No Comments If you haven’t heard of the PHLster Enigma yet, you may be living under a rock. It’s nearly impossible to go into a gun-centric Facebook group and not see someone recommending the Enigma as a solution to some concealed carry problem. When PHLster first released the Enigma back in November of 2020, I was in the first wave of purchasers. The new CCW product intrigued me. It looked sort of like a belly band, but PHLster advertised that it’s benefits far exceeded any that a traditional belly band had to offer.
PHLster has recently released the next generation of this popular holster system, the Enigma V2. When Sarah with PHLster reached out to see if I’d be interested in checking out the updates, I took up her offer to give my thoughts on the changes. She sent me the Enigma Express V2 for the Sig P365XL so that I could compare it to the original version of the same holster that I had purchased a couple years ago.
Below I’ll go over what exactly the PHLster Enigma is, I’ll give my review of the Enigma’s performance, and I’ll dive into the differences between the new and old models.
If you’d like to skip around, you can jump to each section here:
What is the Enigma Holster?
The Enigma is a holster chassis system that allows you to securely carry a gun in the appendix position, independent of the clothes you are wearing. The system uses the Enigma faceplate, a thin, but strong injection-molded plastic that attaches to a kydex holster fitted for your specific gun. A belt system is attached to the faceplate, which then holds the gun securely to the body. It uses a strap called a leg leash that routes either between your legs or around one thigh to hold the holster down during the draw.
Because the Enigma uses a belt worn under your clothing, it can be worn with a wide variety of outfits, including athletic shorts, leggings, and dresses. The system allows you to fine-tune your concealment to a degree that a classic belt-mounted holster does not.
Enigma Models
For the sake of clarity, you should know that there are a couple different Enigma models.
- Enigma OS – “Open Source”
- comes with everything except the holster
- offers more adjustability than the Express
- assemble yourself
- for guns not offered in Express options
- ambidextrous
- light bearing & non-light bearing options
- Enigma Express
- holster included
- fully pre-assembled
- light bearing & non-light bearing options
- not ambidextrous – left handed & right handed options
Pros and Cons
With any concealment product, there will be pros and cons to take into consideration.
Pros
- PHLster’s dedication to helping you conceal carry is unmatched. The company offers concealed carry education on not only their products, but also on the mechanics of concealment that can be used on products from other companies. The company regularly hosts free concealment workshops via Zoom, has in-person classes, and offers the PHLster Concealment Workshop Facebook group, staffed with employees and other concealed carriers that are available to answer product and concealment questions.
- The Enigma allows for minimal movement of the holster when carrying, keeping the gun in the same spot for repeatable draws.
- The Enigma is safer and more secure than the average bellyband holster.
- There are many different aftermarket options and upgrades like the Sport Belt, reduced size buckle, Papoose fabric cover, and mag carriers.
- It gives you the ability to use the restroom without taking off your holster.
Cons
- Getting the Enigma to work for your body takes time and dedication. Good concealment is not a “one size fits all” kind of thing. You’ll likely need to experiment with different positions and adjustments to get the Enigma locked in where you need it. Even then, I find that I may need to make adjustments depending on the outfit I am wearing.
- The Enigma won’t be the best option if you have certain medical conditions or sensitivities around your ideal carry position.
- It is inconvenient if you need to take your gun and holster on and off throughout the day.
- It is pricier than a simple kydex holster.
PHLster Enigma Review – Performance
Anyone can put on a holster and pose for pictures. It’s how well the holster performs throughout the day that really matters.
A good holster will offer the following qualities:
- Provide trigger protection so that the gun cannot inadvertently be fired while in the holster
- Has retention so that the gun remains in the holster until drawn
- Presents the gun at the same angle, in the same orientation, every time you reach for it
- Allows for comfortable concealment
I’ll dive into my thoughts on different aspects of the Enigma’s performance below.
Safety
I’ve often found that holsters that allow me to carry without a belt compromise safety. For example, many belly band holsters do not offer adequate trigger protection or retention. The Enigma offers both. It also allows for safe re-holstering without taking off the holster, something that collapsable holsters do not allow for.
I could make a long-winded rant on holster safety, but there’s really no need to here. As long as you are educated on and practicing safe gun handling and holstering, and ensure your Enigma is in good working order (e.g., no loose screws), you can trust that it meets all the safety standards expected of a holster.
Concealability
Concealing a gun adequately is easier for some than others, and not everyone has the same threshold for concealment. I’ve found that if you’re looking for a simple one-size-fits-all, easy solution, the Enigma probably isn’t for you. However, if you are a person who likes to tinker, it may be right up your alley.
To get the most out of the chassis, it takes experimentation to figure out the right positioning and if you need to make any adjustments or additions to the system. But once you have it dialed in, the concealment is impressive. For example, a woman once posted in the PHLster Facebook group showing how she could carry her gun while wearing high-waisted bikini bottoms!
I find that I can wear a wide range of clothing while concealing with the Enigma: from leggings and a tank top to a dress I’d wear out to a concert. I should note that some of the outfits I’ve shown, like the denim dress above, will make drawing the gun slower or more challenging. I’ve found great tips from creators like Tessah Booth on considerations for carrying in different types of clothing.
Comfort
Back in 2021, I had two major hip surgeries, one on each hip. Years later, I still experience pain and sensitivity, especially in the soft tissue around my hips. Because of this, there are times that wearing the Enigma is just not doable as it triggers these paint points. PHLster has even said that if you have certain medical conditions, like sensitive scars where the holster would sit, then the Enigma might not be for you.
That being said, I’ve found that there are certain carry positions that are more prone to flare up my hip pain. When I have the right carry position, I can literally forget that I’m even wearing my gun.
You should have realistic expectations for comfort when you’re strapping a gun to your body. Wearing a gun will probably never be as comfortable as not wearing a gun. However, carrying a gun doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, and the customizability of the Enigma allows you to make small changes that can improve comfort.
Functionality
Sometimes traditional holsters limit the activities you can perform while carrying. This can be due to comfort or lack of compatibility with clothing.
The Enigma allows me to carry a gun in many outfits or while doing many different activities, such as:
- wearing a dress
- doing farm chores like cleaning stalls and feeding bottle lambs
- using the bathroom without removing my gun
- going for a run, bike ride, or hike
- doing cartwheels (who am I kidding – not with these hips)
- workout at the gym
It also allows me to draw and re-holster just as I would with an AIWB holster attached to my belt. I spent an entire weekend using my Enigma at The Mingle training event put on by The Complete Combatant with no issues. I have yet to find a holster that matches the day-to-day performance of the Enigma that can also stand up to a full weekend of professional training.
Cost/Value
As of writing this, the Enigma Express (holster included) is $154 and the Light-Bearing Enigma Express is $194. The Enigma OS (no holster included) is $93 and the Light-Bearing Enigma OS is $98. These prices will probably give sticker shock to some, especially newer shooters on a budget who just dropped money on a new gun.
However, I’d say that the value you can get out of the Enigma makes it worth the higher price tag. It works for different outfits and activities and offers a level of customizability that other holsters don’t. The company also offers tons of free resources to aid in your concealment journey.
Enigma V2: Upgrades to the Enigma
At the time of writing this, over four years have passed since the Enigma’s release. In that time, it’s clear that PHLster has listened to customer feedback and sought out ways to improve upon their initial product.
Let’s take a look at each of the upgrades and changes PHLster has made for the next generation of Enigma.
Faceplate Upgrades
The faceplate on the Enigma V2 has the same footprint as the original Enigma. That means it functions the same and you can use any parts or belts from the original Enigma. That being said, there are a number of improvements over the OG design.
Injection Molded
The Enigma V1 was made out of Tegris, a woven polymer material that is commonly used in tactical gear. It is now made of injection molded plastic, which PHLster says offers improved durability. Specifically, this gets rid of any issues with delamination of the faceplate.
Comparing the old and new faceplates side by side, the V2 feels like a higher-quality product with slightly less flexibility.
Smooth Edges
Because the Enigma V2 is injection molded, it now has smooth edges, whereas the Enigma V1 has a very rough-textured edge, especially along the top edge of the faceplate. This change may be one of the best improvements of the V2. With the V1, some shooters found that their knuckles hit the rough, top edge of the faceplate during the draw, leading to skin irritation or bloody knuckles. While I haven’t experienced this issue, I can definitely see how these new, smooth edges will benefit shooters who do.
Textured Faceplate
The front of the faceplate — the part that touches your clothes — now has a textured face, where as the V1 is smooth. The idea behind this is that it adds a little more friction to keep clothing from sliding on the faceplate.
Honestly, I was pretty skeptical that this change would actually be noticeable. However, after testing both with my sleekest leggings and stretchy jeans, I can see the subtle benefits that the textured face offers. The texturing is not so rough that it will show through or fray your clothing, but instead gives edges your clothes something to grab onto.
Belt Upgrades
One of the first things I noticed after the face plate is that the belt material is different on the new Enigma. The original models use a belt material that feels like nylon. The upgrade replaces this belt with a sleeker belt that feels more like a seatbelt. Functionally, this new material feels better on the skin and feels like a higher quality product. I also believe this new belt material will conceal better in thinner clothes like leggings.
Leg Leash Upgrades
PHLster also made some pretty solid upgrades to the leg leash system. From my observations, the leg leash tends to be one of the biggest pain points when it comes to comfort of the Enigma. However, the leg leash plays an important role in preventing the holster from riding up during the draw. It seems like the team at PHLster really took in feedback on the leg leash, as there are a number of changes here, some very subtle.
Two Leg Leash Options Included
The original Enigmas came with one leg leash, with the ability to change it out with an aftermarket leg leash. PHLster is now sending every Enigma with two leg leash options: a single point and two point leg leash. This gives you the choice to choose which option works best for you without having to pay for an aftermarket solution.
The single point leg leash attaches in one spot at the bottom of the faceplate, while a different section of the leash wraps around the thigh. The two point leg leash attaches at the faceplate and at the back of the belt, routing the leash between the legs. Because both options are now included, I’ve learned that I prefer the two point leg leash as it allows me to wear leggings without the lines of the leg leash showing.
Buckle
PHLster has offered a couple iterations of the leg leash buckle since the Enigma’s release. The original dual release buckle required a good bit of finger dexterity to open and close. This buckle was replaced by a custom buckle that snaps into place. With the Enigma V2, PHLster has made some minor adjustments to the buckle, making for a better, more pronounced “snap” when buckling together.
The buckle and belt threading also appear to have some minor design differences. The slots and the way the leash is thread through them have changed slightly. Also, the part of the leash that attaches the buckle to the faceplate is now its own individual piece, rather than being one long piece that also wraps around the thigh.
Elastic
The single point leg leash now has an elastic fitting on the thigh section of the webbing. This allows some give in the leash, adding comfort to arguably the least comfortable element of the Enigma. This upgrade gets a 10/10 from me.
Leash Material
The leg leash material is now slightly wider, but also softer than the original. This feels much better on the skin, especially along the inner thigh which tends to be more sensitive skin.
One issue I had with the old leg leash material is that some parts of it tended to roll in on itself rather than sitting flat. This made it easier to see through clothing and slightly uncomfortable to wear. It’s a little early to see if this new leash material will do the same, but its softer feel leads me to believe it won’t be an issue.
Keepers
Plastic keepers are now added to the leg leashes, giving an easy way to contain loose ends of the leash webbing.
Quick Adjustment Buckles
Adjusting the leg leash on the Enigma V1 has always been a pain point for me. The buckle and stiff webbing are not easy to manipulate, which left making adjustments to be a headache. That’s now been fixed with the new quick-adjust buckles in conjunction with the new leash material. Making changes to length is now much easier.
Should You Upgrade?
If you have a first generation Enigma or Enigma Express, you may be curious if its worth upgrading to the Enigma V2.
If your current Enigma setup is working well for you, I’m not sure it’s totally worth it to pay for a brand new one. PHLster is offering an upgrade kit for a limited time, but for those who miss the window, I’d evaluate how happy you are with the system as is. For example, if your knuckles get beat up from repeated draws due to the rough edges of the faceplate, I’d definitely upgrade.
I do think some of the small upgrades are worth purchasing individually if you don’t want to buy the new Enigma. For example, I’d definitely pick up the new leg leash, which comes with both single point and double point options.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, the world of holster selection is a bit scary. I see so many products marketed to newer shooters, or women specifically, that are unsafe or just gimmicky. A few years ago, I reviewed and compared the three concealed carry leggings on the market. I was in search of a way to carry my gun on me while dressing somewhat normal. I found that at best, the options available didn’t conceal well, and at worse were totally unsafe. The Enigma fills this need by allowing me to dress in the clothes I already own without sacrificing safety or concealment.
As you can tell, I’m a fan of the Enigma, and think the updates to the V2 are well thought out. I should also mention that while I’ve based my thoughts on the Enigma around my experience as a woman, many men use and find value in it as well.
The Enigma isn’t for everyone. If the way you’re carrying is working for you and is safe, then there’s probably not a reason to make the switch. However, if you’re looking for a way to carry in many different outfits independent of a belt and are willing to make the financial and time investment, the Enigma may be worth a try.
