Great concept, poor execution - DeSantis Sky Band II Holster for S&W M&P Shield

This band appealed to me because of the hybrid kydex-leather holster that is integrated into it. The built-in baton, cuff, and mag pouches seem very well-designed, and would work well in pants that are significantly over-sized. The elastic appears to be very durable and unlikely to over-stretch with use. I believe that DeSantis used the same grade of elastic that is found in their ankle wallet that I wear daily.

Unfortunately, the band itself is bulky and very uncomfortable to wear - so bulky that I couldn't fit it (empty) inside of pants that I normally use for IWB carry. The elastic doesn't give much, so balancing snugness with the ability to breathe is difficult.

The holster is very loosely molded to the general shape of the firearm that it is intended to fit (S&W M&P Shield in my case), so retention is non-existent. Even with belt and waistband pressure from IWB-wear, I wouldn't trust this holster to retain a weapon during a struggle or any kind of intense physical activity.

The interior edges (facing the wearer) are finished with wire-cut nylon (sharp) and a lot of heat-fused Velcro surfaces that make it intolerable on the skin, and only barely tolerable over an undershirt. The use of a different edging material and/or carefully rounded edges might significantly improve a future version of this holster.