The PHLster Enigma is a high performance concealment system that doesn’t require a belt on your pants (or even pants!). This article will help explain the differences between Enigma models, and help you decide which Enigma is right for you.
To begin, there are two basic categories of Enigma products: Express and OS.
- The Express is fully pre-assembled and comes with a holster shell. The faceplates are streamlined and minimalist, while still allowing for a wide range of adjustment. The Express is only made for certain guns; you can find the fit lists on each Express product page.
- If we don’t make an Express for your gun or light, you’ll need the Enigma OS. The “OS” stands for “open source,” which means you build your own. Enigma OS models do NOT include a holster. You will need to purchase a compatible holster from the Fit Guide and assemble it yourself.
Time-saving tip: If we make the Express for your firearm, save yourself a lot of trouble and get the Express. The Express is the most streamlined, advanced design, and also comes pre-assembled and ready to wear. Read on for more details about the differences between the Enigma models.
Enigma Express
The Enigma Express is the easiest Enigma to use. It conceals great and adjusts to your body. It’s a beginner-friendly option with high performance capability. The Express is only available for a select few guns, so make sure to check the product page to see if your gun is covered.
- For guns on the Express fit list WITHOUT a light or laser attached
- Comes with everything you need to get started, including the holster shell.
- Fully pre-assembled (excluding sport belt)
- If you get the sport belt upgrade, you can add that yourself in 5 minutes with no tools
- High performance, rugged design and materials
- Excellent concealment, adjusts for grip tuck and rotation
- Right and left handed models
- Not compatible with comps, muzzle devices, threaded barrels, weapon-mounted lights, or lasers
- Not recommended for use with other manufacturer’s shells (learn what holsters are compatible with the Express)
Enigma Express - Light Bearing
The Light Bearing Express comes fully assembled with our all-new Floodlight2 holster. The Floodlight2 holster indexes on the light, making it a high performance “universal” holster option that will fit most duty-sized guns with either a Surefire X300, or a Streamlight TLR-1 attached. For full fit information, see the Floodlight2 page.
- Comes with the new Floodlight2 holster shell
- For duty-sized guns with either a Surefire x300 or Streamlight TLR-1 weapon-mounted light
- Fits ONLY the light you select, not any other models or brands
- Fully pre-assembled (excluding sport belt)
- If you get the sport belt upgrade, you can add that yourself in 5 minutes with no tools
- High performance, rugged design and materials
- Excellent concealment, adjusts for grip tuck and rotation
- Right and left handed models
- Not compatible with other manufacturer’s holsters – learn why
- Good concealment, but keep your expectations reasonable. A full sized gun and weapon-mounted light will be too big for some body types
Enigma OS - Standard (Non Light Bearing)
The main reason to choose the Standard Enigma over the Express is because you want to carry a gun that is not supported in an Express model.
If we don’t make an Express for your gun, you can use the Standard Enigma OS with a compatible holster shell. The Enigma OS is best for enthusiasts and tinkerers. If you’re mechanically inclined, detail oriented, and enjoy projects, the standard Enigma OS will be great for you.
- For guns WITHOUT a light or laser attached
- Does NOT include a holster shell. You must source your own compatible shell using the fit guide.
- Works with other manufacturer’s holster shells
- Comes in pieces – you assemble it yourself using the instruction videos
- Requires careful attention to assembly and adjustment instructions – details matter
- Rugged, high performance design and materials
- Excellent concealment, widest range of adjustment to accommodate a variety of holster designs
- Ambidextrous – assemble it right or left handed
- Accommodates special needs like holster shells that are longer, have molded-in wedges, etc.
- DO NOT attempt to use a light bearing holster on the Standard Enigma OS
Enigma OS - Light Bearing
The Light Bearing Enigma OS is for guns with a light or laser attached below the trigger guard. Like the standard Enigma, it’s best for enthusiasts and tinkerers.
- Does NOT include a holster shell. Make sure you have a compatible shell in your hand BEFORE buying the LBE-OS, because shells for some gun/light combos are difficult or impossible to find
- Comes in pieces – you assemble using the written or video instructions
- Ambidextrous – assemble it right or left handed
- Rugged, high performance design and materials
- Good concealment, but keep your expectations reasonable. Adding a light generally makes the holster footprint wider and longer, and can make it more difficult to conceal on some body types
