recording . I left a detailed message with a call back number and never got a call back. what a poor way to run a company
I got the holster after waiting 4 weeks for it and it is nice
Must of been post holiday shortage or something. I read these comments prior to ordering and was pleasantly surprised when I received mine in less than a week.
Have tried several IWB holsters these are the so far. Give them try you wont be sorry. Order full sweat shield with leather lining the best by far.
I love the intelligence, education, and wit of the writer. Very entertaining and well-written, and that is quite rare these days.
I’m “mature” and have extra cushioning for my Remora to grasp. I must position my weapon so that the sights don’t poke me, but once I do that, the holster is wonderfully comfortable and easy to forget even while sitting.
I previously have fitted holsters to my weapon with moisture or heat, and I would like to try the heat method recommended on the Remora website video. For those who are concerned with easy reholstering, perhaps it would be a little easier after custom-fitting the holster.
Received my holsters today 1 for a Rugar P95 and the other for a KelTec pf9 I knew the KelTec would be ok it is small and light, my Rugar on the other hand is like carrying a Boat Anchor so I decided today I would dust off the P95 and try out the Remora Holster.
I’ve bought a lot of holsters and they just haven’t felt to great. I’m a jogger and I dislike the bouncing other holsters make while clip on. Remora is great fit and can use same model for any tactical lights . To me that’s a plus. I have 3 Remora holsters now and very pleased with them. Note I carry 4 types of handguns and fits all of them perfect.
Comments are closed.