The DAA Flex Air holster is a cost-effective alternative to the DAA Flex, offering nearly all of the same performance features at a significantly lower price.

The Flex—featuring adjustable insert blocks—has become the preferred choice of many competition shooters worldwide. It is DAA’s flagship holster, and its hanger and aluminum holster body contribute substantially to its manufacturing cost.

To make this proven holster technology accessible to a broader customer base, we reduced production costs by modifying several components while preserving the essential performance characteristics. The Flex Air holster uses a fiber-reinforced polymer body with an aluminum rail embedded along the side. This construction preserves the rail’s required strength while substantially lowering production cost. They have also redesigned the hanger to be slimmer and simpler while retaining full ball-joint adjustability and a full range of motion and range of adjustability.

The DAA Flex / Flex Air holster is an evolution of the Alpha-X holster. Its aluminum chassis borrows heavily from that predecessor while adding useful upgrades. The most notable advancement is the new, patented Flex Insert Block Assembly. This design enables the user to custom-fit the holster to their specific pistol—accommodating variations between models, types or generations—so fitment issues are eliminated. Users can quickly and easily adjust for a precise fit every time.

Rather than producing nearly 50 Alpha-X insert block models, we now support those pistol types (and many more) with only two adjustable Flex insert block models: A-Type and B-Type.

The aluminum chassis

The Flex Air holster features a rigid, durable chassis. It is designed for use with 1.5” competition belts and is an ideal match for the DAA LYNX or Premium belts.

The redesigned lightweight hanger includes a detachable belt hanger that allows the lower portion of the holster to be removed from the belt while retaining all positional settings—by removing a single screw. This is especially useful when traveling.

Ball-joint adjustability and rail height adjustment

The Flex Air’s ball joint and rail height adjustments are derived from the proven Alpha-X design. The large 18 mm ball joint with an M6 clamping screw provides a full range of tilt and cant adjustment with a rock-solid lockup. Front access makes it possible to set up and adjust the holster while wearing it.

A dovetail rail machined into the insert embedded in the side of the polymer holster body provides a broad range of height adjustment with a single screw lock/release.

What’s included with a Flex Air holster (blank, without insert block)

• A fully assembled Flex Air aluminum hanger and polymer body
• An EVA case (suitable for later use as a utility/cleaning kit box)
• A full tool set including: large T-handle 5 mm Allen key; long Allen keys 2.5 / 3 / 4 mm; a short screwdriver with double-end bit (T20 Torx and 2 mm Allen)
• A user instruction card

The Flex insert block

At the core of the DAA Flex Air holster is the new, patented Flex insert block. This design enables each user to fine-tune the insert block to achieve a perfect fit for their pistol. By offering adjustable slide-lock teeth, a selection of side spacers and shims, and an optional front spacer, the Flex insert accommodates small dimensional variances that manufacturers sometimes introduce—especially around the trigger guard. This issue affected earlier Alpha-X inserts and is resolved with the Flex design.

The Flex Insert Block Assembly features an aluminum slide-lock with user-adjustable slide-lock teeth and magnetic engagement similar to the latest Alpha-X inserts. The new stainless-steel safety lever is wider and flatter than the Alpha-X version and is mounted on the outside right side of the block for all right-hand users, making it more accessible and easier to operate.

Improved injection-molding processes and a rail-mounted magnetic support wedge make the slide lock more stable and more consistent in operation than previous generations.

Do I need the A-Type or B-Type insert block assembly?

First consult our published compatibility list to see whether your pistol model is listed.

Download the list of pistol/insert type matches here.

If your model is not listed, the Flex insert will still likely work with either the A or B-Type block. To determine the correct insert for an unlisted model, download and print the gun fit sketch and follow the instructions in the setup video to identify the appropriate block.

Download the printable gun fitment sketch here.

Please note: Pistols with trigger guards that widen gradually from front to back (toward the grip) cannot be used in the Flex holster. Examples include the HK USP and VP9, CZ P-10, Arsenal Stryke A/B, and some others. These pistols require a contoured cutout that cannot be formed using the Flex insert’s parallel spacers. For those models we continue to offer Alpha-X insert blocks.

Flex inserts are not compatible with Alpha-X holsters, and Alpha-X inserts cannot be used in the Flex holster body.

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING

Read the following instructions carefully before using this holster or any Insert Block:

• Not recommended for use with Tanfoglio steel-frame pistols.
• Never holster a loaded firearm without first engaging its safety.
• Periodically verify that your firearm’s safety functions correctly.
• Never disengage the firearm safety until you are well clear of the holster and the muzzle is pointed downrange.
• Become fully familiar with the correct use and adjustment of your DAA holster before using it with a loaded firearm.
• Ensure you have the correct holster/insert model for your firearm.
• Do not use a holster that is unsuitable for your firearm; this may result in unreliable retention or release and could lead to a fatal accident.
• Never use a trigger shoe or a widened trigger with this holster.
• Double-check retention and release performance, especially after any firearm modification.
• Make sure the firearm is properly seated when returned to the holster; if improperly positioned it may not be held securely and could fall out.
• Do not holster the firearm quickly or with force, as this increases the risk of contacting the trigger.
• Any adjustment or modification to the holster design may render it unsafe or cause malfunction.
• Take care that the firearm is not dislodged or struck while holstered, particularly when the safety lever is unlocked. Because this holster lacks muzzle support, avoid impacts that could drive the muzzle upward and dislodge the firearm.
• Keep fingers well clear of the trigger when holstering and drawing the firearm.
• When running or jumping with a loaded, holstered firearm, lock the holster or maintain a hand on the grip to prevent accidental loss.
• Handling a loaded firearm and drawing it from a holster is inherently dangerous. You do so entirely at your own risk and responsibility.
• Liability is limited to replacement of this holster or parts thereof. No additional warranties are expressed or implied by the manufacturer or distributors.

Note: DAA advises customers with round-trigger-guard 1911 pistols to use the DAA muzzle support assembly.

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