Why I’m no longer using the PHLSTER ENIGMA 

instagram.com/lastshotaz Last shot az

Ngl that transition to you showing that you’re carrying hollows over balls was so clean 😂

Thanks for this video and sharing your experience with the enigma. I have been considering one of those but you have given me reasons to think otherwise. I purchased a T1C belt similar to the HC belt and I absolutely love it. All off my prior belt choices were great belts but they weren’t comfortable and they caused some numbness in my hips after just a short while of wearing them. The T1C belt stretches just enough to avoid the numbness problem. The only difference I can see between the T1C and HC belts is the T1C belt has one more loop for quick adjustments.

If you have issues with the Enigma leash clip coming undone, try placing wrong side up. This makes it so the "button" cannot be pressed. After I did this, I never had an accidental unclip.

I've been using the HC belt and find it to be one of the most comfortable while being supportive belts I've had. Most others were either solid all around which is good for support but hurts for comfort. Others are great for comfort but bad for support. This was a great balance.

Phlster concealment workshop is the group

I carry one of two carry guns and the enigma has worked for me. The leg leash is needed for me as I am slim waisted and any bare belt would just snatch up with the draw on me. But great video man. I can see how one may work better than the other for different people different sizes and situation.

Great review. I’ve been using a belt that is stretchy with a cobra bucket and putting it over my shorts then folding my shorts over the belt. This seems like an easy more comfortable way to carry in gym shorts. Thanks for the review

I have been thinking of getting the Enigma for a while now. Thanks for making this video. I will do a bit more research and probably stick with this one since I won't be limited on holster/gun options.

Tier 1 Concealed has a more subtle buckle logo with the addition of another adjustment loop. I think HC makes the T1C belt too. The regular size for 32-34 waist is perfect. Good video.

Thank you brother. I have open carried for awhile (NV resident), but I will be getting my ccw soon and I wasn't too keen on my options. I'm skinny and I wear shorts or sweats quite often, plus, I draw a hard line at retention. It HAS to have positive retention. Period. So many of the spandex type band holsters have zero retention. Thank you so much again. I will be picking one up!

I use the Comfort Concealment belt. It’s very comfortable and i actually wear it everyday and have been for a few years. It hasn’t had any issues, no fraying, tearing or coming un sown. Here are the features. “Silicone lettering to grip your clothing, Soft breathable neoprene backing against your skin, Adjustable velcro closure allows belt placement anywhere on your torso, Elastic tab to move and flex with you, 1.5 inch width fits most holsters for any carry position.” It doesn’t make you hot or sweaty. I highly recommend it and everyone should check them out.

THUMBS UP FOR JNCO REF ALONE, but seriously great video which was very informative and not to mention useful

14:50 Doggo looks like he had his face in a chocolate pie! 😋 Thanks for sharing Reno... pretty cool belt.

I watched the PHLster videos. It took a few months to figure it all out, but I love it. Super comfortable.

I’ve been using the hunter Constantine belt for about six months. I bought it in black first and now I just bought the tan one a few weeks ago. Love the belts.

Broooo. You released this video about 2 weeks after I got mine. I love it so far. I manage a retail store and I’m able to confidently carry with no one even suspecting it. Thank you for all you do!

For a (solution) on the Enigma standard or Express leash issue that people talk about.... I added a DCC clip to the front where the holster attaches to the tegris.... game changer.. No leash, no irritation, and a ton more retention when drawing from holster then the leash provided... Also, the sport belt is a ((must) for comfort compared to their standard belt.

Look at you brotha… gettin a lil bit of 💪 since i saw your videos last ( been a year or more ) Nice job man

Been running the HC for several months and have liked it quite a bit. It's what I use for my daily x-macro carry. I also have the enigma express which I still like for my 365xl.

New to your channel. First video i saw was this one. I went out and bought both the comfort belt for the enigma and the HC belt. Tried both and I’m sold on the HC belt totally. It works as a normal belt and can be worn under my clothes with sweats. Gamechanger for me. Thanks man! Great content!

Yo, best wishes. Keep pressing onward!

Thanks for the information. I was undecided on the Enigma, but after looking at cost per set up I can't justify it. Probably be trying the HC belt next.

Excellent review and comparison.

I used similar setup. Trex sidecar but with phlster sport belt. Also can recommend Concealed Craft “Bridge 2.0”. Ps u can still use leg leash with any holster.

I’ve been running the HC belt for 6-7 months, love it compared to all my other setups I have tried in the past. Would recommend as well.

Enjoyed your video. Very informative. That Hunter Belt looks a LOT like the Crossbreed Liberty Band. Thanks and God bless.

I've been using the Vedder comfort tuck holster w/ horse leather and find it to be the most comfortable even more than the trex sidecar2.0 (I carry a glock 19 w/ a TRL7)

Watched this video last night on break at work glad I did i then bought the Constantine belt immediately I was looking into the enigma originally and glad I watched the video thank you for the knowledge.

Another great video!! What holster are you using for that belt… Thanks

I just use my same Kore Essentials ratchet belt that I use on my regular pants or shorts but inside the garment if it doesn't have loops. I simply hook the Vetter light tuck holster's metal clip over the belt as normal and also over the sweatpants or loopless.shorts. That marries the belt to the bottoms together and keeps the holster from riding up during the draw. I like using the same belt and holster I regularly wear and being able to take the whole rig out.of of my pants the same way as normally and put it right back in again just as fast. I can do this all easily sitting down behind the wheel and not look like I'm trying to pee in a jug or something else a weirdo might do in public.

Sorry, but I'm not buying the reasons to ditch the Enigma. I ditched the leg leash within a week of buying, and never looked back. I've never once joined the Facebook group, and never felt a need. The chassis isn't complicated. I'm not rich, but the cost never bothered me because I'm a big fan of "buy once, cry once". I don't see a metal reinforced belt offering the same rigidity to support concealment along the entire body of the holster as the Enigma does.

The dedicated belt plus AIWB holster, distinct from the clothing belt, seems like a promising and flexible setup. I wonder if it would work well with the Aliengear holster (I love their modular stuff). Disclaimer: I don't yet concealed carry and am still evaluating different setups.

I've been carrying the Enigma with TLR-1 Floodlight and have the same complaints as you. I was going to look at installing Neomag adapters onto the Enigma face, but I'm going to have to give the HC belt a try instead. Thanks!

Nice review. THANKS!

I have 2 Enigma set ups. I had to put the buckle on the same side as the wing to pull the grip tighter to my body. That allowed me to get rid of the wedge and i dont have to tighten the belt as much just to bring the grip tighter to my body. The wedge made it way more uncomfortable. I do keep a thing DIY pad for comfort. I carry a lot so im always looking for ways to improve it. So far switching the buckle to my strong side has made the biggest difference.

You introduced me to the "tactical g string" 😅 in one of your older videos. I got it and love it. I dont carry a full size and use hand hels light only no gun light so it works. But it is expensive and I did have to buy extra mods to make belt and leg leash more comfortable (enigmod leg leash, and papoose for belt/chasey cover)

Your adorable dog!!!! ❤ Beautiful coloring mostly white, chestnut freckles and black ears😊 Anyway ty for the video!

I bought the HC belt and love it. That said, mine does have one quibble, which is that the first loop where you can fasten it tends to flare out where it is doubled up and that makes it difficult to clip.

I’ve been using the Enigma for 2.5 years. Definitely some pros but the cons you share are the same for me. It’s also not as comfortable despite many attempts for help on the FB group. What holster are you using here? Are you happy with it?

Decided to check out the belt as it does seem interesting. I wasn't sure about sizing, we're similar sizes so I figured I'd take your advice but their website has three sizes, and not two like you've mentioned. They have small, regular and large. I'm probably going with regular (32-42) but any insight on these sizes would be appreciated. Is regular the smaller size you mentioned?

So the belt is cool and I'm going to get one. Now what holster brand do you recommend?

yeah i ditched the leg leash first thing and have the sports belt add on for my enigma loving it so far still new to it but gave me alot of comfort from a traditional holster imo also since i'm not taking it on and off often/only carry 1 firearm regularly so the other cons have not been an issue for me (yet) this belt or anyway to get people into carrying is a great idea IMO

Just ordered the HC. Since having spinal fusion, my thick CC belt hurts my back. I am hoping the soft material on the back will be better. Great video thanks!

Yup that Hunter C belt is the one I Have yet to buy but plan on getting.. but similar belts that I’ve had success with are the comfort concealment and the one from mastermind tactics … absolute best way to carry comfortably in 2024!! Expect to see more companies start catching on !

Thanks for this video, I’m about to buy a IWB holster system and didn’t know there was more than the Enigma

I dont have any experience with the enigma but I've been wearing my Hunter Constantine belt for 5 months now and love it! My second favorite (which I mainly use for range days) is my Kore belt. It really is super comfortable!

Very informative video...I'm going to order one. I need a holster, I own a Sig P220...which holster, similar to yours, would you recommend for my Sig? Thank you

Thanks for the review. I'm on my second Nexbelt right now and while I enjoy the ease and comfort of the ratcheting system they keep breaking down along the back side so this might be a good alternative.

Great video! I’m actually someone who uses both the Engima and the HC belt. A few things that would make life a lot easier, is just remove the leash entirely. I’ve never used it, and it’s never been a problem for me. I wear the enigma if I’m wearing all day and want the comfort factor. I wear the HC if I need the ability to go back and forth from holster in my pants, or holster in my Vertx bag. The Enigma is definitely not for everyone, and the HC belt, I can’t recommend enough.

Interesting video. If you lived in a state that only allows you to carry 10 rounds, which firearm would you choose to go with this new belt?

I’m curious where you purchased the holster? I am needing to find a new system, and have yet to find a combo to accommodate my HKp30sk and the TLR8. I was referred to the Enigma, but like options…and to keep my light attached

I ditched the leash and added an ulti clip to keep the holster in place and keep my pants from riding up over the holster, if deep concealment is not needed. My favorite set up for edc so far. I also attached my Tier1 holster, had to do a little modification to the holster but worked out perfect.

Couldn’t agree more with everything you said in this video about the Enigma. I have two for light bearing and non light bearing and they’re basically gathering dust now. I switched to the Mastermind Tactics Covert belt. It’s very inexpensive and has enough rigidity when tightened to hold up my G17+Modlite PL350 and two spare mags. The beauty of this belt, is like the Hunter Constantine, it flexes just slightly. But the BEST part, is that it had rubber inlays to grab onto the inside of your pants whether it’s basketball shorts, jeans, or in your case swim trunks 😂. Just like the hunter Constantine it allows “hotswapping” of guns and holster just like a normal belt. PLUS, Mastermind Tactics has the absolute BEST appendix carry accessory, the Appendix Pillow. Yes it is literally a pillow and allllll of my holsters have one. Def check out mastermind tactics as they have a bunch of accessories that work for “covert belt” carry (where the belt is worn inside the pants vs outside)

I mounted the Alias module to my Enigma. That solves the multi-gun issue since I can now mount different shells to one Enigma. Bonus is that I can just detach the shell if I need to lock the gun in the car when I’m out and about.

Hey Reno, quick question. I have a MP Sport 15 with a non threaded barrel. Am I allowed to purchase a threaded barrel adapter or am I better off sending it to get threaded?

"if you got the tism like i do" 🤣 if i wasnt already subbed, i wouldve had to just for that

If I'm understanding correctly, it's just a variation of blue alpha belts velcro belt that you're wearing around your waistline?

Seems like finding the right ccw holster/setup is a game of trial and error for some. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I moved away from my Enigma for very similar reasons, after being a pretty early Enigma adopter. Swapping guns (biggest push for me), ease of taking on/off, comfort, etc. I'm currently using the Mastermind Covert belt, but I'm waiting on Hunter's small sized belt to come back in stock. I've tried almost every method for carrying a gun without beltloops/gun belt, so I'm looking forward to trying to HC as well.

I swap between the Nexbelt and the Hunter belt. I think I like the Nexbelt for EDC, but the Hunter belt is shockingly effective at concealing in any sort of lazy clothing. I have no problem taking my son for a walk in gym shorts with my full edc in the Hunter belt. I also think the Hunter belt prints less in all scenarios than my Nexbelt. There is something about the rigidity of the Nexbelt that I like, though.

Reno what holster are you using with the HC belt?

You know what I HATE about ordering (or thinking about) a holster is that while you are in the process of filling out the order form…. They ask you questions… do you want this clip? and do you want this shim? And you are like.. WTF are they talking about? They think EVERYONE already knows everything about holsters who is ordering. Holster company should come at where there are hyperlinks to explain for people not in the know. Maybe they would sell more holsters…. But then again, that’s pretty obvious

Gonna have to try this out, thanks

14:45 The important part. The doggo break. Pupper peek.

"larger of the two" - there's now 3 sizes on constantine's site. Is your's the regular? I'm almost the same build and it sounds like you're recommending the small (i never get small anything normally)

Thanks for showing that belt… Core ess. belts have been nice, but they definitely have a habit of pissing off my lower back sometimes due to the rigidity. I’m not willing to sacrifice the full size CC, so any comfort i can manage while still having a reliable system is most appreciated.

Im supper glad i got the small size and im 6 foot 165 even if i were bigger the small would work all the way to a 34 now they have 3 sizes but the small works well for normal sized people i love the small to becouse i have a bit more of the flex wrapping around my hips leaving the metal part only in front and only slightly going around hips but met with that elastic perfectly. Good video man

My only concern is the elastic on that belt; how long will it last? I've had the t1c belt for 6 months and that is my only problem with it. Elastic has an expiration date, sadly.

Did Reno really drop a 17 minute video just to show off his leg gains? Well played sir well played 💪🏼

You gave me the last push to get the HC belt and it's weirdly effective. I can wear it outside my belt loops, just on my waist. In anything. My mind is kinda blown that it actually works.

@RenoMay, why do you say that the belt wouldn't work well with suits or dress clothes? I'm trying to get an Enigma that works. Just returned the Enigma Express LB to get the Standard Enigma OS with a custom minimalist holster from JM Custom Kydex. Had to take off my weapon light to do so. I'd rather carry with a WML and optic, but the Enigma Floodlight 2 made my pants bulge too much, so I took off the WML and changed holsters. I need to wear dress clothes, and like I said, I would LOVE to be able to use my WML and optics, so lmk what you think

If you like the G19, you’ll love the G43X. It’s basically a G19 but single stack so a good bit thinner. Same grip length. For reference, I’m 6’4” with XL glove hands and I get a great purchase on it. Yeah, not as good as a real deal full size like my G21, but really good. 🤙🏻

i have both. i've not tried the hc in a beltless setup yet. philster has worked great for me so far in the limited applications that i really needed it. i will be eager to compare hunters belt once i get the correct tight adjustment.

I have had the Hunter Constantine belt since it came out. Definitely one of the best carry belts.

Have you tried a jm6 magnetic holster with the HC? I have one I wear daily but with a normal web belt. Gonna order a HC

@RenoMay, I bought a Hunter Constantine belt, partly on your recommendation, and I have started using it not only place of my belly band, but as my "go to" belt in jeans, retiring my NexBelt for most purposes. (I still use the NexBelt for local competitions where I'm required to use an OWB strong-side holster). The HC belt is a great product.

Rego Concepts - EnigMOD Leg Leash is a good option to slow the leash creepin’ in on the bits. Which unfortunately is just more money to spend.

I agree with you in that the Enigma is not ideal when it comes to quick and simple removal when clothing needs to stay on. I have been using the Enigma for 7 months or so, and that is the only complaint I have that is unavoidable and has no "fix". Outside of that, Levo Designs and Revo Concepts have options that make the Enigma work great for me. I like the setup you've moved to, but one of my favorite aspects of the Enigma is the leg leash. As with sport belts, I suspect this new setup to slide up when I draw. What I have done with mine is swapped to the "Mule Tape" leg leash from Revo Concepts. It's simply just a wider nylon lease with a magnetic clip just like the Enigma belt. I position mine at the crease of my leg, and over my boxer briefs. Comfortable as can be and does not come loose. Revo also now has a "semi-elastic" leash but that one I have not had the need to try.

Best combo I’ve seen is using the Enigma and the Neomag Alias systems together. Just mount the Alias receiver to the Enigma chassis and now you can swap holsters, remove the holster easily for the bathroom or getting in and out of a vehicle if you don’t carry on you when in a car.

I've been using Enigma+Floodlight for a couple of years already and it's working really well. I carry a G19 with a compensator and X300 light, and it's almost magic how that monstrosity completely disappears in my pants even in summer with shorts + t-shirt. Taking it on and off is a hassle - I can definitely relate. My solution so far was to just not go to places where I can't carry. Will check out the HC setup - thanks for the info!

So do you think this BELT will work with various AIWB holsters with clips? Kydex or leather ones? I have many enigma rigs and I’ve spent a lot of time with them but even still they are not the end of game. Many of the reasons you cited I find the same faults with it. Thanks for this alternative system info!

Great video. I tell everyone about the HC/Tier 1 belt. I love mine

Yeah ditch the leg lease and get the Bumster from Levi Designs. I’ve been wearing the enigma since it came out. Took a while to perfect it and get it super comfortable. It takes a bit of work and the extra money but it’s worth it. I’ve tried those sidecar holsters from tier 1. Found them very uncomfortable and doesn’t conceal well.

I wear scrubs all day and carry a 365xl and the enigma setup has worked really well for me. I will have to look into this new setup as it seems a little more convenient.

what are your thoughts / opinion about the "smart Carry holster"??? it also uses a waist strap like this hunter constantine

What holster are you using for that glock. I have a glock 19 and been looking for a holster.

How would you compare the concealment/ rigidity of this vs a traditional gun belt?

What holster are you using Reno ?

I have used the Enigma for years. I used in over thousands of rounds fired, drawn, shoot and move, conceal carry classes, and combatives. All AFTER removing rhe leash and shaving the leahs area to be smoother. Never had an issue with drawing or retention. I also use a wedge, so that creates additional points of tension. I love my 3 Enigmas.

Reno i didnt hear you say, can you wear a belt over the constantine belt like this? I change from jeans to shorts at the gym, would suck if i had to take the belt off my jeans to continue carrying when i leave the gym.

Same issues I had with it. Never got it comfortable with the lease and overall it takes a lot of tinkering. There are a few belts on market that allow beltless carry which is what I use now.

If I’m wearing anything with a pocket (including the lightest weight basketball shorts as long as they have a drawstring you can tie) I just pocket carry a gen 1 Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield in a grovtec size 4 pocket holster. I’ve been doing this nearly every day since 2016. Back in 2022 after 6 years I purchased a new size 4 grovtec pocket holster because the original one was a little less grippy but I still use the original one even today if I’m gonna be working a lot, it still works great. Even if you prefer to EDC something bigger in the Glock 19 or 17 size range I’d recommend getting a smaller piece like the gen 1 single stack M&P Shield for those lazy days or summer lightweight clothes days at home or out and about.

Nice review. I use the enigma express while running and it’s the only set up I’ve found that works. I’d be curious how the Constantine holds up on long 8+ miles, strenuous runs.

Phylster concealment workshop is the group you speak of

I've been recently trialing the Comfort Concealment belt. So far so good 👍

For anyone who wants something similar for a better price, check out the comfort concealment blackout belt. I've been using one for the past year and I love it. It's not metal reinforced like this one, but I've never had issues drawing.

Thing I dislike about my engima is my knuckles hit the engima every time I draw vs when I use my T1C or other holsters that are on a belt. Appreciate the review.

I usually wear a Bravobelt Belly Band Holster inside the Waistband but I might think about switching to this now since it looks much thinner and no annoying velcro that wears out

I got rid of the leg strap (best thing I did) attached a DC clip so I have the option of clipping it to my waistband, I carry a 365xl with no problem. I use this with Basketball shorts and sweatpants if I’m wearing any type of pants with belt loops then I use a regular holster.