As a concealed carrier (is that a word?), I’m always on the lookout for the best IWB (inside the waistband) holster.
Naturally, when I came across the PHLster Pro Series, I was eager to give it a try, and let me tell you, it quickly became my favorite.
Keep in mind, I’ve been carrying it for almost 2 years now!
What grabbed my attention initially was the compatibility with the Enigma Chassis system, the ambidextrous design, and the built-in wedge for comfort and concealment.
After using the PHLster Pro Series, I was impressed with its high-quality construction that feels like a one-time investment for daily wear.
The holster’s design offers improved safety, with features such as a sweat guard for easier re-holstering.
The experience has shown that this IWB holster excels in both appendix carry and traditional strong-side IWB carry, suitable for a wide range of preferences.
PHLster Pro Series Design
Kydex Construction
Speaking from my experience, the PHLster Pro Series holster is constructed from high-quality Kydex, which provides durability and excellent retention for my firearm.
In addition, the Kydex construction ensures that the holster maintains its shape and doesn’t wear out easily, giving me the confidence that it’ll last for a long time with daily use.
Ambidextrous Design
One of the standout features of the PHLster Pro Series holster for me is its ambidextrous design.
This feature allows someone to set it up for either right or left-hand draw, making it versatile and suitable for various carry scenarios or personal preferences.
The holster also has molded wedges on both sides, providing comfort and removing hard edges that could cause discomfort during daily carry.
Optic Compatibility
One aspect that I truly appreciate about the PHLster Pro Series holster is its optic compatibility right out of the box.
As a “modern” concealed carrier, it’s essential for me to have a holster that supports popular pistol-mounted optics without requiring additional modifications or the purchase of specialized holsters.
This compatibility shows that PHLster understands the modern concealed carrier’s needs and is willing to go the extra mile to make their holsters as versatile and user-friendly as possible.
Comfort and Adjustments
As a long-time user of the PHLster Pro Series IWB Holster, I can confidently say that it’s my “current” favorite holster due to its comfort and various adjustment options.
Ride Height Adjustment
The PHLster Pro Series holster offers ride height adjustments, which I find convenient for a personalized fit.
It comes with adjustable IWB loops and an adjustable ModWing.
These features allow me to easily alter the position of the holster on my waistband to find the most comfortable and accessible placement.
Cant Adjustment
Cant adjustments are important to ensure proper drawing of the firearm.
The Pro Series holster allows for cant angle adjustments, enhancing the overall user experience.
I’m able to set the cant angle according to my personal preference, ensuring efficient drawing and optimal concealment.
Wedge Options
A unique feature that has significantly contributed to the comfort level of the PHLster Pro Series holster is the wedge options.
The bottom of the holster is bulbous in shape, acting as a built-in wedge and providing additional comfort during use.
The rounded edges also help to prevent it from digging into my body.
Although you can add additional wedges if needed, I find the molded wedge in the Kydex sufficient for my concealment needs.
In conclusion, the PHLster Pro Series IWB Holster stands out as my favorite holster thanks to its comfort and various adjustment options.
The ride height, cant, retention, and wedge options make it a versatile and personalized choice for concealed carry.
Fit and Compatibility
Firearm Models
As a concealed carry enthusiast, I find the PHLster Pro Series IWB holster to be incredibly versatile with regards to firearm models.
This innovative holster accommodates popular models such as:
- Glock 9mm/40 (G26-34)
- Glock 43/43x/48 (And MOS)
- Walther PDP/PDP-F
- Sig P365/P365x/P365XL (with and without thumb safety)
- Sig P320 M17, M18 (except .45/10mm, SubCompact, or metal frames)
As someone who occasionally switches between firearms, I appreciate this adaptability.
Attachments and Hardware
In addition to the features above, the Pro Series also accommodates suppressor height sights and threaded barrels.
This allows someone to easily customize their firearm without worrying about compatibility issues or diminished performance.
The Pro Series is designed to work seamlessly with attachments like the Enigma Chassis system, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a more minimalist carry option.
The holster features adjustable retention and trigger guard coverage, which gives me peace of mind knowing my firearm is secure at all times.
Whether I choose to attach soft loops or other mounting hardware (DCC Monoblock is my favorite), the Pro Series holster adapts to my specific needs effortlessly.
With its impressive fit and compatibility, the PHLster Pro Series IWB holster provides a secure and comfortable solution for my concealed carry needs.
Its versatility in accommodating various firearm models and attachments makes it a top choice for those who want a reliable and flexible AIWB holster.
Mounting Options and Clips
Tuckable Clips
One of the features I like about the PHLster Pro Series IWB Holster is that it comes standard with adjustable IWB loops, which provide mounting flexibility based on carry preferences.
The optional Tuckable Clips upgrade allows further customize the holster.
Tuckable clips are great if you wear shirts tucked into your pants and want excellent concealment, as you can tuck your shirt over the gun and behind the clips.
Tuck Strut
Another optional upgrade available for the Pro Series holster is the Tuck Strut, a lever that fastens to the holster and shifts the gun’s grip closer to your body.
Its design helps in better concealment and allows for a more comfortable carry experience.
This feature is particularly useful when I need to dress in more formal attire and require maximum concealment.
Discreet Carry Concepts Monoblock Clip
The Pro Series holster also offers the option of upgrading to a Discreet Carry Concepts Monoblock Kit.
This slim, sturdy metal clip provides a minimal appearance, excellent retention, and is compatible with various belt sizes.
I appreciate how the monoblock clip keeps my holster secured firmly to my belt, ensuring it remains in place during daily activities.
This is by far my favorite clip and well worth the cost.
Griphooks
You can also opt for a pair of Griphooks as another mounting option for the Pro Series holster.
Griphooks are designed with a low profile and offer a tuckable feature, similar to other clip options available.
These hooks work well with different carry methodologies and give me the flexibility to adjust the ride height and cant of the holster.
Metal Clips
For those who prefer traditional metal clips, the Pro Series holster can accept any IWB hardware available, ensuring compatibility with my preferred method of holster attachment.
Metal clips offer robust retention and durability, ensuring my holster stays securely in place.
In conclusion, the many mounting options available for the PHLster Pro Series IWB Holster are some of the reasons it is my favorite holster.
From tuckable clips to metal clips, it offers me the versatility to configure the holster to my carry needs without compromising comfort or concealment.
Concealment and Printing
Built-in Wedge
What I appreciate most about the PHLster Pro Series IWB Holster is its built-in wedge.
This feature significantly enhances concealment by pushing the grip of the gun closer to my body and minimizing the chances of anyone noticing that I’m carrying a concealed weapon.
I’ve found that this integrated wedge works well as a standalone option or in conjunction with separate foam wedges if you need a little more push.
The built-in wedge seamlessly fits with the overall design of the holster without adding unnecessary bulk.
Fixed Retention
The retention on the PHLster Pro Series IWB Holster gives me confidence that my gun will stay secure throughout the day.
Unlike some other holsters that have adjustable retention, I appreciate not having to worry about retention points loosening over time.
Plus, the modwing on the holster helps with concealment, keeping the grip close to my body and further reducing printing.
Popular Models Compatibility
One of the things that impressed me about the PHLster Pro Series Holster is its compatibility with an array of popular gun models:
- Glock 43/43X/48
- Glock 26/19/17/34
- Walther PDP
I find this compatibility particularly useful because I switch between different carry guns, and the holster easily accommodates each one without requiring additional hardware.
The Pro Series has a generous sight channel that fits even taller iron sights without any issues.
Another aspect I’m fond of is the sweat guard on the PHLster Pro Series Holster, which, although not as long as I’d prefer, provides adequate protection to keep my gun safe from moisture.
It also aids in reholstering my gun, especially when carrying appendix inside the waistband (AIWB).
In summary, the PHLster Pro Series IWB Holster checks all the boxes for me in terms of concealment and reducing printing.
The built-in wedge, fixed retention, and compatibility with popular gun models make it my go-to choice for comfortable and discreet carry.
Build Quality and Material Options
Construction Details
In my experience, the PHLster Pro Series IWB Holster exhibits outstanding build quality.
As mentioned, this holster is compatible with the Enigma Chassis system and is made of high-quality materials, meaning it feels like a product you’d only have to buy once and could wear daily without concern for wearing it out.
Additionally, the Pro Series holster is ambidextrous and easily set up for either right or left-hand draw, providing versatility for different carrying setups.
Here are some standout features of the PHLster Pro Series:
- High-quality materials
- Compatible with Enigma Chassis system
- Ambidextrous design
- Built-in wedge for concealment and comfort
- Great accessibility
- Rounded shape for added comfort
In summary, the PHLster Pro Series IWB Holster has left a lasting impression on me due to its quality construction, compatibility with the Enigma Chassis system, and thoughtful design features.
Leather and Nylon Alternatives
Although leather and nylon holsters are options in the concealed carry world, I find the quality and features of the Pro Series outweigh their alternatives.
Leather holsters often require a break-in period and may lose their shape over time, which can impact retention and comfort.
They also tend to collapse, making reholstering in stressful situations even more difficult.
Nylon, on the other hand, has similar issues and does not provide the same level of durability or customization as the Pro Series.
One specific advantage of the Pro Series over leather and nylon options is its compatibility with red dot sights.
The sight channel on the Pro Series is quite generous, with no modifications needed, accommodating various shapes and sizes of red dot sights without a problem.
This is especially useful for those who use optics on their concealed carry firearms.
Moreover, the Pro Series’ construction lends itself well to the inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry, offering both excellent concealment and comfort.
In comparison to leather and nylon alternatives, I find the PHLster Pro Series IWB Holster to be an excellent choice for concealed carry use, especially given its build quality, customization options, and compatibility with red dot sights and the Enigma system.
Conclusion
In my experience with the PHLster Pro Series IWB holster, I find it to be one of the most comfortable and versatile holsters I’ve had the pleasure of using.
Its ambidextrous design allows the end user to easily switch between right and left-hand draw, making it an excellent choice for those who need flexibility in their carry options.
One of the standout features of the Pro Series holster is its compatibility with various pistol models and the Enigma Chassis system (more on this later).
I appreciate the adaptability it provides, allowing me to use it with multiple firearms without needing separate holsters for each one.
The high-quality materials and construction give me confidence in the holster’s durability and longevity, even with daily use.
The built-in wedge and rounded edges contribute to the overall comfort while wearing the holster in the appendix position.
I’ve found that concealment is excellent with this holster, which is crucial for those who want a discreet carry option.
Having the option to add an aftermarket foam wedge if needed, but finding the molded-in Kydex wedge sufficient, adds to the versatility of the Pro Series holster.
As an optics-ready holster, it’s convenient for those who use firearms with compatible optics.
I also appreciate the adjustability it offers, allowing me to tailor my carry preferences to my liking.
In summary, the PHLster Pro Series IWB holster has become my favorite due to its comfort, versatility, and adjustability.
From its compatibility with multiple firearms and the Enigma Chassis system to its excellent concealment and built-in wedge, it’s a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable and adaptable IWB holster.