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Tenicor VELO GEN4 AIWB Holster Review

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Tenicor VELO Holster Review

Interested in getting more information on Tenicor’s VELO GEN4 AIWB holster?

Well, you’ve come to the right place. It is the best concealed carry holster I’ve used and the one we recommend the most.

Like you, I want to get my hands on an appendix holster that conceals and functions well, while being comfortable. I’ve bought and used many, but none of them were great.

When I heard of Tenicor’s VELO, made specifically for appendix carry, I thought I’d give them a try and bought two GEN 3 versions, one for my SIG P365 and another one for my GLOCK 19.

I’m glad I did. The VELO GEN4 AIWB Holster is now my go-to, concealed carry holster.

I liked it so much that I contacted Tenicor to see if they would send us a couple of different holsters (which they did) so that members of our cadre could test them out and we could conduct a thorough review.

The Tenicor VELO GEN4 AIWB Holster is the best appendix-style holster we’ve used–and we’ve tested tons of them.

It’s intelligently designed, easy to conceal, and built for everyday use. As mentioned above, it is an “appendix carry” holster intended to be worn in front of the hip around one o’clock (for right-handed shooters).

There are hundreds of different holsters in the market. Holsters from many reputable brands will sufficiently do their jobs, i.e. they will safely secure your pistol.

However, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line appendix-style holster that will last you a long time, look no further. Every detail of the VELO AIWB Holster has been carefully and purposefully designed.

Let’s take a closer look.

OUR CHOICE
9.8/10 Our Score

Tenicor Velo4 AIWB Holster

$105

at Tenicor

(Price accurate at time of writing.)

Holster Review Details & Criteria

Coch holding the Tenicor VELO

When we review holsters, we evaluate ten areas. They are:

  1. Trigger Coverage
  2. Retention
  3. Concealability
  4. Relative Comfort
  5. Attachments
  6. Access
  7. Master Grip
  8. Pistol Protection
  9. Body Protection
  10. Durable Material

For this review, we tested two different VELO AIWB holsters with mainly two SIG SAUER pistols: a SIG P365 and a SIG P320 X-Compact. (We did also test the holsters with a SIG P320 X-Carry–the holsters are the same for each.)

Tenicor Velo AIWB Holsters for SIG Sauer

Various members of our cadre evaluated the holsters over the last eight months.

With the SIG P365, for the last month, we’ve used an improved VELO GEN4 AIWB Holster. In the previous seven months, we used a VELO AIWB GEN3 holster. This review will focus on the current GEN4 model.

Tenicor VELO AIWB Gen 3 and Gen 4 holsters
The Gen4 (top) has some nice additions versus the Gen3 version.

With the SIG P320 X-Compact, we used two VELO GEN4 AIWB Holster versions. The first version was tested for seven months; the second version, which included some minor design changes to accommodate P320 pistols with a manual safety, was tested for a month and is the focus of this review.

We tested all the attachment options:

Although we use two SIG SAUER pistols in this review, the features and benefits of the VELO GEN4 AIWB Holster apply to other handgun models.

At this time, Tenicor has designs for GLOCK, SIG SAUER, and M&P by Smith & Wesson.

Trigger Coverage

When it comes to holsters, the first two areas we look at focus on safety. With an appendix-style holster, the last thing we want is an accidental discharge to our femoral artery or groin area.

Trigger coverage is the most important safety factor we consider.

The VELO GEN4 AIWB Holster completely covers the trigger guard area when a pistol is holstered. Because of the precise fit, there’s no play between the handgun and the holster, so there is no chance of inadvertently pressing the trigger.

Tenicor VELO Trigger Guard

The VELO is made from thick (0.093”) and durable thermoplastic. The material will not give. From outside of the holster, there’s practically no way to access the trigger.

Retention

The second safety factor we examine is retention.

A pistol shouldn’t bounce or move when holstered. It should remain in place at all times through your normal daily interactions.

The Tenicor VELO incorporates passive retention devices into the design itself as well as the shape and mold of the design. This is why proper holster shape is critical when it comes to selecting a holster and why universal holsters should be avoided.

The holster’s retention was great ‘out of the box’ and can be easily increased or decreased to your preferred setting with dual tension screws.

Tenicor holster retention screws

Concealability

Beyond safety, you have to consider an appendix-style holster’s ability to conceal your handgun. You should be able to conceal a weapon without much disruption in your daily routine. You should not have to make massive changes in your attire or lifestyle to accommodate a weapon.

Coch using the Tenicor VELO AIWB Holster with his SIG P320 X-Carry
Coch using the Tenicor VELO AIWB Holster with his SIG P320 X-Carry

Tenicor’s VELO GEN4 really shines in this arena, and rightfully so given that the holster was specifically designed as an “appendix carry” holster carried in front of the hip around one o’clock (for right-handed shooters).

By wearing the gun in front of the hip, Tenicor has eliminated the side bulges that other inside the waistband holsters can’t hide. 

Two key design features of the VELO help make your gun disappear. The combination of the camming bar and anatomically correct body contour rotate the grip up and into the body. 

Your gun belt will run across the camming bar forcing the grip of the gun to rotate into the body. 

Tenicor Velo Holster Camming Bar
Tenicor Camming Bar

The body contour compliments the camming bar by raising the muzzle away from the lower abdomen, rotating the rear of the pistol (i.e. tang) into the body. 

Tenicor Velo Holster Body Contour
Tenicor Body Contour

The angles and curves of the contour are anatomically designed to eliminate hot spots and pressure points by filling in empty space between the holster and the body, resulting in a comfortable and hidden gun. 

The Tenicor VELO with the SIG P365

The SIG P365 just disappears using the Tenicor VELO. With the gun’s compact design combined with the VELO’s concealability features, one doesn’t have to worry about printing.

I’m a small, slim guy who usually wears fitted shirts. As you can see from the photos, despite this, the VELO does a great job of concealing the pistol.

Myles using the Tenicor VELO Holster with his P365
Myles using the Tenicor VELO Holster with his P365.

The Tenicor VELO with the SIG P320 X-Compact (and X-Carry)

With the SIG P320 X-Compact, members of our cadre who evaluated the holster had no printing issues, and the holster concealed the gun well.

Coch's SIG P320 X-Carry disappears with the VELO.
Coch’s SIG P320 X-Carry disappears with the VELO.

However, with my body type combined with the slightly larger VELO holster and larger pistol, others and I could easily tell I was carrying a gun.

Using the SIG P320 X-Compact with a Tenicor VELO Holster
The SIG P320 X-Compact prints a bit if I use the holster without a magazine pouch.

I need to carry an IWB magazine pouch at the 11 o’clock position to balance the printing that shows if I use only the holster at the 1 o’clock position.

The VELO’s design conceals nicely and isn’t behind the printing issue I experienced with the SIG P320 X-Compact. In this case, the combination of the wider gun, wider holster, and my body type caused the printing.

Using the Tenicor VELO with a magazine pouch to decrease printing when using a SIG P320 X-compact.
Using the Tenicor VELO with a magazine pouch to decrease printing when using a SIG P320 X-compact.

For me, concealability is okay if I add a magazine pouch, but I am not able to conceal the pistol well using the VELO holster without a mag pouch.

As mentioned, however, other members of our cadre (who are bigger) had no issues with concealability or printing.

Comfortable Fit

After safety and concealability, we consider comfort. Comfortable holsters are holsters you’ll use to carry a gun day in and day out. If the concealed carry holster isn’t comfortable, you may be inclined not to carry it and then not carry your gun.

Comfort often leads to a simple “less is more” design. Less holster is easier to carry than more holster. The VELO is slim with no excess, reducing the gun’s profile.

Tenicor Velo Holster Thickness

All the members of our cadre who used the holster really like how it feels. I often forget I’m wearing the holster. As I mentioned earlier, it is my EDC holster now.

Honestly, this is a very comfortable appendix holster.

Former Navy SEAL Operator, Mark “Coch” Cochiolo

The VELO has no sharp edges that might irritate your body. All corners are rounded, and the new body contour feature of the VELO GEN4 AIWB folder is a marked improvement over the GEN3 version. The GEN4 holster’s body contour was widened and rounded more than its previous version.

Gen 4 and Gen 4 Tenicor VELO Body Contour versions
The GEN4 version (left) is wider and more rounded, making it more comfortable than GEN3 (right).

Speaking of the body contour feature, most people really like it, but some people prefer an appendix style holster without it because it might push into their body and be uncomfortable. It’s a matter of personal preference, and with the GEN4 version, they have really improved the body contour’s design.

Tenicor also carefully designed subtle and robust ride height adjustments into the VELO holster, giving customers the flexibility to select the most comfortable ride height for them.

Attachments

A good concealed carry holster needs to be easy to access and quick to draw from. Here, the right kind of attachments matter.

In terms of access, the holster should stay in place at all times. It needs to have secure attachments, so it does not slide or move in your day to day affairs. This may require a good belt as well, but the holster should do the Lion’s share of the work.

Tenicor VELO Holster Attachments
A look at two of the three attachments we tested, i.e. T1 Belt Clips (left) and Snap Loops (right). T1 belt clips come in a pair. We tested the holsters both with one and two clips.

The Tenicor VELO AIWB Holster offers three attachment options that you can use:

  • T1 Belt Clips by Discreet Carry Concepts
    • These clips are strong and durable, and really keep your holster in place. The holster is designed so that you can adjust vertically up to 0.45 inches providing subtle ride height adjustment. The two clip design provides stability, so our holster will be exactly where it’s supposed to be, and the staggered adjustment slots keep the overall length trim. The clips work with 1.5″ belts.
  • Closed Soft Loops
    • These attachments are the most secure and concealable, however, they are not as convenient as the belt clips or snap loops. If you want the holster to stay in place in the most extreme circumstances, then this is the option for you.  The closed soft loops work with 1.25”, 1.5”, and 1.75” belts.
  • Snap Loops
    • A convenient full loop option, the snap loops allow the holster to be taken on and off without removing the belt.  They work with 1.25”, 1.5”, and 1.75” belts.

We tried all three options, and they all work well and balance security, durability, concealment, and convenience. All of the attachments are spaced to allow the user to split a pant loop to increase flexibility in the placement of the holster.

Most of the team liked the T1 belt clips the best because they’re very strong and keep the holster in place, yet, one can take the holster on and off without removing their belt.

Personally, I like the snap loops better because it’s easier to put on or take off the holster, and the snap loops work best with the types of pants I wear.

I usually wear thin, light athletic pants. Every time I’ve tried using the T1 belt clips, it takes me several minutes to put the holster on because it gets caught on my athletic pants. I have to spend time readjusting the pants and belt clips. If I’m wearing jeans, I have no issues.

One thing to note is that all VELO holsters ship without their attachments attached to the holster. This is done on purpose so that you can position the holster any way on your body, after which you can add the attachments once you find your sweet spot.

Access

The best concealed carry holsters do not require you to defeat complicated retention devices or anything crazy.

It should be intuitive and simple to draw your pistol with a single stroke. The design should never be complicated and, again, less is more.

Each Tenicor VELO holster is molded to a precise fit, which creates a uniquely secure holster with a smooth and consistent draw.

Coch drawing the Tenicor Velo AIWB holster

Master Grip

As with any holster, it’s vital that you’re able to establish a proper master grip on your pistol before drawing your weapon to ensure accurate, fast shots with proper recoil management.

Master grip on the SIG P320 X-carry using the Tenicor VELO
Proper Master Grip

If you do not have a good purchase on your pistol before drawing, there is a good chance you will not land accurate shots on target and will need to adjust your pistol grip.

When seconds count, getting a solid master grip is very important.

The Tencior VELO AIWB holster is carefully profiled to eliminate sight bite and to allow for a full, positive, and high thumb grip of the gun.

Tenicor Velo Holster Trigger Guard and Sweat Guard
Trigger Guard & Sweat Guard

Pistol Protection

The Tenicor VELO Holster provides excellent pistol protection given the precise fit of the holster. The VELO holster protects every major area of a pistol, while leaving the pistol grip uncovered in all the right places to help ensure a solid, master grip.

In addition, the holster is made out of high-quality, durable material (more on this later) that will protect your pistol from any scrapes, scratches, and dents.

Body Protection

One’s body is adequately protected as well given the holsters full wraparound coverage of a pistol, the high sweat/shirt guard, and the holster’s durable material.

We ran thousands of rounds through our pistols each training session, and despite our pistols being very hot, we could continue training.

We did not feel the need to unholster our pistols and have them cool off for a while.

At some points, I felt a little warmth, but this was only after shooting 600+ rounds without any breaks.

Durable Material

When you first pick up the VELO, you’ll immediately notice the quality craftsmanship. The VELO is one of the highest quality holsters we’ve used.

It’s a simple, yet durable product.  The VELO is made from thick (0.093”) and durable thermoplastic for longevity.

All of the attachments are of top quality, and the all-steel hardware with the provided thread-locker will last a lifetime. In fact, Tenicor provides a lifetime guarantee.

Hear What Navy SEAL, “Coch” Thinks

OUR CHOICE
Tenicor Velo4 AIWB Holster
9.8/10 Our Score

The Good

  • High-quality material and construction
  • Excellent design
  • Top-of-the-line attachments
  • Reliable and comfortable
  • Adjustable fit

The Bad

  • Higher cost compared to other holsters (but a worthy investment in our opinion)
  • Some shooters may not like the “Body Contour” feature. Consider getting the CERTUM instead if so.

The Verdict

If you carry concealed and prefer appendix carry, you really ought to check out Tenicor’s VELO AIWB Holster. They currently have designs for GLOCK, SIG SAUER, and M&P by Smith & Wesson pistols.

The comfortability and concealability of any holster will depend on a number of variables and personal preferences, but the vast majority of our cadre really liked the holster.

It’s one of the best appendix holsters we’ve used.

The Final Verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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About the author

Myles

Myles is the Founder of Tactical Hyve, a competitive shooter, and a life-long student of all things dealing with the tactical and self-defense worlds.

6 thoughts on “Tenicor VELO GEN4 AIWB Holster Review”

  1. Nice review and I like your format. The Velo is a top contender in my search for a good AIWB holster. Does using two clips negatively affect the camming bar? Also, how comfortable would this be for someone with a “tactical muffin top”?

    Reply
  2. Just ordered this guy. The TACHYVE 10% coupon did not work. Good review thanks

    Reply

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