PHLster Enigma Express Instructions
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 with a new holster. You’ll find an overview of all the possible holster adjustments here, plus instructions, tips and tricks for concealment and comfort. Take some time to experiment with the different adjustments until you find the best settings for your unique body shape.
Enigma Express Quick Start Guide
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.
Not sure what we're talking about? Here's a diagram with the parts of the Enigma explained!
Quick Start Guide for V2 Enigmas purchased after March 3rd, 2025:
Quick Start Guide for V1 Enigmas purchased before March 3rd, 2025:
How To Use the Fidlock Magnetic Buckle
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.
How To Use the V2 Enigma Leg Leash
The V2 Enigma 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 — for the V2 leg leash, we recommend trying both leg leash options to see which one is better for you.
Having trouble?
For V2 Enigma leg leash tips, tricks, troubleshooting, and safe leg leash alternatives, check out this blog post.
How to properly wear and adjust the V2 PHLster Enigma leg leash. Learn the two different leg leash options, 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.
If You Have the V1 Enigma Leg Leash
If you purchased your Enigma prior to March 3rd, 2025, you have the V1 leg leash. You can upgrade here. 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.
Having trouble?
For Enigma leg leash tips, tricks, troubleshooting, and safe leg leash alternatives, check out this blog post. It's a deep dive, with everything you need to know about the new leg leash, both single point and two point!
Full V1 Leg Leash Instruction Video
How to properly wear and adjust the V1 PHLster Enigma 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.
More V1 Instruction Videos
This short video clip shows how to use the alternate routing method for the Enigma leg leash. This method is useful for people who find their leg leash slips down throughout the day, or those whose body type makes the leg leash uncomfortable.
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.
This video shows how to completely rethread and reroute your Enigma leg leash. If you don’t find the leg leash material to your liking, you can easily switch your Enigma leg leash out with 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.
Adjustments
The Enigma Express can be adjusted several different ways. Check out the video playlist below for details and instructions on each adjustment.
- Switch the buckle to right or left side of faceplate
- Adjust the two-point buckle position - move the buckle closer to the faceplate to help control slide tuck or optic printing
- Adjust the amount of grip rotation you get by changing the eMod insert
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 Enigma OS - Standard.
The Enigma screws are hard to loosen because they come with thread-locker applied. Here are some tips to help you loosen or tighten your Enigma screws.
Accessories
Sport Belt
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.
Make sure your Sport Belt is routed correctly!
Reduced Size Buckle
If the Fidlock magnetic buckle bothers you, or if you just need extra space on your belt, try the Reduced Size Buckle.
How to Install the Reduced Size Buckle
You can find written instructions for installing the Reduced Size Buckle here. Or watch the instruction video below.
Trilock - Gripping Triglide
The new Trilock provides a tighter grip on the belt webbing than the previous metal triglides. If you experience your belt loosening throughout the day, the Trilock can help. Recommended for the V2 Enigma Express and V2 Enigma Express - Light Bearing.
The Trilock is easy to use. Simply remove your existing metal triglide from your belt, and install the new one in its place. Make sure the nubs are touching the webbing when installed, as shown above.
If your belt is disconnected and you've forgotten how to route it, follow the routing instructions for either the regular Enigma belt or the Sport Belt, depending on which one you're using.
Routing the Regular Enigma Belt - Video Instructions
Routing the Enigma Sport Belt - Video Instructions
Modular Wedge Kit
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.
How To Get Good Concealment - A Step-By-Step Guide
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.
Concealed Carry Comfort
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.
Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
Safety, care, and maintenance
Leg leash questions and tips
- All V2 leg leash tips and tricks
- Keepers fell off?
- Leg leash fraying?
- Are there alternatives to the leg leash?
- Can I take the leg leash off?
- 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 Two Point leg leash, or the alternative leg leash routing method from the instruction video in the leg leash section above. If you prefer an aftermarket solution, we recommend the Bumster from Levo Designs.
Screws hard to tighten?
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.
The video below shows some helpful techniques for loosening or tightening your Enigma screws.
Holster retention - gun too tight or loose in the holster
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.
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!
Concealment tips for all body types
- 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
- Basic Concealment Mechanics
- Appendix carry tips for larger folks – abdominal fat distribution and appendix carry
- Wedges – what is a wedge, and do I need one?
Comfort tips
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.
User group and community support
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Enigma Express fits these pistols:
The PHLster Enigma Express is a pre-assembled Enigma model that comes with a holster. The Enigma Express is available for the following pistols only:
Enigma Express Gun Fit List
PHLster Enigma Express Gun Fit List
- Beretta Cheetah 80x
- Beretta PX4C
- FN Reflex
- FN Reflex XL
- G19/G26/G45**
- G42**
- G43/43x/G43x MOS**
- G48/G48 MOS**
- HK CC9
- HK VP9/VPSK
- Ruger LCR
- Sig P365/P365X**
- Sig P365XL**
- Sig P365-XMacro** (P365 Macro and Macro Variants are only compatible with the Macro Express)
- Sig P365 Fuse
- Sig P365-380**
- Springfield Hellcat/Hellcat OSP
- Springfield Hellcat Pro/Hellcat Pro OSP
- S&W Bodyguard 2.0 (Does not fit original Bodyguard)
- S&W J-Frame (Does not fit the S&W Bodyguard 38)
- S&W Shield 1.0/2.0 – 3.1in
- S&W Shield Plus - 3.1in
- S&W Shield Plus – 4in/3.1in
- S&W M&P 2.0 Compact 4in
- Staccato 2024 CS (Does not fit older models)
- Taurus 856
- Taurus 856 T.O.R.O.
- Taurus GX2
- Taurus GX4
- Taurus GX4 Carry
- Walther PDP-F 3.5in
Can you change holsters on the Enigma Express?
The Enigma Express works with any of our Skeleton pistol holsters or City Special revolver 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 Enigma OS - Standard instead.
Learn more about why the Express is not compatible with other holsters.
Are the instructions the same for V2 Enigma?
Yes. The faceplates are identical in shape, so all assembly instructions are the same, and all parts are interchangeable. The concealment and performance are the same. You may follow these instructions whether you have the original or the V2 faceplate.
The only difference is the leg leash instructions. The V2 comes with two leg leash options, and they are easier to adjust. Please watch the V2 adjustment video to learn how to use the new leg leash.
How do I know which version Enigma I have?
First off, it doesn't much matter. The faceplate shapes are identical, all parts are interchangeable, and all assembly and usage instructions are the same. The only difference is the leg leash instructions.
If you purchased from PHLster after March 3rd, 2025, you have a V2 Enigma. The V2 Enigma will have a black plastic faceplate with texturing, and a raised Enigma logo. It will come with two leg leash options. Use this video to adjust your V2 leg leash.
A V1 Enigma will have a Tegris faceplate, which looks similar to gray or black carbon fiber. It comes with a single point leg leash only, and the buckle adjusts differently. Use this video to adjust your V1 leg leash.
Upgrade Kit instructions
The Enigma Upgrade Kit was sold for a limited time only, ending April 3rd. It is not a complete Enigma, and it requires assembly.
If you're looking for Upgrade Kit assembly instructions, please go here.
Trilock - Gripping Triglide Upgrade
The new Trilock provides a tighter grip on the belt webbing than the previous metal triglides. If you experience your belt loosening throughout the day, the Trilock can help. Recommended for the V2 Enigma Express and V2 Enigma Express - Light Bearing.
The Trilock is easy to use. Simply remove your existing metal triglide from your belt, and install the new one in its place. Make sure the nubs are touching the webbing when installed, as shown above.
If your belt is disconnected and you've forgotten how to route it, follow the routing instructions for either the regular Enigma belt or the Sport Belt, depending on which one you're using.
Routing the Regular Enigma Belt - Video Instructions
Routing the Enigma Sport Belt - Video Instructions