Having recently submitted my CCW application, I started shopping around for an appendix inside the waistband (AIWB) holster. Having heard good things about Tier 1 Concealed, I decided to order the Axis Slim holster for my CZ P-01. The T1C Axis Slim is constructed in Kydex and combines a pistol holster and magazine holder via military grade shock cord which allows greater flex. The front and back of the holster as well as the shock cord are available in a variety of colors.
Delivery: T1C has infamous wait times, and at the time of ordering a lead time of 5-15 business days was posted. I ordered on a Sunday, and got a shipment notification on the 8th business day and received it on the 11th day, so not so terrible. A black cinch bag with the T1C logo is also included.
Appearance: Holster companies wouldn’t offer so many options if people didn’t care about the appearance of their holster. I opted for Wolf Grey on the front, and Neon Green on the back. I wanted a darker color up front, but a bright color in the back to make the inside more visible when reholstering. Overall I’m pleased with the color scheme, and the colors I ordered did look the same as shown on their website.
Fit and Comfort: With my pistol equipped, the Axis Slim does not feel uncomfortable at all, but I definitely notice it’s there. I first tried it with a cheap tactical belt and quickly realized that a quality belt is key, both for fit and concealment since the buckle was the main thing printing. I currently use a T1C EDC-S belt, which complements the Axis Slim nicely. Overall I don’t feel any pokey edges with this holster, even with my slight gut. This holster also has a mid height sweat guard built in, but I find it barely noticeable.
Retention: This holster had great retention out of the box with that audible click when holstering. Retention is adjustable via screws for both the pistol and magazine. The stock EZ Adjust Clips™ have a great grip on my belt and I haven’t noticed them slipping off at any time yet. Magazine retention is great too. In fact, I haven’t felt the need to adjust the retention out of the box for both the magazine and pistol yet. I also haven’t felt the need to adjust the additional hardware such as the claw or the ride height since the stock configuration works fine for me.
Concealment: The true test of a good AIWB holster is its ability to minimize printing of the firearm. The design of the Axis Slim uses a shock cord allows the two parts of the holster to flex to the curvature of your waist. The claw on the pistol end of the holster then pushes the holster back into the body, further enhancing concealment. This design works well. I recommend not only using a mirror to test concealment, but actually asking other people whether or not they can notice.
I highly recommend this holster if you’re looking for an AIWB holster. Although it isn’t one of the newest offerings from T1C, it is tried and true and for a reason. I honestly cannot think of a con other than the price. T1C holsters are on the expensive side, but like they say, “buy once cry once”. I really don’t want to waste money building up a box of holsters. I just want to buy one that works well, and the Axis Slim definitely does.
Ordered Specs:
Dominant Hand: Right
Gun Make & Model: CZ P01
Weapon Light Model : None
Front Color : Wolf Grey
Back Color: Neon Green
Threaded Barrel: No
Round Orientation: Rounds Facing Gun (recommended)
Belt Clip Style: T1C EZ Adjust Clips™ (6 hole)
Extended Spare Magazine?: No – Standard Magazine
Shock Cord Color: Neon Green
Additional Shock Cord & Clasp?: None
Add a Wedge Sizing Pack?: No
Add Individual wedge?: None
Blue Thread lock: No