N8 Tactical Multiflex Holster: Carry Review

I’ll tell you flat out that I am not a fan of “universal fit” holsters for daily carry of a defensive handgun. My experience with the soft, amorphous, oversized, and sometimes stretchy belt pouches is that they neither retain the firearm securely nor fully protect the trigger. The availability and affordability of leather, polymer or hybrid model-specific holsters — such as those from N8 Tactical and its parent, Crossbreed Holsters — means that I never have to recommend a “universal” or “multi-fit” option.

The N8 Tactical MultiFlex holster is different. Yes, it’s compatible with a long list of firearm makes and models, and the same holster can be used interchangeably with different guns. Rather than a static multi-fit design, it’s a dynamic custom-fit solution that can be tailored by the user to accommodate a variety of pistol platforms. Further, the fit can be refined for ride height on a belt, cant, and retention. Using available and forthcoming accessories, the MultiFlex may also be configured for inside-the-waistband (IWB) or outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry by attaching belt clips or loops, respectively. An OWB paddle is an option, too, which is installed with 11/2-inch footprints.

The MultiFlex is offered in two sizes: Full and Compact. The holster accommodates more than 275 pistol models. To explain how N8 Tactical and Crossbreed Holsters accomplished this, allow me to review my experience carrying the MultiFlex.

60-Day Carry

For this evaluation, Guns & Ammo received the MultiFlex Compact. To get a feel for the holster and how it works, I unloaded my primary carry pistol, a Shadow Systems CR920P, and began to follow the sizing instructions.

The MultiFlex has seven visible Chicago-style screws that connect the holster’s two molded polypropylene shells.There are three in the front (slide side) and four in the back (frame side). Step one was to tighten the three front screws, achieving a snug fit over the slide. Step two was to tighten the four rear screws, effectively pancaking the gun between the shells. When adjusting the friction-fit retention, or tuning the amount of force required to draw the pistol, do so by loosening or tightening the rear set of screws, particularly the one below the triggerguard.

With the screws snug, the gun is essentially retained. However, users will note a small degree of rock and wiggle, and this is where things get interesting. The holster includes a pair of so-called “retention sliders” located next to the bottom of the triggerguard and the dustcover. These are basically polymer bumpers affixed to screws. As you tighten the sliders, the bumpers contact the firearm and apply pressure to lock the gun in place. It is the adjustment of the seven screws and the two bumpers that enable the MultiFlex to achieve, essentially, a custom fit on a variety of guns. To test this feature, I loosened all the screws and sliders, swapped in a SIG Sauer P365-AXG Legion, and then re-tightened it according to the instructions. It was a different gun, but the same result: A perfect fit. There was no wiggle, just custom and secure retention. Holstering the P365 yielded a confidence-inspiring, audible click.

Lessons learned: First, be sure to have a long-necked Phillips-head screwdriver for the retention sliders. They are located between the shells, so a little reach is needed to access them. Next, be prepared to make adjustments after trying the holster on. I found that firearm retention increased due to belt pressure flexing the holster. The solution was to loosen the rear screws until the drawstroke was clean. Off-body retention was not noticeably affected. Finally, the holster came preset with 12 degrees of forward cant, well suited for FBI-style 4- to 5-o’clock carry. I prefer to carry at 3 o’clock with less cant, so I moved the front belt clip down to the second of its three holes and retightened. For a full straight drop, I would choose the top hole for the front clip.

While I was impressed with the holster’s mechanical function, I do have concerns about the durability of the retention sliders. During my two test fittings, a small tension indicator snapped off. To be clear, the indicator was a wholly unnecessary adornment, and its loss does not pose functional or aesthetic issues. It does beg the question, “How many resizes can the holster endure? Will N8 Tactical offer replacement parts so users can affordably refit the MultiFlex?” Whatever the answer, I think there is room to continue improving the durability of this product, especially with the retention assemblies.

Once fitment was complete, I was ready to carry. Initially, I was worried that the holster would be as comfortable as a stack of LEGOs against my hip, but I was pleasantly surprised. “Comfortable” isn’t the best word, but “unobtrusive” seems right. I didn’t notice the holster while I was wearing it, and didn’t need to readjust it as I sat, stood, drove or walked. That’s a win. The MultiFlex also performed well in G&A’s draw-and-fire test. Having a clean draw is critical for a fast time. Being able to customize the draw was probably the holster’s greatest strength. I didn’t achieve my fastest shots with this rig, but I credit that to the sub-freezing temps at my range and the need to defeat both a vest and a jacket during this evaluation. With the conditions considered, I thought the MultiFlex was pretty darn quick. I would rate it highly among strongside IWB holsters.

While conducting my review, I simultaneously tested the Confidant Mag Carrier 2.0 ($35) from Crossbreed Holsters. It seemed appropriate considering the Confidant is also a versatile one-size-fits-most solution. The two-piece shell is connected by strong rubber bands that flex to accommodate most single- and double-stack pistol magazines. It’s durable and discreet, and I liked the integral no-fuss 11/2-inch belt clip.

Overall, the MultiFlex impressed me with its secure fit, adaptability, and ease of wear. It performed very well for me. I can confidently recommend it, as well as the Confidant mag pouch. These are suitable for daily concealed carry. I also liked that I can have a holster for use with new and unusual pistols that may not have strong aftermarket support. 

This review focused on the MultiFlex as an IWB concealment holster. However, given the range of options and likelihood of future evolutions and accessories, I wouldn’t be surprised to see future generations of the holster covered by us down the road.

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