If you are looking for a comfortable light-bearing holster that you can wear all day, then you might want to take a look at PHLSTER’s new Floodlight2. I’ve had a pre-production model since last November, so I’ve had some time to test this new holster. And as usual, PHLSTER doesn’t disappoint.
Note: The pre-production model I received was black and didn’t have the new PMAG-type texture that the production models have. All other features and shapes seem to be the same, so most of my testing was done with the pre-production model.
What is the PHLSTER Floodlight2
The new Floodlight2 is a universal holster that indexes the pistol light allowing you to switch between different pistols as long as you use the same light. The Floodlight2 comes in two compatibility options, one that fits the Surefire x300U and one that fits the Streamlight TLR-1. The first version was also universal as well. But they’ve completely redesigned this holster around comfort, concealment, and durability.
The Floodlight2 is injection molded and features PHLSTER’s new invention, the ComfortScape ribs, and a PMAG-tyle texture.
“ComfortScape ribs round out the surface of the holster. It feels like one smooth organic shape against your body, with far fewer pressure points. This patent-pending feature also improves concealment. And, after wearing it for a whole day, you’ll discover the most important feature of all: moisture management.
The ribs allow air flow to keep your skin from being stifled and sweaty, one of the root causes of concealed carry discomfort. And since they’re molded into the holster, they don’t soak up sweat.”
Colors available at launch are Charcoal, Tundra, Sage, and Earth. When Jon Haupman, owner of PHLSTER, asked me what color I wanted for the production version, I went with Tundra, probably because I like Star Wars and Apple products. And I agree with Jon; it just looks cool!
Concealment
It had been some time since I’d carried my Glock 19 w/ a Surefire X300U. For a while now, I’ve been carrying a Glock 48 or a Sig P365XL. Strapping on the Glock 19 with a Surefire x300U definitely feels like a lot more gun than I’m used to. That said, after adding some PHLSTER wedges to it and making a couple of adjustments, I was able to conceal everything under a t-shirt. I wore it numerous times all day long and had no issues with concealment at all.
Comfort
As I mentioned, they are calling the unconventional ribs on this holster ComfortScape ribs. The thought process behind it is excellent, but I can’t say I was really able to test this out because of a few factors. First, to get the holster to conceal properly, I added a strip of Velcro loop to the back of the holster so I could attach some PHLSTER wedges. So the only part of the holster with the ComfortScape ribs touching my skin was the very top of the holster. That said, once I dialed in the wedges, I carried the Glock 19 comfortably all day. And I could probably trim some of the Velcro loop to expose more of the ComfortScape ribs (I noticed that after taking this photo.). But I think the real test will come with things start heating up. The ribs are supposed to help keep sweat off of your skin and with airflow. TBD.
Compatibility
While this is a universal holster, you must pick which pistol light you plan on using. The Floodlight2 indexes on the pistol light, allowing you to use any pistol with that light mounted to it. Your options are two widely used lights, the Surefire X300U, and the Streamlight TLR-1. The holster has shock cord on the slide side of the holster that allows you to adjust the holster to the width of your pistol. The holster is also ambidextrous, so if you are a lefty, PHLSTER has you covered. If you are wondering if they will come out with a version for your “XZY 1 Million Lumen Pistol Light”, don’t hold your breath. There’s a reason why they picked the two lights to work with. Jon explains why if you scrub to 14:22 of the Q&A video I embedded below.
Cost
If you are starting from scratch with no clips lying around or taking from another holster, it will cost you $138. The Floodlight2 comes with 1.5″ DDC clips standard. There’s no upgrade charge like the V1, where you end up throwing away the belt loops that came with it. If you already have clips, you can buy just the bare shell, which will cost you $118.
Another option is to buy the PHLSTER Enigma Express Light-Bearing, which comes with the Floodlight2 already mounted to the Enigma. This setup will run you $194. If you haven’t tried the Enimga yet, I highly recommend it. I would say I concealed carry with my Enigma at least 80% of the time. The other 20% would be in a PHLSTER Pro Holster.
The prices might seem high to some of you, but it is well worth the money, in my opinion. PHLSTER isn’t a company that pumps out sub-par holsters for every pistol model known to man. They do tons of research and are pushing concealment technology forward. I am confident in saying that any holster you buy from PHLSTER won’t end up in the dreaded ‘holster drawer.’
PHLSTER
