Double Alpha PDR PRO-II holster with pistol, mounted on a belt together with magazine pouches

IPSC competition holsters: how to choose between Ghost, Double Alpha Academy, and Safariland

The holster: a decisive component in practical shooting

In IPSC practical shooting, the holster is not just a carrying accessory: speed and consistency of the draw, safety during movement, and, in part, the compliance of the equipment with the rules of one's division all depend on it. A suitable holster must reliably retain the firearm while running, kneeling, or changing position, while simultaneously allowing for a smooth and consistent release at the moment of the draw.

In this guide, we look at the criteria for navigating the main types of holsters and some of the most popular brands in the world of practical shooting: Ghost International, Double Alpha Academy, and Safariland.

Types of holsters: competition, retention, carry

Competition holsters

These are designed to offer the fastest draw possible. They generally have a body that leaves much of the grip exposed, an adjustable retention system (spring-loaded, tension-based, or using polymer elements), and attachments that allow for adjustment of height, cant, and distance from the body. They are the most used in divisions where the rules allow greater freedom regarding equipment.

Black Ghost THE ONE EVO competition holster with belt attachment
The Ghost THE ONE EVO is a competition holster with an open body and an adjustable belt attachment. Photo: Ghost International

Retention holsters

These integrate one or more active locking systems for the firearm, which the shooter must deactivate during the draw. They are typical for professional use and can also be used in competition, for example in divisions that require equipment closer to carry gear, provided that the unlocking motion is practiced consistently.

Safariland 7360 retention holster worn on a duty belt
A Safariland 7360 holster from the 7TS series, with ALS retention system, worn on a duty belt. Photo: Safariland

Carry holsters

Designed for daily use, these prioritize comfort, concealability, and protection of the firearm. Many models can only be used in competition if they comply with the rules regarding position and trigger guard coverage set by the chosen division.

Safariland 5198 holster with pistol, with paddle and belt loop
The Safariland 5198 is an open-top carry holster, with a paddle or belt loop. Photo: Safariland

The brands: Ghost, Double Alpha Academy, and Safariland

Ghost International

Ghost is a brand historically linked to practical shooting, with competition holsters and belt accessories such as magazine pouches and adapters. Its holsters are known for their retention and position adjustment systems and for the availability of versions dedicated to numerous pistol models.

Double Alpha Academy

Double Alpha Academy (DAA) produces a wide range of gear for sport shooting, including competition holsters such as the Racemaster series, belts, magazine pouches, and accessories. DAA holsters are characterized by their high modularity and numerous adjustment possibilities for the attachment.

Double Alpha PDR PRO-II holster with pistol seen from the back, showing the belt attachment
The back of a Double Alpha PDR PRO-II holster shows the modular belt attachment. Photo: Double Alpha Academy

Safariland

Safariland is a manufacturer known above all for holsters with retention systems intended for professional use, such as those equipped with the ALS (Automatic Locking System) system, and also offers models and accessories suitable for sport shooting. It is a choice to consider for those who want a retention holster or equipment that can be used both in competition and for training.

Beyond the brand, the choice must always start from compatibility with your firearm and the rules of the division.

Compatibility with the firearm and side

Compatibility is the first criterion to check:

  • Pistol model: many holsters are specific to a model or a family of models; others use interchangeable inserts or adapters. Always check the compatibility indicated by the manufacturer, also considering the length of the barrel and slide.
  • Mounted accessories: red dots, compensators, raised sights, rails, or lights can make a holster designed for a stock firearm incompatible. For pistols with optics, specifically compatible models are required.
  • Side: holsters are generally available in right-handed or left-handed versions; choose the one corresponding to your strong hand.

Belt attachments and adjustments

In practical shooting, a rigid competition belt is generally used, often composed of an inner and an outer belt joined by Velcro, which ensures stability for the holster and magazine pouches. The most common attachments are:

Ghost aluminum belt attachment for The One Evo and Ultimate holsters
The Ghost aluminum attachment for The One Evo and Ultimate holsters: the slots allow the position on the belt to be adjusted. Photo: Ghost International
  • Fixed or quick-detach belt attachments, to be chosen based on the thickness and height of the belt.
  • Attachments with spacer (drop/offset), which lower the holster or move it away from the body to facilitate the grip; their use is subject to the limits provided by the division.
  • Adjustable cant attachments, to adapt the angle of the firearm to one's draw motion.

On competition holsters, it is usually also possible to adjust the retention tension. Tension that is too low risks the firearm falling out during movement, while tension that is too high slows down the draw: the correct adjustment must be found during training, performing movement drills with an unloaded firearm, while respecting range rules.

Position on the belt

In most IPSC divisions, the holster must be carried on the strong-hand side, with the belt at waist level. Depending on the division, the rules also define constraints on the position of the grip relative to the body, the distance from the torso, and the placement relative to the hip axis. These parameters change between divisions and are updated over time: before purchasing and configuring the holster, consult the current IPSC rulebook and any instructions from the national federation.

In practical terms, a good position allows you to grip the firearm with the definitive grip already in the holster, without having to correct your hand during the draw.

Safety: the indispensable requirements

  • Trigger guard coverage: the holster must completely cover the trigger guard and the trigger.
  • Reliable retention: the firearm must remain in place during running, changing positions, and abrupt movements.
  • Safe muzzle orientation: with the firearm in the holster, the muzzle must be pointed in a safe direction, without pointing at the shooter's feet or other nearby people.
  • Materials and assembly: periodically check screws, attachments, and parts subject to wear, replacing damaged components.
  • Training: drawing and re-holstering must be practiced safely, initially with an unloaded firearm and in permitted areas, following the rules of the range and the commands of the Range Officer in competition.

Summary: how to choose

  • Start with the division you compete in and its related equipment rules.
  • Check compatibility with the pistol model, mounted accessories, and side.
  • Choose between a competition, retention, or carry holster based on intended use.
  • Pair the holster with a stable belt and suitable attachments.
  • Adjust retention, height, and cant with safe dry-fire practice.

Holsters and accessories on Planet Shooters

Discover all models available in the Holsters collection or browse the offerings by brand: Ghost International, Double Alpha Academy, and Safariland. For belts, magazine pouches, and the rest of your competition gear, visit the IPSC Practical Shooting section.

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