So you are carrying your Ruger Max-9 micro 9mm pistol now. Settled on carrying in waistband (IWB)? We’ve reviewed and compared four of the most popular options to help you decide which one is right for you. Keep reading to see our reviews and comparison of the Dara Slick Side, Rounded tuckable holster, Vedder LightTuck, and CYA Supply holster.

My only real criteria for the holster was 1) made in the United States, 2) not totally uncomfortable, and 3) reasonably concealable. The good news is all four are made in the United States.

Dara Slick Side

First up is the Dara Slick Side. Sadly, this is the only one of the four that we can’t really recommend for any reason. Most notably, it is HUGE. It is almost 2 inches wider than any of the other options presented here, as well as noticably taller and thicker. The sight channel alone is unnecessarily large and bulky, for no apparent reason. It is very uncomfortable to wear, and extremely conspicuous. Printing is obvious.

Additionally, the edges are sharp and have not been smoothed over as they have on the other 3 options. This causes digging into your leg and/or torso – not fun.

I contacted Dara support to let them know I wasn’t too happy with the product. They replied basically saying too bad so sad. No returns, period, on a “custom” holster (meaning I selected right-hand draw). No offer to address my issues. Not even any suggestions for alternatives.

This was especially disappointing because it was actually the first holster I purchased based on all the great reviews I had read. It is one of the more expensive options (about $60), plus you have to pay for shipping, AND no returns. Who still does that in 2025?

Rounded tuckable holster

Things improve with the Rounded (aka Concealment Express) holster. This one is tuckable, although they have a non-tuckable version that is less expensive ($40 vs $47).

The Rounded holster is pretty comfortable to wear, pretty slim and streamlined, adjustable (ride height and cant), and affordable (free shipping and free returns via Amazon). Its only issue is some significant rattling when holstered due to a loose fit. Construction is decent but not quite as solid and rigid as the others. I don’t know if this was a fluke, or model specific, but it was enough to not make it my favorite.

Vedder LightTuck

The Vedder LightTuck is one of the most well-regarded holsters out there. It’s also the most expensive of the four options – $70 plus shipping (no free shipping unless purchased on Amazon for $10 more) and no free returns. Plus, it is the only one of these options that does not include an optic cutout for free – you have to pay extra (the others come optic cut by default). You also have to pay extra for the claw attachment.

The fit on the Vedder LightTuck is the best – no rattle at all. It is slim, and conceals very well. Lots of customization for ride height and cant. Overall, a great quality holster, if you are willing to pay for it.

CYA Supply holster

Last up is the CYA Supply holster. The construction is great and, in my opinion, is equal to or better than the Vedder. The fit is great – just a TINY bit of play when holstered, but it is negligible. It is very low-profile, and the slimmest and most comfortable of the four. It is only $40, with free shipping and free returns.

In my book, this is a winner, EXCEPT for the fact that the clip is not tuckable, and the ride height is fixed (only cant angle is adjustable). However, there are ways to still carry if you want to tuck your shirt (under-the-pants belts, aftermarket clips).

Conclusion

In conclusion: For most users, the CYA is the slimmest, most comfortable, and most affordable. If you absolutely need the customization, the Vedder LightTuck is equal in quality and concealability, but will cost you more than double if you factor in shipping and an optic cut.

The Rounded offers customizability and value, with somewhat lesser quality compared to the Vedder and CYA holsters.

Links:

Dara Slick Side: https://daraholsters.com/slick-side-aiwb-holster/

Rounded tuckable holster: https://amzn.to/46Bh1JQ

Vedder LightTuck: https://amzn.to/4lSXdGv

CYA Supply holster: https://amzn.to/4lSXdGv

We hope this helps you with your decision on which IWB holster is best for your Ruger Max-9. Leave a comment below if you have any questions!