N8 Tactical's MultiFlex Holster is Versatile and Easily Customized

The super holster offers versatility that far exceeds the competition.

August 02, 2024 By Brad Fitzpatrick

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Millions of Americans carry concealed firearms every day, and this has prompted holster manufacturers to offer innovative and effective new products. Few of these offer the level of versatility found on the new N8 Tactical MultiFlex Holster. Since it is convertible to inside-the-waistband or outside-the-waistband configurations and functions with multiple firearm models, the N8 Tactical MultiFlex serves double duty as a range/training and carry holster. Constructed for durability with quality components, it’s an outstanding value at just $50.

I’ve developed a system for evaluating holsters based on what I believe to be the five key components of their design and construction: versatility, comfort, durability, security and firearm accessibility. Here’s how the N8 Tactical MultiFlex performs in each of those categories.

Versatility

The biggest thing that sets the N8 Tactical MultiFlex apart from the competition is versatility. There are only two sizes of MultiFlex holster available: compact and full size. If you rolled your eyes at the one-size-fits-all sales pitch, that’s understandable; some past holster designs promising to fit “a multitude” of guns really didn’t fit any firearm particularly well. The secret to the MultiFlex’s success is a holster pocket that is almost infinitely adjustable for a just-right fit. There are screws that adjust for slide width and trigger guard width—the retention anchor point on this holster—and additional screws that tighten or loosen retention sliders to control the side-to-side movement of the firearm.

The test holster fit a Shadow Systems MR920 and Glock G19, which are dimensional doppelgangers, but it also fit my FN FNS-9—a holster that can be hard to find at your local gunshop. Now I have one holster that works for all those guns.

The MultiFlex doesn’t require an engineering degree to get the most from its design. While I did stumble on some of the steps listed in the directions, it didn’t take long to figure it out. Making adjustments to the holster requires a Phillips screwdriver, and if you aren’t skilled at estimating sizes then a ruler might be handy because most accessories are labeled by length (1/2-inch screws, 3/8-inch barrels, 3/4-inch screws, etc.). So long as you keep the included hardware and the directions, reconfiguring the holster for IWB or OWB carry isn’t difficult. Run through the steps a handful of times and you’ll have memorized the basic procedures and will be able to swap from OWB to IWB and back without your cheat sheet. But if you do happen to lose the instructions, there are helpful videos on the N8 Tactical website.

If you run suppressor-height sights and optics on your pistol, you’ll be happy to hear there’s ample room for large optics to fit in this holster, and the sight channel is plenty large for even the tallest iron sights. The holster will also function with any 1.5-inch paddle, adding another carry option. Many holsters offer two carry styles, but very few offer three, so even the pickiest gun owner will find a method that suits them. Last, but not least, the MultiFlex is available in left-hand versions too.

Comfort

Comfort is a huge factor because you won’t carry a holster that’s uncomfortable. In OWB guise, the MultiFlex features two large polymer belt loops that attach to belts up to 1.5 inches wide, and when the holster is mounted on the belt the smooth polypropylene holster shell rides close to the body but doesn’t jab into the waist and is free of sharp edges. After converting the holster to an IWB configuration, I carried the Shadow Systems MR920 in the appendix position for the better part of a week. I paired the holster with a CrossBreed Minimalist nylon carry belt, and the combination worked very well to securely hold the firearm close to the body without jabbing or poking.

Appendix carry isn’t always a comfortable position, especially for those who’ve notched a few extra holes in our belts, but the smooth backing of the full-size MultiFlex makes it ride close to the body without causing pain. The curved contour keeps the gun close but doesn’t interfere with normal activity. The MultiFlex can also be rotated to wear in other IWB positions such as strong-side hip carry, which is generally more comfortable for larger gun owners. Regardless of the position, this holster carries comfortably enough for daily carry.

Durability

holster screws — Four Phillips screws control width adjustment and retention on the gun’s trigger guard. The two sliders, accessed from underneath with a No. 1 Phillips, eliminate any side-to-side play. (Photo submitted by the author)

A holster isn’t worth much if it falls apart on you, and the MultiFlex gets high scores in durability. Polypropylene holds shape and functions normally in temperatures ranging from -20 to 180 degrees, and since polypropylene is resistant to moisture you won’t need to worry that the holster body will be damaged by prolonged daily exposure to the cocktail of salts and lipids in human sweat.

The metal screws and washers earn a high score, too. The threads and screw heads are clean and sturdy enough for multiple conversions, and the rubber “barrels” don’t seem brittle and hold up well to heavy torque. The metal clips for IWB carry are sturdy and offer just the right amount of flex to install/remove the holster. I suppose with enough swap-outs between IWB and OWB you could eventually wear out the hardware, but I think that would require hundreds of changes.

I’m skeptical when anyone tells me that a multi-fit holster is secure, but the MultiFlex’s varied adjustment points mean you can effectively customize the holster to that just-right retention. Loosen the rear screw a half-turn and you’ll be able to draw with less effort on range days. Afterward, tighten the screws for daily IWB carry. It doesn’t offer multi-step retention devices like some duty holsters, but the MultiFlex will hold your gun in place with an appropriate level of retention. The MultiFlex features a 12-degree cant that angles the gun for an optimum draw stroke while remaining concealable. The summers in Ohio are usually hot and always humid, so light cover garments are the order of the day. Holsters that allow any part of the gun to ride away from the body not only cause printing but also result in hang-ups while drawing because the gun can grab the hem of your clothing. The MultiFlex keeps the gun close to the body, and even under light clothing the holster was easy to conceal and access.

Value

My final concerns when selecting a holster are aesthetics and value. Like Mr. Ford’s revolutionary Model T, the MultiFlex is available in black and black alone, so if you’re searching for an electric green snakeskin print on your holster, then you’ll have to shop elsewhere. Actually, the MultiFlex looks very good compared to most other multi-fit holsters, which can look and feel like a brick strapped to your belt.

Value is excellent. $50 for a stylish multi-fit holster that actually works? That’s money well spent. N8 Tactical has done an excellent job creating a sleek multi-fit holster, a goal I wasn’t certain could be achieved.