besides it being more comfortable pancake style holsters are better for conceal carry. I like to make mine with just a bit longer flaps so that they will wrap nicely around a persons side and allow you to pull it close to your body with a good quality gun belt. That's another topic that people tend to forget. If you don't have a good belt your holster will not function properly for conceal carry. I prefer the pancake style. As far as retention I like to make my pancake holster on the snug side, as the leather will break in and keep the retention longer.