The landscape of concealed carry is constantly evolving, and one of the most significant developments in recent years has been the rise of deep carry—a method that prioritizes both extreme concealment and functional access. Rhett Neumayer’s seven-part video series, Imperceptible Handgun, hosted on PHLSTER’s YouTube channel, delivers a comprehensive dive into this carry style, with actionable insights for everyday carriers.
Having personally carried with the PHLSTER Enigma since its original release, I’ve long appreciated the platform’s versatility and minimalism. With recent changes to my everyday carry setup, the timing couldn’t be better to explore the deep carry method in full.
What is Deep Carry?
Deep carry places the firearm lower on the torso than traditional appendix carry, with the muzzle often aligned with anatomical landmarks like the pubic symphysis. This allows the grip to ride at or slightly below the waistband, using the pants and belt themselves as the concealment garment. The trade-off? Significantly reduced printing and a vastly improved ability to remain discreet in close-quarters environments such as playgrounds, offices, or family gatherings.
Rhett’s core philosophy centers on balancing concealment, comfort, and accessibility. With the Enigma system, particularly the Express variant, the belt and holster can be fine-tuned for ride height and tension throughout the day. This allows for discreet carry in restrictive clothing like dress slacks or athletic shorts, and for open mobility in activities like running, squatting, or lifting kids—without sacrificing retention or draw efficiency.
Fit, Body Type, and Clothing: A Crucial Trio
One of the standout points in the series is the honest discussion about body types. Neumayer explains how certain builds—like the board-flat or pear-shaped—pose unique challenges when it comes to holster placement and concealment. These insights help users avoid the frustrating trial-and-error phase of deep carry setup.
Equally valuable is the extensive clothing advice. Deep carry demands different considerations in pant rise, waistband tightness, and flexibility. While loose, classic-cut jeans or cargo pants are ideal, even those who wear athletic or tailored clothing can adapt the deep carry method by selecting garments that allow freedom of movement and reduce binding at key joints. For women, dresses with A-line or baby doll cuts pair especially well with deep carry, providing both concealment and functional access.
Drawing from Deep Carry: Mechanics and Micro Drills
Neumayer’s approach to the draw stroke is arguably the most detail-rich part of the series. He deconstructs each phase of the draw into micro drills, offering precise hand positioning techniques for reliably gripping the firearm under tension. His “stab and claw” method—using the pinky, ring, and middle fingers to dig into the waistband and wrap the grip—replaces haphazard shirt lifts and thumb pinches with efficiency and repeatability.
This level of detail not only makes the draw smoother and faster, but also safer. Rhett explicitly calls out dangerous habits, like skipping the thumb or pinching the gun between fingers without establishing a full grip, which could result in negligent discharges or dropped firearms under stress.
Gun Selection and Concealment Percentage
The final video in the series introduces the concept of “concealment percentage”—how much of your hip-to-hip width the gun occupies. According to Neumayer, pistols that stay within 40% of this measurement are ideal for deep carry. Larger firearms like the Glock 19 can work, but may require compromises in mobility or comfort. The series emphasizes that smaller is not always better; in fact, guns with too-short grips may print more awkwardly than slightly larger models with flatter lines.
For someone like myself, switching to the Hellcat Pro or Echelon Compact—both falling into the “mid-size micro-compact” category—offers an opportunity to push the limits of deep concealment while retaining solid shootability and capacity.
The Deep Carry Advantage
Throughout the Imperceptible Handgun series, one message is clear: deep carry isn’t just a method—it’s a lifestyle. It’s for the responsibly armed citizen who values discretion as much as access, who needs to stay armed across a wide spectrum of daily activities without advertising the fact. With PHLSTER’s Enigma system and Rhett Neumayer’s training, deep carry becomes not just viable, but practical, even in high-movement, high-contact environments.
As someone who has lived with the Enigma platform since its inception, I’m excited to revisit my carry configuration through this lens. The potential for increased concealment without giving up speed or comfort is too compelling to ignore—especially as I settle into my next EDC platform.
