How do I find a compatible holster? FIT GUIDE
Our holster fit guide will help you find what holsters you should use with the Light Bearing Enigma OS. It will also teach you the holster requirements so you can evaluate your holster and make sure it is safe. Remember, a holster must meet ALL the requirements in the fit guide, not just some!
Do not attempt to make a holster work if it doesn’t have all four mounting points in the correct location. You’ll end up with serious safety and performance problems, as well as voiding your Enigma warranty. Just don’t.
The Light Bearing Enigma fit guide has tons of recommendations for different guns and lights. If you're looking for a more minimalist holster for a smaller weapon-mounted light, such as a TLR-7, you'll find several different options. You can choose the features you want. Yes, the Enigma OS is more work than the Express, but you can choose exactly the kind of holster you want to use with it.
If this process seems totally overwhelming, you can buy a pre-assembled holster and Light Bearing Enigma combo for select guns and lights from Henry Holsters. They've done the work of optimizing it for you.
Learn how to assemble, adjust, and wear your PHLster Enigma OS – Light Bearing. “OS” stands for open source, and it means this model of Enigma works for many different light bearing holsters, as long as they meet all the compatibility requirements.
Below you’ll find an overview of all the possible adjustments, plus tips and tricks for concealment and comfort. Take some time to experiment with the different holster adjustments until you find the best setup for your unique body shape.
Please note – you MUST have a holster that meets ALL the compatibility requirements from the Light Bearing Enigma fit guide – no exceptions. Do not attempt to make a holster work if it doesn’t have all four mounting points in the correct location. You’ll end up with serious safety and performance problems, as well as voiding your Enigma warranty. Just don’t.
How To Assemble Your PHLster Enigma OS - Light Bearing
Tenicor holsters, click here for special instructions.
The Tenicor Sagax Lux, Malus Sol, Certum, and Velo are all compatible with the Light Bearing Enigma. They require special steps to attach to the Enigma facplate.
Video Instructions
Please note – you MUST have a holster that meets ALL the compatibility requirements from the Light Bearing Enigma fit guide – no exceptions. Do not attempt to make a holster work if it doesn’t have all four mounting points in the correct location. You’ll end up with serious safety and performance problems, as well as voiding your Enigma warranty. Just don’t.
This video shows how to assemble the Light Bearing Enigma OS. While your version might be slightly different, the steps are all the same. Note that the videos below show the updated parts.
Updated Buckle Capture
Your Enigma may have come with an updated buckle capture. Instructions for installing it can be found in the main instruction video. It installs on the Enigma faceplate just like the original, so you can follow the regular instruction video from here.
Updated Buckle Capture
More details on the updated buckle capture.
How To Use the Fidlock Magnetic Buckle Correctly
Here's how to use the Fidlock magnetic buckle that comes with your Enigma. You need to release tension on the belt first, then pull forward on the tab to unlock it. It should feel easy. Do not force the tab open under pressure, or you will break the latch.
Floodlight2 Holster Quick Start Guide
Are you using the PHLster Floodlight2 holster on your Light Bearing Enigma OS? If so, make sure to go through these adustment steps!
How To Use the Enigma Leg Leash
The 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 — 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.
Full Leg Leash Instruction Video
How to properly wear and adjust the 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.
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 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 and Configurations
The Enigma OS (Light Bearing) can be adjusted several different ways to fit your body. You can learn more about the possible holster adjustments below.
Belt attachment holes - adjust grip tuck and rotation
The Light Bearing Enigma OS has four belt attachment holes on either side of the faceplate. These control grip tuck, grip rotation, and optic printing. Please watch the Standard Enigma Poke and Check video below for more information. While the Light Bearing Enigma is slightly different in shape, the same principles apply, and you will adjust it the same way, using the Poke and Check method.
Change Modwing or eMod inserts - adjusts grip rotation
To make gross adjustments to the amount of grip rotation you get, you can change your light bearing Modwing inserts. A light bearing Modwing will come with a short and tall insert (top left of picture).
The tall insert will give you the most grip rotation (more than is necessary for most guns). The short insert will give you moderate grip rotation. Using the wing alone, with no insert, will give you the least amount of grip rotation.
If in doubt, start with the short Modwing insert.
Please note: If you’re not getting enough grip rotation with your light bearing holster, consider adding a wedge instead of increasing the wing height. Since light bearing holsters are wider and flatter, they tend to resist the action of the wing, which adds stress to the holster and can lead to cracks and premature wear. Wedges can give you precise control over grip tuck and rotation, and also tend to make your setup more comfortable, as well.
Also note: Only use a light bearing Modwing on a light bearing holster. Never use a standard Modwing, as it will crack your holster shell.
Leg leash tab poking you? (Legacy)
If you have an older Light Bearing Enigma with the leg leash tab that sticks out, this is for you.
The LBE was designed for the Floodlight holster, which accommodates full size lights and duty-sized weapons. If your holster shell is smaller than the floodlight, the leg leash attachment point may stick out past the shell, which can make it dig into your thigh when seated.
NOTE: Normally we say not to crease the faceplate material, however the leg leash is a low stress part, so this is fine.
DO NOT CUT OR MODIFY YOUR FACEPLATE. See the Enigma Safety page for more details.
Shorten and trim the leg leash
Smaller users may need to shorten the leg leash drop. You can do this by fastening the leg leash through one of the larger faceplate holes rather than through the leg leash slot. See the video below for more detailed information.
Holster retention - gun too tight or loose in holster
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 and light model. Aftermarket modifications to the gun may cause problems with retention.
Next, read this article on holster retention 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.
Next, set your holster's retention according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you’re using the PHLster Floodlight holster, MAKE SURE you have adjusted your holster correctly using the instructions.
If these steps don’t resolve your issue, you can contact the manufacturer of your holster shell for help. Before you do so, please make sure you’re testing your holster retention correctly.
Reminder: Do not test holster retention by shaking your holster upside down.
Watch the video below for some additional considerations about holster retention.
Comfort mods and 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.
As always, knowledge comes first before gear. Learn what makes holsters comfortable in this video.
Wedges - improve comfort and concealment
You can add a wedge to your holster to improve both comfort and concealment. Learn more about wedges.
DIY tutorial on how to make your own wedge.
User group and community support
We welcome you to join the PHLster Concealment Workshop community 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.
Accessories
Sport Belt
The optional Sport Belt accessory installs in place of the regular nylon belt that comes with the Enigma. The Sport Belt improves comfort and provides additional support with an elastic back panel.
The sport belt installs on the Enigma faceplate using the same hardware as the original belt. See the video for more detailed instructions. You WILL use the optional belt end piece included in your Sport Belt package.
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.
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. 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 Enigma, 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
How to use the Fidlock magnetic buckle
With correct technique, the magnetic buckle on the Enigma is very easy to operate. Do not attempt to force the buckle open by pulling straight out. Instead, pull forward on the buckle tab. Watch the video to see how.
If the buckle lands over your hip bone and causes a pressure point, see the adjustment video to learn how to move and adjust it. You can also try the Reduced Size Slider Buckle.
Safety, care, and maintenance
Leg leash questions and tips
• 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.
Holster retention - gun too tight or loose in the holster
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 and light model. 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.
Next, set your holster's retention according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you’re using the PHLster Floodlight holster, MAKE SURE you have adjusted your holster correctly using the instructions.
If these steps don’t resolve your issue, you can contact the manufacturer of your holster shell for help. Before you do so, please make sure you’re testing your holster retention correctly.
Reminder: Do not test holster retention by shaking your holster upside down.
Watch the video below for some additional considerations about holster retention.
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
• Appendix carry tips for larger folks – abdominal fat distribution and appendix carry
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.
