Alien Gear Photon Holster Review: Best EDC Holster?

Alien Gear Photon Specs & Features

Specs

• Type: IWB & OWB
• Optic Compatible: Yes
• Adjustable: Yes, for cant and ride height
• Attachments: Ling and short claw for IWB, Paddle OWB only
• Compatible With: Glock, Sig Sauer, Lone WOlf (LDT-19), Smith & Wesson Shield, Taurus, Springfield Armory Hellcat

Features

• Light-bearing and optics-ready models available
• Tall sight channel
• Swappable for left or right-handed use

Alien Gear is a well-known name in the world of holsters, mostly for its hybrid holsters that combine polymer and soft materials.

But recently, Alien Gear has expanded into the world of all polymer holsters, with their latest modular holster being the Photon.

Alien Gear kindly sent us their new modular Photon holster, and I’ve been using it with my Glock 19 for a couple of months as my primary carry option.

Let’s see if all that modularity and adjustment makes the Photon worth a hoot and holler. 

Keep reading to learn more about the features, specs, and performance you can expect from the Photon.

Why You Should Trust Us

Before becoming an NRA-certified instructor and concealed carry trainer out of Florida, I was a Marine infantryman. So, I know my way around guns.

I’ve tested numerous holsters for numerous publications over the years. I am a huge proponent of concealed carry and have dedicated quite a bit of time to finding out what works and what doesn’t.

Photon Background

Alien Gear has been straying away from what they are known for. First with the Shapeshift, then their Rapid Force duty holsters, and now the Photon.

While Alien Gear hasn’t given up on hybrid holsters, they seem to be expanding their lineup in other directions. 

Overall, the Photon series seems to be a refinement of their Shapeshift series, although not a replacement. 

Who Is This For

For only $50, you get a complete holster system that can work as both an IWB or OWB rig with plenty of additional attachments. Another $20 will get you a sidecar attachment and magazine pouch. 

The ability to convert between different carrying styles offers what are effectively two holsters for the price of one.

It’s perfect for the modern shooter who wants a light and optic on their gun and a means to carry it both concealed or open. 

Fit & Feel

Try as I might, the Photon didn’t work well for me as an appendix rig. I’m a big dude, and very few rigs work well in that position for me. 

When I did try it appendix, it was fine as long as I was standing or sitting on a couch. Once I climbed into a desk chair or car, it poked and prodded me.

It also didn’t work well with my belt with the sidecar attachment.

Part of the problem with the Photon in AIWB is the big FOMI-style clip that is included. This type of plastic clip sucks for a few reasons, including durability.

They are also massive, and when I have to use one for the holster and one for the sidecar, a lot of belt real estate is taken up. 

Additionally, they tend to pull the gun away from the body. Loops or a monoblock would be preferred. 

I dropped the claw and tossed it on my hip to try strongside IWB carry. I went about my business with a Glock 19 and Nightstick light without a problem.

Most of their WML options are limited to compact lights like the TLR-7A and similar-sized options. The Photon has some compatibility with other lights, like those from Nightstick and Inforce.

It’s devoid of sharp edges that poke, and it ranks high in the comfort department. I often carried it for more than twelve hours a day without too many complaints.

On the OWB side of things, the paddle attachment works, but it’s not my preference. I tend to look at OWB through a duty lens and have never trusted paddles all that much for hard use. 

The paddle attachment pushes the gun away from the body and makes it easy to grip and rip. It is well-placed for easy access and comfort.

If you wanted an affordable competition option, you could do a lot worse than the Photon. 

How Does it Handle

At the range, I did practice with all three carry methods. Appendix proved to be the fastest, as usual, but OWB wasn’t far behind, and finally, strong side IWB was the slowest…but not by much. 

Prior to going to the range, I had to back off the retention a ton to even get the gun in the holster. It must have been set to max from the factory. 

After backing the retention way off, I had no issues, and drawing was easy.

The holster is properly trimmed with an undercut under the trigger to allow for a good grip without rapping your knuckles.

Getting a good grip, which turns into a good presentation, wasn’t difficult. I never felt the system was unsafe or hard to draw. Regardless of how I carried the gun, it remained accessible and easy to get out of the holster on the target. 

The Photon works like a charm and gives you multiple competent carry options for a variety of purposes. 

What Sets It Apart

One word…modularity. Most holsters offer a little modularity — usually cant and height adjustment.

The Photon offers a lot more, with the ability to carry your gun as you see fit. Swapping carry styles is simple, and you can nearly do it on the fly. 

Alien Gear also ensured the holsters were ready for modern accessories like optics, suppressor height sights, and weapon lights.

All this for $50 isn’t bad, and I have to give Alien Gear credit for accomplishing a lot for a fair price.   

Photon By the Numbers

Comfort: 3/5

If it weren’t for the appendix design, this would be a 4 out of 5. The IWB and OWB are fine, nothing special, but the AIWB drops it a point.

Access: 5/5

Gripping, ripping, and getting the gun out of the holster and in your hand is easy. The adjustable retention ensures you can get it just right.

Value: 5/5

The Photon costs $50, and you’re getting a combo OWB/ IWB holster — a fairly nice one at that. 

Overall: 4.5/5

Final Verdict

Color me impressed. The Photon is an affordable, modular, and most comfortable holster for EDC.

Some slight changes could take the holster to the next level. But even though the review is over, I’m not planning to ditch the holster.

It’s currently set up for daily carry and has worked for me for a while now, so I might as well stick with it. 

Do you have any experience with the Photon? If so, let us know what you think in the comments below! Considering other options? Check out our article on the Best Kydex Holster Makers!