Review of The Phlster Enigma

So, at this point, every guy and his brother has weighed in to tell you that the Phlster Enigma is a game changer, and it is the greatest thing since sliced bread.  Well, not prone to jump on bandwagons, I only recently acquired an Enigma, which I paid for as I do not have a relationship with the company.  I do, however, love their products, as I use their holsters almost exclusively at this point.  So, I will throw my two-cents in on the Enigma: 

I have used belly bands for deep concealment and super-casual sweatpants carry for many years now.  I have used a lot of different kinds of belly bands.  I have always used a small-frame revolver for this kind of carry, as I don’t like auto loaders for belly band use.  The Enigma is not a belly band, and it will, frankly, work with any gun, small revolvers through full-size autos.  I still use it with my small revolver, as for me the Enigma will remain a deep/casual concealment option.  I still prefer a belt-worn holster when dressed in pants and a belt. 

Yeah, the Enigma is a game changer; it slays any belly band solution.  This device provides tension against the wing or wedge of a holster, like a belt does, but no belly band does, so it conceals much better.  The Enigma also stays stationary under any activity, something that I never experienced with any belly band, as they tend to ride up or down throughout the day.  Also, it is more comfortable than any belly band I have used, which seems surprising, but it is indeed the case.  You can draw and re-holster with no movement or re-positioning of the rig being necessary, something not possible with any belly band.  Finally, it is faster and easier to put on than any belly band. 

I use a Ruger LCR in a Phlster City Special holster on the Enigma (of note, the City Special is also the best snub revolver holster I have ever used) along with a Speedbeez LCR speedloader in a Speedbeez speedloader pouch, which also affixes to the Enigma with no added bulk or discomfort.  This is my deep concealment/extremely casual setup, and I doubt there will something better for a long time.  All the belly bands I have used, several of which I have reviewed on this blog, are obsolete.