Sparks I-BAK Flat Backside

[JerryM]

Quote from Sparks site {The I-BAK is formed completely to the outer pouch, leaving the backside of the holster more or less flat. The result is a holster which can conform to the curve of the hip, between its widely spaced belt slots, but not collapse when the gun is withdrawn.} End Quote

I have a Sparks I-BAK for a 1911 SA Compact. It is a simple but great holster. I wonder why other holsters unlike the I-BAK are formed both inner and outer sides? In theory the flat inner should be the most comfortable construction.

I hope Tony will comment when he gets the chance.
Others are also welcome to express their views. The I-BAK does not seem to be a popular holster, but its pancake design, and low ride are about perfect for me.

Regards,
Jerry

[2nd4ever]

Originally Posted by JerryM

Quote from Sparks site {The I-BAK is formed completely to the outer pouch, leaving the backside of the holster more or less flat. The result is a holster which can conform to the curve of the hip, between its widely spaced belt slots, but not collapse when the gun is withdrawn.} End Quote

I have a Sparks I-BAK for a 1911 SA Compact. It is a simple but great holster. I wonder why other holsters unlike the I-BAK are formed both inner and outer sides? In theory the flat inner should be the most comfortable construction.

I hope Tony will comment when he gets the chance.
Others are also welcome to express their views. The I-BAK does not seem to be a popular holster, but its pancake design, and low ride are about perfect for me.

Regards,
Jerry

I've always been quite drawn to the I-BAK's straightforward design, but not enough so to spring for one since, as you say, it's not mentioned much on the Forum. Since its inner piece is 'more or less flat' rather than 'formed', is it less conforming for day-in-day-out 3:00 carry on the sharper turn of the hip? Is it maybe called an I-BAK because it's designed specifically for 4:00-4:30 carry 'back' of the hip???

Don't know. Just plain curious.

[JerryM]

Hi 2nd4ever,

I wear my holsters at the 4 o'clock position. I don't find the 3 o'clock position comfortable as the gun bears on my hipbone. At Wed night services I wore another gun and holster at the 3 position due to the position of the pants belt loops. I do not like that position as well as the 4. I am not sure why the I-BAK would not do as well as any other holster.

Maybe Tony will give us some insight in a day or so.

I wonder if John (5 Shot) or others make a flat back holster?

Thanks for the reply.

Regards,
Jerry

[N-frame Smith]

I've got a 5 Shot Concealment Pancake and it's made in the traditional way, formed on both sides. But John does say on his website that he will do custom mods to his designs on request.

[Bluetooth]

Originally Posted by 2nd4ever

... Is it maybe called an I-BAK because it's designed specifically for 4:00-4:30 carry 'back' of the hip???

Don't know. Just plain curious.

From the MS web site... "Our I-BAK or Improved Baker holster, has its roots in the original design by maker Roy Baker of Magnolia, Arkansas."

[T. Kanaley]

Originally Posted by JerryM

Quote from Sparks site {The I-BAK is formed completely to the outer pouch, leaving the backside of the holster more or less flat. The result is a holster which can conform to the curve of the hip, between its widely spaced belt slots, but not collapse when the gun is withdrawn.} End Quote

I have a Sparks I-BAK for a 1911 SA Compact. It is a simple but great holster. I wonder why other holsters unlike the I-BAK are formed both inner and outer sides? In theory the flat inner should be the most comfortable construction.

I hope Tony will comment when he gets the chance.
Others are also welcome to express their views. The I-BAK does not seem to be a popular holster, but its pancake design, and low ride are about perfect for me.

Regards,
Jerry

Theoretically, having the front and back flanges formed centerline with the gun allow it to be levered more tightly into the side. I haven't found the offset construction to be any less concealable under an adequate cover garment, but some will surely nit-pick. The same as with those who would argue that the extra 1/8" overall thickness of a reinforced IWB vs. that of an un-reinforced IWB, is less concealable and then procede to prove and demonstrate it by posting pictures of themselves on the web wearing a cover garment over their un-reinforced IWB that would be bulky enough to hide a Mac 10 under, let alone the extra 1/8" of a reinforced holster.

The flat backside is just another tool in the bucket. People either like that option or they don't. Wide flat backsides do tend to be more comfortable hence the popularity of the hybrid type IWB holsters. Offset construction results in a holster that won't close up near as much when bent around the torso compaired to a centerline formed pancake design. Offset construction is more labor intensive and complex to form than a comparable centerline design that can be stitched together flat using a stitching template. For that reason, I can see why some wouldn't want to go through the bother of making them that way since it matters little to most people.

Having said all that, we do make our holsters both ways, but lean towards slight or full offset construction on most of our models. There is no right way or wrong way in my opinion. It is whatever suits the end user best.

T

[JerryM]

Hi Tony,
Many thanks for the explanation. The I-BAK is the only flatback holster I have, but I like it, and think I would prefer all my holsters that way. However, to be truthful. I am not sure that I really notice any difference when wearing them.
I am wearing an Axiom right now. I finally stretched the snap loops so that they will snap over my 1.5" Beltman belt. It is a great holster once broken in. If the snaps are difficult to snap it is a problem since I wear my holsters at about the 4 O'Clock position. That requires a lot of bending and twisting to get them snapped.

I have read posts which suggest keeping the loops snapped and pulling the belt through the loops, but since the Axiom is not flat at the back that is not possible for my belts. It might work with IWB holsters.
BTW, as I have stated many times your ExC is far and away my favorite IWB. I have one which is cowhide with a moisture barrier, and the last one is horsehide.

The Axiom is very comfortable, and a great holster as is everything I have seen or tried from Sparks. Thanks.

Regards,
Jerry