Comfort Concealment vs Phlster Enigma: Which Loopless Carry System Is Right for You?
By the Comfort Concealment team, everyday concealed carriers and US-made gear builders
Last updated: July 2026
If you're comparing the Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 and the Phlster Enigma, you're looking at two of the most respected options for beltless concealed carry. Both let you carry without traditional belt loops, but they take very different approaches. The BLACKOUT 2.0 is simpler, more affordable at $49.95, works with your existing holster, and is an excellent choice for lightweight pistols like the SIG P365 or Glock 43X in either appendix or strong-side carry. The Phlster Enigma costs more, takes more time to set up, and excels at maximum appendix concealment with heavier handguns. Neither system is objectively better, the question is which fits how you carry. Your choice depends on how you carry, what you carry, and how much convenience matters to you.
See the BLACKOUT 2.0: carry with your own holster →
What's the difference between Comfort Concealment and the Phlster Enigma?
The Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 and the Phlster Enigma are designed to solve the same problem but go about it in different ways. The BLACKOUT 2.0 is a carry belt that works around your own holster while the Phlster Enigma is a chassis system with its own dedicated holster and ecosystem. They both allow you to carry a concealed handgun without relying on belt loops, making them practical with gym shorts, joggers, sweatpants, athletic wear, and other clothing that normally makes concealed carry more difficult. That shared purpose is why these two products are constantly compared in Reddit discussions and online concealed carry communities. The biggest difference is how each system accomplishes that goal.
The Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 is a neoprene carry belt that works with the inside-the-waistband holster you already own. Instead of replacing your current setup, it becomes the foundation for it. You wrap the belt around your waist, position your holster where you normally carry, and get dressed as you usually would. The system will feel familiar because it works much like a traditional concealed carry belt while remaining completely independent of your clothing.
Rather than acting like a belt, the Phlster Enigma is a dedicated chassis that attaches directly to a compatible IWB Kydex holster. The platform is designed primarily around appendix carry and uses a combination of straps, hardware, and adjustments to secure the holstered firearm directly to your body. Once properly adjusted, it creates an extremely stable carry system that remains largely unaffected by the clothing you wear over it.
If your priority is simplicity, quick on and off, strong-side carry, and using the holster you already trust, the BLACKOUT 2.0 offers an easy transition without adding unnecessary complexity. If you're trying to achieve the lowest possible profile during appendix carry with a heavier handgun, and you don't mind spending extra time dialing in your setup, the Enigma offers capabilities that many appendix carriers find efficient. Understanding that difference makes the rest of the comparison much easier because nearly every advantage each system has stems from these two design philosophies.
Concealment: which hides better?
When the conversation turns to concealment alone, the Phlster Enigma earns the slight edge. That should not come as a surprise because maximum appendix concealment is exactly what it was designed to accomplish. Since the Enigma secures the holster directly to your body instead of relying on the tension of an outer belt, it gives experienced users an exceptional amount of adjustment. Ride height, grip angle, and placement can all be fine-tuned to reduce printing, especially with larger handguns carried in the appendix position. Once properly adjusted, many users find the pistol sits closer to the body than a traditional belt-driven system.
The BLACKOUT 2.0 also conceals very well, particularly with compact and micro-compact pistols such as the SIG P365 and Glock 43X. Because it works with your existing holster, concealment depends partly on the quality of that holster and how you normally carry. For many everyday carriers, especially those wearing athletic shorts or casual summer clothing, the difference in concealment between the two systems is small enough that convenience becomes the deciding factor instead.
If your only goal is achieving the absolute flattest appendix carry profile with a heavier handgun, the Enigma has the advantage. If you want very good concealment while keeping your everyday carry routine simple and compatible with multiple carry positions and holsters like the Tenicor, the BLACKOUT 2.0 remains an outstanding choice.
I love mine you can use it with any clothing.
Verdict: For appendix carry, the Phlster Enigma gets the slight edge.
Ease of use: putting it on and taking it off
If ease of use is your top priority, the Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 is the clear winner. This is one of the biggest reasons many carriers choose it over the Phlster Enigma. The BLACKOUT 2.0 functions much like a traditional carry belt. Wrap it around your waist, attach your existing holster, position it where you normally carry, and you're ready to go. Taking it off is just as simple, making it easy to remove your firearm when entering restricted areas or changing clothes during the day.
The Enigma requires a different routine. Because it's a dedicated chassis worn against the body, putting it on feels more like stepping into a harness than fastening a belt. Once adjusted correctly, many owners leave those settings alone, but the process still takes longer than slipping on a belt. For carriers who put their firearm on once in the morning and remove it at night, this may not matter. But for someone who frequently transitions between carrying and not carrying throughout the day, those extra steps become much more noticeable. Neither approach is wrong. It comes down to how your daily routine looks. If convenience and speed matter most, the BLACKOUT 2.0 offers an advantage that's hard to ignore.
I wear a ton of gym shorts and joggers. I use mine probably 4-5 days a week. It's held up great.
Verdict: For ease of on and off, the BLACKOUT 2.0 wins.
Gun weight and carry position: lightweight/strong-side vs heavy/appendix
This is where the comparison becomes more balanced because each system excels in different situations. The BLACKOUT 2.0 performs exceptionally well with lightweight and compact pistols such as the SIG P365, Glock 43X, and similarly sized handguns. Its removable 12-inch stiffener adds support when needed while allowing the belt to remain comfortable throughout the day. For most carriers using compact defensive pistols, it provides plenty of stability without adding unnecessary complexity. It also gives you more flexibility in the carry position. If you alternate between appendix carry and strong-side carry, your existing full trigger guard coverage holster can usually move with you. That versatility is one reason many everyday carriers like the system, especially those who change positions depending on clothing or activity.
The Phlster Enigma has a different strength. It was built with appendix carry in mind, and it shows. With larger, heavier handguns, the Enigma's rigid platform distributes weight extremely well while keeping the pistol stable against the body. Many experienced appendix carriers like that the additional support makes carrying heavier firearms more comfortable over long periods.
The tradeoff is purely a characteristic of specialization. While strong-side carry is possible with certain configurations, the Enigma is widely viewed as an appendix-first system. If appendix carrying heavier firearms is your preferred method every day, that focused design works in its favor.
Verdict: Tie. For heavier handguns carried in the appendix position, the Enigma wins. For lighter pistols in multiple positions, and overall flexibility, the BLACKOUT 2.0 wins.
Price and what you get
Price is often the first difference people notice.
| Feature | Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 | Phlster Enigma |
|---|---|---|
| Concealment | Very good | Excellent |
| Ease of on/off | Excellent | Good |
| Heavy gun support | Good with removable stiffener | Excellent |
| Carry positions | Strong-side + AIWB | AIWB optimized |
| Uses your own holster | Yes | Yes, with compatible holsters |
| Price | $49.95 | $100+ |
| Best for | Lightweight pistols, everyday convenience, strong-side carry | Heavy handguns, dedicated appendix carry |
Based on hands-on carry of both systems, manufacturer specs, and owner feedback from r/CCW and Comfort Concealment's verified customer reviews. Current as of July 2026.
The BLACKOUT 2.0 offers outstanding value because it's Made in the USA and works with the holster you already own while costing less than half the price of most Enigma setups. That lower cost also makes it an attractive option for newer carriers who want to experiment with beltless carry without making a significant investment.
With the exception of the cheaper Phlster Enigma Express version, the Enigma's generally higher price reflects its more specialized platform and hardware. If maximum appendix concealment with a heavier handgun is your primary goal, that extra cost might be justified. For everyone else, paying more does not always translate into a better everyday experience.
Verdict: For value and affordability, the BLACKOUT 2.0 wins.
Who should choose which?
By now, it should be clear that this comparison is not about finding one universal winner. The Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 and the Phlster Enigma were built with different priorities in mind, and that's exactly why both have earned such loyal followings. If you are new to beltless concealed carry and simply want a solution that works without replacing your entire setup, the BLACKOUT 2.0 is likely the better place to start. It works with the IWB holster you already trust, takes very little time to put on, and adapts well to the clothing most people wear every day. For many, especially those carrying compact pistols like the SIG P365 or Glock 43X, it delivers everything they need without unnecessary complexity.
The BLACKOUT 2.0 is also an excellent fit if you regularly wear athletic shorts, joggers, sweatpants, or other drawstring clothing. Instead of changing the way you dress to accommodate your carry system, you can continue wearing the clothes that fit your lifestyle while maintaining a consistent carry routine. If you switch between appendix and strong-side carry depending on the day, the flexibility of using your own holster becomes another significant advantage.
The Enigma shines in a different role. If your primary focus is appendix carry with a heavier handgun and achieving the lowest possible profile under fitted clothing, it deserves serious consideration. Carriers who need to fine-tune every aspect of their setup often gravitate towards the Enigma's extensive adjustment options. Once dialed in, it provides outstanding stability and concealment that many appendix carriers consider worth the additional cost and setup time. The decision becomes much easier when you evaluate how you carry instead of chasing someone else's ideal setup.
Choose the Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 if you want:
- A simple, affordable loopless carry system.
- Fast on and off throughout the day.
- Compatibility with your existing IWB holster.
- Strong-side or appendix carry.
- Reliable performance with lightweight and compact defensive pistols.
Choose the Phlster Enigma if you want:
- Maximum appendix concealment.
- The best support for heavier handguns.
- Extensive adjustment and customization.
- A dedicated appendix carry platform that you rarely remove during the day.
Been using mine for over a year now whenever I'm in sweats or gym shorts. Very happy with it.
Shop the BLACKOUT 2.0: $49.95 →
Related Guides
If you're still deciding which carry system fits your needs, these guides can help answer some of the questions that commonly come up during the decision process.
- Best concealed carry belt for understanding what separates a quality carry belt from an ordinary belt.
- How to conceal carry in gym shorts, sweatpants & activewear for practical tips on carrying confidently in beltless clothing.
- Best belly band holster to learn where belly bands work well and where a dedicated carry belt may be the better option.
FAQ
Is the Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 as good as the Phlster Enigma?
Both products are excellent, but they serve different needs. The BLACKOUT 2.0 is the better choice if you want an affordable, easy-to-use loopless carry system that works with your existing holster and supports both appendix and strong-side carry. The Enigma excels when maximum appendix concealment with a heavier handgun is your primary goal.
What is the best Phlster Enigma alternative?
If you want a simpler and more affordable approach to beltless concealed carry, the Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 is one of the strongest alternatives available. It works with your existing IWB holster, supports multiple carry positions, and is designed for everyday clothing like athletic shorts, joggers, and sweatpants without requiring a traditional belt.
Can you carry strong-side with the Phlster Enigma?
The Phlster Enigma is designed primarily for appendix carry. While some users have experimented with other positions, its platform is optimized around AIWB performance. If strong-side carry is part of your everyday routine, the Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 offers greater flexibility while still supporting appendix carry when desired.
Which system is better for heavier handguns?
For larger and heavier pistols carried in the appendix position, the Phlster Enigma generally provides greater stability and concealment. Its dedicated chassis distributes weight effectively and keeps the firearm close to the body. The BLACKOUT 2.0 performs very well with compact defensive pistols and can support heavier firearms, but its greatest strengths are simplicity and versatility.
Can I use my existing holster with the BLACKOUT 2.0?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of the Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 is that it works with the IWB holster you already own. That means you can keep the holster you trust while gaining the flexibility to carry comfortably in clothing that does not have traditional belt loops.
Is the BLACKOUT 2.0 only for appendix carry?
No. The BLACKOUT 2.0 supports both appendix and strong-side carry, making it a versatile option for everyday concealed carriers. Because it works with your existing holster, many users can move between carry positions without changing equipment, allowing the system to adapt to different clothing choices and daily routines.
Is the Phlster Enigma worth it?
It depends on your own personal needs and how you want to concealed carry. If your intent is to carry a heavier firearm or want a dedicated appendix carry system, then the additional cost for the Enigma may be worth it for you. You just need to understand that you're buying a dedicated ecosystem with the Phlster Enigma.
The bottom line
The Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 and the Phlster Enigma have both earned their reputations because they solve real problems for concealed carriers. Comparing them objectively means recognizing that each excels in different situations.
If your priority is everyday simplicity, affordability, compatibility with your current holster, and the flexibility to carry either appendix or strong-side, the BLACKOUT 2.0 is the better choice for most people. It delivers a comfortable, practical solution that works with the clothes you already wear and the holster you already trust. If your priority is maximum appendix concealment with a larger handgun, and you don't mind spending more time and money to get there, the Phlster Enigma remains one of the best dedicated appendix carry systems available.
The best loopless carry system needs to fit within your own personal needs. You have to weigh the cost as well as the holster compatibility you've already invested in. You need to pick the one that fits your lifestyle well enough that you carry consistently. For everyday carriers, that balance of comfort, convenience, and value is exactly where the Comfort Concealment BLACKOUT 2.0 finds its everyday edge.