The PHLster Enigma Express is the pre-assembled Enigma model that comes with a holster. The Enigma Express is available for the following pistols only:
Note: Not compatible with Glock Gen5 models 27, 23, and 22. Not compatible with Sig P238 or P938. Not compatible with Ruger models LC9, LCP, Max-9, EC9, LC38, Security-380, Ruger American, Security-9. Enigma Express is *NOT* compatible with Springfield XD, XDM, XDS, Echelon.*
The Enigma Express works with any of our Skeleton or City Special holsters, which are specially designed to work with the Express. So YES, you can switch out the holster on the Enigma Express with any other Skeleton or City Special holster model.
The Express is NOT comptaible with holsters from other manufacturers, so if you want to use a gun that is NOT covered by a PHLster Skeleton, you’ll need to use the Standard Enigma instead.
Learn more about why the Express is not compatible with other holsters.
Learn how to adjust and wear your PHLster Enigma Express. Even though the Express comes fully assembled, you’ll still need to adjust it to fit your body. Most people don’t luck into a perfect fit right out of the box, and it’s totally normal to take some time to get everything just right. You’ll find an overview of all the possible adjustments here, plus instructions, tips and tricks for concealment and comfort. Take some time to experiment with the different adjustments and techniques until you find the best combination of factors for your unique body shape.
Start here with the PHLster Enigma Express Quick Start Guide. Learn how to put on your Enigma Express and how to work the buckles. You’ll also see what adjustments are possible, and what you need to do to set the Enigma Express up for your body.
To see a diagram of the parts of the Enigma Express, click here.
With correct technique, the magnetic buckle on the Enigma Express is very easy to operate. Do not attempt to force the buckle open by pulling straight out. Instead, pull forward on the buckle tab.
If the buckle lands over your hip bone and causes a pressure point, see the adjustments section to learn how to move and adjust it. You can also try the Reduced Size Slider Buckle.
The Enigma Express leg leash holds the holster down when you draw. Proper adjustment is critical to getting a comfortable and secure fit. Watch the first video below to learn how to adjust your leg leash correctly — be sure to try both leg leash routing methods to see which one is better for you. The other videos cover how to shorten the leg leash (for smaller users), how to change your leg leash to a different material, and how to troubleshoot if your leg leash loosens throughout the day.
For tips, troubleshooting, and safe leg leash alternatives, check out this blog post.
How to properly wear and adjust the PHLster Enigma Express leg leash. Learn the two different routing methods, and how to adjust the leg leash for best results on your body. Whether you’re just starting out with the Enigma, or whether you’re having issues that need troubleshooting, reviewing this video is the best place to start.
Smaller users – here’s how to shorten and trim your Enigma Express leg leash. Just be sure not to trim your leg leash before trying the different routing methods, and make sure you have enough material for any ride height at which you choose to carry your gun.
If your leg leash slips or loosens throughout the day, try this non-slip buckle routing method.
If you don’t find the leg leash material to your liking, you can easily switch it out for a material of your choosing. A common choice is 550 paracord with the core removed. When using different leg leash materials, be sure to review the Non-Slip Routing video to make sure your leg leash stays secure.
The Enigma Express can be adjusted several different ways. Check out the video playlist below for details and instructions on each adjustment.
Here’s how to switch the buckle on your Enigma Express from one side of the faceplate to the other side. This is handy if you are carrying extra gear on your Enigma belt, or if you prefer to hold the gun with the other hand while fastening the belt buckle.
Here’s how to adjust the two-point buckle position on your Enigma Express. Use this if you want to control optic or slide printing, or if you’d like to make the buckle closer to the faceplate.
Here’s how to change the eMod insert on your PHLster Enigma or Enigma Express. Changing the eMod insert changes how much the grip (handle) of the gun rotates in toward your body. There are three different options – the tall insert, the short insert, or no insert (just the bare wing only). Watch the Concealment Mechanics videos to learn how much grip rotation you need for your body shape.
Here’s how to replace the belt on your Enigma Express. Use this if you’ve taken your belt apart, or if you are replacing it with a new belt material. You can also use this video as an example of how to route a belt with the loose tail facing out, so you can install your Enigma Sport Belt with the tail out.
Here’s how to install the Sport Belt on your Enigma Express. These instructions are for the Express only, not the Standard Enigma.
Installing the optional Sport Belt accessory on your Enigma Express is simple. It takes about five minutes, and requires no tools. This video shows how to install and adjust the Sport Belt. Note that the Sport Belt adjusts from both sides, so you can easily change the centering of the back pad.
The Sport Belt is an optional Enigma accessory that improves comfort, and helps keep the Enigma belt tension more consistent.
If the Fidlock magnetic buckle bothers you, or if you just need extra space on your belt, try the Reduced Size Buckle.
You can find written instructions for installing the Reduced Size Buckle here. Or watch the instruction video below.
Watch the instruction video to learn how to use the PHLster Modular Wedge Kit.
We also recommend watching the Poke and Check video and the Concealed Carry Comfort video, found here.
Our Concealment Mechanics graphics and videos will walk you through the steps to getting good concealment with your Enigma Express. Most people don’t get perfect concealment right away – it takes some work to dial things in for your unique body shape. You’ll need to experiment with your gun placement, belt tightness, Enigma adjustments, and wedge placement to get your best possible concealment.
This video series will walk you through how to find your concealment sweet spot, how to use the Poke and Check method to determine if you need to make adjustments to your Express, and how to decide whether you need to add a wedge.
Once you get past the basics, you can also learn more about the deeper technical and psychological factors that make for good concealment. There’s a lot of information, but you can go at your own pace.
Comfortable concealed carry starts with knowledge rather than gear. Watch this video to identify any comfort issues you might be having, and learn the basic skills for getting comfortable. After watching, you’ll be much better equipped to find solutions that work for your chosen holster, carry position, and body type.
• Are there alternatives to the leg leash?
• Can I take the leg leash off?
• I don’t like the leg leash material. Can I change it?
• What if the leg leash is too long. Can I trim it?
• What if the leg leash prints in leggings?
As a general rule, if your leggings are tight enough to see panty lines, they’re tight enough that your leg leash may show. Adjusting it so it’s in the crease of your buttock will help minimize the visual impact. You can also try the alternative leg leash routing method from the instruction video in the leg leash section above. If you prefer an aftermarket solution, check out the Bumster from Levo Designs.
The holster screws on the Enigma Express are hard to tighten or loosen. That’s on purpose! Your Enigma Express comes with pre-patched Nylock screws — that means the screws have thread locker pre-applied, and you don’t need to add any additional thread locking compounds such as Loctite or Vibratite. HOWEVER, the Nylock does make the screws harder to loosen or tighten.
Watch this video to see some techniques for dealing with the Express holster screws.
Can I adjust the retention of the Enigma Express holster?
No, the Enigma Express has a fixed retention holster shell, and it is not adjustable. If you’re having problems with your gun being too tight or too loose in the holster, first double check that you have the correct holster shell for your gun model. The Express works only with the specific gun models that are listed. Aftermarket modifications to the gun may cause problems with retention.
Next, read this article on how holster retention works, and test your retention as shown. Do not test holster retention by shaking the holster upside down – that is not the correct way to test.
If these steps don’t resolve your issue, you can contact us for help. Before you contact us, though, please make sure you’re testing your holster retention correctly. Thank you!
• 3 Key principles of concealment
• Finding your concealment sweet spot – Remember that the concealment principles are universal, and all bodies are unique. If your exact body type isn’t shown in the video, you can still use the concealment principles to find your own sweet spot.
• The “Keel Principle,” and how longer holsters can often be more comfortable and concealable
• Appendix carry tips for larger folks – abdominal fat distribution and appendix carry
• Comfortable Concealed Carry Explained – Comfortable concealed carry starts with knowledge rather than gear. Watch this video to identify any comfort issues you might be having, and learn the basic skills for getting comfortable. After watching, you’ll be much better equipped to find solutions that work for your chosen holster, carry position, and body type.
Enigma comfort tips:
The Enigma is a skeleton. You start with the basic bone structure, and then you flesh it out to suit your body shape and your individual comfort needs. Since everyone is different, it takes some experimentation and customization to get the level of comfort and concealment you want.
The Enigma is designed to be a hardcore piece of fighting equipment that can survive extreme scenarios. In order to make it hold up to those demands, we chose materials for strength and rugged durability. The Enigma is designed to be ergonomic and adjustable – but it’s NOT soft.
Skin comfort is an important factor in overall concealed carry comfort, and that’s why we made the Enigma as open to customization as possible. The easiest way to achieve skin comfort is just to wear an undershirt, camisole, underwear, or a bandeau under your Enigma. However, if you prefer to wear your Enigma directly against the skin with no undergarments, there are a variety of comfort solutions available, from aftermarket covers to sport belts to creative DIY solutions. You can choose whatever mods you need to get to your desired level of skin comfort. Like everything Enigma, expect it to take some experimentation.
• If the Enigma’s magnetic buckle sits over your hip bone and causes a pressure point, try switching to the reduced size buckle instead.
We welcome you to join the PHLster Concealment Workshop group on Facebook. It’s a large and active community with people from all walks of life. See how other people are wearing their Enigmas, and get inspiration for mods and adjustments. You can see the Enigma in action on people with different body shapes, with different wardrobes.
*If you’re carrying a longer-muzzled gun or a revolver, adding extra holster length may not be necessary for you, but for short semiautomatic guns, it’s often helpful.
Guns with short muzzles can be top-heavy and difficult to conceal comfortably. To solve this, some holsters have extra length added to the muzzle end. Like the keel on a boat, the extra muzzle length helps balance the holster, making it more comfortable and easier to conceal. This is especially true if you have a bit of a belly, which tends to push the grip out more and make the muzzle dig in.
Note that while extra muzzle length reduces grip printing, it can increase muzzle printing, which can be a concern with lower carry positions and tight fitting pants such as leggings or yoga pants.
