For me it is because I have a skinny build so concealing pistols is a bit harder for me. I have owned them all... Rossi, glock, s&w, Ruger, taurus, and whatever else and I find that the xd compact hides well. It's all personal choice but I am very happy with mine so far. put it this way, on many of days I have had my G/F wrap her arms around me and try to wrestle me and whatever and then when I take my gun off at the end of the day she says, " You were wearing that?" I don't think my G/F will try that with you (maybe for the right price!)<----kidding but I like the compact...