Falco CX02 Holster Review

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People often speculate about the future. On the topic of three-dimensional (3D) printing, our understanding of material science, engineering and precision manufacturing is developing rapidly. Combine this with human ingenuity, resourcefulness and freedom, and any idea that was once considered impossible to an engineer can be reconsidered. Advancements in 3D printing allow experimentation with less-expensive prototypes made from either polymer or metal granules and powders. Firearm components, suppressors with complex baffle arrangements, and 3D-printed holsters are now possible.  

Falco Holsters expanded its commercial product line to include a 3D-printed holster. The CX02 is an outside-the-waistband (OWB) design featuring a single shell made of a proprietary polymer formula with wings that support integral 2-inch belt loops. The belt loops are fixed to orient the pistol vertically, but you can imagine the possibilities: Do you prefer a holster with a forward cant? Do you need a holster with 11/2-inch belt loops? Do you want a holster to accommodate a light? 

For now, the CX02 is only available from Falco as an OWB holster that supports the Glock 17/19/26, the G43/43X, the SIG Sauer P365-XMacro and the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. Each is priced the same — $139.95 — and can be purchased online at falcoholsters.com. The price is $30 more when compared to a Kydex equivalent. The Falco C901, for example, a Kydex holster, retails for $119.95.   

60-Day Carry

Kydex is a proven material used to make hard-sided holsters. Though the polymer formula Falco is using to 3D print the CX02 is a secret, the holster showed durability through Guns & Ammo’s 60-day testing protocol. A sample was ordered to support a G19 Gen5 MOS with an Aimpoint ACRO mounted to the slide. A Philips-head fastener below the triggerguard allows retention adjustments. The curved contour makes it comfortable for 3-o’clock hip carry, and a sweatguard protects most of the slide. The rigid holster features polyshot surfacing that resists scratches. The Falco logo repetitively appears across the face of the holster along an angled pattern. G&A’s sample looks the same as it did when new. The CX02 includes a 30-day buyback guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty. The CX02 carried well, almost unnoticeably, while worn every day for 2 months. Until other configurations become available, be sure you want a vertical holster with 2-inch belt loops if you carry one of the select guns. At the range, it was as fast and unrestrictive as any open-top Level 1 Kydex holster tested from concealment. 

Are 3D-printed holsters the future? Given people’s dissimilar preferences, maybe.

Falco CX02

• Materials: Polymer (shell), steel (fastener)
• Carry Type: Outside the waistband (OWB)
• Retention Type: Level 1; adjustable tension
• Adjustability: Yes (retention only)
• MSRP: $140
• Handgun Fit: Glock 17/19/26 (tested), G43/43X, SIG Sauer P365-XMacro, S&W Shield
• Accessory Rail Accommodations: No
• Positions to Carry: OWB; 3 o’clock (right hand)
• Average Time to Attach: 40 seconds
• Comfort Rating: 5/5
• Concealment Clothing: Untucked, button-down shirt or jacket
• Average Draw-to-Fire Time: 1.29 seconds **
• Manufacturer: Falco Holsters, 800-490-7147, falcoholsters.com

**Draw-to-fire time is the average of five clean draws producing an A-zone hit on a stationary target positioned at 21 feet. 

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